This Week’s Money Map:

• 📈 Spying on what CEOs and politicians are investing in

• 🧐 Psychology of sales: Why that “deal” might not be a deal at all

• 💊 Trump’s tariffs could make your meds cost more (here's how to get them cheaper)

• ✈️ Southwest Companion Pass secret: Lock in two years of free flights with one smart move

📈 How to spy on what CEOs and politicians are investing in

What if I told you there's a legal way to peek at the investment moves of some of the most connected people in America? I'm talking senators, CEOs, and the folks who literally write the rules for entire industries. Here’s how you can actually copy their exact trades, often within days of when they make them.

Copy trading is investment made simple
Every time a member of Congress buys or sells stock worth more than $1,000, they legally have to spill the beans within 45 days. Same goes for company CEOs and executives — they can't make a move without filing paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Think about it — these aren't random stock picks. When a pharmaceutical CEO buys more of their own company's stock, or when three senators suddenly get interested in clean energy companies, they might know something the rest of us don't. It’s like investing with a celebrity endorsement.

Where to get the scoop
Forget complex spreadsheets or hunting through government websites. Here are some apps and websites worth checking out:

Dub — This is the first SEC-registered platform that lets you automatically copy politician and CEO trades. 

Capitol Trades — Track U.S. politician trades for free and discover which stocks, assets, and companies politicians are buying or selling. It's like having a backstage pass to Congressional investment decisions.

Quiver Quantitative — These folks turn all that boring government paperwork into easy-to-read charts that show you exactly what's happening and when.

Even traditional platforms are jumping on board. eToro launched three Smart Portfolios in August 2024, including one that copies Congress members' stock buys.

Red flags and green flags to pay attention to
When it comes to copy trading, not every move is worth mimicking — but there are some green flags. One strong sign is when multiple politicians from different parties are all buying into the same sector. Another is when CEOs scoop up shares of their own company after the stock has been beaten down, showing they believe in a rebound. And of course, trades made right before major policy announcements can be a clue that the people in the know see opportunity ahead.

On the flip side, red flags include insiders who only make small, symbolic buys, trades that look conveniently timed but lack broader support, or situations where selling is disguised as buying confidence. Stay cautious — sometimes what looks shiny is just fool’s gold.

Disclaimer 
Let me be straight with you: copying trades isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. These people sometimes get it wrong, too. Sometimes they're selling for personal reasons that have nothing to do with the stock's future. And sometimes they know something you don't, but not in the way you'd hope.

The real value isn't in blindly copying every trade. It's in seeing patterns and using that information as one part of your investment research. When you notice a trend — like multiple tech executives suddenly buying cybersecurity stocks — that might tell you something about where the industry is heading.

🧐 Psychology of sales: Why that “deal” might not be a deal at all

We’ve all felt it — that little jolt when a “limited-time offer” flashes across the screen or when an agent tells you, “This is the best rate you’ll ever get.” Retailers, insurance companies, and even banks know exactly how to tap into psychology to make us pay more than we should. The good news? Once you see the tricks, you can fight back with confidence.

Anchoring: The old price tag trap
Ever see a TV “discounted” from $1,999 down to $999? That first price is called an anchor — it’s designed to make the lower number feel like a huge win, even if the higher price was never real. Often those bundles aren’t true savings, they’re just anchored against a made-up “full price.”

When it comes to insurance, use online insurance comparison tools before saying yes to a “deal.” If the bundle really is a bargain, you’ll see it reflected in competitive quotes.

Scarcity: “Hurry before it’s gone!”
“Only 2 left in stock!” “This insurance rate expires tonight!” Scarcity creates panic. Retailers know if you believe something’s scarce, you’re more likely to act without thinking. Although rates do change, the pressure is often exaggerated to rush your decision.

Bundles and add-ons: Hidden cart stuffers
That BOGO sale or “customers also bought” nudge is designed to fatten your cart. Insurance plays the same game. When buying car insurance, you’ll often be nudged to add rental car coverage, roadside assistance, or extra bells and whistles. With home insurance, you might be urged to tack on coverage for jewelry, electronics, or extended warranties — even if your actual risk is low.

Ask yourself: Would I pay for this add-on separately if it weren’t bundled? If not, skip it. Most of the time, you can buy extras à la carte later if you truly need them.

Loyalty programs: The trap of feeling “rewarded”
Retail loyalty points can make you overspend just to “earn” something back. Ever heard, “stay loyal for five years and you’ll qualify for our best discount”? That “loyalty reward” might just keep you from shopping around where better deals already exist.

The best loyalty is to your own wallet. Shop for car, home and life insurance every year or two, even if you love your current company.

Retailers and insurers thrive on nudging you into emotional, rushed, or “anchored” decisions. Whether it’s a flashing 50% off sign or a friendly agent urging you to “act now,” the psychology is the same: make you feel like spending more is saving more. Real savings don’t come from taking every deal — they come from slowing down, comparing without bias, and asking: do I actually need this, or am I being nudged?

💊 Trump’s tariffs could make your meds cost more (here’s how to get them cheaper)

Imagine opening your pharmacy bill and realizing your “same old” prescription suddenly costs a whole lot more. You didn’t change doses. The drug didn’t magically turn into gold dust. But thanks to new tariffs, your wallet just got sideswiped. That’s the real possibility hanging over millions of Americans after Trump’s latest move: slapping tariffs on drug imports.

