Blogs
Info: Social Security COLA for 2027
On October 14, 2026, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027, marking the largest increase in Social Security benefits since 2023. With th
Read More →
Weekly update: Inflation persists, AI wobbles
Last week, investors worried that a resilient economy and rising gasoline prices could keep inflation and borrowing costs high. Tech stocks bore the brunt amid doubts over lofty valuations and the cos
Read More →
Weekly Update: Rates rise, energy stings
Stocks neared or hit record highs last week, even as the 10-year Treasury yield reached its highest level since 2002. Behind that move, stubborn inflation is keeping pressure on the Federal Reserve to
Read More →
September analysis: Diesel, yields, and a hike
In September, the Federal Reserve delivered its first rate hike since 2023, and long-term Treasury yields jumped as the U.S.-Iran conflict drove oil prices higher. Most stocks and bonds fell together,
Read More →
Q3 review: Record diesel, rising rates
The U.S. economy showed resilience last quarter, but the picture wasn’t all rosy. Hiring slowed sharply, and while consumer spending picked up, the U.S.-Iran conflict drove fuel prices higher and kept
Read More →
Financial Planning Strategies for Volatile Markets
Market volatility can be unsettling, but it does not have to derail a thoughtful financial plan. A long-term strategy built around your goals, risk comfort, savings habits, and investment mix can prov
Read More →
Weekly update: Yields jump, sentiment slips
Stocks finished higher last week, even as Treasury yields climbed to their highest level since 2007. The economy continued to show strength, with growth boosting profits but keeping pressure on inflat
Read More →
Weekly update: Fed hikes, oil simmers
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates last week for the first time in three years, judging the economy strong enough to handle it and inflation firm enough to demand it. Investors weighed the cost
Read More →
What the September 2026 Fed Meeting Means for Planning
The Federal Reserve’s September 15–16, 2026, meeting marked a change from its previous pattern. The Federal Open Market Committee unanimously approved a quarter-percentage-point increase in the federa
Read More →
Weekly Update: Oil surges, stocks tumble
Markets grew more volatile last week. Oil pushed above $100 a barrel, and Treasury yields rose as inflation data pointed to persistent price pressure. Together, these developments revived worries that
Read More →
Weekly Update: Strong jobs performance, sticky inflation
U.S. markets closed the week little changed, but the tone shifted Friday. A much stronger August jobs report pushed Treasury yields and the dollar higher, and sent stocks lower into the close. It also
Read More →
August analysis: A two-tier economy
August saw inflation hold above the Federal Reserve’s target, bond yields stay elevated, and oil swing sharply on geopolitical tensions. Retail and housing trends, meanwhile, pointed to a slowing econ
Read More →
Weekly Update: Inflation Inches Higher as Earnings Growth Continues
U.S. stocks took a step back last week as investors weighed rising interest rates, higher oil prices, and continued uncertainty around the Federal Reserve. For the week, the S&P 500 declined 1.43%, th
Read More →
Trump Accounts: Explained
A new type of investment account for children, known as a Trump Account (also referred to as a 530A account), officially launched in July. Since many families have questions about how these accounts w
Read More →
Weekly update: Consumer sentiment falters, oil spikes
Last week, the S&P 500 briefly hit record highs, and the Nasdaq drew fresh enthusiasm for AI infrastructure spending. However, Friday reversed some of that optimism, as sluggish retail sales and risin
Read More →
Weekly Update: Weak Jobs, Strong Rally
Markets rallied hard last week. Softer jobs data eased worries about a near-term Federal Reserve rate hike; at the same time, standout AI earnings continued to roll in, though lofty expectations cause
Read More →
What is a K Shaped Economy?
The term "K-shaped economy" has been appearing more frequently in financial news lately, leaving many people wondering what it actually means and why it matters to investors. So, with that in mind, I
Read More →
July analysis: Inflation and Fed uncertainty
July brought mixed signals for investors to sort through. Inflation data pointed to cooling prices in June, and the labor market held steady even though the Federal Reserve grew more cautious without
Read More →
Overview: July Fed Meeting
The Federal Reserve (Fed) concluded its July 28th-29th meeting by leaving the federal funds target range at 3.50%–3.75%. Although the Fed ultimately left rates unchanged, this meeting carried more unc
Read More →
Weekly update: Inflation fears reignite
Over the last week, inflation fears were back in focus as tariff risks, the Iran conflict, rising oil prices, and doubts about the Federal Reserve’s next move dominated headlines. Strong early earni
Read More →
Weekly Update: Strong earnings, reignited conflict
Markets had plenty to digest last week. Headline inflation cooled more than expected, with a monthly drop that was the largest since April 2020. But the calm didn't last. Renewed U.S.-Iran hostiliti
Read More →
Why Long-Term Investing Can Strengthen Your Financial Future
Long-term investing has consistently proven to be a reliable path for building financial stability, especially when supported by thoughtful financial planning and steady investment guidance. While mar
Read More →
Weekly Update: Narrow rally, wide risks
Markets edged higher last week; however, that narrow leadership came as tension around Iran and oil kept investors on edge and put pressure on the Federal Reserve ahead of their late July meeting. H
Read More →
June Analysis: Resilient Economy and Nervous Markets
Last month, growth held firm, and the labor market held stable even as financial conditions quietly tightened beneath the surface. Equity indices were mixed, and inflation stayed unrelenting. The Fede
Read More →
Weekly Update: A Complicated Picture
I hope this message finds you well. The market is telling two stories at once. Enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and the SpaceX debut is lifting a concentrated group of growth stocks, while highe
Read More →
Weekly update: IPOs, CPI, and Fed expectations
