Financial Insights & Market Analysis | Ask Linc Blog

Daily financial market insights & occasional product updates

Financial Privacy in the Age of AI: Why It Matters More Than Ever

AI is now woven into nearly every financial product you use — from banking chatbots to robo-advisors to “smart” budgeting tools. That’s mostly a good thing. But it also means your financial data is being used, shared, and learned from in ways most people don’t realize. Behind the scenes, your spending habits, transaction histories, and investment activity can all be part of what fuels “AI improvements.” That’s not privacy — that’s permission by fine print. 🧠 The 2025 version of “financial

1 min readOct 28, 2025

Do You Really Need an AI Copilot for Your Money?

Every product calls itself a “copilot” now. Email copilots. Writing copilots. Spending copilots. The word has lost all meaning. So what does an AI copilot for your money actually do? In theory, a copilot should: 1️⃣ See your full financial picture. 2️⃣ Help you make decisions faster, not just track numbers. 3️⃣ Stay out of the way until you need it. Most tools nail the dashboards but miss the decision-making. They’ll tell you what happened, not what to do next. That’s why “copilot” has becom

1 min readOct 23, 2025

Money AI — What It Can (and Can’t) Do Yet

Every week there’s a new “AI for money” startup promising to automate your finances. Some summarize your transactions. Some forecast your cash flow. Some even write your investment plan. And they’re impressive — but they all hit the same wall: AI can’t help you make good money decisions without context. Ask any generic chatbot whether you should buy bonds or pay down your mortgage and you’ll get a decent, well-phrased answer… that ignores your actual balance sheet. Your income. Your timeline.

1 min readOct 21, 2025

It’s been a while.

It’s been a while since I’ve written here. Somewhere along the way, between building, consulting, and life in general, I fell out of the habit of sharing what I was working on. But I’ve also been building something quietly — something that started from a moment of mild desperation. One night, I copied and pasted my own financial data into ChatGPT. Balances, expenses, mortgage numbers, even some investment returns. I just wanted a simple answer to a not-so-simple question: “Are we still on tra

1 min readOct 19, 2025

Today in Markets & Money: Retirement Math in a 4% World

🏷️ Inflation Expectations The CPI sits at 323.36 (core 329.79). Long-term inflation forecasts remain steady: * 1 year: 2.81% * 5 years: 2.33% * 10 years: 2.29% * 30 years: 2.41% Translation: no runaway inflation lurking. Retirement planning math is way easier when you can assume costs rise at ~2–2.5%. 💸 What this means for your wallet: Your future grocery bill will still sting, but it won’t bankrupt you. Predictability makes long-term planning less of a guessing game. 💵 Treasury Yie

1 min readSep 18, 2025

Today in Markets & Money: Mortgages Still Squeezing 🏡

🏷️ Inflation & Rates CPI ticked up to 323.36 (core 329.79). Yearly inflation is now 2.9%, the fastest pace since January. The Fed Funds Rate sits at 4.33%, with Treasuries at: * 1-year: 3.66% * 5-year: 3.63% * 10-year: 4.06% All eyes are on the Fed’s next meeting: cut or hold? 💸 What this means for your wallet: Rates aren’t dropping yet. If you’re carrying credit card or HELOC debt, brace yourself — the relief you’re waiting for may not come soon. 🏡 Mortgages & Housing 30-year fixed

1 min readSep 16, 2025

Today in Markets & Money: Midweek Check for Investors 📈

📈 Stocks Holding Strong The S&P 500 is at 648.83, up 0.25% today. Over the past month, it’s climbed 2%, and compared to last year, it’s up 18%. That’s a strong rally by any standard. Investors clearly think the Fed has inflation under control — or at least under surveillance. 💸 What this means for your wallet: If you’ve been riding stocks higher, congrats — your 401(k) is flexing. But after an 18% run in a year, don’t assume this lasts forever. 💵 Bonds: Quietly Interesting Again Treasury

1 min readSep 9, 2025

Today in Markets & Money: “Savers Are Quietly Winning” 💵

🏷️ Inflation & Rates CPI is at 322.13 (core 328.66), inflation is running about 2.7%, and the Fed Funds Rate is parked at 4.33%. Translation: prices are still sticky, but cash isn’t eroding like it did in 2022. 💸 What this means for your wallet: Leaving cash in a 0.01% savings account? That’s financial malpractice. With inflation stable, this is the moment to let your cash actually work for you. 💵 Treasury Yields (Where Savers Should Look) * 1-year: 3.76% * 5-year: 3.65% * 10-year: 4.

