The Smith Anglin Blog

September 23, 2026

For many airline pilots, Social Security represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in lifetime retirement income. Yet one of the most important retirement decisions you’ll ever make is often reduced to a simple question: Should I take Social Security at 65, 67, or 70? Talk to three retired pilots and you’ll probably get three different […]

September 22, 2026

Is it better for pilots to take Social Security at 65 or 70? Neither age is automatically better. Claiming at 65 provides income sooner and may reduce withdrawals from retirement accounts. Waiting until 70 provides the highest monthly benefit and may increase lifetime income for those who live longer. The best choice depends on your […]

September 17, 2026

Weekly data-driven insights on the markets and economy Third week of September 2026 Fed hikes rates The Federal Reserve approved a quarter-point interest rate increase on Wednesday, lifting its benchmark rate to 3.75%-4%. The move reflects ongoing concerns about elevated inflation, driven in part by higher energy prices and other economic pressures. Most Fed officials […]

September 16, 2026

Every investor has a distinct approach to decision-making. Some are comfortable with significant market fluctuations, accepting the possibility of loss in pursuit of long-term gains. Others are more risk-averse, prioritizing the avoidance of losses over maximizing returns. That preference often shapes how investors respond to change. For more conservative investors, the fear of financial harm […]

September 10, 2026

Weekly data-driven insights on the markets and economy Second Week of September 2026 Rate Hike Back on the Table Today, market expectations for a Federal Reserve rate increase next week surged after August wholesale inflation came in firm and oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel, reinforcing concerns that inflation pressures remain persistent. Traders are […]

September 9, 2026

Markets are constantly evolving, and investors today face no shortage of uncertainty. Interest rate expectations continue to shift, inflation remains an important consideration, and developments ranging from artificial intelligence to geopolitical events can quickly influence market sentiment. Periods of uncertainty often lead to increased market volatility, making it more challenging for investors to separate emotion […]

September 3, 2026

Weekly data-driven insights on the markets and economy First Week of September 2026 Layoff Fears Fade U.S. job cuts fell to a four-year low through the first eight months of 2026, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas data released Thursday, despite persistent concerns that artificial intelligence would trigger widespread workforce reductions. More than 500,000 layoffs […]

September 2, 2026

Over the past few decades, life expectancy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) has increased due to medical advances and improved living conditions. The number of adults with I/DD aged 60 and older is expected to nearly double from 641,860 in 2000 to 1.2 million by 2030.[1] Those with both physical disabilities and […]