While some forecasts suggested up to two cuts in 2025, economists at JP Morgan Chase aren’t buying it. They expect just one cut, and not until December. Even further out, projections for 2026 and 2027 show fewer cuts than previously anticipated. Why the shift? According to Powell, it’s about managing inflation expectations and protecting the economy from premature policy changes.

Tariffs Are Fueling Inflation Worries

One of the meeting’s most discussed topics was tariffs. Powell made it clear: tariffs act like a tax on businesses that import goods. That cost doesn’t stay with the companies—it’s passed on to consumers. As a result, we’re already seeing price increases, and they’re likely to accelerate this summer.

This puts the Fed in a bind. If they cut interest rates too early, it could throw fuel on the fire, making inflation even worse. So, while rate cuts are on the horizon, they’re not coming just yet.

The Economic Outlook for 2025

Despite inflation concerns, Powell noted the U.S. economy is still resilient. However, he forecasted slower growth ahead—down to 1.4% in 2025, from a previous 1.7% projection. Unemployment is also expected to tick up slightly, from 4.4% to 4.5%.

These subtle shifts point to a cooling economy, but not a crisis. The Fed seems to be threading a needle: keeping inflation in check while avoiding unnecessary economic drag.

How the U.S. Compares Globally

While the Fed remains cautious, other central banks are going in the opposite direction. Switzerland, for example, cut interest rates to zero and hinted that negative rates could return. But Powell reminded everyone that U.S. challenges—particularly around tariffs—are different. The Fed isn’t likely to follow Europe’s lead anytime soon.

Market Volatility: The Tariff Effect

Investors are already feeling the heat from tariff drama. Markets have been volatile as policy announcements, pauses, and reversals create whiplash. One major date to watch: July 8th. That’s when the current tariff pause ends, and President Trump is expected to unveil his next steps.

Expect more turbulence. But remember—volatility doesn’t always mean bad news for investors.

What This Means for Investors

Powell’s advice? Focus on the long term. He likened investing during uncertainty to sailing—focus on the tides, not the waves. Trying to time the market based on short-term news is a losing game.

Instead, accumulate assets strategically. Downturns often offer great buying opportunities, especially for investors with a clear plan and a strong stomach.

Why Financial Education Matters Now More Than Ever

In today’s climate, understanding how your money works is essential. Powell urged Americans to get educated about investing—whether that means choosing between ETFs and mutual funds or understanding tax strategies.

He also recommended working with financial advisors—but only after doing your homework. Not all advisors are created equal, and it’s crucial to find one who truly aligns with your goals.

Bottom Line
The Fed is preparing to shift course in 2025, but it’s walking a tightrope between fighting inflation and supporting growth. Tariffs, economic indicators, and market volatility are all part of the picture. For everyday investors, the message is clear: stay calm, stay informed, and keep your eye on the long game.

Jaspreet Singh is not a licensed financial advisor. He is a licensed attorney, but he is not providing you with legal advice in this article. This article, the topics discussed, and ideas presented are Jaspreet’s opinions and presented for entertainment purposes only. The information presented should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Always do your own due diligence.

The post How the Fed’s 2025 Interest Rate Plans Could Change Your Financial Future appeared first on ROI TV.

Elder Financial Abuse Elder financial abuse is a growing national problem, costing victims an estimated $2.6 billion annually. Shockingly, half of Americans over age 65 show signs of financial abuse, which can include unnecessary services, excessive fees, stolen checks, and even family members withdrawing money without consent. Ric emphasized the importance of adult children monitoring their parents’ finances, discussing estate planning, and obtaining power of attorney to safeguard against abuse. Five signs of financial abuse were outlined: unnecessary purchases, unexplained disappearance of money or possessions, unpaid bills, large withdrawals, and individuals exerting excessive control over elderly parents. If you suspect abuse, contact law enforcement, adult protection services, or the National Center for Elder Abuse.

