TJD Financial Planning

08/24/2026

One of the things that I enjoy about being an advisor is seeing my clients being able to fulfill their dreams of traveling the world - Italy, Iceland, Hawaii, African Safaris, etc.

For many, it becomes less about fitting a trip into the calendar and more about deciding how they want to spend their time. Whether that means staying longer, traveling more often, or bringing family along, those choices often reflect years of thoughtful decisions.

If travel in retirement is a DREAM of yours, let's set a plan to ensure it happens 😊

08/11/2026

Last week, my daughter reached out about a Fraud Alert she was receiving from her bank regarding an Amazon charge. Right away my "alarm" went off about it possibly being a scam/spam message. Once assured it wasn't, she clicked she did not authorize the charge and notified her bank.

Minutes later, I received an alert for the same amount from the same company, Amazon. Now, I was REALLY skeptical. I immediately started changing passwords and verification methods, and deleted devices that were utilizing my Amazon account. And, of course, I called my bank. They assured me that the alert was real.

During the phone call, the representative mentioned memberships, and immediately I figured out it was the annual Prime Membership charge that they were trying to push thru! My guess is that they tried to charge my daughter's card because she was the last one to buy something.

There were links, and we were right to be skeptical. The picture here is a reminder of that. Always be alert!

07/10/2026

Markets posted solid second-quarter gains as investors responded to upbeat economic reports, continued diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and strong first-quarter corporate numbers. The S&P 500 rose 14.87%, the Nasdaq gained 21.41%, and the Dow picked up 12.90%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 6.37%. Looking ahead, markets may continue to react to Middle East updates, oil prices, inflation trends, and the pace of global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. From U.S. home price growth to Canadian housing forecasts, this quarter’s by-the-numbers highlights the data behind one of North America’s most closely watched markets.

Stocks saw solid gains in the second quarter, riding a wave of enthusiasm over upbeat economic reports, ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and strong first-quarter corporate numbers.

06/23/2026

Wills and Trusts get a lot of the "spotlight". But please don't sleep on the Durable Financial Power of Attorney! This is very IMPORTANT if you suffer a medical emergency, become incapacitated, or become diagnosed with dementia. Many believe that in these situations a spouse will "automatically" be able to sign documents and make decisions on bank accounts, investment accounts, or retirement accounts. Unfortunately, that is FALSE! Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

06/16/2026

When does it end?!

Most parents think the last tuition check means game over for college. 🥳🏦🚫

The data says it's halftime! 🤯🏧

50 percent of parents with adult children still provide regular financial support, spending $1,474 a month to do so. That's more than twice what they're putting toward their own retirement.

Here's what "just helping out a little" actually looks like:

✅ 75 percent of parents aged 45+ are financially supporting at least one adult child, even though over half of those children can meet their own basic needs, according to a 2025 AARP survey.

✅ 42 percent of supporting parents report financial stress. 9 percent have retired early because of it.

✅ 47 percent say they've sacrificed their own financial position for the sake of their kids.

✅ 18 percent say the support could continue indefinitely. They don't see an end in sight.

This isn't about being less generous. It's about being intentional.

Whether your kid just graduated, graduated five years ago, or is still in school, the question is the same: Is your support happening by design or by default?

That's worth a conversation.

05/26/2026

A referral is the ultimate trust. Discover how a 2025 case study
used holistic planning and Social Security timing to wipe out
debt and move a retirement date up to this June. Proof that the
right plan can turn "one day" into "now."

Read more in the latest blog:

https://bit.ly/3Q1kYBF

05/14/2026

"Who cares about stock market returns when gas is $5!" That is a post on X that I recently had come across.

Recent survey data also suggests many households are feeling increased financial pressure.

About 55% of Americans say their financial situation is getting worse, reflecting a steady rise in concern over the past several years.

Affordability remains a key factor, with higher costs across essentials like housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses continuing to shape how people experience their finances.

Those on a fixed income, like retirees, can be more susceptible to these conditions.

At the same time, concerns extend beyond the short term. Many individuals report increased anxiety around long-term goals, including saving for retirement and managing future expenses.

While experiences can vary widely, these trends highlight how broader economic conditions can influence both day-to-day budgeting and longer-term financial outlooks.

During these uncomfortable times it is a good reminder of why it is so important to have a plan. Don't hesitate to reach out for help with yours.


Source:

The impact of higher energy prices and fears about covering monthly bill is taking a toll on public sentiment, a new Gallup poll finds.

04/30/2026

As the weather gets nicer, my wife and I often take our dog on longer walks thru the beautiful Oakwood Cemetery, or on the numerous bike trails in our area. We noticed many trees that have fallen throughout this past LONG winter - some that are large uprooted trees. It's a reminder to take a look at who is liable for fallen trees. Especially those that are on our own properties. 🤔

Your liability for damages that occur when a tree on your property falls on your neighbor’s property is not clear cut.

04/24/2026

ANOTHER SCAM! 🤯

A common online security tool is now being used in a new type of scam.

Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA prompts — the familiar “I’m not a robot” checks — to trick users into taking actions that can compromise their devices.

Instead of a simple verification, these prompts may ask users to click “Allow,” enable notifications, or follow additional steps that can lead to persistent pop-ups, phishing attempts, or unwanted software.

These scams often appear through ads, suspicious links, or redirected web pages, making them harder to spot at first glance.

Security experts note that legitimate CAPTCHA tests do not require enabling notifications, downloading files, or entering system commands — making those requests a potential red flag.

As these tactics evolve, staying cautious when interacting with unexpected prompts can help reduce exposure to online threats.


Source: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/captcha-scams-are-surging-as-hackers-exploit-a-security-tool-032626.html

04/15/2026

A new scam is making the rounds! This one is for iPhone users who may or may not be using the Apple Pay feature. Remember: these criminals have gotten very manipulative in their approaches. Take a look at the article and be ALERT!

https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/been-targeted-by-the-apple-pay-scam-you-probably-will-be-040826.html