Erickson Advisors

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

Buy or lease—it's not just about the monthly payment. This calculator breaks down the full cost of each option so you can make a more informed decision.

Compare the true costs of buying versus leasing a vehicle to find the better fit for you.

07/16/2026

Read the latest issue of Financial Watch here:

Your emergency fund is one of the most important financial tools you have. It is what stands between an unexpected car repair and a credit card balance that…

07/16/2026

Travel fraud gets worse every summer, and we hear more stories from clients every year.

A quick login from the lobby.

A brokerage app checked from the airport lounge.

A bank balance pulled up at a cafe.

Public networks are where accounts can get exposed.

A few habits worth building before the next trip:

🛑 Skip public WiFi for anything financial. Use cellular data or a personal hotspot.

🛑 Turn on real-time transaction alerts for every card.

🛑 Consider using credit, not debit.

🛑 Watch for skimmers (devices attached to gas pumps and ATMs that copy card data).

A few minutes of preparation before the trip can help prevent months of cleanup after.

07/15/2026

Trump Accounts opened on July 4. A few questions are worth considering:

➡️ Our baby is 18 months old. Do we qualify for the $1,000?

Yes. Every U.S. citizen baby born since January 1, 2025, qualifies for a one-time $1,000 federal contribution.

➡️ Is there an income maximum?

No. Eligibility is based on the child's citizenship and birth date, not family income.

➡️ Our child is 7. Did we miss it?

Not entirely. Any U.S. citizen under 18 can have an account opened. The federal $1,000 payment applies only to children born in 2025 through 2028, but everything else still applies.

➡️ Can grandparents contribute?

Yes. Up to $5,000 per year combined across parents, grandparents, family, and the child themselves.

➡️ What is the catch?

State tax conformity varies; California, for example, does not currently conform.

Whether to contribute, how much, and how to coordinate it with what you already have are all worth talking through. Our team is here for that.

07/15/2026

When was the last time you updated your will?

Preparing for the eventual distribution of your assets may not sound enticing. But a will puts the power in your hands.

07/14/2026

Read the latest issue of Retire Wise here:

Inflation works quietly in the background, and over time, even a modest rise in the cost of everyday goods and services can chip away at the lifestyle you…

07/13/2026

Earnings season begins this week, with major banks kicking off a six-week stretch of quarterly reports. Join CIO Gene Goldman as he explains why earnings matter, what investors should watch for in the latest results, and how markets may respond as companies report against elevated expectations in .

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

07/13/2026

🗓️ "Let's talk about it in December."

By December, choices can be limited. Mid-year is often the sweet spot for preparation.

✅ The bracket picture is clearer than it was in January.

Roth IRA conversion timing is flexible within the calendar year, but the bracket math can influence the outcome.

Six months of runway means scenarios can be modeled, not rushed.

If the market dips before year-end, the same tax math may change. Those windows rarely give notice. Keep your tax, legal, or accounting professional in the loop if you see an opportunity.

December conversions can be reactive.

Mid-year conversions can be designed.

If you’re wondering about timing, we welcome a discussion.

📋 To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under certain other circumstances, such as the owner's death. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.

07/13/2026

There are four basic steps to calculating the value of an estate.

Determining the value of your estate, or for someone who has passed away, can be a complex undertaking.