Graduate School Debt and Career Planning The financial implications of graduate school debt can be staggering, and Ric cautioned parents against allowing their children to incur six-figure debt without understanding its long-term impact. He advised having serious career conversations with children to ensure their education aligns with future income potential and specialty areas that generate sufficient earnings. Strategies to minimize debt include scholarships, employer-sponsored education programs, and military service in exchange for tuition coverage. Ric stressed the importance of viewing education as an investment in a child’s future and evaluating whether the cost of the degree is justified by the career benefits.

Insurance Needs and Financial Protection Insurance is a cornerstone of financial planning, not for wealth creation but for financial protection. Ric outlined key types of insurance, including disability insurance to protect income, life insurance for dependents, auto insurance, health insurance, and long-term care insurance. Statistics show that one out of two Americans over 65 will need long-term care, with costs averaging $7,000 per month or $84,000 per year. Ric advised purchasing the minimum necessary insurance to cover potential losses and emphasized analyzing risks and financial implications.

401(k) Plans and Retirement Savings Dallas Salisbury, CEO of the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), shared insights on 401(k) plans, noting the average balance in the U.S. is $67,000, while individuals who have contributed for 30 years average just under $200,000. Ric and Dallas emphasized the need for early and consistent saving, highlighting the importance of educating individuals about saving at home, school, and the workplace. Automatic enrollment and contribution escalation in 401(k) plans were discussed as effective strategies to encourage saving, along with pre-diversified investment options to simplify decision-making. Ric stressed that saving for retirement is a personal responsibility, and individuals must actively choose to save to avoid financial shortfalls.

Consumer Behavior and Saving Challenges While many recognize the need to save, instant gratification and impulse buying often derail financial goals. Surveys show that most individuals could afford to save an extra $25 to $75 per week but fail to prioritize it due to lifestyle choices and advertising promoting immediate enjoyment. Ric and Dallas discussed initiatives like America Saves Week and Choose to Save campaigns, which aim to educate and motivate individuals to save for their financial future. Tools such as financial planning checkups and public service announcements were highlighted as resources to help individuals understand their financial situation and make informed decisions.

Medicare and Retiree Health Care Costs Medicare covers only 64% of health care costs for retirees, leaving individuals responsible for nearly 20% of expenses, with private insurance and government programs covering the rest. Ric warned that these out-of-pocket costs could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars for retirees and their spouses, making it essential to factor health care costs into financial planning. Proper planning can prevent financial strain during retirement.

Market Volatility and Investment Strategy When it comes to setting sell orders on 401(k) retirement funds based on market predictions, Ric advised against this strategy. Timing the market is incredibly challenging, and short-term performance often has little impact on long-term investing success. He emphasized diversification as a protective measure against losses and warned against emotional reactions to market volatility, which can lead to poor financial decisions. Staying invested through market ups and downs generally leads to better outcomes than trying to predict and react to market swings.

All information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice; an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product; or an endorsement of any third party or such third party’s views. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. Whenever there are hyperlinks to third-party content, this information is intended to provide additional perspective and should not be construed as an endorsement of any services, products, guidance, individuals or points of view outside Edelman Financial Engines. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Please contact us for more complete information based on your personal circumstances and to obtain personal individual investment advice.

Neither Edelman Financial Engines nor its affiliates offer tax or legal advice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and/or legal experts regarding the best options for your particular circumstances.

The post Financial Planning, Elder Financial Abuse, and Protecting Your Wealth appeared first on ROI TV.

I’ve learned that the key to surviving and thriving during market crashes is having a strategy in place. Without one, it’s too easy to get caught up in fear and make emotional investment decisions. That’s why I follow two core investment strategies—passive and active—which help me take advantage of the market instead of falling victim to it.

1. The Importance of a Financial Strategy

One of the biggest mistakes investors make is going into the market without a plan. It’s easy to follow random internet advice or react emotionally when stocks take a hit, but that’s a fast track to losing money. I focus on having a clear financial strategy that keeps me grounded and prevents me from making costly mistakes.

