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Hi, Friends!
July 4th has always been about more than food on the grill.
It’s family gathering around the table.
Neighbors pulling up a chair.
Kids running through the yard.
A plate full of simple favorites that somehow feels like tradition.
But this year, many households are also feeling the reality behind the celebration: grocery prices, travel costs, extra fees, and the quiet pressure to spend more than planned.
That’s why this edition of The O55 Report is focused on celebrating with joy, but also with awareness.
You should not have to feel cheap just because you want to be thoughtful with your money. Smart planning does not take the meaning out of the day. It helps protect it.
A Quick Note Before You Go
Don’t forget to click and read each article and download all the free stuff. We have more helpful surprises coming soon, including free checklists designed to make everyday money decisions easier.
As always, I'm glad you're here.
Warmly,
Mike Bridges
FEATURED ARTICLE
Saving money on July 4th does not mean making the celebration feel smaller. With a little planning, smart food choices, and a few simple swaps, you can still enjoy a fun cookout without overspending or feeling like you cut corners.
The Most Expensive Artworks in the World are Often Sold Behind Closed Doors. Here's What’s Happening.
Last year, a Van Gogh painting reportedly sold for $200 million. A Rothko for $195 million. A Frida Kahlo for $150 million. None of these transactions are in auction records or any public database.
For years, top auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s have been quietly running invitation-only private auctions for their wealthiest clients.
These huge transactions don't happen in a vacuum. This invisible market often influences the asking range for comparable works in the larger art market.
That said, you don't need an invite to a private auction. Masterworks lets you invest in shares of blue-chip artwork. Their track record to-date:
$1.3B deployed across 525+ artworks by 70,000 members
29 sales to date
Net annualized returns like 16.5%, 17.6%, and 17.8%, not including those unsold*
*Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.
Fake rental listings do more than steal deposits. They can also expose your personal information and put you on lists scammers use to target you again. Knowing the warning signs before you inquire can help protect your money, identity, and peace of mind.
Little Known RMD Strategy Allowed by the IRS
For investors with $1M+ in retirement accounts, the tax code allows specific strategies that can reduce your tax exposure once RMDs begin—but only if used before then.
The window is open for anyone within ten years of 73. A fiduciary advisor can review which may apply, at no cost.
The first year after retiring can bring freedom, adjustment, and unexpected decisions all at once. From daily routines to spending habits, healthcare, paperwork, and purpose, those first 12 months are a good time to slow down, review what matters, and build a rhythm that supports your next chapter.
Better cap table management starts here
Cap table management doesn’t have to be frustrating. From issuing grants to 409A valuations or ASC 718 reporting Pulley can make it simple.
Just ask Linear. They knew they needed a partner who could handle the complexity of their equity management. That’s why they migrated to Pulley.
💸 Money Leak of the Week: Paying for extended warranties
🚨 Scam Warning: Fake Medicare benefit phone calls.
💡 Income Idea: Rent out items you already own.
🔧 Useful Tool: A medication price comparison app.
✅ Do This Today: Create an emergency contact card.
YOUR OPINION MATTERS…
How confident do you feel about your retirement plan?
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Ready to grow your income?
If you’ve been wanting a simple way to keep track of your money each month without complicated apps or confusing charts, this one’s for you. The Budget Buddy and the Personal Budget Planner are easy, step-by-step trackers designed to help you see exactly where your money goes, what you can adjust, and how to stay in control of your spending.
The heart of The O55 Report is all about helping people, providing ideas, tips, and hacks on how to be financially smarter.
Practical money-saving hacks
Smart catch-up strategies after 55
Creative income and career reinventions
Motivation, health, and lifestyle tips
Plus one new tip each week that saves you money, guaranteed
Eight juicy gems a week of fascinating nuggets, insider tips, and strong workable strategies to help you save and gain money
