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.

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. 

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.

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.