Episode 303: Top 10 Money Trends and Stories that Shaped 2025 & What They Mean for 2026

As we close out the year, Melissa Joy, CFP® steps back from the day-to-day headlines to examine the biggest money trends and economic stories that shaped 2025. Instead of reacting to weekly market noise, this episode offers a thoughtful top-10 look at the forces influencing markets, households, and financial planning — and what they may signal for the year ahead.

From the rise of artificial intelligence and shifting government policy to persistent affordability challenges and changing investment landscapes, Melissa breaks down complex topics with clarity and context. She explores how these trends showed up in real life for investors, savers, borrowers, and families — and why discipline and planning mattered more than prediction this year.

Throughout the conversation, Melissa connects the dots between policy, markets, and personal finance, reminding listeners that while we can’t control outcomes, we can control preparation.

Highlights include:

• Why artificial intelligence became the dominant market and cultural story — and what it means for jobs, productivity, and energy demand
• How tariffs evolved throughout the year and the real economic costs for consumers, businesses, and farmers
• Key changes in the new tax law and why tax planning is becoming more complex, not less
• The ripple effects of the prolonged government shutdown on workers, small businesses, and economic data
• Why interest rates didn’t fall as much as expected — and how that impacted borrowers and savers differently
• Persistent affordability concerns and the growing divide between households
• The growing influence of private equity and private debt across the economy
• Why markets delivered strong returns despite overwhelming negative headlines
• How higher education and student loans are undergoing structural change
• The broader financial implications of GLP-1 drugs and rising healthcare costs

As we head into 2026, this episode offers a grounded perspective on what really mattered in 2025 — and why staying focused on what you can control remains one of the most powerful financial strategies available.

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