WebCE's Weekly Wrap-Up: September 19, 2025
WebCE Staff
By
September 19, 2025
Curious about how the Fed's latest move impacts your finances?
This week's wrap-up covers the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut and what it means for everything from your mortgage to your retirement savings. Discover how record-breaking retirement assets are shaping the financial landscape, get a sneak peek at FINRA's new crypto education, and learn the secrets of high-growth financial advisors.
We also cover crucial advice on managing self-doubt, leveraging real estate tech, and the quiet Atlantic hurricane season. Plus, find out how a former monk can help you master focus, and prepare to be inspired by an accountant who realized his lifelong dream of joining LSU’s marching band.
Let’s dive in.
Top Stories of the Week
Federal Reserve cuts interest rates for the first time this year (NBC News)
“The Federal Reserve announced a highly anticipated interest rate cut Wednesday, a move indicating that concerns about a slowing labor market now outweigh ongoing worries about inflation.
“It's the Fed's first rate cut this year. Policymakers opted for a quarter-point cut to the central bank's benchmark rate, in line with expectations. It's now set at 4% to 4.25%.”
How the Fed ’s rate cut impacts mortgage rates (Associated Press)
“Rates could come down further, as the Fed has signaled the potential for two more rate cuts this year,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS. “However, there are still risks of a reversal in mortgage rates. Inflation heated up in August and if the September inflation report shows another bump in consumer prices, it’s possible we could see rates rise.”
What Interest Rate Cuts Mean for Your Retirement Portfolio (Morningstar)
“Generally speaking, interest rate cuts are a positive for the economy and for equities, but not in every single declining-rate environment.”
Retirement Assets Total $45.8 Trillion in Second Quarter 2025 (Investment Company Institute)
"Total US retirement assets were $45.8 trillion as of June 30, 2025, up 6.0 percent from March. Retirement assets accounted for 34 percent of all household financial assets in the United States at the end of June 2025.”
FINRA Announces Launch of Crypto and Blockchain Education Program
“The first release of FINRA’s Crypto and Blockchain Education Program features foundational, interactive e-learning courses that will be available through FINRA's Financial Learning Experience™ (FLEX™) platform beginning in October.
The topics include:
Crypto and blockchain terminology
Blockchain operations and on-chain transactions
Evolution of blockchain technology
Types of crypto assets and related products
Crypto ecosystem and markets
Key considerations for FINRA member firms with touchpoints to crypto assets and blockchain technology
Common fraud schemes with crypto asset exposure
The 4 key behaviors of high-growth advisors that set them apart from the rest (Invesment News)
“In today’s advisory landscape, growth is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity” says Kraleigh Woodford, executive vice president of growth strategy and enablement.
How to Reframe Negative Thoughts When Dealing With Self-Doubt at Work (Carrier Management)
“Many people have found cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of talk therapy, helpful to examine internal monologues such as “I’m going to say the wrong thing” or “I’m not good enough” — and replace them with neutral or positive mantras.”
NASBA, AICPA release proposed revisions to CPE standards (Journal of Accountancy)
“According to a news release, the proposed revisions to the CPE standards are designed to “address emerging learning methods, further clarify credit-awarding mechanisms, and ensure continuing professional education remains relevant and responsive to evolving professional practice needs.”
The Top Tech Tools Giving Real Estate Agents a High-Tech Edge (REALTOR Magazine)
“47% of buyers cite an agent’s technology skills as “very important” to them in choosing whom to work with, according to NAR’s 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report. What’s more, 82% of clients respond positively when agents integrate more technology in the buying and selling process, according to NAR’s latest tech survey.”
Where Are the Hurricanes This Season as the Atlantic Remains Quiet (Insurance Journal)
“Three factors are to blame—or cheer: One, a strong vertical wind shear, which refers to a change in wind speed or direction with altitude. It has increased thanks to a cyclonic circulation in the mid-upper troposphere, which is the lowest region of the Earth’s atmosphere.”
Top Podcast of the Week
Dandapani: A Former Monk's Guide to Unwavering Focus
Real Estate Rockstars Podcast
37 Minutes
What can a former Hindu monk teach us about building focus, balance, and long-term success?
This episode of Real Estate Rockstars Podcast features Dandapani, an entrepreneur and former monk living in Costa Rica, who explores how mastering focus and energy management can transform both business and life. From planting over 9,000 trees in his spiritual sanctuary to developing a 50-year vision, Dandapani shares timeless lessons on setting priorities, aligning with purpose, and making the sacrifices necessary for growth. He breaks down practical strategies for avoiding burnout, achieving clarity, and balancing personal and professional commitments.
Weekend Wind-Down
Retired accountant realizes lifelong dream of joining LSU’s marching band