Every election cycle, Americans hear a familiar promise: tax the rich and the nation’s fiscal problems will be solved. The argument is simple and emotionally appealing. Billionaires have accumulated enormous wealth, millionaires continue to prosper, and many Americans believe the wealthy should contribute more to help fund government programs and reduce the federal deficit. But when we examine the numbers, a different picture emerges. While higher taxes on the wealthy could generate additional revenue, the reality is that America’s deficit problem is far larger than most people realize.
The United States has operated with budget deficits for many years, but the pace at which federal debt has grown over the last several years has raised concerns among economists, policymakers, and retirees alike. In simple terms, a budget deficit occurs when the federal government spends more money than it collects in taxes and other revenues. While deficits can be useful during recessions or emergencies, persistent deficits eventually add to the national debt. In 2020, federal debt held by the public was approximately $21 trillion. By the end of 2025, that figure had grown to roughly $37 trillion as a result of pandemic-related spending, entitlement program growth, rising interest costs, and ongoing budget shortfalls. According to projections from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), debt levels are expected to continue rising through 2030 and beyond, potentially exceeding 100% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product and reaching levels not seen since World War II.
We feel that there’s no doubt that people have been feeling the effects of inflation on their wallets. Everything from food to gas to home repair products seems to be increasing every day. Federal Reserve Chairman, Jerome Powell, is taking inflation very seriously, raising interest rates to combat the explosion of inflation. And although the […]
If your weekly grocery bill is noticeably higher or you can’t believe how expensive gas is, you’re not alone. Inflation is at 40-year highs,[1] and a recent poll found that 52% of Americans said the most important issue facing the country is inflation.[2] It’s significant that so many Americans recognized inflation as a major threat […]
Did you ever hear your parents or grandparents talk about how much less everything used to cost? They weren’t exaggerating – in 1960, a gallon of conventional whole milk was 31 cents, and today it’s $3.77 on average.[1] A few dollars might not seem like much, but that’s a 1,116% increase. You’ve likely noticed higher […]
The Federal Reserve voted to raise interest rates for the first time since 2018 and has several more rate hikes planned for this year.[1] Rising interest rates can have significant effects on the economy and your finances. Between a volatile market, high inflation, and rising interest rates, know how you’ll respond. The Federal Reserve Raising […]
Now that you’re nearing retirement, the term “market volatility” might stir up different feelings than it did 30 years ago. Older workers and retirees understand that they have less time to make up for losses in their investments and to ride out future market crashes than they did when they were younger. Leaving your financial […]
While we saw record highs in the market in 2021, there’s no telling what could happen in 2022 or beyond. There are reasons we could see a market correction, and now is the time to ask yourself if you’re prepared for one. It can be hard to chart a course for retirement when you consider […]
There are reasons to be optimistic about 2022, but there are also reasons to be worried: Everyone is wondering if we will see more inflation in 2022, where the market is headed, and the effects of a new COVID variant. But whatever 2022 holds, it’s important to make a plan for the future. The Federal […]
Are you aware of the latest news that could affect your money? We recently heard from Federal Reserve Chairman Powell regarding interest rates, plus the Biden administration released a “Green Book” outlining some potential tax-increasing measures. There are several big changes proposed, and if they come to fruition, you may need to review your tax […]
