Weekly Market Insights | This Week: T For Tariffs, T For Trillion

Stocks were slightly lower last week, while looking past news of fresh U.S. tariffs on nearly two dozen countries.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.31 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged lower by 0.08 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.02 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slipped 0.43 percent.1,2

The Return of the Tariffs

Stocks started the week lower after the White House posted letters to 14 countries announcing new tariffs, set to take effect August 1. They included 25 percent tariffs on South Korea and Japan.3,4

Stocks dropped briefly midweek after the White House announced tariffs on seven additional countries. But as investors digested the news, markets gradually recovered, hoping the administration would dial back its steepest tariff rates again.

Markets also rallied on fresh AI trade enthusiasm and the latest Fed meeting minutes, which showed a majority of Committee members were open to adjusting interest rates later this year.5,6

Markets opened higher on Thursday as investors shrugged off news of the 50 percent tariff on Brazil imports, announced shortly after Wednesday’s close. Momentum continued, and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rose to fresh records.7

Then, after Thursday’s close, the White House announced the U.S. was raising tariffs on Canadian imports to 35 percent and was preparing some other tariffs. Markets opened lower on Friday and trended sideways during the trading session.8

 
 

The T Word

While tariffs drove market headlines last week, another “t word” made news: trillion.

More specifically, $4 trillion in market capitalization. The nation’s largest AI chip maker was the first company to breach that market cap level. It crossed the $4 trillion mark intraday on Wednesday, then closed above it for the first time on Thursday’s close.9,10

So why does it matter when one stock hits such a milestone? For a market-cap weighted index like the S&P 500, a company valued at $4 trillion has an outsized effect on the overall index’s performance. The largest five companies in the S&P 500 comprise about one-third of the benchmark index.9,10

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization. Boston Fed President Susan Collins and Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan speak.

Wednesday: Producer Price Index (PPI). Fed Beige Book.

Thursday: Jobless Claims (weekly). Retail Sales. Import Price Index. Business Inventories. Home Builder Confidence Index.

Friday: Housing Starts. Building Permits. Consumer Sentiment.

Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; July 11, 2025
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Tuesday: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), Wells Fargo & Company (WFC), BlackRock (BLK), Citigroup Inc. (C)

Wednesday: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Bank of America Corporation (BAC), Morgan Stanley (MS), The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS), The Progressive Corporation (PGR), Prologis, Inc. (PLD)

Thursday: Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), GE Aerospace (GE), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP), Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (MMC), Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR)

Friday: American Express Company (AXP), The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW)

Source: Zacks, July 11, 2025. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.

“The trust of the innocent is the liar’s most useful tool.”

– Stephen King

With Shared Custody, Taxes Can Get Complicated

If you have a legal agreement with your child’s other parent regarding custody, you may have questions about claiming the child on your tax return and what credits (if any) you are eligible for. 

It might help if you research the Child Tax Credit as well. The parent who claimed the Child Tax Credit for a qualifying child the previous year may have received the advance child tax credit payments the following year.

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional. 

Tip adapted from IRS11

Sneak in More Veggies with Mashed Cauliflower

Mashed potatoes are a classic side at any meal, but they can be calorie-dense and don’t provide as much nutritional benefit as other veggies. If you want a tasty and easy way to incorporate more veggies into your meals this year, try this simple mashed cauliflower recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1-2 tsp of finely chopped herbs such as thyme, rosemary, sage, chives, etc.

Instructions

  1. Trim the leaves off the cauliflower and cut the florets into smaller pieces. Rinse well.
  2. Steam the cauliflower florets in a pot with a steamer insert for 6-8 minutes.
  3. While the cauliflower is steaming, heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  4. Dump out the water from the pot and add the cauliflower, olive oil, garlic, and chopped herbs.
  5. Use a potato masher to mash the cauliflower and combine everything.

Tip adapted from Downshiftology12

Seven people stand in a square room measuring 30′ x 30′. Each can see the entire room and everyone in it without making any physical movement (aside from eye movement). Where inside this room can you place an apple so that all but one person can see it?

Last Week’s Riddle: Alexandra’s mom had four children. The first one was named May, the second was named June, and the third was named August. What was the fourth child’s name?
Answer: Alexandra.

