June Monthly Newsletter (1)

Happy July!

Hope you had a wonderful Independence Day — and that the summer is treating you well here on the Treasure Coast. This month's Scoop is packed with timely updates, including some important Medicare news, a Social Security bill gaining real traction in Congress, and a few local events to look forward to as we roll into mid-summer. As always, we've done the reading so you don't have to.

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND INDEPENDENCE

Your Doctor by Video — Medicare Telehealth Extended Through 2027
Good news for anyone who's come to rely on virtual doctor visits: Congress extended Medicare telehealth coverage through December 31, 2027. You can continue seeing your doctor from home via video or phone call, without geographic restrictions, for the vast majority of Medicare-covered services. If you've been using telehealth and wondering whether it would stick around — the answer is yes, for now. (More)

The Mineral Most People Have Never Heard Of — But Should
Boron is a trace mineral found in prunes, avocados, almonds, and raisins that's quietly one of the most underappreciated nutrients for healthy aging. Research links it to stronger bones, better vitamin D absorption, healthier hormone levels in both men and women, reduced joint inflammation, and sharper memory and attention. Most adults get some through diet, but soil depletion means food sources aren't as reliable as they once were. Worth asking your doctor about. (More)

Guided Nature Walk — Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
Take a guided peek down the nature trail at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, 890 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, and learn about local mangrove species and the coastal ecosystem right in your backyard. (More)

Guided Hikes at Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Every Friday, park staff lead guided hikes at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, 16450 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound. A great way to get outside and learn something new about Florida's natural landscape. (More)

FINANCIAL NEWS

S&P 500 Just Had Its Best First Half in Years — Here's the Context
Despite a year full of uncertainty — Middle East tensions, oil price swings, and questions about AI spending — the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both finished the first half of 2026 near record highs, with corporate earnings growing at a double-digit pace. The market's resilience was a reminder of why staying invested through short-term uncertainty continues to pay off. July brings fresh data — inflation numbers, the Fed's July 28-29 meeting, and the start of big-bank earnings season — all worth watching. (More)

A Social Security Change That Could Matter if You're Still Working
Senator Rick Scott's Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act of 2026 would eliminate the earnings test that currently docks benefits for early retirees who work. Under current rules, retirees who claim Social Security before full retirement age lose $1 in benefits for every $2 earned above $24,480. The bill hasn't passed yet, but it's gaining real attention — worth knowing if you're still working or thinking about returning to work in retirement. (More)

New Fed Chair, New Tone: What Kevin Warsh's Debut Means
New Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh made his congressional debut this month, signaling he intends to chart a new course for the central bank. His first FOMC meeting is July 28-29 — the outcome will be closely watched for signals on where interest rates are headed. For retirees the key question remains: when do rates start coming down, and what does that mean for savings and income? We're watching it on your behalf. (More)

ESTATE AND LEGACY

Digital Assets and Your Estate Plan — A Gap Most People Have
Most estate plans don't address digital life at all — online banking, investment platforms, email, photo storage, and social media accounts. Without clear instructions, your family may be locked out entirely. The fix is simpler than most expect: a secure inventory of accounts with access instructions, kept alongside your other estate documents, and a named digital executor. If your current plan doesn't cover this, it's worth a quick conversation. (More)

Beneficiary Designations Still Override Your Will
Retirement accounts and life insurance policies pass to whoever is listed as beneficiary on file — regardless of what your will says. If you've had a life change in the past year, now is a good time to review.

SUREFIRE NEWS AND UPDATES

Free Estate Planning Seminars — Coming Up in August
Join us for a free educational seminar on estate planning — covering wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, and protecting your family's future. No sales pitch, just practical information. Seating is limited.

📅 Tuesday, August 11 | 5:30pm
Blake Library — 2351 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart, FL 34996

📅 Thursday, August 13 | 11:30am
Robert Morgade Library — 5851 SE Community Dr, Stuart, FL 34997

To register or for more information, contact our office at 772-267-7797.

FOR FUN — FINANCIAL TIME MACHINE 🕰️

The History of the American Fourth of July and Money

Independence Day has always been tied to economic ambition — here's how the financial picture of July 4th has changed over 250 years.

1776 — The Continental Congress declares independence from Britain, in part to escape economic control. British trade laws had prevented the colonies from freely exporting goods or controlling their own currency.

1836 — President Andrew Jackson signs the Specie Circular, requiring payment for government land in gold or silver — setting off a financial panic that contributed to the Panic of 1837, one of America's first major economic crises.

1946 — July 4th in post-war America. The average household income was $2,500/year. A gallon of gas cost 15 cents. A new home averaged $5,600.

1976 — America's Bicentennial. Inflation had just peaked near 12%. The Dow Jones closed at 1,004. A first-class stamp cost 13 cents.

2026 — The S&P 500 sits near all-time highs above 7,500. A gallon of gas averages over $4.00. The national median home price has crossed $425,000. Baby Boomers now control an estimated $90 trillion in American wealth.

The story of July 4th is also the story of American economic ambition — 250 years of boom, bust, and resilience.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

These gatherings are a wonderful way to stay connected, meet new people, and explore what's happening around our community.

🥪 Bite Into History: The Longest Cuban Sandwich Ever Made
Mark your calendar for something truly one-of-a-kind. On Saturday, September 12, House of Hope Martin County and Old Havana Cafe are attempting to break the world record by building a 400-foot Cuban sandwich at L. Cpl. Justin Wilson Memorial Park in Palm City. The event kicks off at 11:00am, with sandwich building beginning at noon. Spectator admission is free — and Cuban sandwich portions will be available for purchase once the building wraps up. A great community event supporting a great local cause. (More)

Music at the Mansion — Still Running Through the Summer
Friday evenings, 6–8pm at The Mansion at Tuckahoe, Indian Riverside Park, 1707 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. Free admission, waterfront views, live music. (More)

Jammin' in Downtown Jensen — Every Thursday
Every Thursday evening, Downtown Jensen Beach transforms into a free outdoor mini-festival with local artisan shops, food, and live music. A fun, easy evening right in the neighborhood. (More)

Moon Observation Night — Treasure Coast Astronomical Society
A free public moon observation night — a uniquely Treasure Coast experience under the Florida sky. Check their calendar for the July date and location. (More)

Olive Branch Outdoor Market — Jensen Beach
Every Friday, 4–7pm at the Jensen Beach Campus. Local vendors, fresh air, easy evening outing. (More)

We're so glad you're part of our community. 💛
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