VFG Solutions

This month's chart is thanks to past Fed Chair Alan Greenspan, who tracked men's underwear sales as a proxy for consumer confidence. What do you think the new Fed Chair will watch?

Auto debt continues to climb as higher vehicle prices and interest rates put pressure on household budgets.

A recent report found that total auto debt reached $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025, up 37% from late 2018. Nearly 86 million Americans, or about 1 in 4, now carry auto loan or lease debt.

Monthly payments have also increased. The typical auto loan payment rose from about $506 in 2018 to more than $680 by the end of 2025.

Several factors are contributing to the shift, including higher vehicle prices, fewer lower-cost new car options, and longer loan terms. More buyers are also taking on larger monthly payments, with $1,000 auto loan payments becoming more common for financed new-vehicle purchases.

For many households, higher transportation costs can affect other parts of the budget, including groceries, rent, savings, and emergency funds.

These trends highlight how vehicle affordability can play a larger role in everyday financial decisions.


Source:

Car payments squeeze Americans as auto debt hits $1.68 trillion, report finds Auto debt has swelled to $1.68 trillion, a new analysis finds. Americans face costlier vehicles, higher interest rates and lengthier loan terms.

Celebrating Flag Day today! It's a day to honor the stars and stripes and everything they represent: unity, history, and national pride. Let's commemorate this day with respect and gratitude for our beautiful flag.

If you or someone in your family is still in school—or heading back in the fall—now is the time to make sure your FAFSA form is in.

A few things worth knowing:
⏰ The federal deadline is June 30. State and school deadlines are often earlier.
⏰ Many types of aid are first-come, first-served. Waiting could cost money.
⏰ You can make corrections after submission, but the form needs to be in first.

Don't let a deadline get in the way of money that's already available to you.

Tax reminder! Your second-quarter estimated income tax payment is due on June 16, 2026.

If you're self-employed or earn income that isn't subject to withholding, now is the time to make sure your payment is on track. Don't wait until the last minute—a missed or underpaid estimated tax payment can mean penalties come filing season.

Not sure how much to pay? A good rule of thumb is to pay at least 90% of what you'll owe this year, or 100% of last year's tax liability—whichever is smaller. If you want more specific information, check with your tax, legal, or accounting professional.

Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. They will always be remembered. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful Memorial Day holiday.

After years of saving and preparing, some retirees hesitate to spend.

That's understandable.

But retirement isn't only about preserving what you've built. It's about using it to support the life you want to live.

The first year isn't a test.

It's a transition.

And it's okay to take it one step at a time.

If you'd like to talk through what this season looks like for you, we're here.

Retirement gives you time.

A lot of it.

And while that sounds freeing, it can also feel overwhelming at first.

When you're working, much of your day is structured. In retirement, you decide what today looks like.

Some people find it helps to create a little rhythm:
▪️A weekly volunteer day
▪️Lunch with friends
▪️A standing class
▪️Mornings reserved for exercise or hobbies

Not to recreate work — just to have something to look forward to.

Freedom often feels better with a little shape.

One adjustment many retirees don't expect?

Spending can feel emotionally different.

For decades, income came in the form of a paycheck, and saving was the goal. In retirement, you're drawing from what you built.

Even if the numbers work, the shift can take time.

Separating essential expenses from flexible choices often helps. Once core needs are covered, the rest becomes intentional — not stressful.

Confidence tends to grow as you settle into your new routine.