Fennec fox
Yong in, Gyeonggi do, South Korea

 

Footnotes and Sources

1. WSJ.com, July 11, 2025

2. Investing.com, July 11, 2025

3. CNBC.com, July 7, 2025

4. CNBC.com, July 8, 2025

5. WSJ.com, July 9, 2025

6. MarketWatch.com, July 9, 2025

7. CNBC.com, July 10, 2025

8.  CNBC.com, July 11, 2025

9. WSJ.com, July 9, 2025

10. MarketWatch.com, July 10, 2025

11. IRS.gov, March 6, 2025 

12. Downshiftology.com, March 18, 2025

Weekly Market Insights | Upbeat Q2, Trade News Cheer Investors

Footnotes and Sources

1. WSJ.com, July 25, 2025

2. Investing.com, July 25, 2025

3. CNBC.com, July 22, 2025

4. CNBC.com, July 23, 2025

5. WSJ.com, July 24, 2025

6. CNBC.com, July 25, 2025

7. MarketWatch.com, July 24, 2025

8. MarketWatch.com, July 23, 2025

9. IRS.gov, July 30, 2024

10. American Hiking Society, March 18, 2025 

Weekly Market Insights | Trade and Jobs Cheer Markets in Short Holiday Week

Trade developments and continued momentum pushed all three major averages to modest gains again for a shortened holiday trading week.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.72 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.62 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 2.30 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased 0.19 percent for the week through Thursday.1,2

Stocks Gain on Trade Developments

Stocks continued their momentum from the prior week’s records following Canada’s rescinding of its digital services tax, rising on optimism as investors waited for more news on trade.3

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq took a breather on July’s first trading day, while the Dow Industrials posted a modest gain. Then, stocks rallied after the news of the trade deal with Vietnam, moving past the latest ADP employment report, which showed reduced jobs last month for the first time in two years.4

In a quick retort to the ADP report, a better-than-expected June jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics gave stocks another boost, reassuring investors that the U.S. economy was weathering trade and geopolitical shocks. The S&P and Dow hit record highs as the short trading week ended.5

Jobs Report Mostly Positive

The labor report for June had a few points for investors to cheer. First, employers added 147,000 jobs in June—that was 37,000 higher than economists were expecting. Unemployment ticked down to 4.1 percent from 4.2 percent. Previously reported job gains from April and May were revised upward by 16,000.6

Still, companies are in a “no hire, no fire” mode as they wait to see how trade policy impacts the economy. Caveats to the headline numbers: most gains were seen in government and healthcare. Several other sectors, including manufacturing and professional services, were flat or diminished.6

The takeaway: good news overall, but uncertainty still lingers beneath the employment surface.

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Consumer Credit.

Wednesday: Wholesale Inventories. 10-Year Treasury Note Auction. June Fed Meeting Minutes.

Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem and San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly speak.

Friday: Federal Budget.

Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; July 3, 2025
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

No major companies reporting this week.

Source: Zacks, July 3, 2025. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”

– Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Tax-Deductible Educator Expenses

The educator expense deduction allows eligible teachers and administrators to deduct part of the cost of technology, supplies, and training from their taxes. In this case, an “eligible educator” is a taxpayer who is a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide. They must work at least 900 hours a year at a school that provides elementary or secondary education. 

Educators can deduct up to $300 of trade or business expenses not reimbursed by their employer, a grant, or another source. Some examples of covered expenses include:

  • Professional development course fees

  • Books
  • Supplies
  • Computer equipment
  • Other classroom equipment
  • Personal protective equipment (masks, disinfectant, etc.)

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional. 

Tip adapted from IRS7

Choose In-Season Produce This Fall

Eating healthy is essential to keep you and your family feeling good as the days get shorter and the temperature drops. One of the easiest ways to incorporate fresher, riper produce into your meals is to buy in-season items. Generally, in-season produce, harvested at the right time, is full of flavor and nutrition. Plus, sometimes fruits and veggies cost less when they’re in season!

Here are some healthy picks for the fall:

  • Apples

  • Beets
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Pumpkin
  • Winter squash
  • Raspberries
  • Celery

What are some of your favorite fall produce items?

