On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve issued their October rate decision announcing that there would not be any changes to the Fed Funds rate. A pause holding the fed funds rate at 3.75%-4%. This pause was well choreographed and expected by markets. Only two members dissented (with those two members voting for a raise due to […]

I’ve heard from a few (very informed!) clients about the new federal tax credit that is proposed for 2027. Here is what we know thus far. In early October 2026, the Department of Treasury and the IRS proposed regulations to implement the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, commonly referred to as the Education Freedom Tax […]

After a week away from Friday Five, let’s catch up on market happenings. Truly, there is never a dull moment! September CPI report – This hotter than anticipated report set off a tough few days for stocks. CPI rose 3.7% year over year (above the rise in August of 3.4%) and Core CPI was also […]

I talked with a client about the annual adjustment to social security this week – let’s take a look. Every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announces an inflation adjustment for social security benefits. This allows for the retirement/disability benefits being paid to 76 million Americans to keep pace with inflation. Last week, the SSA […]

It’s not often you read a headline for new highs in the US equity market (S&P 500 and NASDAQ) as well as headline for a 24-year high in the US 10-year treasury yield in the same week – but such is our current reality. This sets up a very unusual game of tug-of-war in markets. […]

Perhaps it is the time of year – leaves start to change, daylight hours decline, and the calendar starts to feel as though it’s on fast-forward as we approach the end of another year. Whatever the reasons, this is the time of year clients start to “check in” on what needs to be taken care […]

Third quarter 2026 wrapped up this week, surrounded by a flurry of noteworthy events and data releases. Let’s take a look at four such items Inflation and Jobs Data The Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) price index for August was released and was a cooler read of inflation than markets anticipated, rising 3% year over year […]

Interest rate levels impact all of us in some way (for better or worse). I talked to a client this week about the impact of rates on housing. Let’s take a look. It’s no secret that interest rates have moved up in 2026 (instead of the projected downward trajectory). This is due to a host […]

Oil hovers near $100. Middle East conflict marches on. Trade wars are back in the headlines. Midterm elections are coming up in six weeks in the US. The Federal Reserve rose interest rates last week (and may not be done with their hikes). Longer-term interest rates continue to rise (with the 10 year rising, sitting […]

As equity markets continue to march higher, sentiment is getting increasingly negative. A client asked about this apparent contradiction and what investor sentiment surveys typically mean for the path forward. Hard versus Soft Data If you’re an engaged investor, you are probably used to following economic data (like interest rates, inflation data, trade data, etc) […]