Happy Thursday! Here is your WealthKeel Weekly, or what we like to call "news you can use!"
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​What we read this week:

​Nearly 1 in 4 Americans Affected by Tax Scams As New Rules and AI Deepfakes Confuse Filers — Here Are 5 Traps to Watch for and What to Do Instead
​Nearly one in four Americans has been affected by tax scams, a problem growing more dangerous as scammers use AI tools to impersonate the IRS, create deepfake voices, and exploit confusion around new tax rules. Fraudsters are capitalizing on heightened uncertainty during tax season, especially with larger‑than‑usual refunds this year, and many people aren’t aware that scam messages have become significantly more sophisticated. Common tactics include fake IRS communications by email, text, or phone, high‑pressure messages urging victims to “verify” their refund, and convincing AI‑generated voices that mimic officials. Once scammers obtain personal information, they can file fraudulent returns and claim refunds before the legitimate taxpayer does.

The most widespread traps include IRS impersonation schemes, social‑media “tax expert” scams promising inflated refunds, and so‑called “ghost” tax preparers who file incorrect returns without signing them, leaving taxpayers responsible for penalties. These scams are effective because they prey on anxiety, urgency, and a lack of clarity around new tax rules. With AI making fraudulent communications harder to detect, taxpayers are urged to slow down, avoid clicking links, verify sources independently, and confirm that any preparer is properly licensed before handing over financial information.

Source: moneywise.com

​Per Stirpes vs Per Capita: The Beneficiary Rules Most Families Have Never Heard Of
​Beneficiary designations on accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s, life insurance, and annuities often override wills, making it crucial to understand how “per stirpes” and “per capita” rules affect inheritance outcomes. Per stirpes distributes a deceased beneficiary’s share down their family line, allowing grandchildren to inherit their parent’s portion. Per capita, on the other hand, redistributes that share among only the surviving beneficiaries at the same generational level, which can unintentionally leave grandchildren with nothing. Many families are unaware of these distinctions, and financial institutions may apply different default rules, meaning the outcome can vary widely unless the account holder makes an intentional selection.

Because retirement accounts and insurance policies can represent a large share of someone’s estate, choosing between per stirpes and per capita can significantly impact how wealth flows across generations. Without clear beneficiary instructions, the default settings of the financial institution—not the estate plan—may determine who inherits. Understanding these rules helps ensure that inheritances align with family intentions rather than being shaped by overlooked checkboxes or institutional defaults.

Source: Kiplinger.com

​30 Minutes Of This Form Of Exercise Can Boost Your Brain Health
​Just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise can meaningfully strengthen brain health by triggering the release of brain‑derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein often described as “fertilizer” for brain cells. BDNF supports the growth of new neurons, reinforces connections between existing ones, and plays a key role in learning, memory, and executive function—especially within the prefrontal cortex. Research shows that even moderate‑intensity activities like walking can increase circulating BDNF levels, while more vigorous forms of exercise, such as HIIT, further elevate them.

A new 12‑week study found that as people improved their cardiovascular fitness, their brains produced even more BDNF in response to exercise, and these heightened levels were linked to measurable improvements in prefrontal cortex performance during tasks involving attention and inhibition. The takeaway: regular aerobic movement not only benefits the body but also enhances cognitive resilience, helping the brain stay adaptable, sharp, and better equipped to handle complex tasks over time.

Source: mindbodygreen.com
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🧩 The WealthKeel Wordle! Click here → WK Wordle to play. The clue this week is: “Make your picks!”
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A random note or thought for the week:
Going to keep it short this week—spring break for the boys! No big trips, but we headed to the in-laws for a few days. Basically a mini-vacation… and FREE!

The stock market this week (through Tuesday afternoon- market still not closed for the day as I type this at 3pm) rebounded modestly after last week’s volatility from Iran conflict fallout, oil spikes, and stagflation fears. Major indices dipped to recent lows mid-last week but staged a recovery: On Monday, the S&P 500 jumped ~1% to close around 6,699; Tuesday added another ~0.3-0.45% to hover near 6,722-6,740. The Nasdaq led gains (up ~1.2% Monday, continuing positive), while the Dow rose more steadily (~0.8% Monday, ~0.2% Tuesday). Oil eased from highs, cooling inflation worries and supporting a tech/AI sentiment bounce. Still volatile and down modestly YTD in spots, but buyers are stepping in on dips.

Markets love to zig when headlines zag—stay disciplined, eyes on fundamentals, not fear. Volatility is an opportunity for the prepared.

Cheering for USA baseball tonight! ⚾

HUGE shout-out to the USA Paralympic sled hockey team for yet another GOLD for USA hockey! 🥇

Also, not sure if we have any F1 followers in here, but awesome to see Kimi Antonelli get his first win in China over the weekend! 19 years old! Fun side story, my brother-in-law directed The Seat on Netflix, which is a documentary on Kimi. 🏎️
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Have a great day,
Your WealthKeel Team
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​Disclosures​