Tip adapted from US Department of Agriculture8

Alexandra’s mom had four children. The first one was named May, the second was named June, and the third was named August. What was the fourth child’s name?

Last Week’s Riddle: It can be told, played, and cracked, and it can even be practical. What is it?
Answer: A joke.

Mt Cook
South Island, New Zealand

Footnotes and Sources

1. WSJ.com, July 3, 2025

2. Investing.com, July 3, 2025

3. CNBC.com, June 30, 2025

4. WSJ.com, July 2, 2025

5. CNBC.com, July 3, 2025

6. WSJ.com, July 3, 2025

7. IRS.gov, November 8, 2024

8.  SNAP-Ed Connection, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, March 18, 2025

Weekly Market Insights | Markets Hold Broad-Based Rally

Stocks staged a broad-based rally last week on investors’ hopes for a lasting Middle East ceasefire, hitting fresh record highs along the way.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.44 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 4.25 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 3.82 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased 3.04 percent.1,2

Stocks Push Higher

Last week opened with a rally powered by news of a tamer-than-expected escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Stocks continued their rise after this week’s ceasefire agreement, although Wall Street appeared concerned about whether the truce would remain in place.3,4

Sentiment brightened after the White House played down the approaching July 8 tariff deadlines. Solid corporate earnings, a still-strong labor market, and a recovery in artificial intelligence-related stocks provided some underlying strength to the rally.5

As the week wrapped up, the S&P 500 hit its first new high since February—it marked the fastest-ever recovery from a 15-percent decline for the broad-market index. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite also closed at an all-time high.6,7

 

Economic Data Helped, Too

While trade and Middle East updates powered most of the markets’ rise last week, a few economic bits of news also contributed to the week-long rally. For example, consumer sentiment climbed 16 percent in May—its first increase in six months.8,9

“The improvement was broadbased across numerous facets of the economy, with expectations for personal finances and business conditions climbing about 20% or more,” the University of Michigan said in a statement.

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: Fed Officials Raphael Bostic and Austan Goolsbee speak.

Tuesday: Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks. ISM Manufacturing Index. Construction Spending. Job Openings.

Wednesday: Motor Vehicle Sales. ADP Employment Report.

Thursday: U.S. Employment Report. International Trade in Goods & Services. Fed Official Raphael Bostic speaks. Factory Orders. ISM Services Index. 10-Year Treasury Note Announcement. Federal Balance Sheet.

Friday: MARKET HOLIDAY

Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; June 27, 2025
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Tuesday: Constellation Brands Inc. (STZ)

Source: Zacks, June 27, 2025. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.

“There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.”

– Buckminster Fuller

How to Find Tax Help in Other Languages

The IRS currently translates important and helpful tax information using seven languages, including:

  • Spanish
  • Chinese (Traditional)
  • Chinese (Simplified)
  • Korean
  • Russian
  • Vietnamese
  • Haitian Creole

Some multilingual resources include The Taxpayer Bill of Rights, important filing information, e-file resources, forms and publications, and the IRS2Go mobile app.

To access information in these languages, taxpayers can click on the English dropdown tab in the top menu on the IRS.gov home page. The dropdown will list the other languages where taxpayers can view IRS.gov pages. In addition, the IRS offers interpreter services in more than 350 languages.

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional. 

Tip adapted from IRS10

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball has taken the world by storm, and for a good reason! The game is easy to play, great exercise, and you can play at many levels.

Pickleball combines tennis, ping pong, and badminton elements to create an addictive and fun sport. To play, you hit a Wiffle ball (a plastic ball with holes) with a paddle on a badminton-sized court. Pickleball has some unique rules, but it offers simple gameplay and is deeply enjoyable overall. 

If you want to start playing pickleball, check out your local parks and tennis courts! Increasingly, areas offer open play, rec leagues, and lessons for players of all levels. 

Tip adapted from USA Pickleball11

It can be told, played, and cracked, and it can even be practical. What is it?

Last Week’s Riddle: What do the words civic and level have in common?
Answer: They are both palindromes.

