Finance Friday | July 18, 2025
Market Moves, Money Smarts & Moments of Freedom
🏃♂️ Nike (NKE): $107.22 | 🛒 Costco (COST): $882.40 | 🧘♀️ Lululemon (LULU): $359.11 | 🧼 Clorox (CLX): $144.18 | 🧴 Procter & Gamble (PG): $163.95
👋 Hello there!
It’s Finance Friday—time to tally your good moves and prep for weekend peace of mind. Today’s issue is about steady strategies and small victories that build confidence over time.
💼 Advisors Tuning Retirement Plans for a Slower-Market Beat
Hook: Your retirement plan deserves a tune-up in today’s unpredictable markets.
The Skinny: Nearly two-thirds of advisors are revisiting strategies in response to interest rate swings and inflation. They’re using “bucket” systems—keeping 12–36 months of expenses in cash—plus exploring annuities and healthcare savings tools.
Personal Commentary: Think of it as installing a backup generator: reliable cash keeps your lights on when storms hit.
Takeaway: Ask your advisor about a cash reserve for living expenses—so you're not forced to sell investments during market dips.
📉 A $500B Investor Wave: Friend or Foe?
Hook: JPMorgan forecasts $500 billion hitting U.S. stocks in H2—should you ride the wave?
The Skinny: Retail investors are pouring major money into equities, and JPMorgan expects a 5–10% rally. But outflows from pensions could balance the effect.
Personal Commentary: It’s like catching a rising tide—just make sure your boat is balanced.
Takeaway: Diversify wisely. Keep the bulk in stock ETFs, but maintain a fixed-income cushion for stability.
🎂 Born Today – July 18
Nelson Mandela (1918–2013): Freedom fighter and global icon for reconciliation.
Kristin Davis (1965): Actress who proves career highlights can come at any stage.
Martin Lawrence (1965): Comedian & actor with staying power and laugh lines of legend.
🏦 Pension Surge: 4.2M Turning 65 in 2025
Hook: The “Age‑65 boom” is here—your retirement plans should be, too.
The Skinny: With a record 4.2 million Americans reaching 65 this year, financial institutions are expecting a surge in demand for stable income options like annuities and money-market funds.
Personal Commentary: Acting early means you avoid the rush—and secure terms before rates shift.
Takeaway: Consider laddered bonds or short-term annuities now—don’t wait for the market to feel crowded.
📅 On This Day – July 18
1925: The Great Gatsby is published—Americana, ambition, and cautionary tales.
1969: Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin walks on the Moon—“Magnificent desolation.”
1994: Amazon goes public—starting the internet retail revolution.
💡 Don’t Retire Yet? That Might Be the Best Strategy
Hook: Staying in the game might make your retirement stronger.
The Skinny: 70% of adults over 50 are considering delaying retirement—whether for financial cushion or personal purpose. Extra years at work can boost income and Social Security payouts, too.
Personal Commentary: It's not about hanging on—it’s about stepping forward on your terms.
Takeaway: Calculate the impact of working an extra year or two—you might secure more stability and peace of mind than you expected.
🛍️ Products We Love
Lightweight Comfort Walking Shoes: Breathable, cushioned, and easy on the knees—perfect for daily strolls and errands.
MiiR Insulated Coffee Mug: Keeps your favorite brew hot for hours and supports clean-water projects—sip with purpose.
👋 Wrap-Up: Whether you’re revisiting your financial checkpoints, planning for the future, or delaying retirement by choice—you’re leaning into smart moves that build freedom. Now, go enjoy your weekend with confidence (and maybe a new pair of shoes).
– The Seniorish Finance Team