Bernie’s Blog
A Little More “Need to Know” on Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, as Promised
Just a few relevant highlights here to get us all thinking about the changes here now and those ahead.
The Impact of Changes to the Standard Deduction
Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ introduces significant changes to the standard deduction, which can have a direct impact on individual investors. The bill includes a boost in the standard deduction by $750 for individual filers (bringing it to $15,750) and $1,500 for joint filers (bringing it to $31,500). Additionally, there is an incremental $6,000 increase to the standard deduction for each senior over age 65, which phases out higher incomes. This increase occurs regardless of whether the taxpayer itemises. This adjustment reduces the taxable income, potentially lowering the overall tax burden.
Investors should consider how this change might affect their tax planning strategies. Higher standard deductions mean more income shielded from taxes, which could free up more cash for investments. However, the temporary nature of this increase means that investors should be prepared for potential adjustments in the future.
Understanding the Newborn Baby Accounts and Their Benefits
The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ also introduces ‘MAGA’ accounts, which stands for ‘Money Accounts for Growth and Advancement.’ These accounts are designed to provide a financial head start for newborns, with the federal government contributing $1,000 for babies born between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2028.
Families can add up to $5,000 annually to these accounts, and account holders can access up to 50% of the funds at age 18 for higher education, training, or first-time home purchases. At age 30, the remaining balance can be used for any purpose. For investors, these accounts offer a unique opportunity to start saving early for their children’s future expenses, potentially providing significant financial benefits down the line.
Codifying Changes to Tax Laws: What Investors Need to Know
Trump’s bill seeks to make permanent several tax cuts initially introduced in his first term, including individual income and estate tax cuts. The estate tax exemption, for example, would rise to $15 million and be adjusted for inflation going forward. Additionally, there are provisions to not tax tips, overtime, and interest on some auto loans until the end of 2028.
For investors, these changes could mean more favorable tax conditions for the foreseeable future. However, it’s crucial to stay informed about these changes and plan accordingly. Consulting with a tax advisor can help ensure that investors maximize the benefits of these codified changes while remaining compliant with evolving tax laws.
Potential Impacts on Inflation and Interest Rates
The fiscal policies embedded in Trump’s bill, including significant tax cuts and increased spending on defense and infrastructure, could have substantial impacts on inflation and interest rates. While tax cuts may boost disposable income and spending, they can also increase the federal deficit, potentially leading to higher inflation.
Higher inflation could prompt the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates to control price stability. For individual investors, this scenario means a potential increase in borrowing costs and changes in bond yields. It’s important to monitor these economic indicators and adjust investment strategies to mitigate risks associated with rising inflation and interest rates.
How Social Security and Medicare Could Be Affected
While the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ primarily focuses on tax cuts and spending adjustments, some proposed changes could indirectly impact Social Security and Medicare. For instance, the introduction of new work requirements for Medicaid and reductions in spending on food aid could place additional financial strain on low-income individuals, potentially increasing their reliance on Social Security benefits.
Moreover, changes in federal spending priorities, such as increased funding for defense and border security, could lead to budget reallocations that affect Medicare funding. Investors should stay informed about these potential shifts, as they could influence the broader economic environment and the stability of social safety nets that many rely on during retirement.
Join LFS for a VIRTUAL Brain Health Event on Thursday October 30 at 7pm
We hope you can join us and our Thayer colleagues for a complimentary and virtual Brain Health Event on Thursday, October 30 at 7pm.
You can register for the ZOOM call at the link below. Your friends and family members are also invited to attend. They can register at the same link below. There will be Q&A after the presentation. The questions you ask will be anonymous, but we will be hosting and asking the questions you submit.
We have attached a few interesting articles on brain health to get you started thinking even more about this important topic.
Call or email with questions.
We look forward to seeing you on ZOOM on October 30!
Age-Proof Your Brain: Free Event with Dr. Marc Milstein
We’re excited to invite you to a special free virtual event we’re hosting for our clients, friends, and family:
Date: Thursday, October 30
Time: 7:00 PM EDT
Location: Zoom (link to register below)
Speaker: Dr. Marc Milstein, Author of The Age-Proof BrainEvent: “Age-Proof Your Brain” – Slow Aging, Boost Productivity, and Lower Risk for Dementia
You’ll discover science-based, actionable steps to keep your brain in peak shape—today and for decades to come. This isn’t about crossword puzzles or brain games—Dr. Milstein will share surprising, proven strategies that can lower dementia risk by up to 60%.
You will learn:
- Daily habits to supercharge your memory & focus
- The surprising foods that boost brain health (and one to avoid)
- Morning steps for energy-boosting sleep
- How to spot early, hidden risk factors—years before symptoms appear
- What’s real vs. hype in brain health products
About Dr. Marc Milstein:
Dr. Milstein combines the latest neuroscience research with an engaging, easy-to-understand style. His work has been featured in USA Today, Oprah Daily, and The New York Post. His book, The Age-Proof Brain, is an Amazon bestseller and was nominated for “Next Big Idea” non-fiction book of the year.Why We’re Hosting This Event:
We value you as our client and want to provide information that can truly make a difference. We also want to give you the opportunity to share this experience with those you care about. Please invite your friends and family—everyone is welcome to attend at no cost.Register here: Click to Save Your Spot
We look forward to seeing you (and your guests) on October 30!
Is Your Brain Aging Faster Than You? New Science Offers Clues
Neurologists on 16 simple ways to look after your brain
10 Small Things Neurologists Wish You’d Do for Your Brain
Linder Financial Services Receives 2025 Best of Atlanta Award
Atlanta Award Program Honors the Achievement
ATLANTA June 27, 2025 — Linder Financial Services has been selected for the 2025 Best of Atlanta Award in the Financial Advisor category by the Atlanta Award Program.
Each year, the Atlanta Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Atlanta area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2025 Atlanta Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Atlanta Award Program and data provided by third parties.About Atlanta Award Program
The Atlanta Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Atlanta area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Atlanta Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.SOURCE: Atlanta Award Program
CONTACT:
Atlanta Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@citycompanyhonor.com
URL: http://www.citycompanyhonor.comLinder Financial Services Receives 2025 Best of Atlanta Award
Atlanta Award Program Honors the Achievement
ATLANTA June 27, 2025 — Linder Financial Services has been selected for the 2025 Best of Atlanta Award in the Financial Advisor category by the Atlanta Award Program.
Each year, the Atlanta Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Atlanta area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2025 Atlanta Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Atlanta Award Program and data provided by third parties.About Atlanta Award Program
The Atlanta Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Atlanta area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Atlanta Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.SOURCE: Atlanta Award Program
CONTACT:
Atlanta Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@citycompanyhonor.com
URL: http://www.citycompanyhonor.comWhen Will We All See AI in Healthcare?
As we have been pondering and debating with many of you about why the healthcare sector has not really participated to date in the stock market recovery, we found this article about the role of AI in healthcare. Although it doesn’t answer the questions about why the healthcare sector performance has lagged the broader market, it’s interesting, nonetheless.
Enjoy!
T Rowe Price Shares its Perspective on the Importance of Staying Invested
There is no shortage of articles on the importance (and difficulty!) of staying invested in turbulent times. We like the illustrative graphs in the attached article.
As always, we are here to talk with you about your concerns and opportunities.
Stay invested: The cost of cashing out during a market sell-off
