Heinzen Financial Services

09/02/2026

September is College Savings Month, and it's a good time to think about what you want your child's future to look like. Every family's situation is different. If you have questions about what college savings options might make sense for your household, reach out. That's exactly what we're here for.

08/28/2026

🏈 Football is back, and so is everything that comes with it.

A new season means fresh storylines, surprise contenders, and those moments you just can’t script. Whether you’re locked in from the opening coin toss or just showing up for the company and the snacks, game day has a way of bringing people together.

Fire up the grill. Find your seat. The season is here. 💪

08/26/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.

A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.

School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.

The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.

Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.

Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.

For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.


Source:

U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.

08/17/2026

Life insurance is often framed as something you only think about "just in case."

But for many people, it can be part of a broader financial foundation—supporting both current flexibility and future considerations.

From how coverage works to what employer benefits actually provide, understanding the basics can make it easier to decide what fits your situation.

Several factors affect the cost and availability of life insurance. And any guarantees associated with a policy depend on the issuing insurance company's ability to continue making claim payments.

08/14/2026

A new study suggests a blood test may someday help identify healthy older adults who are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s symptoms years in advance.

The test measures p-tau217, a form of tau connected to Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain.

Researchers found that symptom-free older adults with very high levels of p-tau217 had a 38% risk of developing cognitive impairment within five years. That risk rose to 78% over 10 years, though researchers noted there is less confidence in the 10-year estimate.

For now, scientists say the test may be most useful for research, including identifying people who could participate in studies of possible Alzheimer’s treatments or prevention strategies.

They also caution that the test is not yet precise enough to guide an individualized prognosis for healthy people.

The broader takeaway: medical advances can create promising new tools, but timing, accuracy, and clinical usefulness matter. For now, researchers still emphasize familiar brain-health habits, including eating well, sleeping well, exercising, and staying socially engaged.


Source:

A blood test that helps diagnose Alzheimer's might also forecast if healthy older adults will develop symptoms.

08/12/2026

Online scams are becoming more sophisticated, and new technology is helping criminal networks operate at a larger scale.

An AP investigation found that scam operations have used artificial intelligence, cloud services, internet infrastructure, satellite connections, and social platforms to target people around the world.

Some scams now involve automated messages, real-time translation, fake identities, and carefully scripted conversations designed to build trust quickly.

The financial damage can be devastating. The Federal Trade Commission estimated that scams cost Americans nearly $200 billion in losses in 2024.

The human impact is also serious. Some people working inside scam compounds have been trafficked or forced to participate under threat of violence.

For consumers, the warning signs still matter: pressure to act quickly, requests to keep conversations secret, sudden talk of money or investments, and relationships that move unusually fast.

As scams become more advanced, skepticism can be a form of protection. Slowing down, verifying details, and talking with someone trusted before sending money can make a meaningful difference.


Source:

Technology from American companies is being used to power a revolution in the scam industry, playing a key role in the industrialization and globalization of fraud in ways that have not been clear until now, an AP/“FRONTLINE” investigation has found.

08/12/2026

Markets navigated mixed signals in July. Inflation eased, tech faced pressure, and energy surged. Meanwhile, Americans are planning record travel spending in 2026: \$1.37 trillion. What's shaping your household budget this summer?

Stocks were mixed in July as investors navigated a cross-current of news on the outlook for AI spending and Q2 corporate reports.

08/07/2026

🎒📚 Back to School! 🍎✏️

Hey everyone! As the summer sun begins to set, it's time to trade in those flip-flops for some fresh kicks and head back to school. Whether you're starting a new grade, meeting new teachers, or reuniting with friends, this school year is your blank canvas. Let's fill it with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories. Remember, every day is a new adventure waiting to unfold. Wishing you all a fantastic and successful school year ahead!

🌟

08/03/2026

What is it about August?