There are two approaches I use:

• Passive Investing: I follow the ABB (Always Be Buying) strategy, which means I invest consistently no matter what’s happening in the market.
• Active Investing: I apply the POOP (Panic leads to Overselling leads to Opportunity leads to Profit) strategy, which helps me find undervalued assets when markets crash.

2. My Passive Investing Strategy: ABB (Always Be Buying)

If you want long-term wealth without stressing over market fluctuations, this is the strategy I recommend.

What is ABB?

• I invest in the stock market consistently, no matter what’s happening.
• I automate my investments weekly or monthly into broad-market funds like the S&P 500 (SPY) or Total Market ETFs (VTI).
• I ignore short-term volatility and let my investments grow over time.

Why ABB Works

The stock market historically rises over time, even after major crashes. By investing consistently, I naturally buy more shares when prices are low and fewer when prices are high. This keeps me from trying (and failing) to time the market.

If you’re a passive investor like me, the best move during a crash is simple: keep buying.

3. My Active Investing Strategy: POOP (Panic → Overselling → Opportunity → Profit)

For those who want to take a more hands-on approach, here’s how I actively invest during market downturns.

What is POOP?

• Panic selling happens – People dump stocks out of fear.
• Overselling creates opportunities – Great companies get dragged down with the rest of the market.
• Opportunity arises – I look for fundamentally strong stocks that are now undervalued.
• Profit comes later – As the market recovers, these investments skyrocket in value.

Example: In March 2020, stocks like Amazon, Tesla, and Apple tanked due to the pandemic. While others sold in fear, I saw an opportunity to buy at a discount. A year later, those stocks had bounced back and delivered massive returns.

If you want to follow this strategy, the key is to analyze investments carefully before buying.

4. How I Analyze Investments Before Buying

Just because a stock is cheap doesn’t mean it’s a good buy. Before I invest, I always check:

• The CEO & Management – Is the leadership strong?
• Financial Statements – Are profits growing or shrinking?
• Earnings Reports – How has the company performed over time?
• Valuation – Is the stock overvalued or undervalued compared to historical trends?

I focus on high-quality companies that are temporarily undervalued rather than chasing anything that looks “cheap.”

5. Why Long-Term Investing Wins Every Time

No matter how I invest—passively or actively—I always think long-term.

Why?

• The S&P 500 has averaged 10% annual returns for decades.
• Even after recessions, the market always rebounds to new highs.
• The biggest gains go to those who hold steady instead of panic-selling.

Personally, I invest every single week, whether the market is up or down. I also increase my investments during downturns to take advantage of lower prices.

This strategy has allowed me to build wealth while avoiding emotional decisions.

6. Investing in Financial Education is My Best Investment

Jaspreet Singh says, “Your best investment is in yourself.” I 100% agree.

The more financial knowledge I gain, the better my investment decisions become. That’s why I:

• Read books on investing and money management.
• Follow trusted financial news sources (like Market Briefs).
• Watch finance videos to learn from experts.

If you want to build wealth and invest wisely, learning about finance is just as important as investing itself.

Final Thoughts: How to Succeed in Market Downturns

• Market crashes aren’t the end of the world—they’re an opportunity.
• If you’re a passive investor, stick to ABB (Always Be Buying).
• If you’re an active investor, look for POOP (Panic → Overselling → Opportunity → Profit).
• Don’t let emotions drive your investing decisions.
• The market always recovers, and long-term investors always win.

I follow these strategies because they help me build wealth while keeping my emotions in check. If you want to navigate market downturns successfully, I highly recommend finding an approach that fits your personality and risk tolerance.

Now, go out there and invest with confidence!

Jaspreet Singh is not a licensed financial advisor. He is a licensed attorney, but he is not providing you with legal advice in this article. This article, the topics discussed, and ideas presented are Jaspreet’s opinions and presented for entertainment purposes only. The information presented should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Always do your own due diligence.

The post How to Invest During a Market Downturn appeared first on ROI TV.