As the holiday season unfolds, many of us find ourselves reflecting on what matters most, including how we can support the causes and communities we care about.

But here's the thing: thoughtful charitable planning isn't just about generosity. When done strategically, it can also strengthen your overall financial picture. The question isn't simply whether to give, but how to give in ways that maximize both your philanthropic impact and your financial goals.

Despite a swirl of headlines around AI spending, Federal Reserve policy, and the government shutdown, markets held their footing in November. This recap highlights the key themes and reminds investors why clarity, discipline, and a well-built plan are essential in times of uncertainty.

The mandatory Roth catch-up for high earners is the most significant structural change to retirement savings rules in recent years. It's not optional, it's not temporary, and it affects a substantial portion of retirement savers.

You need to plan for the tax impact in 2026, verify that your employer's plan is set up correctly, and ensure this fits into your broader retirement strategy.

As we move into the holidays and wrap up another year of planning and progress, it is worth stepping back to take stock of the financial landscape that has supported your growth. Markets have been resilient, diversified portfolios have been rewarded, and long-term investors who stayed disciplined have benefited from a year of strong performance.

This is an ideal moment to reflect on what went well, reinforce the strategies that are working, and prepare for the opportunities ahead. Here is what stood out this year and why these developments matter for the future you are building.

The stock market continued its strong performance in October despite uncertainty from a government shutdown and renewed trade tensions with China early in the month. Many major indices reached new all-time highs after recovering from a brief period of volatility. Bonds also contributed positively to portfolios as interest rates declined, fueled partly by the Federal Reserve's second consecutive rate cut.

Despite positive gains, the month was not without challenges. The ongoing government shutdown captured headlines and raised recession concerns, while a brief "tariff tantrum" over rare earth metals caused the largest single-day market decline since April. However, markets quickly recovered, reinforcing the importance of not overreacting to headlines. These market dynamics also pushed gold to a new record level, before pulling back toward the end of the month.

On Friday, markets experienced their largest one-day drop since April, triggered by renewed tensions between the U.S. and China over rare earth metals and potential tariffs. While headlines focused on the sudden sell-off, markets quickly stabilized as the White House softened its tone on trade.

For many investors, these quick swings can feel unsettling, especially after a period of relative calm. But beneath the surface, the story is much bigger than a single day’s decline.

 As of this week, the federal government is still shut down following another budget standoff in Washington. It’s a familiar story, lawmakers couldn’t agree on funding before the October 1 deadline, and now parts of the government have gone dark until a deal is reached.

For many investors, the natural question is: How will this affect my portfolio?

The short answer: probably less than you think.

Markets reached record highs in the third quarter, powered by strong corporate earnings and investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence. At the same time, the labor market has softened and the Federal Reserve has begun cutting rates in response. As we enter the final quarter of 2025, investors face mixed economic signals — but history reminds us that disciplined, diversified portfolios are built to weather every phase of the market cycle.

Anyone who lived through the high inflation years of the 1970s and 1980s or who remembers the post pandemic price spikes has seen how quickly costs can rise. Today inflation is more persistent than many expected. Concerns about tariffs potentially driving up consumer costs are back in the spotlight. At the same time the economy remains resilient with strong consumer spending, healthy employment, and solid corporate earnings.

August was another strong month for the markets, with both stocks and bonds finishing higher. In fact, we saw record highs in several areas, even as headlines about tariffs, Federal Reserve policy, and tech valuations continued to stir uncertainty.

Markets dropped in the middle of the month because investors worried the Fed might keep interest rates high to fight inflation. Recent inflation reports showed that companies are starting to charge consumers more because of tariff costs. But markets bounced back when companies reported better earnings than expected and investors became more confident the Fed would lower rates in September.

On July 4 President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law. This legislation brings some of the biggest tax changes we have seen in years. While the headlines have focused on politics, what truly matters is how this bill affects your financial plan, your income, your business, and your long-term goals. Understanding the new law’s implications can help you make informed financial decisions and make the most out of the potential opportunities presented by the bill. 

July was a big month for the markets. The S&P 500 hit ten new all-time highs, fueled by strong corporate earnings, steady economic growth, and trade deals wrapped up before new tariffs kicked in. In the second half of the month, the index posted six consecutive record-setting days, bringing its total gain for the year to 7.8%. But as the month closed, the mood shifted. On July 31, a new tariff announcement raised concerns about potential price increases for consumers. At the same time, employment data showed the job market has cooled more than earlier reports suggested.

Social Security isn’t going away, but it is changing. Whether you’re days or decades away from retirement, it’s never too early to understand how Social Security fits into your financial plan. To have perspective on the opportunities and risks, it's important to understand the program’s history, current challenges, and the strategies available to navigate what’s ahead.

The second quarter of 2025 proved that even in a noisy environment—policy shifts, global tensions, market headlines—staying grounded in your long-term plan pays off. While April’s new tariffs and June’s Middle East conflict initially caused market jitters, both equity and bond markets finished strong. In fact, most major indexes hit new highs by quarter-end. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what you can take away as a growth-minded investor.

As Washington state enacts major changes to both its estate and capital gains tax laws, high-earning individuals—especially business owners and women building multigenerational wealth—face a critical window for planning. With top estate tax rates rising to 35% and capital gains over $1 million now taxed at 9.9%, proactive strategy is no longer optional. This article breaks down what’s changing, why it matters, and what smart investors should be doing now to protect their legacy and take advantage of available opportunities before the rules shift again.

As a financial planner, I’ve seen how small midyear adjustments can make a significant difference by year-end—especially for ambitious professionals and business owners juggling complex goals. The second half of the year often moves quickly, and without a proactive plan, it’s easy to miss critical opportunities. Whether your year is unfolding just as planned or you’re ready for a course correction, now is the ideal time to check in, refocus, and set the pace for a strong finish.

Markets showed impressive strength in May, with major indices bouncing back after a rocky April, even as fiscal policy questions and global uncertainty remained front and center. The S&P 500 moved back into positive territory for the year, reminding long-term investors that staying the course can pay off even during choppy periods.

At the same time, consumer sentiment stayed cautious. Economic fundamentals remained solid, but the bond market saw volatility as investors tried to interpret the long-term impact of rising debt and shifting government priorities.

The U.S. has officially lost its perfect credit rating—again. Moody’s recently downgraded the country’s debt from Aaa to Aa1, following in the footsteps of Fitch (2023) and S&P (way back in 2011). This latest move comes at a time when lawmakers are debating a new budget proposal that could further widen the deficit, even as they talk about cutting taxes. It’s a messy mix of rising debt, political gridlock, and long-term uncertainty. Understandably, many investors are wondering: What does this mean for the markets—and for our own investment strategies?

Healthcare expenses represent one of the most substantial financial challenges facing retirees today, with costs showing no indication of declining. Current projections suggest that a 65-year-old individual entering retirement may face approximately $165,000 in healthcare expenditures over their retirement years, with married couples potentially encountering nearly double that amount. As longevity increases across the population, incorporating healthcare cost planning into comprehensive financial strategies has become increasingly critical.

April was one of the most volatile months in history as markets reacted to new tariff announcements. However, even though the S&P 500 fell as much as 12% during the month, the index rebounded and closed within one percent of where it started. Recent data also showed that the economy shrank slightly in the first quarter as companies stockpiled imported goods ahead of new tariffs. While bonds and international stocks were also volatile, they both contributed positively to diversified portfolios. This is yet another reminder of the importance of staying invested and diversified in times of uncertainty.