David J. Abbs, CFP, CFS - Wealth Advisor

09/02/2026

Deciding when to start Social Security can feel like a pretty big choice.

You can claim as early as age 62, wait until full retirement age, or delay benefits up to age 70.

There are a few things that can shape that decision. Here’s what to consider as you make your plan:

Your plan shouldn't look the same when you’re 55 as it did when you were 35, and part of that is because you have ever-changing goals. So how do you know when it’s time to adjust your financial plan?

08/31/2026

September is known for being a tough month for the S&P 500.

Since 1950, the index has dropped an average of 0.6% in September and ended the month higher less than half the time.

But this year is starting from a different place. Stocks are already up nearly 13% for the year, and August is shaping up to be a solid month, too.

Many of the worst Septembers in history began when stocks were already struggling. That’s not the setup we’re seeing this year.

See why this September may not follow the usual seasonal pattern: https://bit.ly/4gphqUg

08/29/2026

You probably have a good idea of how much you’ve saved for retirement.

But that number is only part of the story.

Your income, how much you’re still saving, what you expect to spend, and how you invest can all affect the picture.

Answer six quick questions to get a better sense of your retirement readiness: https://bit.ly/2thmnpC

08/28/2026

Retirement might be your main goal, but it’s probably not the only one.

You may also be planning for healthcare costs, college for a child or grandchild, or other long-term needs.

That’s where tax-advantaged accounts come in. A 401(k), Roth IRA, HSA, or 529 can each offer different tax benefits depending on the account and how it’s used.

See how these accounts work across different parts of your financial plan: https://bit.ly/49FleNa

08/26/2026

Ten years from retirement, you still have time to save, adjust, and think seriously about the life you want to fund.

Five years out, the conversation gets more practical. What will you spend? Where will your income come from? Are you on track?

With one year to go, it’s time to start putting more of the plan into motion and even “test drive” what retirement might feel like.

See what may deserve your attention at each stage: https://bit.ly/4dzrOGj

Getting ready to retire? Find out the key planning steps you should be taking 10, 5, and 1 year before retirement.

08/24/2026

A lot of the headlines around the markets right now are focused on stocks, but there’s another part of the market worth watching: debt.

Debt is becoming a bigger part of the market story—from $40 trillion in U.S. government debt to the growing use of debt to fund the AI boom.

While we believe the summery rally looks likely to continue, it’s a reminder to keep the bigger picture in view.

Get our full analysis on recent market moves: https://bit.ly/4wKkyPm

08/22/2026

We all have some idea of what we hope our investments will do over time.

But have you ever stopped to think about what those expectations say about how much risk you’re comfortable taking?

Try the Investment Risk Tolerance Quiz to get a better sense of how you think about risk and long-term growth: https://bit.ly/3EKs844

08/21/2026

Retirement isn’t one long stretch of life that looks the same from beginning to end.

The early years may be filled with travel, activities, and more spending on experiences. Later, the pace may slow. Eventually, healthcare and support may become a bigger part of the picture.

Thinking about those stages now can help you plan for more than just the first few years.

See what each phase may mean for your retirement plans: https://bit.ly/3SfqLnK

Retirement is about more than finances—it’s a life transition. Learn how to prepare financially and personally for a fulfilling next chapter.

08/19/2026

At first, Social Security can sound pretty simple: claim early or wait.

But there’s a lot wrapped up in that decision. Your monthly income, taxes, Medicare, other retirement income and even your spouse’s benefits may all come into play.

Before focusing on your claiming age, see how Social Security may fit into the rest of your retirement plan:

Learn more about how Social Security benefits work, how they fit into your broader financial plan, and what mistakes to avoid along the way.

08/17/2026

Retail sales fell in July, which gave investors another reason to worry about the consumer.

But the broader picture is more complicated.

Households have continued to deleverage, debt-service costs remain below historical averages, and serious delinquencies are still relatively contained compared with income.

See why the consumer may be slowing without necessarily breaking: https://bit.ly/4hFm2qs