Smith Wealth Management

06/02/2026

This Monthly Recap summarizes market performance, major events and news from May 2026. Read more here:

U.S. stocks extended gains in May, with the S&P 500 ending the month with seven straight daily gains and its ninth consecutive weekly gain, its longest winning…

06/01/2026

Markets are riding a nine-week rally, but a data-heavy week will test that momentum. With PMIs, job openings, and the May jobs report in focus, we are watching labor strength and inflation signals closely. The question: can the rally continue, or does volatility return? See what Chief Market Strategist Brian Klimke thinks 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...

05/29/2026

PHONES ARE BACK UP AND RUNNING.

05/28/2026

Our phone lines are still down. (5/28/2026) Apparently the storm took out something that will not be repaired until this weekend. We are still able to receive and check voice mails and communicate via text and email.

05/26/2026

A quiet week for data, but Thursday’s PCE report still matters. Inflation is expected to remain above the Fed’s target. But the bigger driver? Geopolitics—especially in the Middle East. See why Chief Market Strategist Brian Klimke says markets may take cues from headlines, not data, 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...

05/26/2026

Phone lines are down. 9:30 am 5/26

05/21/2026

Read the latest issue of Financial Watch here:

When basic money management principles such as saving, spending, earning, and giving are taught at an early age children are more likely to grow into teens and…

05/18/2026

A quieter market week is setting the stage for something bigger. Fed signals, fresh leadership, and inflation trends all coming into focus. Stay tuned—this is where clarity begins. CIO Gene Goldman explains 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...

05/15/2026

WARNING.........

Be cautious in who you use to prepare your taxes. Just had a new client come in that is getting audited by the IRS. The previous unlicensed preparer fabricated expenses that have no relation to the clients situation. The client will now have to repay the refund plus penalties and interest and a 20% Accuracy Related penalty. The unlicensed preparer is not communicating at this point.

Red flags
1. Promise to get a larger refund than anyone.
2. Promise to get you a refund.
3. Filing your return using an online version used by non-professionals and in the preparer information on the 1040 it states "self-prepared".
4. The person that referred you says "They always get me big refunds".
5. Absorbent fees higher than normal.
6. Requiring you to take your fee out of the refund.
7. Creating a business for you and you don't have one.

These type of people are not professionals, not licensed, and don't have any accountability to follow Circular 230. They can be reported to the IRS and need to be.

There are good and bad unlicensed and licensed preparers trying to do right by their clients and I will support those doing so and applaud them for being honest and keeping our profession the way it should be. If you have one of those then hang on to them.

If I come across an unscrupulous preparer that is taking advantage of people, especially the elderly, I will file a complaint on them. Even if they use the turbo tax method of "self-prepared" without your name, I will find out who you are.

05/04/2026

No rate cut last week — and don't expect one anytime soon. Inflation is still running hot, input costs are rising, and several Fed members are pushing back hard on any talk of cuts. The labor market is softening, but not enough to override the inflation threat. All eyes on Friday's jobs report. See why CIO Gene Goldman expects it to disappoint 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...