Highlander Financial Group

07/22/2026

We're excited to introduce Uncommon Lives, a new series from Independent Thinking with Highlander Financial Group that highlights the remarkable stories of the people we're fortunate to know and work with.

In this first clip, HFG client Bill Hopper introduces us to Operation Frodo—a volunteer mission dedicated to helping rescued beagles reach their forever homes.

Watch the highlight below, and stay tuned for Bill's full conversation, where he reflects on a life of service, mentorship, and giving back.

07/20/2026

El Niño has formed in the Pacific, and forecasters say it could become one of the strongest events on record.

El Niño is a natural warming pattern in the Pacific Ocean that can affect weather around the world. This cycle may increase the risk of extreme heat, floods, droughts, wildfires, and other costly weather disruptions.

NOAA says there is a 63% chance this El Niño could become intense enough to rank among the largest events in the historical record going back to 1950.

The potential impact is not limited to weather. Severe climate events can affect agriculture, energy demand, insurance costs, supply chains, transportation, and local economies.

For households and businesses, El Niño is as much an economic story as an environmental one.



Source:

U.S. meteorologists say an El Nino has formed. That's the natural warming of parts of the Pacific that changes weather around the globe.

07/17/2026

U.S. industrials are seeing renewed momentum, but the story goes beyond a single sector.

In our latest Industry Experts conversation, Anqi D**g, Global Head of Sector Strategy at State Street, shares her perspective on what's driving the industrial revival, how market leadership is evolving, and the themes shaping today's market.

Watch the full conversation:

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07/15/2026

We recently sat down with Anqi D**g, Global Head of Sector Strategy at State Street, to discuss some of the themes shaping markets today.

As the AI story evolves, so do the areas of the market being impacted by it.

Full conversation coming Friday.

07/04/2026

Money wisdom from Ben Franklin!

07/03/2026

A rare wildlife moment is drawing attention in Chicago.

Two bald eagle hatchlings were recently spotted in a nest at Park 597 along the Calumet River on the city’s Southeast Side. Officials believe this may be Chicago’s first successful wild bald eagle breeding in more than a century.

The discovery is especially meaningful given the bald eagle’s long recovery story. Habitat loss and insecticide contamination once caused the species’ population to decline sharply, but conservation efforts helped support its comeback over the past several decades.

Park 597 has also gone through its own transformation. The site was previously home to a city water treatment plant, but restoration work improved the natural habitat.

Now, the appearance of two eaglets offers a hopeful reminder of how restored green spaces can support wildlife, even in the middle of a major city.


Source:

Two bald eagle hatchlings have been spotted in a Chicago park in what experts believe is a first for the Windy City in more than a century.

07/01/2026

Grateful for the opportunity to recently participate in the Business Leaders Forum hosted by LPL Financial in partnership with The Wharton School.

It was an incredibly valuable experience focused on leadership, business strategy, and thoughtful conversations about the future of our profession, alongside an exceptional group of advisors whose insight and perspective continue to shape the evolution of our industry.

Programs like these create space to challenge our thinking, refine our approach, and continue finding better ways to deliver long-term value to the clients we serve.

We’re grateful for opportunities that keep us growing and moving forward.

06/19/2026

NASA has shared new details about its long-term vision for building a base on the Moon.

The agency hopes to return humans to the lunar surface in 2028, with a broader goal of developing infrastructure that could eventually support longer-term activity there.

NASA says the effort will unfold in phases, starting with demonstrations of key technology, cargo delivery, landers, rovers, and surface research.

The challenge is significant. The Moon’s surface can reach extreme temperatures, lacks an atmosphere, and offers no natural protection from radiation, space weather, or meteorite impacts.

Early work is expected to focus on testing systems, studying survival needs, identifying potential landing areas, and preparing for future human activity.

It’s a reminder that space exploration often moves step by step—through engineering, testing, persistence, and the willingness to solve difficult problems far from home.


Source:

NASA hopes to return humans to the lunar surface in 2028.

06/17/2026

It’s easy to think, “How does something like this even happen?”

But when fear, urgency, and emotional pressure enter the picture, it becomes much harder to think clearly.

In this highlight from our conversation with Whitney Coleman of LPL Financial, we discuss why understanding these tactics is so important.

Watch below.

06/08/2026

Artificial intelligence is becoming a more common expectation in early-career roles.

Recent data shows that about 4.2% of entry-level job postings now reference AI skills, nearly double the share from a year ago. Internship postings are even higher, with more than 10% including AI-related requirements.

The trend spans a range of industries, with the strongest presence in technology roles, along with growing adoption in areas like financial services and marketing.

At the same time, many students report learning these tools on their own, as formal training continues to catch up with workplace expectations.

While the overall job market for new graduates remains competitive, familiarity with AI tools is becoming one way candidates can stand out across a variety of roles.


Source:

As of March, 4.2% of full-time early-career jobs called for AI skills, nearly double the share from a year ago, according to Handshake's 2026 graduate report.