1 min readSep 8, 2025

Today in Markets & Money: “What Today’s Inflation Outlook Means for Your Retirement Math”

🏷️ Inflation Outlook The CPI is at 322.13 (core 328.66), with annual inflation running around 2.7%. The market thinks it’ll cool closer to 2% over the long haul: * 1 year: 2.59% * 5 years: 2.13% * 10 years: 2.11% * 30 years: 2.30% Translation: no runaway inflation monsters hiding under the bed. For retirement math, that’s good news — predictable costs make planning easier. 💸 What this means for your wallet: If you’re building a retirement plan, assume “moderately annoying” inflation, n

2 min readSep 4, 2025

Now Live: Connect Your Brokerage Accounts with SnapTrade

We’re excited to announce a big new upgrade to Ask Linc: you can now securely connect your brokerage and trading accounts through SnapTrade. Until now, Ask Linc has relied on Plaid to bring in your day-to-day financial accounts—bank balances, credit cards, savings, and in some cases, even investment accounts. But Plaid was never designed for active investing, which meant connections were often limited, slow, or missing key data. That’s where SnapTrade comes in. SnapTrade is built specifically

1 min readSep 3, 2025

Today in Markets & Money: “Mortgages Still Brutal” 🏡

🏷️ Inflation & Rates CPI is at 322.13 (core 328.66), PCE at 126.78. Inflation is steady around 2.7% annually. The Fed Funds Rate? Still 4.33%, which means borrowing costs aren’t coming down anytime soon. 🏡 Mortgages & Housing The 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.56%, a painful spread above the 10-year Treasury at 4.22%. Translation: lenders are keeping mortgages pricey, and housing affordability is still in the gutter. Demand is cooling, but not enough to bring prices back to Earth. 💸 What th

1 min readSep 2, 2025

Today in Markets & Money: “Winners, Losers & Weirdness”

🏆 Winners of the Week: Savers Treasury yields are steady around 4% (1-year at 3.83%, 10-year at 4.24%). That’s boring but beautiful if you’ve been sitting on cash. For once, savers aren’t the punchline. 😬 Losers of the Week: House Hunters 30-year fixed mortgage? 6.56%. That’s a full 2 points above the 10-year Treasury. Translation: lenders are squeezing, affordability is in the toilet, and “starter home” now means “400 sq ft condo with avocado green tiles.” 📈 Stocks: Just Vibin’ The S&

1 min readAug 29, 2025

Today in Markets & Money: “Stable Doesn’t Mean Cheap”

Ask Linc–style Question of the Day: 👉 “If I’m saving for a house in the next 2–3 years, should I park that money in Treasuries or stay liquid in cash?” 🏷️ Inflation & Rates CPI is sitting at 322.13 (core 328.66). Translation: prices aren’t spiraling, but they’re not falling either. Inflation expectations are basically pinned around 2% for the next 30 years. The Fed Funds Rate is still 4.33% — their way of saying, “We’re not budging.” 💸 What this means for your wallet: Stuff costs what it

2 min readAug 28, 2025

Today in Markets & Money: “Stable but Still Expensive”

If you’ve ever stared at market numbers and thought, “Cool, but what do I actually do?” — you’re basically describing why an AI investing app exists. (Hi 👋, that’s what we’re building with Ask Linc.) Here’s today’s quick rundown: 🏷️ Inflation & Rates CPI is 322.13 (core 328.66). Prices are still too high, but at least they’re not spiking anymore. Inflation expectations? Right around 2% long-term — aka boring stability. 💸 What this means for your wallet: Groceries aren’t getting cheaper, b

1 min readAug 26, 2025

Today in Markets & Money: “The Calm Before… More Calm?”