Osaka, Japan

Footnotes and Sources
1. WSJ.com, June 27, 2025
2. Investing.com, June 27, 2025
3. CNBC.com, June 23, 2025
4. CNBC.com, June 24, 2025
5. WSJ.com, June 18, 2025
6. WSJ.com, June 27, 2025
7. WSJ.com, June 27, 2025
8.  WSJ.com, June 24, 2025
9. UMich.edu, June 27, 2025
10. IRS.gov, November 18, 2024
11. USA Pickleball, December 12, 2024

Weekly Market Insights | Market Attention Turns to Trade and Oil

Stocks fell last week as an up-and-down mix of trade progress and anxiety, economic news, and geopolitical tensions netted out.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slid 0.39 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 0.63 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.32 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, edged down 0.18 percent.1,2

Trade, Geopolitics Dominate Sessions

Stocks largely languished for the first half of the week as investors awaited news from U.S.-China trade talks and key inflation reports.3,4

Sentiment began to rise late Tuesday afternoon following upbeat comments about trade talks. Most of the market gains came before the U.S. and China separately announced the trade update, with little reaction when markets opened the next day.4

Stocks peaked midweek, then declined despite a May report showing consumer inflation rose less than expected. Markets then trended a bit higher after a better-than-expected wholesale inflation report.5

Beginning Friday morning, all three averages were under pressure all day following news of an escalated conflict in the Middle East. Oil prices pushed higher on Friday on supply concerns.6

Brighter Notes

As the week ended with rising tensions in the Middle East, it was easy to overlook some good economic news.

First is inflation: both the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Producer Price Index (PPI) showed signs of cooling or holding steady. And both the CPI and PPI slightly beat expectations.

Second, consumers. Consumer sentiment jumped in May—the first such rise in six months. Economists took note, as consumer spending drives two-thirds of the U.S. economy.7

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: Retail Sales. Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization. Business Inventories. Homebuilder Confidence Index. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting, Day 1.

Wednesday: Housing Starts. Building Permits. Jobless Claims (weekly). Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting, Day 2. Fed Chair Powell Press Conference.

Friday: Leading Economic Indicators.

Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; June 13, 2025
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

No major U.S. companies are reporting this week.

Source: Zacks, June 13, 2025. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.

“Education is the transmission of civilization.”

– Will Durant

What to Do If You Get an Identity Theft Letter From the IRS

The IRS can scan tax returns for potential fraud, and if a tax return seems suspicious, they will flag it for further review. In these cases, the IRS will send the taxpayer a letter notifying them of potential identity theft. Because the tax return won’t be processed until you respond to the letter, following the steps outlined is essential. The letter will likely have everything you need to know. 

The three different types of identity theft letters that the IRS may send out include:

  1. A letter that asks the taxpayer to verify their identity online
  2. A letter that asks the taxpayer to call the IRS to verify their identity
  3. A letter that asks the taxpayer to verify their identity in person.

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional. 

Tip adapted from IRS8

Zentangles Are a Fun and Creative Way to Destress

Doodling is a great way to relax and destress for a few minutes, and Zentangles take doodling to the next level. They are fun and easy to learn. You can create some fantastic little pieces with just a few techniques. 

Zentangles are made from smaller patterns pieces together. The designs can be as simple as little circles, lines, and curves. Together, they can make a whole picture! You can add shading and contrast to accentuate your design. The idea behind Zentable is to decompress and relax while creating an excellent, unique layout. 

Tip adapted from Zentangle9

There are two of them; one can usually see what the other sees, but they can never see each other. What are they?

Last Week’s Riddle: Three playing cards lie face down on a table. A jack is to the left of a queen. To the left of a spade is a diamond. A king is left of a heart. A spade is right of a king. What are the three cards?
Answer: King of diamonds, jack of hearts, queen of spades.

