A no-nonsense guide to understanding why markets go up and down — and why that’s actually okay Let’s Start With a Simple Truth Markets are scary sometimes. They drop. They swing wildly. Headlines scream. Your stomach drops with them. Every instinct tells you to do something — pull your money out, wait until things “calm… Continue reading Staying the Course
Article Categories: Articles
Spring Cleaning Your Finances
Spring is a natural time to reset and clean up the areas of life that have gotten a little cluttered over the winter. Your finances are no different. A quick financial “spring cleaning” can help you eliminate waste, get organized, and refocus on what matters most. Start by reviewing your bank and credit card statements.… Continue reading Spring Cleaning Your Finances
Why is market volatility good?
Think of the stock market like a massive, never-ending garage sale. When things get “volatile,” it basically means the prices are jumping all over the place. While that sounds scary, if you’re playing the long game, it’s actually your secret weapon. Here’s the “vibe check” on why market chaos is actually a good thing for… Continue reading Why is market volatility good?
Avoiding Fraud When Filing Your Tax Return
Tax season can already feel overwhelming, and the last thing you want is to worry about scammers trying to steal your refund or personal information. The good news is that a few simple, proactive steps can make a big difference in keeping your tax return safe. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is… Continue reading Avoiding Fraud When Filing Your Tax Return
Gulf Wars and Volatility – Here We Go Again!
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” “Past Performance is not a guarantee of future results.” Somewhere between these two quotes there is a balance that we all must strike if we are going to successfully navigate the stock market. Last Saturday we woke… Continue reading Gulf Wars and Volatility – Here We Go Again!
Your Child’s Financial Future Isn’t Red or Blue, It’s Golden!
How many times have you heard, “Don’t talk politics, religion or (in Wisconsin) ‘da Bears’?” We will try to obey that maxim today and avoid politics. While politics is divided between red and blue, in finance, we don’t like either. Red commonly indicates negative numbers. Blue is not much better as it typically indicates a… Continue reading Your Child’s Financial Future Isn’t Red or Blue, It’s Golden!
Inflation is cooling on paper. So why does it still feel like you’re getting squeezed?
If you’ve looked at inflation headlines lately, you’ve probably seen some version of: “It’s not as bad as it was.” And according to the official numbers, that’s broadly true. Prices are still higher than they used to be, but the rate of increase has eased compared with the worst of the post-pandemic surge. The latest… Continue reading Inflation is cooling on paper. So why does it still feel like you’re getting squeezed?
Why You Might See a Bigger Tax Refund This Year
If you are filing your 2025 tax return this year, you may be surprised in a good way. Many people are seeing larger tax refunds than they are used to, even if nothing about their job or income feels dramatically different. This is one of those moments where the tax system actually did what it… Continue reading Why You Might See a Bigger Tax Refund This Year
Reducing Household Food Spending
Reducing household food spending starts with thoughtful planning. Creating a weekly meal plan and shopping list helps prevent impulse purchases and reduces the likelihood of buying items you don’t need. Before heading to the store, check your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to avoid buying duplicates. Planning meals around what you already have—and what is on… Continue reading Reducing Household Food Spending
Shopping for an Advisor
Working with your conflict-free Francis advisor through your employer’s financial wellness program is great, but what if you need to hire your own retail advisor? There is a dizzying array of firms out there happy to dispense advice, but costs and fee structures vary wildly and conflicts are commonplace. So, you might be wondering, “how… Continue reading Shopping for an Advisor
