Hartfield Financial & Insurance Services, Inc.

07/16/2026

Inflation moved higher in May, with energy costs playing a major role in the increase.

Consumer prices rose 4.2% from a year earlier, up from 3.8% in April. On a monthly basis, prices increased 0.5%.

Gas prices were a key driver. Higher energy costs accounted for more than 60% of the monthly increase, while gasoline prices were up sharply from a year earlier.

The impact extends beyond the pump. Higher fuel and energy costs can affect transportation, shipping, airfares, electricity, business expenses, and household budgets.

Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, rose at a more modest pace. That suggests some price pressures remain concentrated in energy-related categories, though consumers and businesses are still feeling the strain.

For households, inflation can affect everyday spending decisions. For businesses, higher costs may influence pricing, hiring, margins, and customer behavior.


Source:

Rising gas prices pushed inflation to its highest level in three years last month, a headache for the Federal Reserve and a potential political challenge for the Trump administration as midterm elections near.

07/14/2026

Some trips are about getting away.

Others are about slowing down and really being there.

Lately, luxury travel has been less about doing more and more about choosing experiences that feel memorable, immersive, and just a little indulgent.

Whether that means returning to a favorite destination in a new way or heading somewhere you never thought you’d go, the common thread is simple: curiosity, comfort, and time to enjoy it.

If you could go anywhere next, where would you linger?

07/13/2026

There are so many reasons to create a will this month, but here are three big ones to consider:

Direct Your Property: Creating a will tells the courts how you want your property distributed. Without a will, state laws will determine how your estate is divided, which may not align with your intentions.

Provide instructions to the probate court: A will can help manage the probate process, providing instructions to the court.

Designate Guardianship for Minor Children: If you have minor children, a will allows you to appoint a guardian to care for them. This crucial step directs that your children are raised by someone you trust, rather than leaving the decision to the courts.

07/11/2026

Looks like things are cooling off a bit. Only 21 percent of homes sold above list price in January, and on average, they sold for 97.9 percent of the asking price. But it's still a seller's market in places like Buffalo, Omaha, and Anchorage!

Source: Redfin.com, March 9, 2026.

07/10/2026

Mid-sized markets with strong price growth and affordability may continue to do well. St. Petersburg, Augusta-Richmond County, and Tallahassee lead the nation in price growth.

Source: Redfin.com, March 9, 2026.

07/09/2026

While mortgage rates remain elevated, buyers have a wide array of homes to choose from. Inventory is up 1.5 percent year-over-year, homes stay on the market longer (66 days), and `17.2 percent of listings have price drops.

Source: Redfin.com, March 9, 2026

07/04/2026

Money wisdom from Ben Franklin!
Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸 Celebrating 250 years of freedom, innovation, and the American spirit. Here’s to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all! ❤️🤍💙

07/04/2026

Great wine and great wealth have something in common—they both reward patience. 🍷

Behind every perfect vintage is time, care, and consistency. The same goes for your financial strategy. The goal isn't quick wins or a perfect growing season, but something that matures over time.

Let's raise a glass to long summer nights with friends, trusted bottles full of years of promise, and a life worth savoring.

Salut! 🥂

07/02/2026

🔥 The weather is warming up, so you know what that means - it's time to fire up the grill 🔥

Whether you're flipping burgers, smoking ribs, or going veggie-style with skewers, grilling brings people together one bite at a time.

🍔 What's your go-to grill masterpiece? Share your favorites below! 👇

07/01/2026

There's a moment many people experience at some point in their lives.

You're booking a flight. You scroll past the standard seat… and pause at first class.

Not because you have to upgrade.
Not because you're trying to impress anyone.
But because you've worked hard, and you're wondering when you're allowed to start enjoying the perks.

Milestones can shift the way we think about money.
A career high. An empty nest. A major life win. Retirement on the horizon.

Financial discipline matters. So does lifestyle.

The goal isn't reckless spending—and it isn't endless accumulation, either. It's aligning your resources with the life you actually want to live.

Sometimes that means staying in your seat.
Sometimes it means stretching out a little.

If you're navigating what "enjoying the journey" looks like in your own life, we'd be happy to talk it through with you. ✈️