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.

As a small business owner myself, I am deeply passionate about supporting small businesses in every way that we can. Owning a business and navigating the financial complexities that come with it can be overwhelming and challenging, to say the least. In this blog post, we will explore the various ways in which our firm works with small businesses to help them succeed financially and reach new heights of prosperity.

April showers came a month early as stocks fell in March, rattled by a mix of trade tension and weaker economic data. New tariffs introduced by the Trump administration in March sparked concerns about rising costs for companies and consumers. For some businesses, that means tighter profit margins. For households already mindful of inflation, it means higher prices — or delaying purchases altogether. That uncertainty has real economic consequences, from slowing consumer spending to companies pausing hiring and investment decisions.

As we reflect on February’s performance, the stock market continues to showcase its sensitivity to uncertainty, with the S&P 500 dipping by -1.3%. Despite a 1.4% year-to-date gain, the market appears fragile, as several key factors weigh heavily on investor sentiment. While the underlying economy remains fundamentally strong, several developments have sparked concern across various sectors, particularly in tariffs, inflation, and shifts in consumer behavior. The market’s volatility presents challenges, but also opportunities. In times of uncertainty, we remain committed to helping our clients navigate these challenges with a focus on financial resilience and thoughtful, strategic investment choices.

This Women’s History Month, let’s not only reflect on the past but also take action toward a more equitable future. Support women-owned businesses, amplify women’s voices, and encourage financial literacy among women of all ages.

Here’s to strong women—past, present, and future. May we celebrate them, learn from them, and continue their legacy of resilience and success.

As the AI and tariff headlines swirl, don’t forget that stock market fundamentals remain healthy. Steady economic growth, double-digit increases in S&P 500 profits, contained inflation, and likely additional rate cuts by the Fed later this year are a good mix for higher stock prices. The S&P 500 rose in January, which history suggests is an effective barometer for stock prices over the balance of the year. Expect a profitable year for stock investors in 2025 but be ready for some more ups and downs.

Setting realistic goals is key to achieving financial success. However, knowing which goals to prioritize and how to reach them can be difficult. Following through with the goals you set, can be even harder. How often have you set a goal with the best of intentions and then found yourself feeling defeated when you don’t quite stick to your plan? If this is you, know that you are not alone. This year, we are taking control of our finances rather than letting our finances control us. How do we do that?

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past year, set new goals, and map out a path to success in the year ahead. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or part of a growing organization, having a well-thought-out business plan is essential to staying focused, tracking progress, and achieving your objectives. At Infinite Heights Wealth Management, we believe in starting the year strong with a clear vision, purpose, and strategy.

In a world overflowing with distractions, options, and endless tasks, focusing on less—not more—can be the key to unlocking greater success. At Infinite Heights Wealth Management, we believe that true productivity comes from stripping away the unnecessary and focusing on what truly matters. This approach applies to both our personal and professional lives—and it’s something we’ve been embracing more and more in our firm as we aim to provide the best service possible to our clients.

Solid gains for stocks gave investors a November to remember. In fact, the S&P 500’s more than 5% advance marked its best month of 2024. Several factors played into the stock market’s continued move higher. The U.S. economy continued its steady run of solid growth. The Federal Reserve (Fed) cut interest rates as expected, providing some reassurance about the outlook for inflation. Third quarter earnings season was solid, revealing that corporate America still has double-digit earnings power in its bag of tricks. The combination of election clarity and prospects for deregulation and lower taxes from the incoming administration also played a role.

The 2024 election results are in, and the political landscape has shifted—Investors are betting on reflation, with yields rising, the dollar strengthening, and cyclical stocks surging. But with this renewed optimism comes questions about how these political and economic shifts could impact your personal finances. Let’s break down what this means for you as an investor and how you should approach the evolving landscape.

After last week’s whirlwind of national events and the election of Donald Trump as the 47th president, it's easy to feel as though much is out of our hands. However, there’s an empowering truth: The financial choices you make today—no matter the political landscape—are the ones that will most directly shape your future.

While it’s tempting to make investment decisions based on political outcomes or short-term market reactions, especially when the stakes feel high, the key to long-term financial success is maintaining a steady course.

The end of the year means it is time for festivities and Holiday cheer! It is also time to prepare for a new year and to make sure you didn’t miss any important deductions that could help lower your tax bill for 2024. The clock is ticking but thankfully, we still have time, so read on to learn about the last-minute tax deductions you can still take.

Buying into a small business is an exciting opportunity to take control of your financial future and create lasting success. Whether you're joining an established practice or partnering with a growing company, becoming a business owner offers tremendous potential for growth, innovation, and personal fulfillment. However, this decision also comes with a major financial and professional commitment, requiring thoughtful planning and expert guidance. It’s essential to do your due diligence to ensure that the deal is right for you. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key questions and steps you should take to evaluate the opportunity and protect your investment.

Finally! For the first time in more than four years, on September 18, the Federal Reserve (Fed) cut interest rates. While the debate over how big the cut would be was settled (a half point, not a quarter), questions about where the Fed will go from here and what it might mean for the economy and markets will continue.

Don't forget to give your finances some love. As an entrepreneur, your financial health is directly tied to your business's success. By taking steps to improve your financial situation, you're investing in your future and reducing stress.

If you're self-employed or a small business owner looking to maximize your retirement savings, a Solo 401(k) can be a powerful tool.

We're thrilled to announce a significant enhancement to SIMPLE and SEP IRA plans: Roth employee deferrals. This new feature, introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act, offers your employees a powerful tool to save for retirement. Roth employee deferrals allow participants to contribute after-tax money to their SIMPLE and SEP IRA plans. Unlike traditional contributions, which are tax-deductible now but subject to income tax upon withdrawal, Roth contributions grow tax-free. This means you can withdraw your funds penalty-free after age 59½.