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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
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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
February 2026 Market Commentary
So far, the broad markets are off to a “meh” start to the year with the S&P 500 index sitting very close to where it started in January. And while the big tech names that drove most of the upside we’ve seen over the past few years are getting hit the hardest, some...
What Kind of Relationship Do You Have With Your Money?
When most people think about financial planning, they think about numbers: balances, returns, retirement timelines, tax efficiency. But there is another element that is more difficult to quantify, yet equally – or even more important: your relationship with money. ...
Waiting for the “Right Time”: The Psychology Behind Delayed Decisions
One of the more common phrases I hear in financial conversations is something along the lines of: “I’m just waiting for the right time.” On the surface, this sounds prudent. Thoughtful. Even disciplined. In practice, however, the concept of a “right time” is often...
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...
