Aspen Financial Strategies, LLC

06/01/2026

New research shows a shift in how income is distributed across U.S. households.

About 31% of households are now considered upper middle class, making it the largest income group in the country — a significant increase compared to past decades.

This change reflects long-term income growth as more households move into higher-earning brackets. Factors such as dual-income households and increased workforce participation have contributed to this trend.

At the same time, the share of households in traditional middle-income ranges has declined, largely because many have moved into higher categories.

Even with these shifts, perceptions of financial well-being can vary. Rising costs in housing, education, and healthcare continue to shape how households experience economic progress.


Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/upper-middle-class-income-us-what-it-takes/

05/29/2026

Find your row first, then look one row up.

That's the difference starting 5 years earlier can make.

At a hypothetical 8% annual return, the difference between starting at 40 vs. 35 on a $500/month contribution is over $200,000 by the time you reach 65. Not because of more money—just more time.

Time in the market is not just valuable, it's the whole game.

Which row did you land on—and did it surprise you?

05/28/2026

Investors are anxious, and with good reason. The unsettling events in the Middle East are dominating the headlines, which can put even the most seasoned investor on edge. Will the number of corrections for the S&P 500 increase to 27 this year?

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. They will always be remembered. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful Memorial Day holiday.

Our office is closed.

05/22/2026

NASA has unveiled an ambitious long-term strategy to return humans to the moon and establish a sustained presence on its surface.

The plan includes an estimated $20 billion investment over the next several years, with the goal of building a permanent lunar base supported by a series of missions and international partnerships.

Rather than focusing on short visits, the initiative emphasizes developing infrastructure that would enable astronauts to live and work on the moon for longer periods.

The strategy is expected to roll out in phases—beginning with testing equipment and technology, followed by early construction, and eventually expanding into a more established base.

Officials say the goal is to move beyond exploration and toward a consistent human presence, marking a significant step in the next phase of space development. 🚀


Source: https://abcnews.com/Technology/nasa-unveils-ambitious-20-billion-moon-base-strategy/story?id=131361493

05/21/2026

A growing number of Americans are carrying credit card balances, highlighting ongoing financial pressure for many households.

Recent data shows that about 50% of credit card holders—roughly 111 million people—currently carry debt, marking a notable increase over the past several years.

At the same time, borrowing costs remain elevated. Average credit card interest rates are now above 23%, making it more expensive for balances to grow over time.

Some households are adjusting by cutting back on discretionary spending, delaying larger purchases, or relying more heavily on credit to cover everyday expenses.

These trends reflect how shifts in costs, interest rates, and income can influence day-to-day financial decisions across a wide range of households.


Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/record-share-americans-cant-pay-credit-card-bills/

05/18/2026

Some high-earning couples may currently receive $100,000 or more per year in Social Security benefits, based on lifetime earnings and when benefits begin.

A new policy proposal suggests capping those benefits—potentially limiting annual payments to $100,000 for couples and $50,000 for individuals—as one way to address long-term funding challenges.

The idea is one of several being discussed as policymakers consider how to support the program’s future. Current projections indicate that Social Security trust funds may face shortfalls in the coming decade.

It’s important to note that this is not a finalized change, but part of a broader conversation around how to balance sustainability, benefits, and contributions over time.

As discussions continue, proposals like this highlight the range of approaches being considered to address the program’s long-term outlook.


Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/25/social-security-benefits-six-figures.html

05/15/2026

Money and mental health are more connected than we often realize. Stress about bills, debt, or even keeping track of accounts can take a toll.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, it's a good time to pause and check in with yourself. Sometimes, even one small financial step—like reviewing an account balance or setting up an automatic payment—might help manage your stress and bring a sense of control.

And remember: if you're struggling with mental health, reaching out to a trusted professional or support resource can make a difference.

05/14/2026

The cost of raising a child in the U.S. continues to rise, reaching a new milestone in recent estimates.

A new analysis puts the total cost at approximately $303,000 through age 18, or about $16,800 per year on average.

These figures include everyday expenses like housing, food, and childcare, but do not account for college costs, which can add significantly more over time.

Costs can also vary widely depending on location. Some states saw notable increases, while others experienced slower growth in certain child-related expenses.

While the overall total has increased, some categories, such as early childcare, have shown signs of stabilizing in recent data.

As costs evolve, these trends offer a broader view of how family-related expenses are changing.


Source:

Raising a child through age 18 is most expensive in Hawaii, where a family would spend an estimated $412,661 in 2026, LendingTree found.

05/11/2026

When stock prices drop, some investors start asking "shoulda, woulda, coulda” questions about whether to remain invested. But as 2025 illustrates, market timing can be very expensive even if it means missing just a few days.