Mueller Financial, Inc.

11/02/2026

The Fed held interest rates steady in October, but not everyone agreed with the decision.

After raising rates in September, the Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% to 4%. Two officials voted for another quarter-point increase.

What's behind the disagreement?

The economy continues to grow, consumer spending remains strong, and unemployment is relatively low. But inflation remains above the Fed's 2% target, with consumer prices rising 3.7% over the past year.

For consumers, the decision matters because the Fed's benchmark rate influences borrowing costs for credit cards, auto loans, and other types of debt. It can also affect interest earned on savings accounts.

Economists are now watching the Fed's December meeting for signs of another possible increase. For now, rates are holding steady, but the inflation debate is far from over.

The U.S. central bank left borrowing costs unchanged this month after hiking rates in September for the first time in three years.

11/02/2026

When Should You Claim Social Security? Let's Map Your Strategy

10/28/2026

Talking with your parents about their wishes as they get older isn’t always easy. ❤️
You may worry about making them uncomfortable, or they may not feel ready to discuss it. But understanding what matters to them can make a difference if your family ever faces difficult decisions.
💬 The conversation doesn’t have to cover everything at once. You might start with a couple of simple questions:
▪️“Have you thought about what you’d want if you ever needed help making decisions?”
▪️“Do you have important documents somewhere we could find them if needed?”
Over time, those conversations may cover medical preferences and documents like a will or power of attorney.
And if your parents aren’t ready to talk? That’s okay. Respecting their comfort and independence is part of the conversation, too.
This isn’t about taking over. It’s about listening, so their wishes are understood if they’re ever needed.

End-of-life planning can be difficult to discuss, but the right approach can make the conversation easier.

10/28/2026

If you’re 65 or older, you may need to enroll in Medicare. We’ll help you sort through the basics to determine if you qualify. Read more here:

65 or older? It may be time to enroll in Medicare. Read to learn if you’re eligible.

10/26/2026

💳 Carrying a credit card balance is becoming more common among Gen Z, even as other generations are moving in the opposite direction.

A Deloitte and ConsumerSignals survey found that the share of adults ages 18 to 29 carrying a balance from month to month rose more than 19% between late 2023 and mid-2026. Over that same period, the share declined among every other adult generation.

And with average credit card interest rates around 21% in August, those balances can become expensive.

For younger adults juggling housing costs, student loans, and everyday expenses, there's another challenge: deciding how to balance paying off debt with saving for the future.

High-interest debt can make it harder to build emergency savings or contribute toward long-term goals. But factors such as interest rates, available savings, and workplace retirement benefits can all influence which financial priorities deserve attention.

The important takeaway? A credit card balance isn't just about what you owe today. It's also about how interest may affect what you have available tomorrow.

Deloitte finds the share of Gen Z borrowers carrying credit card balances rose nearly 20% from Q3 2023 to Q2 2026.

10/26/2026

Prescription coverage is handled under Medicare Part D. Unsure if you need this coverage? Read on to learn more:

Do you need to enroll in Medicare Part D? Read this article to learn more about whether you need this coverage

10/23/2026

Embrace the new digital era and ensure careful ownership, management, and estate strategy for your intellectual property.

Intellectual property ownership and its implications for ordinary people and estates.

10/21/2026

❄️ Heating oil prices are climbing, and some households are facing difficult decisions as winter approaches.
In Maine, the average price reached $5.97 per gallon in early October. One homeowner estimates her family could spend nearly $5,000 heating their home this winter.
Nationwide, the U.S. Energy Information Administration expects households that rely on heating oil to spend 21% more than last winter.
Some fuel suppliers say customers are ordering smaller deliveries because filling an entire tank has become too expensive.
For families already managing rising everyday expenses, keeping the house warm may take an even larger share of their household budgets this winter.

Amid surging inflation and a rise in fuel prices, Americans who rely on heating oil to warm up their homes this winter are bracing for increased financial strains.

10/21/2026

Your credit score may impact what you pay for auto and home insurance.

Your credit score may influence how much you pay for auto and home insurance.

10/19/2026

Social Security recipients will receive a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2027, translating to approximately $75 more per month on average.

The increase comes as inflation continues to affect everyday expenses. September's Consumer Price Index showed prices rising 3.7% over the past year.

But will the adjustment be enough? A September AARP survey found that roughly three-quarters of adults age 50 and older didn't believe a 3.5% COLA would keep pace with rising prices.

The actual increase will vary by recipient, and expenses such as health care, housing, and groceries may affect how far that additional income goes.

The Social Security Administration projects a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for older adults and people with disabilities starting in 2027.