Denise Herring, StoneX Wealth Management

07/01/2026

Money wisdom from Ben Franklin!

06/26/2026

What would you do with a windfall?

A business sale. An inheritance. A bonus that lands bigger than expected.

Most people assume they'd handle it well.

But sudden money follows patterns. And the patterns aren't always flattering.

Psychologists call it sudden wealth syndrome: the anxiety, decision paralysis, and relationship pressure that arrive alongside a large sum. It shows up whether the windfall was a complete surprise or something you spent years building toward.

The 5 most common mistakes we see:

⏳ Upgrading your lifestyle before a strategy exists

🤝 Giving to family under emotional pressure

📊 Attempting to make decisions without professional guidance

⚖️ Freezing and making no decisions at all

📋 Missing the critical deadlines in year one

All five can be managed, but only if you get ahead of the emotions before the decisions start piling up.

The most important thing you can do in the first 90 days? Maybe nothing.

Tell very few people. Then consider building a team of professionals who can offer insights and guidance.

There is rarely a cost to waiting. There is frequently a cost to moving too quickly.

06/19/2026

You don’t have to visit Philadelphia to see a Liberty Bell — there may be one closer than you think.

In 1950, the U.S. Treasury commissioned replicas of the Liberty Bell for every state and several territories as part of a national campaign. Today, many of those bells still exist, displayed at capitols, museums, and public spaces across the country.

A growing number of enthusiasts have made it a goal to visit as many of these replicas as possible, turning it into a unique way to explore American history.

Over time, some of the bells have been restored or relocated, while others remain less visible — adding an element of discovery for those seeking them out.

As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, these replicas are gaining renewed attention as symbols of history, travel, and shared cultural heritage.


Source:

If you can't visit the original Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, you might find a dead ringer nearby. For a 1950 bond drive, the Treasury Department commissioned replicas for each U.S. state and several territories.

06/12/2026

🥾If you're spending time outdoors, discovering new places, or simply stepping away from the everyday routine, making time for activities is an awesome way to get energized.

✌️Here's to a season of balance, adventure, and well-deserved moments of joy.

📸 What are your favorite summer activities? ✈️ Comment below!

06/08/2026

Money is one of the top sources of tension in relationships — but experts say even strong couples can stumble if they avoid key conversations.

After studying more than 60 couples, money expert Heather Boneparth found that the happiest partners share five habits:

1. They adapt when circumstances change, rather than sticking to outdated money routines.

2. They don’t dwell on financial regrets or let shame define their decisions.

3. They avoid holding past mistakes over each other’s heads.

4. They focus on shared priorities instead of constant comparison.

5. They stay honest about spending and goals, building trust through transparency.

The takeaway? Communication matters as much as cash flow. Open conversations can help partners align values and expectations — and reduce unnecessary stress around money.


Source:

"You can love each other deeply and still allow money to erode your relationship if you're talking about the wrong issues, or not talking at all," writes money expert Heather Boneparth.

05/21/2026

Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. They will always be remembered. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful Memorial Day holiday.

05/08/2026

05/07/2026

Here's a tip most students miss: when you file the FAFSA for state aid, you're automatically filing for federal aid too — so there's no reason to wait for the federal deadline.

State deadlines are often much earlier than the federal cutoff, sometimes arriving as early as February or March. Many states also set hard deadlines or use priority dates for first consideration.

Either way, students who file during the first few months tend to receive significantly more grant funding, on average, than those who file later.

The bottom line: aim for the earliest deadline on your list, whether that's your state's or your school's. That single submission covers you for all aid opportunities.

👉 Look up your state's specific FAFSA deadline at studentaid.gov and file as early as you can. Future-you will be glad you did.

04/20/2026

One of the most iconic roadways in the U.S. is celebrating a major milestone.

Route 66 turns 100 years old this year, continuing to draw travelers from around the world with its unique mix of history, culture, and roadside charm.

Stretching roughly 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, the route has long been associated with exploration, connection, and cross-country travel.

Over the decades, it has played many roles—from a pathway for migration during the 1930s to a symbol of postwar travel and adventure.

Today, much of the road remains drivable, with historic landmarks, local businesses, and preserved sites keeping its legacy alive for new generations.

For many, Route 66 remains more than just a highway—it’s an experience shaped by the stories and communities along the way. 🚗


Source:

One of the world's most famous highways marks its centennial this year

04/06/2026

What a $5 Frappuccino can teach your teen about building wealth 👇

April is National Financial Literacy Month, and here's a number worth sharing at the dinner table.

If your teen opens a Roth IRA at 18 with $1,000 from a part-time job and adds $1,000 a year, that single account could be worth nearly $500,000 by age 65. Tax-free.

Think they can't save $1,000 a year? Skipping the daily Frappuccino more than covers it. ☕

But the best financial education isn't about the math. It's about real decisions with real consequences.

A few things that actually work:

✅ Hand them cash instead of a credit card for shopping. Let them keep what they don't spend.

✅ Give them a clothing budget for the year. If they blow it by October, that's the lesson.

✅ Have the college money talk before they fall in love with a school. As one counselor put it, "Have the conversation before they buy the hoodie."

✅ With the Roth IRA, you can show them that there are certain rules with certain accounts. For example, 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. Also, 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.

What's one money lesson you wish someone had taught you earlier? 👇

Please consult with a tax and finance professional before making any decisions.



Sources:
-https://www.calculator.net/roth-ira-calculator.html?cstartingprinciple=1%2C000&cannualaddition=1%2C000&cmax=n&cinterestrate=8&ccurrentage=18&cretirementage=65&ctaxtrate=25&printit=0&x=Calculate -ira-result
-https://www.ngpf.org/blog/advocacy/how-many-states-require-students-to-take-a-personal-finance-course-before-graduating-from-high-school-is-it-6-or-is-it-21/