Gertsema Wealth Advisors

09/01/2026

August is usually considered a weak month for stocks. This year, the S&P 500 is up about 3%.

That matters, because when August was positive and stocks were already up 10% to 17.5% for the year, the final four months gained in 10 of 11 past instances. 👀

It’s a small historical sample, not a forecast. But it’s one reason September’s bad reputation may not tell the whole story this year.

👉 See what the seasonal data is showing heading into fall in our weekly market commentary:

With a day to go, the S&P 500 is up a very impressive 3% during the historically weak month of August. That’s the good news. The bad news? September

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐶🐾

Today, we’re giving the spotlight to the beloved dogs of the GWA team. These loyal companions bring plenty of joy, laughter, and love to our employees’ lives, and we think they’re too cute not to share!

Scroll through to meet the GWA pups, and share a photo of your four-legged family member in the comments 💜

08/22/2026

Investment Risk Tolerance Survey

Most of us have a picture in our minds of what we want our investments to do for us 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://www.gertsema.net/ -section

08/21/2026

Blog: Social Security Benefits: What’s Your Game Plan?

At first glance, Social Security sounds simple: claim early or wait.
But that one choice can affect your monthly income for the rest of your life. And if you’re married, your decision could affect your spouse’s benefits, too.
Then add taxes, Medicare, longevity, and other sources of retirement income, and there’s a lot more to consider than just picking an age.

See how Social Security may fit into your bigger retirement picture:
👉https://www.gertsema.net/insights/blog/category/your-retirement/

08/20/2026

Blog: Getting Ready to Retire? How to Be Fully Prepared

Before you figure out how much you’ll need for retirement, it helps to know what you’re actually planning for. Travel? More time with family? New hobbies? Maybe a move somewhere warmer? And that picture may change as retirement goes on. The active early years can look very different from the years when health, support, and a slower pace become more important.

See how thinking through each phase of retirement can help you plan for the life you want: https://www.gertsema.net/insights/blog/getting-ready-to-retire-how-to-be-fully-prepared/

08/19/2026

Market Commentary: Fear on Wall Street, Resilience on Main Street

Stocks reached new highs last week.
You might not guess that from how investors are feeling.
Bears have outnumbered bulls for four straight weeks, and retail investors recently sold at one of the fastest clips on record.
Historically, bull markets have tended to end amid euphoria, not when investors are still this nervous.

See why all that caution may be worth paying attention to: 👀https://www.gertsema.net/insights/blog/category/market-investments/

08/17/2026

Today, on National Nonprofit Day, we’re celebrating the organizations that work tirelessly to make our community a stronger, safer and more caring place. 💙

As a team, our employees are proud to support and volunteer with several local nonprofits, including Voices of Courage Child Advocacy Center, Pivotal Point Transitional Housing, St. Joseph PRC, Sisters of Solace, United Way of Greater St. Joseph, and Second Harvest Community Food Bank.

These are just a few of the many organizations making a meaningful impact right here in our community. Help us spread the word, share or tag a local nonprofit you support in the comments below! 👇

08/15/2026

Can budgeting leave room for the things that bring you joy? 💵✨

CEO & Wealth Advisor Nick Gertsema was featured alongside other financial advisors in NerdWallet's article, “Joy-Based Budgeting: Does It Actually Work?”

Nick shares how identifying what truly adds value to your life may help you spend more intentionally, recognize opportunities to save, and better align your financial choices with what matters most to you.

Read the full article: https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/joy-based-budgeting

08/14/2026

One economy. Two very different experiences. 📊

While some households and businesses may be thriving, others continue to feel increased financial pressure. This divide is often described as a K-shaped economy, but what does that really mean?

Associate Wealth Advisor Andrew Spitzer-Fox breaks down this economic trend, why it matters and what it may mean as you consider your own financial decisions.

📖 Read the full article: https://www.gertsema.net/.../understanding-the-k-shaped.../

08/12/2026

Last week, Associate Wealth Advisor Andrew Spitzer-Fox traveled to Chicago as a guest of Measured Risk Portfolios to attend a bell-ringing ceremony at Cboe Global Markets (Chicago Board Options Exchange) and learn more about their new ETF. 🔔📈

Andrew had the opportunity to speak with the firm’s traders and investment managers, ask questions about their strategies, and hear from other advisors who use their ETFs within their own investment models.

It was a valuable experience filled with learning, thoughtful conversations, and continued due diligence, all with the goal of serving our clients well. 👏