Last week’s data confirmed that the U.S. economy is not rolling over, but it is not delivering the relief markets want either. Growth is modest, and the labor market remains solid. However, inflation
Read More →
Weekly Update: Late May rally doesn't last
Stocks entered last week riding May’s momentum and left it questioning the Federal Reserve’s next move. Strong payrolls and persistent inflation kept the central bank firmly on hold under new Fed Chai
Read More →
May Market And Economic Overview
The U.S. economy expanded in May with steady consumer spending and strong AI-related investment, even as rising energy prices tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict pressured inflation and kept the Federal Re
Read More →
Weekly Update: Inflation, new Fed Chair, and geopolitics
Stocks climbed to record highs last week ahead of a hotter-than-expected April CPI report, and concerns about a hawkish Federal Reserve sent Treasury yields sharply higher, leading to a Friday sell-of
Read More →
Weekly Update: Quiet growth and a cooling job market
Last week offered something relatively rare: the economy lost speed without losing its footing. This is due to moderating wages and steady business activity that have kept corporate profits healthy an
Read More →
April analysis: AI, energy, inflation, and rates
U.S. markets reached record highs in April, driven by strong corporate earnings and enthusiasm around AI. Investors largely looked past elevated inflation, rising yields, and persistent tensions in th
Read More →
Key Insights From the Latest Federal Reserve Meeting
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged during its April 28–29 meeting, signaling a continued wait-and-see approach as policymakers assess inflation, growth, and employment trends. With Jero
Read More →
Q1 2026 Market Recap and Economic Overview
The first quarter of 2026 began with strong momentum but ended with increased uncertainty and market turbulence. Economic growth held up and inflation remained near target, yet shifting risk tolerance
Read More →
March Analysis: Navigating skyrocketing oil and uncertainty
March proved to be a turbulent month. Conflict with Iran sent oil prices skyrocketing, compounding inflation that was already proving hard to tame. Another big story from March was the March 17-18 Fed
Read More →
Weekly update: Fed holds steady amid shaky sentiment
Last week's dominant narrative pitted a still-solid U.S. economy against persistent inflation pressures and continued geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. This was highlighted as the Federal Rese
Read More →
Weekly Update: Inflation, Oil, and the Fed
Last week, U.S. markets faced a difficult combination of forces: an oil shock from the war in Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a job market showing cracks, and inflation data th
Read More →
Weekly Update: Oil Surges and Jobs Stumble
Last week brought two unwelcome surprises: a 35% spike in crude oil prices triggered by U.S. military conflict with Iran and a disappointing jobs report. Stocks drifted lower, and volatility picked
Read More →
March 2026 Financial Market Update
February delivered a mix of steady economic progress and renewed market uncertainty. Job growth remained solid and corporate earnings continued to impress, especially among AI-focused companies. At th
Read More →
Understanding the Economic Impact of the 2026 Tariff Ruling
The Supreme Court's February 20, 2026 ruling significantly reshaped U.S. trade policy by striking down the president's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad re
Read More →
Weekly Update: Growth is slowing, inflation isn't
Last week's macroeconomic message was mixed: solid growth but sticky inflation keeps the Federal Reserve in “higher for longer” mode, dashing hopes for rate cuts. Beneath calm index moves, money rotat
Read More →
Weekly Update: Soft Landing Holds, AI Disruption Accelerates
U.S. markets digested a Goldilocks scenario last week: strong jobs data paired with cooling inflation. This reinforced the soft-landing premise, leaving the Federal Reserve with little reason to rush
Read More →
Weekly Update: Dow hits 50,000 amid tech selloff
Last week delivered whipsaw action: U.S. stocks suffered a sharp tech-led selloff midweek before roaring back to push the Dow above 50,000 for the first time. While the S&P 500 narrowly avoided its w
Read More →
February 2026 Financial Market Update — A Fresh Look
Last month, the U.S. economy continued its above-trend expansion, driven primarily by robust consumer spending and a resilient services sector. Housing showed renewed momentum as lower mortgage rates
Read More →
Weekly Update: Markets Steady Despite Tariff Fears
Last week, U.S. markets whipsawed through the shortened week as tariff threats and business surveys shifted expectations for growth and Federal Reserve policy. Stocks tumbled on Europe and Greenland t
Read More →
Weekly update: Records, retail strength, and Fed friction
U.S. markets showed mixed performance last week, with the S&P 500 posting a losing week despite hitting new records mid-week. Volatility stemmed from President Trump's Federal Reserve comments, cautio
Read More →
Weekly Update: First full trading week of 2026 ends on positive note
U.S. financial markets ended the first full trading week of 2026 on a broadly positive note, with major equity benchmarks reaching all-time highs. Robust investor participation defied typical early-ye
Read More →
A Look Back at the Markets and Economy in 2025
The past year brought steady economic growth, easing price pressures, and strong market performance, even as headlines highlighted ongoing uncertainty. Below is a recap of the major developments that
Read More →
December Markets Steady as 2025 Closes Out
December wrapped up a year marked by steady moderation in inflation, supportive Fed policy, and resilient equity performance. This late‑cycle environment set the tone for a balanced finish, with broad
Read More →
Weekly Update: Record Highs and Consumer Jitters
Despite scaled-back trading, markets are closing out 2025 on an upbeat note. The S&P 500 and Dow notched record highs last week, propelled by stronger-than-expected economic data and easing price pres
Read More →
Weekly Update: Markets pause as Fed shifts gears
U.S. markets took a breather last week, digesting the Federal Reserve’s third straight rate cut alongside softer inflation data. The economic backdrop remains resilient but mixed, with Treasury yields
Read More →