🏷️ Inflation & Rates CPI sits at 322.13 (core at 328.66). Translation: prices are still high, but they’re not climbing like a rocket anymore. Inflation expectations? Basically flat — markets think we’ll cruise near 2% for years. The Fed Funds Rate is holding at 4.33%, which is like the thermostat they refuse to touch. 💸 What this means for your wallet: Groceries won’t suddenly get cheaper, but your money isn’t losing value like it did in 2022. This is the “annoying but stable” era. 💵 Trea

2 min readAug 25, 2025

Today in Markets & Money: “Still Expensive, Still Boring”

🏷️ Inflation & Rates CPI is at 322.13 (Core 328.66). Translation: stuff still costs more than it should, but at least it’s not sprinting away like in 2022. The Fed Funds Rate is stuck at 4.33%, and long-term inflation outlook is basically: meh, we’ll chill around 2%. 💸 What this means for your wallet: Your grocery bill won’t magically shrink, but you can stop panic-Googling “how to raise chickens in a condo.” 💵 Treasury Yields * 1-year: 3.90% * 5-year: 3.81% * 10-year: 4.29% The 10-y

2 min readAug 22, 2025

Markets Watch & Wait — August 15, 2025

Economic Indicators The Consumer Price Index (CPI) sits at 322.13, with the Core CPI (excluding food & energy) slightly higher at 328.66. That keeps annual inflation at 2.7%, steady compared to recent months. Rates remain in focus: * Federal Funds Rate → 4.33% * 10-Year Treasury → 4.30% * 30-Year Fixed Mortgage → 6.58% Inflation expectations look muted, with forecasts at 2.59% (1 year), 2.13% (5 years), 2.11% (10 years), and 2.30% (30 years). 👉 What this means for you: Prices aren’t sur

2 min readAug 21, 2025

The Fed’s Stuck in Rate-Limbo: Cut or Nah?

Economic Indicators The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is holding at 322.13, with core CPI (ex-food and energy) a bit higher at 328.66. Inflation for the past 12 months sits steady at 2.7%. Rates aren’t budging much either: * Fed Funds Rate → 4.33% * Treasury Yields → 1-year: 3.93%, 5-year: 3.86%, 10-year: 4.34% * 30-year mortgage → 6.58% 👉 What this means for your wallet: borrowing costs are still elevated, especially on mortgages, and long-term savers will notice CDs and bonds hanging arou

1 min readAug 20, 2025

Nothing to See Here (Unless You Care About Mortgages)

Economic Indicators CPI sits at 322.13 with Core CPI at 328.66 (as of July 2025). Annual inflation is holding at 2.7%. Inflation expectations are fairly tame: 2.59% (1 year), 2.13% (5 years), 2.11% (10 years), 2.30% (30 years). The Federal Funds Rate remains at 4.33%, while Treasury yields are 3.93% (1Y), 3.85% (5Y), and 4.33% (10Y). 👉 What this means for you: Steady inflation and rates = no big surprises (yet). Borrowing costs remain high, so if you’re hoping for relief on loans or CDs yiel

1 min readAug 19, 2025

Mortgage rates dip, Fed cuts on deck?

Economic Indicators Inflation is still doing its steady-but-not-too-scary thing: * CPI: 322.13 * Core CPI: 328.66 * Annual inflation rate: 2.7% (for the 12 months ending July) Looking ahead, inflation expectations are holding at ~2–2.5% depending on the timeframe. Treasury yields are: 3.91% (1Y), 3.82% (5Y), 4.29% (10Y). The Fed Funds Rate? Still at 4.33%. 👉 What this means for you: Borrowing isn’t cheap yet, but the stability suggests no big shocks… unless the Fed decides otherwise next

