About December…

Since their inception, the Dow, SP500, and Nasdaq have each gained over 1.2% in the month of December on average.

 

 

Value Shopping and the Economy: Walmart, Procter & Gamble, and SNAP Cuts

 

 

Sam’s Club reports higher-income families are shopping more frequently, chasing value. P&G cited SNAP (food stamp) benefit reductions leading to lower earnings. Walmart’s simple takeaway: “Everyone wants value now.”
Source: Walmart, Sam’s Club support Texas flood relief efforts (Blue Book, July 2025)
Commentary:
Budget-consciousness isn’t just for those with limited means. Inflation and benefit changes have prompted even affluent households—and retirees—to rethink their spending routines. In retirement, embracing value isn’t about penny-pinching; it’s a logical, empowering way to maximize lifestyle freedom and make savings last. Smart retirees leverage their assets through savvy purchasing (think: warehouse clubs and bulk buys) and stay alert to policy changes that could impact household budgets.

 

 

 

Goodwill’s Boom: Thrift Goes Upscale

 

 

Goodwill shoppers spent $5.5 billion in 2024, a 37% increase in five years—driving store expansions into even “fancy” neighborhoods.
Source: Goodwill—Economic Development & Community Impact (Tehachapi, CA)
Commentary:
Thrift shopping is having a moment, and it’s not just for those in need. Many retirees find joy, sustainability, and even social connection in secondhand stores. Upscale Goodwills show that being value-minded can be stylish and eco-friendly. Redefine luxury: in retirement, the best “finds” are about meaning, experiences, and leaving more room in the budget for travel and fun. Plus, it’s a reminder that reinvention is always in fashion.

 

 

 

When People Set the Most Significant Personal and Financial Goals

 

 

New Year’s is the top time for setting major life and financial resolutions, but milestone moments (birthdays, anniversaries, retirement itself) trigger new goal-setting, too.

Source: Who makes New Year’s resolutions, and why? (Pew Research, Jan 2024)
Commentary:
Retirement is a milestone—a built-in “reset” for goals. Harness this transitional energy to revisit your priorities: What do you want retirement to feel like? How do you want to spend your time and money? Schedule annual personal reviews, just like a financial checkup. Use milestone markers and New Year’s momentum to realign your vision, update your plan, and celebrate progress.

 

 

AI Business Investment Drives Economic Growth

 

 

Investment in artificial intelligence may have contributed to half of U.S. GDP growth in early 2025, with surges in data center and tech infrastructure spending.
Source: How the U.S. Economy Became Hooked on AI Spending (WSJ, Nov 2025)
Commentary:
Macro trends matter—even (especially) for retirees! AI spending is reshaping markets, jobs, and even the value of your portfolio. Your nest egg is likely invested in companies being transformed by these changes. Diversify, stay educated, and work with advisors who grasp how innovation (and volatility) shapes retirement income and opportunity. The goal: let “progress” fuel your security, not anxiety.

 

 

Americans: Higher Incomes, Fewer Hours, More Service Work

 

 

Today, Americans earn more, work fewer hours, and are more likely to hold service jobs or flexible roles than ever before—but with persistent income and time-use disparities.

Source: Understanding the Intersection of Medicaid and Work (KFF, May 2025)
Commentary:
Modern work patterns set the tone for retirement. Many retirees are blending part-time work, gig opportunities, or meaningful “second acts” with leisure, making the transition smoother and more satisfying. The lesson: Retirement doesn’t have to be a hard stop—explore flexible work, consulting, or volunteering to stay engaged, supplement income, and boost fulfillment.

 

 

Google.org and U.S. Chamber Provide $5 Million for Small Biz AI Upskilling

 

 

Google.org is funding $5 million to help the U.S. Chamber of Commerce train 40,000 small businesses in AI skills to keep pace with technological change.
Source: Trends in Artificial Intelligence (Bondcap, May 2025, referencing US Chamber)
Commentary:
Lifelong learning isn’t just a buzzword: it’s a competitive advantage for retirees. Whether you’re working for pay or for joy, upskilling in digital tools (even AI) keeps you relevant, confident, and connected. Consider various free or subsidized learning initiatives, especially if you run a small business in retirement. It’s never too late to invest in yourself!

 

 

Major Cuts to Popular Medicare Drug Prices

 

 

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare has begun negotiating prices for the most expensive drugs, resulting in major drops in out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries starting in 2026.

Source: Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program—KFF (2025)
Commentary:
Health care is one of retirees’ biggest worries. Lower prescription costs mean retirees keep more of their income and reduce the risk of surprise expenses derailing well-laid plans. Participants should review Medicare Part D notices and work with advisors to make the most of these savings, updating cash flow plans to reflect new realities.

 

 

43% Plan to File for Social Security Before Full Retirement Age

 

 

A Schroders survey found 43% of Americans intend to claim Social Security before full retirement age, often leaving money on the table due to uncertainty or fear about solvency.
Source: Nearly half of Americans surveyed will collect Social Security benefits early (InsuranceNewsNet, Nov 2025)
Commentary:
The timing of Social Security is, perhaps, the most consequential decision for retirees. Claiming early can significantly reduce lifetime benefits. Every retiree deserves a bespoke, data-driven strategy—coordinated with other income and health needs. Work with a Social Security “desk” or specialist to optimize; resist emotion and rumor. Your future self will thank you.

 

 

Military Bases and Crypto Craze: Service Members Are Among Top Crypto/Stock Bettors

 

 

11 of the top 25 U.S. zip codes for tax returns reporting crypto trading are near military bases; servicemembers are “hooked” on both stocks and crypto bets, often trading from deployment.
Source: Top Gun Traders: Stock Bets and Crypto Culture Take Over the Military (WSJ, Nov 2025)
Commentary:
Whether you served or not, the “action” mentality and FOMO are threats to a stable retirement. The military community’s active trading mirrors the temptations every retiree faces with speculative investments. Many trades (especially in crypto) are riskier than they appear. The lesson: Build a “slow wealth” mindset, invest for the long run, and only speculate with money you’re willing to lose.

 

 

Final Thoughts

These nine news stories reinforce the core theme for thriving in retirement: adaptability, education, and intentional planning are more essential than ever. From mastering value-driven shopping and benefit strategies, to deciding when and how to pivot into new roles or investments, your best defense (and offense!) is a blend of wise guidance, ongoing learning, and a calm, rational mind.

 

The ultimate takeaway:

Thriving retirees don't chase fads or let anxiety run the show. Instead, they use news and data as opportunities to re-examine their plans, ask sharper questions, and maximize the freedom they’ve worked a lifetime to achieve. Stay engaged, stay savvy—and let’s make retirement the most rewarding, resilient adventure it can be.