Cotton Wealth Management Associates

Do your kids have the right stuff for college?

Countdown to College Preparing for college means setting goals, staying focused, and tackling a few key milestones along the way.

Energy costs were a major driver of the latest inflation data, with higher gas, electricity, and fuel prices showing up across household budgets.

In April, the Consumer Price Index rose at an annual rate of 3.8%, marking the fastest pace in nearly three years. Higher energy prices accounted for about 40% of the total increase.

Gasoline prices were up more than 28% from a year earlier, while overall energy costs — including gas, heating oil, and electricity—rose nearly 18%.

The impact may extend beyond the pump. Higher fuel costs can influence transportation, airfares, grocery prices, and other everyday expenses as businesses absorb or pass along higher operating costs.

For households, these trends highlight how energy prices can ripple through the broader economy and affect purchasing power over time.

Searing U.S. energy prices are driving the hottest inflation in years CPI gas price index has surged 28% from a year ago, while overall energy costs are up nearly 18%, new inflation data shows.

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The Richest Man in Babylon In good times and bad, consistently saving a percentage of your income is a sound financial practice.

Stocks were mixed last week as investors fretted over hot inflation reports, which offset the move in chipmaker stocks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.13 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0.08 percent. The...

Weekly Market Insights | Inflation Bites, But Wall Street Bites Back

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Private employers added 109,000 jobs in April, up from the prior month and signaling continued stability in the labor market.

Job growth was concentrated in a few key areas. Education and health services led the gains, adding 61,000 jobs, while trade, transportation, and utilities added 25,000. Construction also continued to contribute, with 10,000 new jobs.

Even with the stronger headline number, hiring remains uneven across sectors. Some areas are still adding workers, while others are showing slower momentum or modest declines.

Wage growth also continued, with pay for workers staying in their roles rising 4.4% annually.

Overall, the latest data suggests a labor market that remains steady, but selective—with employers continuing to hire, though not across every part of the economy.

Private payrolls rose by 109,000 in April, topping expectations, ADP says The report provided more evidence of a stable labor market and less incentive for the Fed to lower interest rates.

Settling an estate can be like putting together a puzzle. Make a cheat sheet for your heirs.

Put It in a Letter A letter of instruction provides additional and more personal information regarding your estate.

U.S. debt held by the public recently rose above the country’s gross domestic product, marking a notable fiscal milestone.

Debt held by the public stood at approximately $31.27 trillion at the end of April, slightly above the U.S. GDP of about $31.22 trillion over the prior 12-month period.

This measure represents debt owed to parties outside the federal government, including individuals, businesses, state and local governments, and foreign investors.

Several factors have contributed to the increase over time, including tax policy changes, higher federal spending, rising interest costs, and the needs of an aging population.

One key concern is the cost of servicing that debt. Federal interest payments have grown significantly, potentially affecting the government's flexibility for other priorities.

At the same time, demand for U.S. debt remains strong, and some economists note that the country’s broader economic strength helps provide context for the numbers.

Overall, the debt-to-GDP milestone is an important signal to watch — not necessarily a short-term crisis, but a reminder of how federal borrowing, interest costs, and economic growth are closely connected.

The U.S. debt now exceeds the country's GDP. Should we worry? Federal debt held by the public now surpasses the total value of the nation's economic output. Here's why experts say that's a concern.

Stocks rose last week as peace talks picked up while investors cheered better-than-expected economic news and Q1 corporate results. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.33 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 4.51...

Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Rise with Upbeat News

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To Catch a Thief Having your identity stolen may result in financial loss plus the cost of trying to restore your good name.