Gregory Page-Romer, BFA, RSSA

06/01/2026

Moving to music can be more than just fun—it can also support physical, mental, and social well-being as people age.

Health professionals say dancing may help improve balance, strength, mobility, flexibility, and brain health. Because it combines movement, memory, rhythm, and coordination, it can engage both the body and mind.

Dancing can also create meaningful social connections, whether through line dancing, ballroom, salsa, tap, Zumba, or community groups.

For many older adults, that combination of movement and connection can make staying active feel more joyful and sustainable.

The best part? You do not need to be an expert to benefit. Starting with simple steps, a beginner-friendly class, or a favorite song at home can still be a meaningful way to get moving.

Medical professionals say that moving to music is a great way for older adults to stay healthier as they age. It doesn't matter what kind of dancing.

06/01/2026

The timeline for normal shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains an important focus for global markets.

Recent prediction market activity suggests uncertainty around how quickly traffic through the strait could return to typical levels, even if broader diplomatic progress continues.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global energy shipments, so changes in shipping activity can affect oil markets, fuel prices, transportation costs, and broader inflation trends.

Traders recently placed a 38% probability on traffic returning to normal by July 1, with higher odds for a later timeline.

While these numbers can change quickly, they offer a snapshot of how markets are weighing geopolitical risk, energy supply, and timing.

For households and businesses, the broader takeaway is that global shipping routes can significantly affect everyday costs, especially when energy markets are already under pressure.

Despite reports Iran could return the passageway to normal traffic flows within a month of a peace deal, Kalshi traders thought that was unlikely.

06/01/2026

The post-Memorial Day holiday trading week was short but potent as stocks delivered more record gains while confidence grew that a peace deal would materialize. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.43 percent, while the Nasdaq...

06/01/2026

Who in your life is always happy to see you, never brings up work, and asks for almost nothing in return?

If a pet came to mind, you are not alone.

This week is Pet Appreciation Week, and our team wanted to take a moment to celebrate the four-legged, feathered, and occasionally scaly members of your household.

Pets have a way of putting things in perspective that no spreadsheet ever could.

Drop a photo of yours in the comments. We would love to meet them. 🐾

Book a free no obligation session with me to explore ways to build your wealth, protect your assets, and enable your dreams. https://www.openvistasfinancial.com/contact

05/27/2026

Federal Reserve officials appear increasingly focused on how persistent inflation could shape future interest rate decisions.

Minutes from the most recent Fed meeting show that many officials supported keeping rates steady, while also noting that higher rates could become appropriate if inflation remains above the central bank’s 2% target.

The meeting also reflected a notable level of disagreement. The committee voted to hold its benchmark rate at 3.5% to 3.75%, but four members dissented — the highest number of dissents since 1992.

A key issue was whether the Fed’s statement should continue to suggest that a rate cut remained the more likely next move. Several officials preferred more flexible language, given ongoing inflation pressures.

For households and businesses, these discussions matter because interest rate decisions can influence borrowing costs, savings yields, mortgage rates, credit card rates, and broader economic conditions.

A majority of officials anticipated that interest rate increases would be necessary if the Iran war continued to aggravate inflation.

05/27/2026

Summer travel may come with higher costs this year, as airfare, gas, lodging, dining, and activities all reflect broader price pressures.

Average domestic airfare is about $383, up $89 from last year, while gas prices have risen $1.42 per gallon from a year earlier.

Other travel-related expenses are also higher. Activities are up by more than 5.5%, lodging costs are up by 4.3%, and dining out prices are up by more than 3.6%.

Even with higher prices, many Americans are still taking trips, though some may choose destinations closer to home to help manage overall costs.

These trends show how inflation can affect more than everyday essentials — it can also shape how households approach travel, leisure, and seasonal spending.

Gas prices, airfares, accommodations and other vacation essentials are more expensive this year compared to last year.

05/26/2026

Stocks bounced back last week as enthusiasm for the AI trade continued and rumors of a Middle East peace agreement bolstered investor optimism. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.88 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...

05/25/2026

Yes, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. But let's not forget what this day is really about.

Today, we remember those who gave everything. The men and women who served and never came home.

Some of us knew them. Some of us are here because of them.

However you spend today, take a moment to pause. Enjoy the long weekend, but hold space for what it actually means.

To the families carrying that loss: we honor them with you.

Book a free no obligation session with me to explore ways to build your wealth, protect your assets, and enable your dreams.
https://www.openvistasfinancial.com/contact

05/21/2026

Cap and gown season is here. 🎓

A BIG CONGRATULATIONS to every graduate walking across a stage this month! 🥳 🥳

The late nights, the stress, the uncertainty about what comes next have all led to this moment.

To the parents and grandparents in the audience pretending they're not emotional: we get it. ❤️

For the new grads, a few things to consider as you start this next chapter:

➡️ Start investing as early as possible, even if it's small. Time is the one advantage you won't get back.

➡️ If your employer offers a retirement plan with a company match, take it. It's free money.

➡️ Build an emergency fund before you worry about investing. Three months of expenses is a good first goal.

➡️ Understand your student loans: what you owe, the interest rates, and when payments start.

➡️ Your first budget doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to exist.

The financial habits you build now will help form the foundation for your future.

Congrats, Class of 2026. 👏

Book a free no obligation session with me to explore ways to build your wealth, protect your assets, and enable your dreams.
https://www.openvistasfinancial.com/contact

05/18/2026

The Senate has confirmed a new Federal Reserve chair, marking a leadership change at the central bank during a closely watched period for monetary policy.

The confirmation vote was 54-45, making it one of the closest votes for a Fed chair in the modern era.

The transition comes as policymakers continue to weigh inflation, interest rates, labor market conditions, and broader economic uncertainty.

The new chair previously served on the Federal Reserve Board and has been involved in monetary policy discussions during periods of significant economic stress.

As leadership changes, markets and policymakers will continue watching how the Fed approaches its dual mandate: supporting maximum employment while seeking price stability.

In the most divisive vote ever for a Fed chair, Warsh, 56, won confirmation to take over for Jerome Powell.