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IN THIS ISSUE: Fed meeting, work perks, and market capitalization |
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THE HEADLINES
Pressing pauseWhat’s happening: The Federal Reserve (Fed) is expected to hold interest rates steady when it meets this week.
Here’s why: The Fed may be in wait-and-see mode. Although inflation is a bit over the Fed’s target of 2%, the unemployment rate hasn’t jumped considerably—so the Fed might prefer to hold rates steady until bigger shifts are apparent. |
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Reminder: The Fed typically cuts rates to boost the economy and stop unemployment from ticking up. Lower interest rates make borrowing money cheaper, which can spur spending. The Fed raises rates when inflation is too hot, which can slow spending and price hikes.
What it means for you: If the Fed holds, you generally won’t see a rapid related interest rate change on things like credit cards, auto loans, and short-term fixed income, like money market funds and short-term Treasurys and CDs.
Like the Fed, you might feel inflation is over your target. Last month’s Consumer Price Index, which tracks the price of goods and services, showed the largest 1-month increase in grocery prices since 2022.1 Beef and coffee in particular were up by double-digit percentages compared to a year ago.2 Feeling the squeeze?
Here are 5 smart ways to save at the grocery store so you have more money for your long-term goals. You could also try these 7 ways to inflation-proof your portfolio. |
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Either oreWhat’s happening: Gold prices soared more than 60% last year, but silver didn’t come in second place: Its price spiked about 146%, its biggest ever annual gain.3 The metals haven’t lost their luster in 2026, with both hitting new peaks—of more than $5,000 per ounce and more than $111 per ounce, respectively, as of January 26, 2026.4
Here’s why: Central banks have been buying up precious metals, leading to price gains. Plus, metals may be seen as a safe harbor amidst uncertainty. With questions about the Fed’s independence, geopolitics, tariffs, and inflation, there’s uncertainty to go around. Silver’s rise is also due to demand for it in electronics, solar panels, and power-grid upgrades. Even copper, a base rather than a precious metal, is on a record rally thanks to its manufacturing uses.
What it means for you: Gold, silver, and other metals may have a lot of momentum to push higher. If after considering your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon, you’ve taken a shine to diversifying your portfolio with metals, here’s how to buy gold and
silver.
If you own physical gold, like bars and coins available at warehouse stores, review your homeowners insurance policy for coverage that takes into account recent price surges. Update appraisals for high-value items like jewelry, and consider selling or scrapping any pieces you don’t wear to help fund your money goals. |
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WE WANT TO KNOW …Do you plan to invest in gold, silver, or related investments (like funds with individual gold mining stock)?
Yes
No
Not sure
I already have these in my portfolio |
A little help hereWhat happened: About 70% of employers offered financial wellness initiatives to employees in 2025—up from 59% in 2024, according to new research from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI).5
Here’s why: Nearly 50% of employers were highly concerned about their employees’ financial wellbeing in 2025, perhaps noticing their workers’ stress over issues like the high cost of living. Only 22% of employers felt the same in 2019.6 Employers might hope lowering employee stress levels will help improve their job focus and satisfaction.
What it means for you: You may have free or low-cost financial wellness benefits through your employer to help you reach your savings goals. Good to know: Employees who engage with financial wellness offerings have 2× greater contributions to retirement accounts, more than 3× greater savings, and 25% more confidence, according to the Fidelity Workplace Investing Participant Satisfaction & Loyalty Study, Q2, 2025.7
Which financial perks might be up for grabs? According to the EBRI research, nearly 70% of employers said their employees have access to financial professionals.8 Other offerings could include access to debt counselors, tax advisors, and financial coaches. Whether or not your job connects you to resources, you could try this trick that could help your money grow. |
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WHAT’S THAT AGAIN?
Market cap(italization)This is a publicly traded company’s overall value. A simple equation to get a company’s market cap: stock price multiplied by the number of shares the company has issued. Big companies can issue millions, so a low stock price doesn’t necessarily mean a lower market cap. So far in 2026, the small-cap companies in the
Russell 2000 index9 have been growing faster than the large-cap ones in the S&P 500.10
Here are 3 ways to consider using market cap as you’re researching investments and constructing your portfolio. |
HOW TO
Avoid 8 tax pitfallsThese common mistakes could ruin your return—and your chance at the right size refund. |
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QUICK Q
What are my options with my 401(k) when I leave a job?There are 4 things you could consider:
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Keep your money where it is, if the plan allows.
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Roll it over to a new employer’s 401(k) if your current plan allows.
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Roll it over into an individual retirement account (IRA).
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Cash it out, though this option is subject to taxes and penalties.
Not sure about the pros and cons of each move? Here’s help for
determining what’s best for you. Whatever you decide, try to be proactive about your 401(k). For lower account balances, your former employer can cash out your account or roll it over to an IRA if you don’t make a move first. This is known as the “de minimis” IRS rule. |
