Defined Plan Advisors

Consumer sentiment remains near recessionary levels, yet spending continues to hold up surprisingly well. In this week’s Market in a Minute, Kara explores why consumers say they’re worried while continuing to spend, and how a growing divide between wealth-driven and wage-driven households is reshaping the economy. She also discusses why labor markets and credit trends may matter more than sentiment surveys when evaluating the outlook for consumer spending.

Two Consumers, One Economy Consumer sentiment is weakening, yet spending remains strong. Explore how the growing divide between asset owners and wage-dependent households is shaping the economy.

Do your financial concerns feel stressful? Take a look at this video for some best practices when it comes to your financial strategy.

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Even a small bump in your 401(k) contribution could make a big difference over time. Run the numbers and see what's possible.

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Social Security has been a fact of retirement life since 1935. Are you eligible for benefits?

9 Facts About Social Security There are things about Social Security that might surprise you.

Consider a bucket plan to go with your bucket list.

A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List Longer, healthier living can put greater stress on retirement assets; the bucket approach may be one answer.

One Fed rate hike is unlikely to change the economy overnight, but it could signal a meaningful shift in where interest rates are headed. In this week’s Money with Murphy, Kara examines why some companies and consumers are better protected from higher rates, while others may feel the pressure almost immediately. She also explains why mortgage rates could remain elevated regardless of the Fed’s next move.

The Fed Changed Course. What Happens Next? Discover how a potential Fed rate hike could affect consumers, businesses, borrowing costs, and mortgage rates in Kara Murphy's latest market update.

What does it actually cost to raise a child? You might be surprised.

The Half Million Dollar Baby The true cost of raising a child may be far more than you expect.

The question everyone has: Will Social Security be around for you? Read this.

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A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one of the factors you should consider—when it comes to managing your estate.

Estate Management 101 A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one factor to consider—when it comes to managing your estate.

In this week's Markets in a Minute, we look at the growing gap between young workers with and without a college degree. One group is enjoying its best job market in two decades while the other faces its worst outside a recession. Read why the divide opened up, what the headline unemployment rate misses, and why it matters for income growth and inflation.

The Degree Divide: One Economy, Two Job Markets Explore why unemployment trends are diverging between young college graduates and non-degree workers, and what the data reveal about AI's impact on today's labor market.