James River Advisors

08/07/2026

A simple reminder.

08/06/2026

Back-to-school season has a way of arriving faster than expected.

Between school supplies, clothing, activity fees, technology, and everything else that comes with a new school year, the costs can add up quickly.

For some families, those expenses are already accounted for. For others, they end up on a credit card with the intention of paying them off later.

Investing in your kids is important. The challenge is when predictable expenses turn into unexpected debt.

How are you handling back-to-school costs this year: planning ahead or figuring it out as you go?

08/05/2026

Many Americans claim Social Security at age 62. But is that the best plan? Let's discuss.

Americans are most likely to claim Social Security benefits at 62. But is it the "best" age? We examine 4 big reasons for claiming early.

08/04/2026

A well-rounded estate plan is more than just a will. Here are some of the essential documents to be aware of:

• Will – A straightforward document that outlines how your assets are distributed after death
• Power of Attorney – Allows someone to make financial decisions on your behalf
• Healthcare Directive – Communicates your medical wishes
• Trust (if applicable) – A more flexible arrangement that allows you to manage assets while you’re still living

Taking time to understand and maintain these pieces can help reduce stress for your loved ones and keep your wishes front and center.

If you’d like help reviewing your current documents, consider scheduling a review.

08/03/2026

Most parents have someone in mind when they think about who would raise their kids or manage money on their behalf if something happened. What a lot of people don't realize is that without a will, those choices aren't guaranteed to play out the way they'd want.

Naming a guardian and putting a plan in place is one of the most straightforward things you can do for your family's peace of mind. If you've been putting it off, we're happy to help you get started.

07/31/2026

Everyone's got their version of "worth every penny" and "I'll never pay full price for that." What's yours? Tell us one thing you'll always splurge on and one thing you'll always find a way to save on. 👇

07/30/2026

Market ups and downs can make investing feel intimidating. That's where a strategy called dollar-cost averaging comes in.

Dollar-cost averaging means investing a fixed amount of money on a regular schedule, regardless of whether the market is up or down. Instead of trying to guess the "perfect" time to invest, you consistently put money to work over time.

When prices are higher, your money buys fewer shares. When prices are lower, it buys more. Over time, this can help smooth out the impact of market fluctuations and remove some of the emotion from investing.

Have questions about how dollar-cost averaging fits into a long-term investment strategy? We're happy to help.

Disclosure: Investing regular amounts steadily over time (dollar-cost averaging) may lower your average per-share cost. Periodic investment programs cannot guarantee profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Dollar-cost averaging is a long-term strategy involving continuous investing, regardless of fluctuating price levels, and, as a result, you should consider your financial ability to continue to invest during periods of fluctuating price levels.

07/29/2026

Are you on track for retirement? A new survey says many Americans are behind their savings goals.

Just 30% of workplace retirement plan investors think they'll reach $1 million before retiring, a new survey finds. Here's what's getting in their way.

07/28/2026

Myth: paying your bill on time is all that matters for your credit score.

Fact: on-time payments are important, but they're only part of the picture.

Your credit utilization ratio, which is the percentage of your available credit that you're currently using, plays a big role too. If you have a $10,000 credit limit and a $3,000 balance, your utilization is 30%.

Most experts recommend keeping it below 30%, and lower is generally better. Paying down balances, avoiding maxing out cards, and asking for a credit limit increase are all ways to improve it without opening new accounts.

07/27/2026

Most households that go from one income to two feel the difference immediately. The bills get easier, the stress drops, and there's more room to breathe. The trick to optimizing two incomes is having a plan ready before the second paycheck becomes the new normal.

Could your emergency fund use a top-up? Is there high-interest debt that could be gone faster? Are there retirement contributions that have been on the back burner? A second income is a real opportunity to get ahead, and a little planning goes a long way.