Comprehensive Wealth Strategies

10/26/2026

Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will see the 3.6% COLA beginning in January 2027. Increased payments to about 7.3 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2026.

What does that mean in dollars? The average retired worker’s monthly benefit goes from $2,095 to $2,170 in 2027, about $75 more per month. The maximum benefit raises just slightly, from $4,152 a month to $4,188 in 2027.

How does it stack up? Looking back over the last 20 years of Social Security cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments:

✅ It’s higher than 2.8% in 2026
✅ It’s above the 20-year average of about 2.6%
✅ It ties 2012 for the 4th-largest increase since 2008, behind only 2023 (8.7%), 2022 (5.9%) and 2009 (5.8%)

10/19/2026

🛠️ The richest person in your town probably isn't a tech founder or someone in finance. It's more likely the dentist running four offices, or the owner of the HVAC company whose trucks are everywhere.

New research from economists Owen Zidar and Eric Zwick, based on IRS and Treasury data, found nearly 5 million U.S. households worth at least $5 million, holding combined wealth more than 13 times that of the Forbes 400.

A few patterns stood out:
➡️Most started their business themselves rather than inheriting it
➡️Most run ordinary, brick-and-mortar businesses rather than tech or finance
➡️Independence mattered more to them early on than getting rich ever did

🌭 Case in point: Dick Portillo started a hot dog stand in 1963 with just $1,100. Decades later, he sold the business he'd built for $1 billion.

Building wealth often looks much more ordinary and attainable than the headlines suggest. If growing or eventually stepping back from a business is part of your picture, that's worth talking through together.


Source:

Getting rich in the U.S. is still possible, but the most common path to wealth doesn't involve working for other people, according to a new book.

10/16/2026

So, if you find yourself getting anxious as we get closer to the election, remember the insight from Warren Buffett and his longtime business partner Charlie Munger—the big money is not in the buying and selling, but in the waiting.

If you find yourself getting anxious as we get closer to the election, remember the insight from Warren Buffett and his longtime business partner Charlie Munger—the big money is not in the buying and selling, but in the waiting...

10/09/2026

Why So Bearish?

10/08/2026

Stocks fell at the start of the week as Treasury yields continued to rise. They steadied over the next session with Treasury yields still in the spotlight. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield topped 5.29 percent, up 133 basis points from its year-to-date low in late February.📈

Stocks fell at the start of the week as Treasury yields continued to rise. They steadied over the next session with Treasury yields still in the spotlight. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield topped 5.29 percent, up 133 basis points from its year-to-date low in late February.

10/01/2026

🌴 More Americans are deciding that enjoying life now matters just as much as making financial progress for later.

A recent SoFi survey found that 72% of Americans would be willing to make slower progress toward their financial goals so they can spend more time with family, travel more, and prioritize meaningful experiences.

That doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning long-term goals. In fact, 59% of respondents said enjoying life is how they define financial progress, compared with 27% who pointed to owning a home.

The challenge is finding a balance between what matters now and what matters later. ✈️ That can mean making room for a vacation, concert, or family event while still keeping an eye on retirement savings and debt.

But charge that trip to a credit card and carry a balance, and interest can turn a two-week memory into a much longer bill.

What does financial progress look like to you: reaching the next milestone, enjoying more of life now, or some mix of both?


Source:

SoFi found 72% of Americans are willing to make slower progress on financial goals to prioritize family, travel and meaningful experiences.

09/29/2026

Having a great week in Chicago at the 2026 JW Cole Symposium. Soaking up knowledge from incredible speakers, learning through engaging educational sessions, and enjoying some great company along the way!

09/22/2026

Did you know? A financial professional looks at your whole financial situation before suggesting a policy. They can help you learn about your employer's benefits, plan for retirement, and of course set you up with policies that can help protect your financial future.

09/02/2026

This month's chart unpacks where we most commonly go for information. Take a look, and you'll see one source stands out from the rest.

09/02/2026

20 years of September being Life Insurance Awareness Month! Protect the ones you love. ❤️

We created Life Insurance Awareness Month more than 20+ years ago! Help us spread the word all September long.

This year’s theme is: Life insurance is for real life!