Parliament Wealth Management and Insurance Services

07/17/2026

Market volatility has returned, led by weakness in technology stocks. While the headlines may feel unsettling, the broader market has remained more resilient, reinforcing the value of diversification and a long-term perspective.
Read the Cetera Investment Management Team's latest market commentary:

Market volatility has returned, led by weakness in technology stocks. While the headlines may feel unsettling, the broader market has remained more resilient,…

07/17/2026

A honeymoon can be a meaningful first trip as newlyweds — and a major expense.

According to a LendingTree survey cited by CNBC Select, the average couple spends $6,260 on their honeymoon.

The final cost can vary widely depending on the destination, length of stay, travel season, accommodations, flights, activities, and the kind of experience a couple wants.

Some couples use savings, delay the trip to give themselves more time to set money aside, use gifted money from a honeymoon fund, or redeem credit card rewards to help cover travel costs.

There are also extra expenses that can be easy to overlook, including foreign transaction fees, resort fees, peak-season pricing, upgrades, transportation, meals, excursions, and souvenirs.

For couples preparing for a big life milestone, the takeaway is simple: the headline price is only part of the story. Looking at the full cost of the trip can help make the experience feel more intentional from the start.


Source:

With the average cost of a honeymoon topping $6,000, these tools can help you pay for the trip.

07/16/2026

The price of a first-class Forever stamp rose from 78 cents to 82 cents on July 12.

The increase is part of a series of price hikes from the U.S. Postal Service, which has raised the cost of a first-class stamp several times in recent years.

USPS has cited financial losses, rising operating expenses, and declining mail volume as reasons for the latest increase.

Other postage costs also increased. Domestic postcards rose to 65 cents, while international postcards and letters rose to $1.75.

One important reminder: Forever stamps purchased before the increase still work after the price change. They continue to cover the current cost of one ounce of First-Class Mail postage.

For households and small businesses, postage may seem like a small expense — but recurring cost increases can add up over time, especially for anyone who still relies on mailed bills, invoices, cards, or client communications.


Source:

The cost of a first-class Forever stamp has climbed 41% since 2021, and postal officials have signaled they want prices to rise even more.

07/14/2026

Small business owners often think of their employees as family, but are they set up like it? This post opens the conversation around retirement options available to small business employees, reminding owners that a 401(k) isn't the only choice and that some options are built specifically for smaller teams.

07/11/2026

Looks like things are cooling off a bit. Only 21 percent of homes sold above list price in January, and on average, they sold for 97.9 percent of the asking price. But it's still a seller's market in places like Buffalo, Omaha, and Anchorage!

Source: Redfin.com, March 9, 2026.

07/10/2026

Mid-sized markets with strong price growth and affordability may continue to do well. St. Petersburg, Augusta-Richmond County, and Tallahassee lead the nation in price growth.

Source: Redfin.com, March 9, 2026.

07/09/2026

While mortgage rates remain elevated, buyers have a wide array of homes to choose from. Inventory is up 1.5 percent year-over-year, homes stay on the market longer (66 days), and `17.2 percent of listings have price drops.

Source: Redfin.com, March 9, 2026

07/09/2026

Many people focus on this year's taxes. The bigger opportunity may be decades away.

07/08/2026

Some trips are about getting away.

Others are about slowing down and really being there.

Lately, luxury travel has been less about doing more and more about choosing experiences that feel memorable, immersive, and just a little indulgent.

Whether that means returning to a favorite destination in a new way or heading somewhere you never thought you’d go, the common thread is simple: curiosity, comfort, and time to enjoy it.

If you could go anywhere next, where would you linger?

07/06/2026

Great wine and great wealth have something in common—they both reward patience. 🍷

Behind every perfect vintage is time, care, and consistency. The same goes for your financial strategy. The goal isn't quick wins or a perfect growing season, but something that matures over time.

Let's raise a glass to long summer nights with friends, trusted bottles full of years of promise, and a life worth savoring.

Salut! 🥂