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MARKET COMMENTARY
Read monthly updates on economic events and market trends
Ryan Redfern
Chartered Market Technician® (CMT®)
Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®)
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Laura Redfern
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) Professional
Certified Financial Transitionist®
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Will Hepburn
Vice President of Investment Research
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Phil Lebkuecher
Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA)
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Heather D. Johnson
Investment Advisor Representative
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Blog
January 2026 Market Commentary
Heading into the new year, and the 2nd year of the 4-year presidential cycle, I would have expected to see a little more volatility, especially towards the end of the month. But so far, it’s been relatively calm. The S&P 500 had a mid-month pullback of about -2.5%...
Understanding Wills, Intentions, and Clarity for Your Loved Ones
“Do I Really Need a Will?” It’s one of the most commonly asked questions in estate planning. It often comes up after the holidays. Meaningful family conversations, or the simple realization that life feels fuller and more complex than it once did, can bring this...
How to Build Financial Security Without Making More Money
Why systems matter more than salary — and how small changes make a big difference Most of us grow up hearing the same financial advice: “Just make more money.” A raise. A bonus. A better-paying job. But the truth? Financial security isn’t about how much you...
December 2025 Market Commentary
As we close out 2025, it’s hard not to notice how different the end of the year looks compared to how it began. The first few months were volatile by any standard. At one point, the S&P 500 experienced a nearly -20% drawdown, while both the Small Cap Index and...
What Recent Tax Law Changes May Mean for You
The new OBBBA became law this year, and while some headlines have focused on a few flashy provisions, the more meaningful impact for most households is subtler — and more planning-related. Some changes affect 2025 returns, while others begin in 2026. The bigger...
A Token for Your Thoughts?
When the terms “token” and “tokenization” first started cropping up in the news, I had to look up what they meant. I’m glad I had that background when I saw that tokenization will be coming to an investment near you, probably next year. Without getting too wonky on...
How the Grinches Tried to Steal Your Financial Cheer
As the holidays approach and the year draws to a close, many of us feel the tug between celebration and stress. But sometimes that tension doesn’t come from the season itself. Instead, it comes from the sneaky, real-life Grinches that appear this time of year. These...
November 2025 Market Commentary
Ok, NOW we get the pullback that was expected in the September/October period. It already looks like the wave of fear has passed and we got a common 5%-ish pullback (I’m showing -5.07% on the SPY ETF). Textbook typical, nothing out of the ordinary. We still are in...
Savings in the New World of AI
You already know an emergency savings account is a core piece of any solid financial plan. That part isn’t changing. What is changing – and fast! – is the world around us, especially with AI reshaping jobs and careers rapidly. An emergency fund still does its classic...
Quantum Computing, the Next Big Thing
Quantum computing has been in the news more and more these days, and as I study this subject, the more I am convinced that quantum computing will become the next great investment paradigm. Now, what do I mean by paradigms? These are not investments, per se. They are...
How Gratitude Shapes Smarter Investment Decisions
As we move into a season that naturally invites reflection, it’s worth asking a simple but powerful question: How often do we pause to appreciate what our money has already made possible? The roof over our heads. The vacations we’ve taken. The comfort of knowing we...
October 2025 Market Commentary
While October hasn’t been as “scary” as it could have been, the S&P 500 did manage a very quick -2.98% drawdown in two days (Oct 9th & 10th). But this pullback gave us an opportunity to add stock market exposure in a couple of models where we were looking to...