1 min readAug 18, 2025

Markets Today: Calm, for Now

Steady inflation, steady rates, steady markets. The Fed’s holding, mortgage rates dipped a hair, and Wall Street is basically taking a coffee break until the next big headline. Inflation & Rates CPI: 322.132 Core CPI: 328.656 Annual inflation: 2.7% (July 2025) Inflation expectations: * 1 year: 2.59% * 5 years: 2.13% * 10 years: 2.11% * 30 years: 2.30% Treasury yields: 1-year at 3.86%, 5-year at 3.77%, 10-year at 4.24% Fed Funds Rate: 4.33% What this means for you: Borrowing is still p

1 min readAug 15, 2025

Rate Cut Whispers and a Softer Dollar

The markets are steady, but the U.S. dollar is slipping on growing bets that the Fed could cut rates soon. Here’s where we stand. Inflation: Holding steady CPI is 322.13 with Core CPI at 328.66. Annual inflation (July 2025) is still 2.7%. Inflation expectations: * 1 year: 2.59% * 5 years: 2.13% * 10 years: 2.11% * 30 years: 2.30% What this means for you: Inflation isn’t flaring up — which is exactly why talk of a September rate cut is heating up. Rates & Yields: Still high, for now

1 min readAug 14, 2025

Markets Today: New Highs, Steady Inflation, and Mortgage Rates That Won’t Budge

The markets are feeling good right now, but there’s still one very expensive elephant in the room: mortgages. Here’s where things stand. Inflation: Stable and (for now) predictable CPI (July 2025) is 322.132, with Core CPI at 328.656. Annual inflation is holding at 2.7%. Inflation expectations are calm: * 1 year: 2.59% * 5 years: 2.13% * 10 years: 2.11% * 30 years: 2.30% What this means for you: The inflation outlook is steady, which is why talk of Fed rate cuts is picking up. But the F

1 min readAug 13, 2025

Markets Today: Calm Before the CPI Storm

Markets were mostly steady today, but tomorrow’s Consumer Price Index release could shake things up. Here’s where things stand before the big reveal. Inflation: Waiting on the next data point CPI is sitting at 322.132, with Core CPI (stripping out food and energy) at 328.656. Annual inflation remains at 2.7% as of June 2025. Inflation expectations are steady: * 1 year: 2.79% * 5 years: 2.37% (market: 2.44%) * 10 years: 2.33% (market: 2.38%) * 30 years: 2.44% What this means for you: We

1 min readAug 12, 2025

Markets This Week: Inflation Holds, Mortgages Ease (a Little)

The latest economic snapshot shows steady inflation, high-but-not-spiking rates, and a housing market still wrestling with expensive borrowing costs. Here’s the breakdown. Inflation: Still steady, but not cooling fast CPI is at 321.5, with Core CPI at 327.6. PCE sits at 126.56 (core at 125.93), and annual inflation is 2.7% for the year ending June — slightly higher than the prior 2.4%. Inflation expectations: * 1 year: 2.79% * 5 years: 2.37% (market: 2.44%) * 10 years: 2.33% (market: 2.3

1 min readAug 11, 2025

Weekend Market Wrap — August 9, 2025

The markets may be closed for the weekend, but here’s where things stood when the closing bell rang on Friday — plus the big themes from the week and what to watch next. Inflation: Steady but still on the radar The Consumer Price Index (CPI) clocked in at 321.5, with core CPI (stripping out food and energy) slightly higher at 327.6. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) — another inflation yardstick — came in at 126.56, with core PCE at 125.93. Annual inflation held at 2.7% for the 12 month

2 min readAug 9, 2025

Why Ask Linc Is Not Just “ChatGPT for Your Bank”

We get this question a lot: “So… you’re basically ChatGPT, but connected to my bank?” Short answer: no. Long answer: absolutely not — and here’s why. The problem with just using ChatGPT for your finances If you’ve ever pasted a spreadsheet or a transaction list into ChatGPT, you’ve probably had this thought: “Wait… where does this data actually go?” Here’s the thing: with most AI tools, whatever you give them is sent directly into the AI model. That means your sensitive financial data — acc

