Walgreens Will Close 14% of US Stores
First they locked up your moisturizer, and now they are taking it away for good. Yesterday, Walgreens
said
it will close 1,200 US stores, about one in seven locations, by 2027. The retailer will shutter 500 stores by the end of next year.
CEO Tim Wentworth has spent his first year at the company implementing a turnaround plan that includes a hard pivot away from his predecessor’s investments in primary care clinics and foregoing expensive leases. But it’s not just Walgreens—business is rough for rival chains that also sell Maybelline, Mucinex, and Monster energy drinks.
The widespread closures could push even more rural and minority communities into “pharmacy deserts.” Roughly 46% of US counties had a pharmacy desert, or a populated area 10+ miles from a retail pharmacy, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Big picture : Drugstores have pinned their struggles on the rise of online retailers like Amazon and population decline. But an FTC report also lays some blame on the three giant pharmacy benefits managers—companies that act as middlemen to negotiate drug prices—for “squeezing” pharmacies by lowering reimbursement rates.—MM
CEO Tim Wentworth has spent his first year at the company implementing a turnaround plan that includes a hard pivot away from his predecessor’s investments in primary care clinics and foregoing expensive leases. But it’s not just Walgreens—business is rough for rival chains that also sell Maybelline, Mucinex, and Monster energy drinks.
- Rite-Aid said it would close 800 stores as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing last October.
- CVS announced earlier this month it would cut an additional 2,900 jobs on top of the 5,000 it cut last year.
The widespread closures could push even more rural and minority communities into “pharmacy deserts.” Roughly 46% of US counties had a pharmacy desert, or a populated area 10+ miles from a retail pharmacy, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Big picture : Drugstores have pinned their struggles on the rise of online retailers like Amazon and population decline. But an FTC report also lays some blame on the three giant pharmacy benefits managers—companies that act as middlemen to negotiate drug prices—for “squeezing” pharmacies by lowering reimbursement rates.—MM

January 7, 2025
Given these findings, it’s clear that achieving a comfortable retirement requires careful planning, consistent saving and strategic investment decisions. Here are key strategies to consider: Parents educate your children early. Retirement savings early! Make regular contributions, even if they are small, as they can accumulate significantly over time. The older you get. Reduce your debt reduction. Less is more. Start selling and down sizing. Consider paying off mortgages before retirement to decrease monthly expenses. Consult with Xcapital28 for a personalized and tailored portfolio. Life consulting can help in creating a direct approach and maximize returns. Contribute the maximum amount to retirement accounts like 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (IRAs) to take full advantage of tax benefits Cash for pennies pledge account. Diversify your portfolio across various asset and tax benefiting to reduce and mitigate risk. Include stocks, bonds, real estate and other alternative investments like art, which has seen has seen a 13.8% annualized return, surpassing the 10.2% from the S&P 500. There is no such thing as and emergency fund. Just having access to funds creates no emergency way of thinking. Learn how to cover unexpected expenses. This prevents the need to withdraw from retirement savings prematurely. Pull equity much sooner before selling off assets Money Pickle is the easiest way to consider hiring a matched financial advisor tailored to your specific goals. If you're ready to invest in the long-term financial well-being of you and your family, book a video call with a vetted professional committed to your growth today. Book a call with a coach fromXCAPITAL28.

January 7, 2025
Retirement is a mandatory goal and should be added to your budget and for many Americans, achieving the ideal savings target remains elusive for many. The average American retiree had about $170,726 in retirement savings in 2023, Only 12% of retirees have achieved or exceeded this recommended savings amount.
