The news only cares about one thing: getting you to tune in tomorrow. There is no shortage of headlines designed to create worry, shake confidence, or make you feel like the world is on the brink of disaster. One chart I often find helpful comes from First Trust. It shows how the S&P 500 has performed since 1970, alongside many of the major headlines investors lived through along the way. Technology shifts like the introduction of the PC and the iPhone. Nuclear accidents such

Would you be surprised to learn that even with a 17% return in 2025, the US stock market ranked 37th globally? This short video references a Dimensional chart using 2025 data to show why global diversification matters. The takeaway is simple. Strong returns in one market do not eliminate the value of diversification. Watch the video below for a brief explanation. Source: Dimensional Fund Advisors For educational purposes only. Not investment advice.

As we reflect on 2025 , it is helpful to consider what the markets reminded investors over the course of the year. While every year brings its own headlines and sources of uncertainty, the way markets behave during periods of stress tends to follow familiar patterns. Last year was no exception. Early in 2025, renewed tariff announcements and trade-related uncertainty led to a sharp increase in volatility. Market sentiment shifted quickly, and U.S. equities experienced a meani

Many grandparents want to do more than write a check for birthdays or holidays. They want to be intentional about how they support their grandchildren’s future. Understanding the best ways for grandparents giving to grandchildren  can help families make informed decisions while maintaining flexibility and control. Three of the most common options are 529 college savings plans, custodial accounts, and brokerage accounts held in the grandparent’s name but earmarked for a child.

The IRS has released the official 2026 IRS contribution limits, along with updates to retirement plans, HSAs, Roth IRA eligibility, IRA deductions, and Medicare IRMAA brackets. These changes can have a meaningful impact on long-term financial planning, tax strategy, and investment decisions. Below is a clean, comprehensive breakdown of all the key numbers investors need to know for 2026. 2026 Retirement Account Contribution Limits (Updated IRS Guidelines) Account Type 2025 Li

This Thanksgiving, consider giving the people you love the lasting gift of estate planning — clarity, protection, and peace for the future. Thanksgiving is more than turkey and pie — it’s time spent with those we love most. It’s a moment when we pause, count our blessings, and reflect on what matters. This year, as you gather around the table, consider one of the most meaningful gifts you could leave your family: an estate planning strategy . Not a financial forecast or inves

Happy Veterans Day to all my fellow veterans out there!  Whether you’re a recent veteran or have been out of the military for decades — thank you for your service. Even if you’re not a veteran, this is still worth a read since odds are you know someone who is. For my first blog, I wanted to highlight VA benefits  — both well-known and lesser-known — that can have a big impact on your financial and personal well-being. 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) The 2026 Cost-of-Liv

Here’s why we as investors don’t react to a government shutdown. History shows the market reaction to government shutdowns is usually...

When a hurricane is on the horizon, most people rush to grab bottled water, flashlights, and plywood. Those are smart steps—but real...

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) , signed in July 2025, reshaped the U.S. tax code with provisions that directly affect high-income...

Reading Blackrock’s latest Student of the Market LINK this caught my eye: The amount in money market funds has ballooned to $7 trillion...

This is often when we get calls: "I want to retire in 3 years but am not sure if I can or not. Can you help me?" A little preparation...

It’s a lot to read, but informative. Remember: if an email or call is unusual, hang up, don’t reply or click. Call back your known...

Trump Accounts are new government-seeded savings accounts for children born starting in 2025. While the $1,000 deposit is guaranteed, key tax rules remain unclear—here's what families need to know before taking action.

This is a quick exercise we often do with clients to illustrate why we don’t try to guess the market—and why having multiple areas of the...