Why you should care 

• Pharmaceutical companies don’t eat the cost. They pass it straight to you. History repeats — when tariffs hit goods from China a few years ago, everything from washing machines to diapers got pricier. Medicine won’t be the exception.

• Insurance isn’t a magic shield. Higher wholesale prices trickle down. Your copay may creep up, your deductible may take longer to hit, and insurers might “restructure coverage” (their polite way of saying: you’ll pay more out of pocket). 

• Delayed access. Smaller pharmacies might not stock as much if they can’t afford upfront costs.

• Drug shortages. Tariffs can disrupt supply chains already fragile from pandemic-era chaos.

• Your budget, squeezed. One survey showed nearly 3 in 10 Americans skip meds because of cost. Tariffs could bump that number higher.

What you can do about it 
You don’t have to sit back and wait for your pharmacy bill to give you a discount. Here’s how to act to protect your health and your wallet.

1. Comparison shop (yes, for prescriptions) — Tools like GoodRx or SingleCare can show cheaper pharmacy options nearby. Also, some big-box stores (Costco, Walmart) may beat your copay price if you pay in cash.

2. Ask your doctor about alternatives — Generic versions are usually 80–85% cheaper than brand names. Even a small tweak (like a 90-day supply instead of 30) can save you serious cash.

3. Leverage startups tackling drug costs — Companies like Arrive Health, Cost Plus Drugs (Mark Cuban’s project), and others are cutting middlemen out of the equation. They often offer transparent pricing you won’t see through traditional insurance.

4. Double-check your insurance plan — If open enrollment is coming up, run the numbers carefully. Some “cheaper” monthly premiums end up costing more once you add in high drug copays. Many plans now have tiered pricing. Know which tier your meds are in before you commit.

5. Don’t ignore mail-order pharmacies — Sometimes they negotiate better bulk prices and ship for free. Plus, fewer last-minute trips to CVS at 8 p.m.

Tariffs might sound like a far-off D.C. chess game, but in reality they’re a sneaky tax on your medicine cabinet. You can’t control global trade wars, but you can control how prepared you are. So start comparison shopping, quiz your doctor about alternatives, and rethink your insurance plan before open enrollment sneaks up.

✈️ Southwest Companion Pass secret: Lock in two years of free flights with one smart move

Airplane ticket prices sometimes feel as if they’ve been set by someone spinning a roulette wheel. That’s why the Southwest Companion Pass has almost mythical status among frequent travelers. It’s like getting a “buy one, get one free” ticket for nearly every Southwest flight, for up to two years. And the best part? You don’t have to be a road warrior or rack up 100 flights to get it. You can pull it off with one smart credit card play, a little patience, and some careful timing.

The catch? If you miss the timing, you could end up with barely a year instead of two. And trust me, you don’t want to leave an entire year of free flights on the table.

Why the Companion Pass matters more than points
Normally, earning points with an airline card just means shaving a few bucks off your next trip. But the Companion Pass is in a different league. It lets you pick one person — your spouse, kid, best friend, whomever — and they fly with you for just the taxes and fees.

The standard way to earn it is brutal: 100 one-way flights or 135,000 qualifying points in a single calendar year. But Southwest’s current 120,000-point welcome bonus on the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card changes the game.

How the math maths
Here’s the deal, broken down in simple terms:

• 120,000 points = the card welcome bonus

• 10,000 points = earned from spending the required $10,000

• 10,000-point boost = automatic for being a Southwest cardholder

• Grand total = 140,000 points (just over the 135,000 needed)

That’s your Companion Pass ticket. But — and this is critical — the points have to post in the right calendar year. If they hit in late 2025, your Companion Pass expires end of 2026. If you time it so they hit in early 2026, you lock in the pass through end of 2027. That’s nearly two full years of BOGO flights.

Timing is everything
The current 120K offer is valid through October 30, 2025. If you’re tempted to pounce right now, pause. You’ll want to apply around early October 2025, but hold off on hitting the $10,000 spending requirement until January 2026. Why? Because the points post after you meet the spending, and you want them landing in 2026 — not 2025.

Think of it like setting a trap. Spring it too soon and you waste a year. Wait a few months, and you’ve got two full years of essentially half-price flights for you and your travel buddy.

Travel insurance
But don’t skip the boring part: travel insurance. Flights get delayed, bags disappear, and medical bills abroad aren’t fun. Many premium travel cards include some form of built-in travel insurance (trip delay coverage, lost luggage, rental car protection). If you’re going to lean on a card for earning points, check what kind of insurance comes with it. Otherwise, consider picking up a cheap travel policy — it could save you from a financial headache mid-trip.

Final thought
The window to set this up is narrow: apply this fall, hold your spending until January, then enjoy free flights for two until December 2027. Miss the timing, and you’ll lose an entire year of benefits. The Companion Pass is one of the rare loopholes that lets you beat the airlines at their own game. If you time it right, you could be sitting on one of the best travel deals in the country.

Smart Cents gives you actionable tips and mindset shifts to help you reach your financial happy place. Thanks for being a part of our community.

The MoneyGeek Team

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