January 30, 2026: Control What You Can Control(It’s not Interest Rates)

The Federal Reserve voted on Wednesday to hold interest rates at their current target range of 3.50% - 3.75%. This was expected as the Federal Reserve is still watching inflation (still above its 2% target) and unemployment (slightly increasing going back to 2023). Interest rates affect hiring, mortgage rates, bond prices, and many other areas of the economy.

The hard truth is that nobody reading this newsletter can affect interest rates. Of the hundreds of millions of Americans, only a select few can actually influence the Fed’s decision to lower rates. This should serve as a reminder that your influence on the economy is incredibly small and that you should focus your efforts on what you can control.

Continuing with my takeaways from the Land Investment Expo earlier this year, this edition is about what you can control: your estate plan.

At the expo I attended a session on estate planning for farmers. The technicalities aren’t relevant to this newsletter. The point is that you need to have an estate plan. Period.

Your loved ones will thank you by having your estate in order when you’re not around. From naming beneficiaries on your accounts to naming your medical power of attorney, these decisions can make a world of difference.

Part of the financial planning process is to review your estate plan: whether you have one at all, where your assets go upon your death, and any other considerations or potential gaps. This is an often overlooked part of someone’s finances. Even if you have a plan in place from years ago, now is your reminder to review to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Don’t try to control what you can’t control. The Fed isn’t changing its decision because you want it to. Control what you can and you’ll be much happier that you did.