1 min readAug 9, 2025

How Ask Linc Keeps Your Data Private and Secure

If you’re going to trust us with your financial information, we’d better be crystal clear about how we keep it safe. Money is personal. Really personal. We know that connecting your bank, investment, and credit accounts to a new tool can feel… nerve-wracking. So let’s talk about exactly what happens with your data inside Ask Linc — and, just as important, what doesn’t happen. We never see your bank login When you connect an account through Plaid, the entire login happens in Plaid’s secure in

2 min readAug 9, 2025

Premium Tier – Playing the Long Game

If you’re in your 40s or 50s, your focus usually shifts. The kids are nearly grown. You probably own your home, but still have a mortgage. Your retirement accounts are substantial, and the next decade or so will make a huge difference in how comfortable that retirement is. You might already be using an investment platform, your bank’s tools, maybe even a retirement calculator. But those either give you a generic forecast that assumes “average” everything — or they bury you in raw market data wi

1 min readAug 9, 2025

Standard Tier – Welcome to the Juggle

By your 30s or early 40s, life tends to get more complicated. You might be married. You might have kids. You’re probably trying to save for a down payment and for college and for retirement. Suddenly, your money has to do a lot of jobs at once. At this point, you’ve probably tried a budgeting app or two. They’re great for telling you where the money went. But they don’t tell you what’s happening outside your household that could affect every financial goal you have. That’s where Standard is di

1 min readAug 9, 2025

Starter Tier – Your “Get Your Act Together” Phase

If you’re in your 20s or early 30s, you might not think of yourself as someone who “needs” a financial tool. You’ve got a checking account, a savings account, maybe a credit card or two, and a 401(k) through work. You know the basics. Things aren’t complicated — yet. There are plenty of apps out there that will track your spending, make you a budget, and show you a bunch of colorful charts. The problem? Those charts don’t always tell you what you actually need to know. They’ll show you that you

1 min readAug 9, 2025

Which Ask Linc Plan Fits You?

When it comes to money, there’s always a “next stage.” In your 20s, it’s figuring out how to pay rent, save a little, and maybe start investing without accidentally spending the grocery budget on a weekend trip. In your 30s, it’s juggling a mortgage fund, college savings, and retirement — while hoping the car doesn’t die. By your 40s and 50s, it’s protecting what you’ve built and making sure the next 10–15 years set you up for a retirement you’ll actually enjoy. The problem? Most financial too

1 min readAug 9, 2025

I Pasted My Bank Statements into ChatGPT and Immediately Regretted It

How one bad idea turned into Ask Linc. It started with a layoff. Which, if you’ve ever been through one, you know is just a corporate way of saying: “Good luck out there. Here’s a box for your desk plants.” (And even worse when you work remote. They basically just log you out of Slack, you close your laptop, and then, freak out.) So there I was — no job, too much coffee, and a brain that couldn’t stop running math on my future. How long could we coast before needing another paycheck? Could we

3 min readAug 8, 2025

📈 Markets Ride High, But Eyes on Next Week

If you checked the markets this morning, you might’ve noticed they’re feeling pretty good. The Nasdaq is leading the charge, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones tagging along — but not quite matching its energy. Tech stocks are doing the heavy lifting here, and the market is still hovering near all-time highs. Part of the backdrop? The U.S. administration’s new global tariff rates kicked in August 1. So far, the market hasn’t thrown a tantrum. But don’t let the early rally fool you — recent gains h

1 min readAug 8, 2025

☕️ This Week in the Economy: Inflation, Mortgages, and a Softening Dollar

If you’re trying to make sense of what’s going on with interest rates, inflation, or your mortgage quote this week - here’s the breakdown.

2 min readAug 7, 2025

Welcome to ☕ with Linc

This is our corner of the internet to bring you two things we care about most: 1. Daily market news and context — what’s happening in the economy, why it matters, and how it connects to your own wallet. 2. Product updates and behind-the-scenes news — so you’re always in the loop on what we’re building at Ask Linc, what’s new, and what’s coming next. We’ll keep it clear, useful, and worth the time it takes to drink your coffee. Some days that means breaking down inflation data or market moves

1 min readAug 7, 2025