Clayton Taylor Financial Advisor

09/01/2026

Inflation is still running above the Fed’s 2% target. Prices rose 3.7% over the past year.

Bottom line: Prices are still climbing, just more slowly.


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The personal consumption expenditures price index was expected to rise 0.1% monthly and 3.6% on a 12-month basis, according to economists surveyed by Dow Jones.

08/18/2026

A proposed change to cash payments is moving forward. The Common Cents Act would create a nationwide standard for rounding cash purchases to the nearest 5 cents.


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New law aims to address how businesses and consumers should transact amid the phase-out of the penny.

08/12/2026

Did you know that only 24% of Americans have a will, according to a 2025 study by Caring.com? And that number has decreased in recent years. Most of those Americans have children under 18. August is Make a Will Month, and it’s a great reminder to create a will for your family and those most important to you or to update it to reflect any changes in your life.


https://www.caring.com/caregivers/estate-planning/wills-survey/

08/06/2026

Volatility happens. Preparation matters.

August, September, and October have historically brought periods of increased market movement, and upcoming events could add more uncertainty. The key is having a plan before volatility arrives.

08/04/2026

SpaceX has joined the Nasdaq-100, an index that tracks many of the largest nonfinancial companies listed on Nasdaq.

This change could impact some index funds and retirement accounts that follow the index. A reminder for investors: it’s important to understand what’s inside the funds you own.


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The move could add the Elon Musk-led firm to many retirement portfolios.

07/29/2026

The Fed is watching the data.

Officials remain divided on future interest rate moves as inflation, employment, and economic conditions continue to shape policy decisions.


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The Federal Reserve on Wednesday released minutes from its June 16-17 meeting.

07/23/2026

Honeymoons can be unforgettable—and expensive. The average cost is about $6,260, but prices vary widely based on travel choices.

Beyond the headline number, extras like fees, upgrades, and excursions can add up quickly. Planning ahead—and factoring in the full cost—can make the trip feel more intentional from the start. If you’re planning one, we can help you think through how it fits into your broader financial plan.


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With the average cost of a honeymoon topping $6,000, these tools can help you pay for the trip.

07/21/2026

Small-cap stocks have been a standout this year, with the Russell 2000 up over 21%—its best start since 1991.

AI-related investment is expanding beyond mega-cap tech, lifting smaller companies in sectors like semiconductors and connectivity.

While interest rates are still in focus, the move highlights how opportunities are broadening across the market.


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The advance marks a sharp turnaround after years of underperformance versus large-cap peers.

07/14/2026

Treasury yields edged higher after May job openings came in at 7.6 million, topping expectations.

The 10-year rose to ~4.40% and the 2-year to ~4.125%—levels that can influence borrowing costs like mortgages and credit cards.

Investors are watching inflation and labor data closely for clues on where rates may head next.


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U.S. Treasury yields were higher on the final trading day of June as traders digested more jobs data.

07/09/2026

Saving for retirement gets the spotlight—but spending it wisely matters just as much.

Only 31% of Americans are familiar with “decumulation,” and many retirees end up underspending, some still have all (or more) of their savings well into their 80s.

The challenge isn’t just building wealth. It’s knowing how to use it, while navigating taxes, inflation, healthcare, and longevity.


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Many Americans spend decades saving for retirement, but lack a plan for using that money once they stop working, a new survey finds. Here's what to know.