Tom Trax - LPL Registered Principal

03/25/2026

Tech jobs aren’t disappearing—they’re relocating.

In 2025, growth is shifting beyond traditional hubs like California and Texas, with smaller and mid-sized states gaining momentum. Places like Utah, Illinois, and South Carolina are emerging as new centers for tech opportunity, while legacy markets are seeing slower or even negative growth.

What’s behind the shift? AI is reshaping the workforce—cutting some roles while fueling demand for highly specialized talent.

The real story isn’t just job gains or losses—it’s where the future of tech is taking root. 🌎💻

03/18/2026

Trying to time the market may sound smart—but in reality, it rarely works.

Even in a strong year like 2025, when the S&P 500 finished up 17.88%, the path to those gains was far from steady. Then, in the springtime, the index dropped nearly 19% after markets reacted to the announcement of new tariff policies.

Yet right in the middle of that volatility came the single best day of the year on April 9. Missing just that one day would have cut the year’s return by more than half.

The takeaway: staying invested often matters more than trying to predict the perfect moment to be in or out of the market.

Source: Hartford Funds - https://www.hartfordfunds.com/practice-management/client-conversations/managing-volatility/2025-illustrates-why-market-timing-is-impossible.html?utm_source=hartfordfunds.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2026-03-16-SUB-Market_Timing_Is_Impossible&utm_content=practice_management&programID=10841&emailID=53301&mkt_tok=ODYxLVJXUy02OTkAAAGglscl3Uxf20XqTMBM8pCrlWkgRTGB3imX0-Po_cQPQH_-Ho7whyphQ9C5_KalOt8qFzpNClYccZi8DAMco6DVxyubNlkXxBwqJOtlS5srYGTLPCg

03/15/2026

What if your most expensive tax decision in 2026 happens long before you file your return?
Tax prep looks backward; tax strategy looks ahead, and that gap is where real after-tax outcomes get decided.

A few high-impact levers to keep on the radar:
➡️ When Income Lands: Timing bonuses, self-employment income, and retirement distributions can help manage brackets.

➡️ How You Might Save: Consider taking advantage of the higher 401(k) limits in 2026 and catch-up provisions—but be sure to look into whether you need to use a Roth for those catch-up contributions.

➡️ Where Giving Shows Up: New rules change how charitable gifts and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limits work together.

➡️ What You Do in Down Markets: Tax-loss harvesting can turn volatility into a tool, not just noise.

➡️ With most retirement accounts, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions. Roth accounts are the exception. Withdrawal penalties may apply if you take the money before age 59½. Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after the account holder reaches age 59½.

Preparing year-round can help shape future cash flow, flexibility, and choices.



Sources:
➡️ https://www.affiancefinancial.com/news/tax-planning-or-tax-preparation-which-do-i-need
➡️ https://www.bdo.com/insights/tax/irs-issues-final-catch-up-contribution-regulations-for-salary-deferrals-in-retirement-plans
➡️https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-25-67.pdf
https://silvertaxgroup.com/donor-advised-funds-strategy/
➡️ https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/guidance/charitable-tax-strategies/bunching-charitable-donations.html
➡️ https://www.bankrate.com/retirement/convert-to-roth-ira/

02/25/2026

When attackers break in, they usually don’t exploit software — they exploit people and permissions. According to Unit 47 investigations:
🔐 Identity gaps show up in 9 out of 10 breaches.
🎯 Nearly two-thirds of initial access stems from stolen credentials and social engineering.
⚠️ Over-provisioned access and token abuse help threats spread fast.

Identity isn’t just a layer of security — it’s the frontline.



https://www.visualcapitalist.com/sp/pal01-how-cyberattackers-gain-access/

02/11/2026

Warren Buffett stepped down as CEO on January 1, 2026, but we can only hope he shares more words of wisdom.

01/15/2026

LPL Research has released Outlook 2026: The Policy Engine, exploring the economic, market, and policy forces shaping the year ahead. Dive into the full-year outlook and see what may drive markets in 2026.
👉 Read the full report: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:f60ca17c-e376-42c0-a013-eef9d2cd5364

01/07/2026

As the U.S. enters 2026, economists are watching several key factors that may influence the economic landscape in the year ahead. While growth held up better than expected in 2025, many households continue to feel pressure from elevated costs.

Among the biggest questions are whether inflation will continue to cool, how the Federal Reserve may respond to changes in employment, and whether housing affordability will improve gradually over time. Experts are also monitoring how the adoption of artificial intelligence could affect job growth and productivity, as well as whether stock market gains can be broadened beyond a small group of leading companies.

Taken together, these factors suggest a year shaped less by dramatic shifts and more by gradual adjustment, as businesses and consumers respond to evolving economic conditions.



Source:

From stubbornly high living costs to a softer labor market, economists say these are the forces that will shape the year ahead.

01/02/2026

With great pride, Trax Wealth Management is pleased to share that
Thomas Trax has been recognized with the Five Star Professional award
for a thirteenth year!

12/15/2025

Understanding where your income falls across tax brackets can reveal meaningful planning opportunities. A proactive review can help you make more informed decisions about income, deductions, and long-term strategy.

12/01/2025

Our December newsletter offers timely perspective on recent market trends, where we are at in the current bull cycle, and how the events of 2025 fit into a long-term financial strategy. A great read as we start looking ahead to 2026.

11/19/2025

Small, consistent choices today create long-term financial stability. And it starts with one simple shift: save first, spend second. 💰🔥