Trade Street Wealth Advisors

07/18/2026

Some firms market themselves as "boutique." We simply are.

From our historic home in the heart of downtown Greer, we serve families and small businesses who value personal relationships as much as financial expertise. We know our clients by name, know their stories, and take the time to build plans around what matters most.

If you're looking for a financial partner who takes the time to truly know you, we'd love to connect.

07/17/2026

If your kids are starting a summer job, why not look into a Custodial Roth account? Talk to your kids about how they can get started with tax-advantaged savings. Whether they put money in the account or you start it for them with a gift, it’s a good way to build a great habit.

For more information or to set up a meeting, drop us a note today!

We can explain the pros and cons of a Custodial Roth IRA, and introduce you to some of the unique features of custodial accounts, including when kids can take control of the asset. Also, remember, with a Roth IRA, to qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, a Roth must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under certain other circumstances, and the original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.

07/17/2026

The financial risks to consider when evaluating self insurance?

Choosing to bear the financial burden of an adverse event is called self-insuring. Do you know what that entails?

07/16/2026

Travel fraud gets worse every summer, and we hear more stories from clients every year.

A quick login from the lobby.

A brokerage app checked from the airport lounge.

A bank balance pulled up at a cafe.

Public networks are where accounts can get exposed.

A few habits worth building before the next trip:

🛑 Skip public WiFi for anything financial. Use cellular data or a personal hotspot.

🛑 Turn on real-time transaction alerts for every card.

🛑 Consider using credit, not debit.

🛑 Watch for skimmers (devices attached to gas pumps and ATMs that copy card data).

A few minutes of preparation before the trip can help prevent months of cleanup after.

07/15/2026

Trump Accounts opened on July 4. A few questions are worth considering:

➡️ Our baby is 18 months old. Do we qualify for the $1,000?

Yes. Every U.S. citizen baby born since January 1, 2025, qualifies for a one-time $1,000 federal contribution.

➡️ Is there an income maximum?

No. Eligibility is based on the child's citizenship and birth date, not family income.

➡️ Our child is 7. Did we miss it?

Not entirely. Any U.S. citizen under 18 can have an account opened. The federal $1,000 payment applies only to children born in 2025 through 2028, but everything else still applies.

➡️ Can grandparents contribute?

Yes. Up to $5,000 per year combined across parents, grandparents, family, and the child themselves.

➡️ What is the catch?

State tax conformity varies; California, for example, does not currently conform.

Whether to contribute, how much, and how to coordinate it with what you already have are all worth talking through.

07/15/2026

Start building your child's financial future today with these key points to know about Roth IRAs.

Learn about the benefits and requirements of opening a Roth IRA for kids.

07/13/2026

The price of a first-class Forever stamp rose from 78 cents to 82 cents on July 12.

The increase is part of a series of price hikes from the U.S. Postal Service, which has raised the cost of a first-class stamp several times in recent years.

USPS has cited financial losses, rising operating expenses, and declining mail volume as reasons for the latest increase.

Other postage costs also increased. Domestic postcards rose to 65 cents, while international postcards and letters rose to $1.75.

One important reminder: Forever stamps purchased before the increase still work after the price change. They continue to cover the current cost of one ounce of First-Class Mail postage.

For households and small businesses, postage may seem like a small expense — but recurring cost increases can add up over time, especially for anyone who still relies on mailed bills, invoices, cards, or client communications.

The cost of a first-class Forever stamp has climbed 41% since 2021, and postal officials have signaled they want prices to rise even more.

07/13/2026

🗓️ "Let's talk about it in December."

By December, choices can be limited. Mid-year is often the sweet spot for preparation.

✅ The bracket picture is clearer than it was in January.

Roth IRA conversion timing is flexible within the calendar year, but the bracket math can influence the outcome.

Six months of runway means scenarios can be modeled, not rushed.

If the market dips before year-end, the same tax math may change. Those windows rarely give notice. Keep your tax, legal, or accounting professional in the loop if you see an opportunity.

December conversions can be reactive.

Mid-year conversions can be designed.

If you’re wondering about timing, we welcome a discussion.

📋 To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under certain other circumstances, such as the owner's death. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.

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.

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

07/13/2026

Facing divorce? Don't overlook changes to your insurance coverage.

In the face of divorce, making changes to insurance coverage may be overlooked.