Strategic Planning Group

09/02/2026

September carries a long statistical reputation as one of the weaker months on average for U.S. equities. That pattern is real enough to notice. What is less discussed is how little it changes the broader arithmetic of long-term ownership. Markets move for reasons that rarely respect the calendar—geopolitics, policy, data surprises. The investor who waits for a “cleaner” month often ends up waiting through several of them. A simple process that keeps capital allocated according to a plan, with cash set aside for known expenses, has historically done more work than trying to outguess the seasonal table. Past patterns are not guarantees; markets can and do decline for extended periods. The point is not prediction. It is reducing the number of decisions that have to be perfect. Not individualized advice.

08/28/2026

08/26/2026

What happens if the whole financial system just collapses? Fair question - but there's a real difference between planning for actual risks and building your life around a doomsday scenario.

This week's Tom's Take is about why too much caution can become its own risk, and why I believe in planning for what could go wrong while still investing for what could go right.

Strategic Planning Group | Plan for More

08/26/2026

When gas prices rise, small changes in driving habits can make a noticeable difference in fuel use.

Experts suggest that driving at steady speeds around 65 mph and avoiding rapid acceleration or braking can help improve efficiency. Using cruise control on highways may also reduce fuel consumption.

Other adjustments can add up over time, including limiting idling, reducing extra weight in your vehicle, and keeping tires properly inflated.

Combining trips, carpooling when possible, and planning routes more efficiently may also help reduce overall fuel use.

While these changes may seem minor, they can help drivers get more out of each tank—especially during periods of higher fuel costs. 🚗


Source:

When gas prices go up, it adds to drivers' pain at the pump. But experts say consumers can do something to stretch their fuel just a little farther — change the way they drive.

08/14/2026

Financial scams may be far more widespread than many people realize.

A recent analysis estimates that Americans lose at least $119 billion annually to scams, a figure significantly higher than official reports suggest. Researchers say the gap exists because many victims never report the crime.

Data from the FBI shows $16.6 billion in reported scam losses in 2024, but studies suggest that only a small portion of cases are actually reported.

Investment-related schemes appear to be the most costly category. These often involve long-running online relationships or messages that eventually encourage victims to send money to fraudulent opportunities.

As technology evolves, scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making awareness and caution even more important when responding to unexpected messages, financial offers, or requests for personal information.


Source:

The estimate builds on numbers from the FBI, which are widely believed to capture only a small fraction of the money lost to scams.

08/12/2026

Back to School time! It’s been a long summer, and it’s time to get back to class and crack those books. We send our best wishes out to all of our scholars this year, including those starting out at a new school or maybe gearing up for graduation.