Foundational Wealth Planners

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.

08/26/2026

U.S. credit card debt is approaching a record high.

Americans’ credit card balances reached $1.26 trillion in the second quarter, rising by $21 billion, according to new data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

That puts credit card debt just below the all-time high of $1.28 trillion set late last year.

Strong consumer spending is one factor behind higher balances. Rising prices for essentials like groceries and gas may also be contributing.

Delinquencies remain a concern. The share of credit card balances more than 90 days delinquent rose from 7.6% to 12.8% from mid-2022 through early 2026.

Total U.S. household debt now stands at $18.8 trillion. Auto loan debt also reached a new high of $1.71 trillion.

For households, rising debt is a reminder that everyday expenses, interest rates, minimum payments, and emergency costs can all affect financial flexibility.


Source:

Americans' credit card debt reached $1.26 trillion, increasing by $21 billion in the second quarter of this year, according to new data.

08/21/2026

New research from The Aspen Institute looks at what it calls “essential wealth”: a benchmark for financial resilience and major life milestones.

The benchmark includes having six weeks of take-home pay in savings, along with enough net worth to support goals such as homeownership and retirement security.

According to the report, about 34.5 million U.S. households fall short of that threshold.

The estimated net worth needed varies by age group:
18-29: $40,000
30-39: $120,000
40-49: $265,000
50-64: $530,000
65+: $775,000 for a couple with no mortgage

These figures are broad estimates and can vary based on income, location, household needs, and housing costs.

The broader takeaway is that income alone does not always show whether a household feels financially secure. Savings, assets, debt, housing, and long-term goals all help shape the bigger picture.


Source:

Three in four American households lack the wealth to weather financial setbacks and achieve major life milestones.

08/20/2026

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.

08/13/2026

⛈️ Severe Weather Prep 🏠

Severe weather season brings wind, rain, and hail. A little prep now goes a long way.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few things worth doing before the next storm rolls through:

🔹 Roof and Gutters: Look for loose shingles and clear out clogs. Small problems get expensive fast once the rain hits.

🔹 Go-Bag: Water, food, flashlight, phone charger, and important documents. Keep it ready so you're not scrambling.

🔹 Know Your Routes: Check your local evacuation routes on a calm day. You'll be glad you did.

🔹 Review Your Coverage: Made home improvements lately? Worth a quick conversation to make sure everything is accounted for.

08/12/2026

🌞 Did you know schools in the South tend to start the school year the earliest? 🌞

📚 As the back-to-school season approaches, approximately 54.1 million K-12 students and 5.7 million teachers are gearing up to head back to classrooms this fall. 📚

🍎 Teachers are the largest group among the nearly 10 million individuals employed in the country's elementary and secondary schools, which also include principals, school bus monitors, teaching assistants, and janitors. 🚌👩‍🏫



Information from the U.S. Census Bureau

08/11/2026

🎒📚 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!

🌟

07/27/2026

Feeling behind on retirement savings at 50+? SECURE 2.0 might help more than you think.

A few key changes worth knowing:

📈 Bigger catch-up contributions — up to $8,000 extra in 2026, or $11,250 if you're 60–63 (total possible: $35,750).

🔄 If you earned $150K+ in 2025, your workplace plan catch-up contributions now go into Roth — paying tax now on the "seeds" instead of later on the "harvest" can actually work in your favor.

⏳ RMD age is now 75 for anyone born in 1960 or later — more time to grow your money and plan strategically.

🧩 Here's the thing: Social Security, IRAs, and 401(k)s don't work in isolation. How you contribute now — and how you withdraw later — needs to be one coordinated plan, not three separate decisions.

A late start doesn't have to mean a bad outcome — the rules have shifted in ways that can genuinely help.

If you're 50+ and want to talk through what this means for you, let's connect. 📩