I’m a Wealth Strategist: 6 Financial Warnings To Prepare For 2025
Written by
Jordan Rosenfeld
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Most years, people’s finances remain relatively the same from year to year, barring the job changes, emergencies or retirement. However, 2025 is a unique year that finds people with a lot of financial questions as costs of living remain high and a new presidential administration is coming into the White House.
Dr. Constance Craig-Mason, a financial planner, national Social Security advisor and CEO of Concierge Financial Advisory, offered some “financial warnings” for this new year, taking into account “financial behaviors and market realities.”
Craig-Mason said, “Preparing for [2025] requires vigilance and intentionality.” Here are the top warnings she’s sharing with her clients to help them navigate 2025 with confidence.
Don’t Let Volatility Lead To Financial Sabotage
With economic uncertainty persisting, Craig-Mason is warning clients against overreacting to market swings. Emotional investing often results in buying high and selling low, eroding long-term gains, she said.
“My advice? Stay grounded in your strategy, focus on diversification and avoid chasing trends that promise quick returns. Wealth-building is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Higher Rates Are a Double-Edged Sword
While interest rates are creating opportunities for savers, they’re also squeezing borrowers, Craig-Mason shared. “I’m warning clients to avoid stretching themselves thin with high-interest debt like credit cards.”
Refinancing may not be favorable until rates stabilize, either, she said, so she recommended aggressive debt repayment and locking in savings rates before they drop.
Real Estate Isn’t What It Was
Real estate is often touted as the surest path to wealth, but Craig-Mason is being realistic with her clients, telling them to expect a slower market, be they buyers or sellers.
“Sellers may need to lower expectations as buyers grapple with higher mortgage rates. For buyers, this is a time to carefully assess affordability, considering not just monthly payments but the broader cost of ownership in an inflationary environment. Overleveraging here could backfire.”
Retirement Plans Face More Pressure Than Ever
Inflation doesn’t just make life harder for the working class, it is hard on retirees, too.
“Inflation is quietly eating away at retirement savings, even if markets recover,” Craig-Mason pointed out. “I’m warning pre-retirees to revisit their withdrawal strategies and adjust for higher living costs. Relying too heavily on fixed income can be dangerous — some exposure to growth is essential to sustain purchasing power over the long term.”
Budgeting Blind Spots Will Hurt You
Craig-Mason reminds clients that “small leaks sink big ships.”
She warns against overspending due to lifestyle inflation or ignoring subscription creep. “I’m urging clients to audit their budgets regularly, automate savings and prepare for unexpected expenses — because emergencies don’t wait for the perfect time,” she said.
Don’t Let Financial Trauma Dictate 2025 Decisions
Many people make financial decisions based on fear, guilt or generational habits, which can be a problem, Craig-Mason said. She warns clients to shift from reactive to proactive planning.
“This includes addressing underlying financial trauma, which often leads to overspending, avoidance or under-saving. Healing your money mindset is just as important as managing your portfolio.”
This year is a good one to be careful, thoughtful and intentional in your spending, investing and retirement.
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