Jacobs Financial Partners

07/13/2026

The summer job landscape has dramatically shifted since 1980. Back then, teens and college students flooded the job market during summer break, finding work at theme parks, retail stores, and more. With the minimum wage at $3.10/hr, managers made room for young workers, often allowing them to continue part-time during the school year.

Fast forward to today: Many employers seek full-time availability, with minimum wage at around $7.25/hr. The demand for flexibility is gone, and summer jobs are less economically viable for both businesses and students. Also many jobs teens used to occupy have been shifted to AI.

Now, with the rise of unpaid internships, volunteer work, and side hustles, students are building skills and brands rather than just earning money. When you see a young person working this summer, remember they're keeping a vintage tradition alive.

Sources:
Salon, May 26, 2025
Department of Labor, March 2, 2026

07/09/2026

Markets posted solid second-quarter gains as investors responded to upbeat economic reports, continued diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and strong first-quarter corporate numbers. The S&P 500 rose 14.87%, the Nasdaq gained 21.41%, and the Dow picked up 12.90%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 6.37%. Looking ahead, markets may continue to react to Middle East updates, oil prices, inflation trends, and the pace of global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. From U.S. home price growth to Canadian housing forecasts, this quarter’s by-the-numbers highlights the data behind one of North America’s most closely watched markets.

Since 2001, Leo has been working in the financial services industry, consulting with families and business owners by developing investment accumulation plans, retirement income strategies, estate and tax plans, as well as personal and business protection using life and long term care insurance.

06/21/2026

06/15/2026

One of the best parts of attending Cetera’s Circle of Excellence trip in Hawaii was having the opportunity to share the experience with my family.

This business is ultimately about people, relationships, and trust built over many years, so moments like these are meaningful not just professionally, but personally as well.

Grateful for the clients, colleagues, friends, and family who continue to support Jacobs Financial Partners along the way.
---

The Cetera Financial Group’s Circle of Excellence recognition is not a guarantee of future investment success and should not be construed as an endorsement by any client.

06/11/2026

Dave Ramsey says, "There's no such thing as a "great deal" on a car you can't afford." It seems Americans don't agree. Nearly 86 million Americans, or about 1 in 4, now carry auto loan or lease debt.
Auto debt continues to climb as higher vehicle prices and interest rates put pressure on household budgets.

A recent report found that total auto debt reached $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025, up 37% from late 2018.

Monthly payments have also increased. The typical auto loan payment rose from about $506 in 2018 to more than $680 by the end of 2025.

Several factors are contributing to the shift, including higher vehicle prices, fewer lower-cost new car options, and longer loan terms. More buyers are also taking on larger monthly payments, with $1,000 auto loan payments becoming more common for financed new-vehicle purchases.

These trends highlight how vehicle affordability can play a larger role in everyday financial decisions.


Source:

Auto debt has swelled to $1.68 trillion, a new analysis finds. Americans face costlier vehicles, higher interest rates and lengthier loan terms.

06/08/2026

Markets continued their upward climb in May, supported by strong technology performance, positive economic data, and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The Nasdaq gained 8.36%, the S&P 500 rose 5.15%, and Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 2.37%, while investors welcomed better-than-expected job growth and upbeat corporate earnings. With the Fed's next meeting scheduled for June, attention is turning to updated economic projections and what they may signal about the broader economy. From \$24 billion spent on Father's Day to the popularity of dining out and special outings, this month's by-the-numbers highlights how families celebrate the dads in their lives.

Since 2001, Leo has been working in the financial services industry, consulting with families and business owners by developing investment accumulation plans, retirement income strategies, estate and tax plans, as well as personal and business protection using life and long term care insurance.

06/02/2026

🏠Are you considering buying a vacation home?

Before buying a vacation home, it’s important to ask yourself not only “Can I afford it?” but also “Will this improve my quality of life?”
A thoughtful plan can help make sure your vacation property becomes a place to recharge — not another financial obligation keeping you up at night.

Considering a second home purchase? Check out the link below to 5 questions to ask yourself.

Reach out for help evaluating how it could impact your long-term financial goals.

You may be considering purchasing a vacation property, this can be an exciting milestone, but there are a few things to consider first.

05/11/2026

Stocks surged in April, delivering their strongest monthly gains in five years as solid economic data, easing geopolitical tensions, and upbeat first-quarter earnings lifted investor sentiment. The Nasdaq climbed 15.29%, the S&P 500 rose 10.42%, and the Dow gained 7.14%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 3.65%. With no Fed meeting in May, attention turns to remarks from Fed officials and how evolving economic data may shape expectations moving forward. From \$34.1 billion in U.S. spending to the popularity of Mother’s Day dining and gifts, this month’s By the Numbers highlights how families celebrate the occasion.

Since 2001, Leo has been working in the financial services industry, consulting with families and business owners by developing investment accumulation plans, retirement income strategies, estate and tax plans, as well as personal and business protection using life and long term care insurance.

04/28/2026

Today, my wife and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary—and it’s been a special experience to look back at photos from our wedding day and honeymoon while also creating a few new ones as we renewed our vows and traveled together.

One thing the last two decades has reinforced for me is that the goals that matter most aren’t only the ones we can measure on paper.

Professional goals can be motivating and meaningful, but personal goals- the relationships we invest in, the moments we protect, the memories we choose to make-are what give the “why” behind all the planning.

Grateful for the journey so far, and excited for what’s ahead.

04/08/2026

U.S. stocks slipped in Q1 as AI disruption fears and Middle East tensions rattled investors. The S&P 500 fell 4.63%, the Nasdaq dropped 7.11%, and the Dow lost 3.58% — though six of eleven S&P 500 sectors still finished in the green, led by Energy's standout 37.91% gain. As the weather warms up and spring gets us outside, it turns out Americans are right there with you — over 181 million U.S. residents participated in outdoor recreation in 2024. Check out this month's by-the-numbers for more on the outdoor recreation economy.

Since 2001, Leo has been working in the financial services industry, consulting with families and business owners by developing investment accumulation plans, retirement income strategies, estate and tax plans, as well as personal and business protection using life and long term care insurance.