Summer’s here, and the time is right for vacations, outdoor activities, and fun. It’s also a good time to consider a few financial matters. Here are some questions to ask yourself mid-year. Goals still the same for 2026? Has market volatility affected your goals? Note any changes since the first of the year that may…
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It’s a simple question—but for most people, it’s surprisingly hard to answer with confidence. The reality is this: assets are not automatically protected. Without intentional planning, what you’ve worked so hard to build could be exposed to unnecessary risk. The good news? Many of the most common gaps are fixable—once you know where to look.…
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A while back, Money Magazine asked several successful people a simple question: What’s the smartest financial advice you’ve ever received? One response stood out. Richard Branson, billionaire founder of the Virgin Group, admitted that early in his career he simply didn’t know much about finance—and the best thing he learned was to stay humble about…
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A fellow advisor once shared a story that has always stuck with me. He tried to help his grandmother with her financial and life planning, but she refused. “She insisted that John—her advisor and friend for decades—was doing just fine,” he said. “Besides, she couldn’t imagine taking business away from someone she trusted for so…
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Legendary basketball coach John Wooden once said, “It is what we learn after we know it all that counts.” That quote perfectly captures one of the greatest challenges in retirement planning. As human beings, we like to feel respected and knowledgeable—and we really don’t like being wrong. That feeling often grows stronger as we get…
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If you read any investing publications, you often see headlines like “Value Investing is Dead” or “Dividend Stocks—The Safe Way to Invest” or “3 Growth Stocks That Can’t Be Stopped.” A little-known secret is that all of these headlines are illusory. Just because something is or is not working in the investment world does not…
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As the end of the year approaches, it’s natural to reflect on our financial successes—and to look for smart ways to save on taxes. The clock is ticking, but here are five strategies you may want to consider before year-end. #1… Charitable Giving Opportunities Are Changing The rules around charitable giving are shifting next year.…
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I love starting my day with a little time in the Word, and recently I was listening to a sermon that hit me right between the eyes. The pastor asked a simple but powerful question: Where are you getting your advice? It made me pause. Every day, we let different voices shape our thoughts and…
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It’s the week after we celebrate our risen Savior…but that’s not the theme here today. It’s fairly obvious that we’re going through a bit of turbulence in the financial markets. There’s a lot of noise coming out of Washington and around the world. And it’s that kind of noise that creates fear. Who really knows…
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1. 1934 Great Depression 2. 1935 Spanish Civil War 3. 1936 Economy Still Struggling 4. 1937 Recession 5. 1938 War Clouds Gather 6. 1939 War in Europe 7. 1940 France Falls 8. 1941 Pearl Harbor 9. 1942 Wartime Price Controls 10. 1943 Industry Mobilizes 11. 1944 Consumer Goods Shortage 12. 1945 Post-War Recession Predicted 13.…
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