Lake Titicaca
Peru

Footnotes and Sources

1. WSJ.com, June 13, 2025

2. Investing.com, June 13, 2025

3. CNBC.com, June 9, 2025

4. WSJ.com, June 10, 2025

5. CNBC.com, June 12, 2025

6. CNBC.com, June 13, 2025

7. WSJ.com, June 13, 2025

8. IRS.gov, December 5, 2024

9. Zentangle, December 12, 2024

Weekly Market Insights | Trade Tension Down, Economic Data Up

Stocks rallied last week as investors responded to upbeat economic data and easing trade tensions.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 1.50 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.18 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.17 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, picked up 0.78 percent.1,2

S&P 500 Closes Above 6,000 (Again)

Early in the week, markets notched steady gains as investors awaited key economic indicators and monitored ongoing trade discussions. Megacap tech names—particularly AI chipmakers—led the broader market higher, as sentiment stayed bullish on prospects for a U.S.-China trade deal.3

Midweek, however, concerns over tariffs and a notable decline in one megacap tech stock slowed overall market momentum. Recent conversations between the U.S. and Chinese leadership helped investors envision progress toward a trade deal between the two nations.4,5

On Friday, stocks pushed higher following the release of the May jobs report, which showed an addition of 139,000 jobs, above expectations of 125,000. The S&P 500 closed above 6,000 for the first time since February—a key psychological hurdle for some market participants. And the Dow erased all its 2025 year-to-date losses.6,7

 

Jobs & Trade

Amid considerable market noise, stocks pushed higher last week. Here are three takeaways:

  • First, the upbeat jobs report was strong enough to ease some economic concerns.
  • Second, the jobs report showed that the unemployment rate held steady at 4.2 percent, and wage growth increased by 3.9 percent year-over-year. These figures also helped ease slowdown fears.7
  • Last, despite some political squabbles, trade talks progressed this week, with the U.S. striking a deal with Germany while continuing to move forward with China.8

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: Wholesale Inventories.

Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index.

Wednesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). Federal Budget. 10-Year Treasury Note Auction.

Thursday: Jobless Claims (weekly). Purchaser Price Index (PPI). 30-Year Treasury Note Auction.

Friday: Consumer Sentiment.

Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; June 6, 2025
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Wednesday: Oracle Corporation (ORCL)

Thursday: Adobe Inc. (ADBE)

Source: Zacks, June 6, 2025. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.

“The road less traveled is sometimes fraught with barricades, bumps, and uncharted terrain. But it is on that road where your character is truly tested.”

– Katie Couric

How to Check the Status of Your Federal Tax Refund

Filing taxes has become more seamless in recent years due to e-filing. It’s also easy to check the status of your refund if you anticipate one. The IRS has a tool called Where’s My Refund? where taxpayers can check the status of their refund within 24 hours of the IRS acknowledging the taxpayer’s e-filed return. You can also see a personalized refund date after the return is processed.

You can access the tool online on the IRS website or via their app. It has three phases: return received, refund approved, and refund sent. The IRS recommends setting up direct deposit to receive your refund even faster. The tool is updated once a day.

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS9

Channel Your Inner Cat and Cow

The cat-cow stretch is fantastic for your back, pelvis, neck, and more. Plus, it’s simple to learn and simple to do!

First, start with your hands and knees on the floor. Your hands should be shoulder-width apart, and your knees should be hip-width apart. You can do the cat-cow stretch on a mat or carpeted floor.

Next, inhale a deep breath, arch your back, tilt your pelvis downward, and look to the ceiling. Don’t force your neck too far up.

Then, exhale a big breath and curve your back (like a scary Halloween cat). Tuck your chin into your chest and pull your pelvis up as you curve your back.

The goal is to move through these movements with your breath.

Tip adapted from Very Well Fit10

Three playing cards lie face down on a table. A jack is to the left of a queen. To the left of a spade is a diamond. A king is left of a heart. A spade is right of a king. What are the three cards?

Last Week’s Riddle: When I change my jacket, I make a loud noise and become larger but weigh less. What am I?
Answer: Popcorn.

Bengal Tiger and Cub, Bandhavgarh National Park
Madhya Pradesh, India

Footnotes and Sources

1. WSJ.com, June 6, 2025

2. Investing.com, June 6, 2025

3. CNBC.com, June 3, 2025

4. CNBC.com, June 5, 2025

5. MarketWatch.com, June 5, 2025

6. MarketWatch.com, June 6, 2025

7. WSJ.com, June 6, 2025

8. MarketWatch.com, June 6, 2025

9. IRS.gov, September 20, 2024

10. Very Well Fit, December 12, 2024

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