Financial Planning Resources

07/15/2026

Trump Accounts opened on July 4. A few questions are worth considering:

Our baby is 18 months old. Do we qualify for the $1,000? Yes. Every U.S. citizen baby born since January 1, 2025, qualifies for a one-time $1,000 federal contribution.

Is there an income maximum? No. Eligibility is based on the child's citizenship and birth date, not family income.

Our child is 7. Did we miss it? Not entirely. Any U.S. citizen under 18 can have an account opened. The federal $1,000 payment applies only to children born in 2025 through 2028, but everything else still applies.

Can grandparents contribute? Yes. Up to $5,000 per year combined across parents, grandparents, family, and the child themselves.

Whether to contribute, how much, and how to coordinate it with what you already have are all worth talking through. Our team is here for that.

More details on our website.

A new federally created savings account for American children launched on July 4, 2026, when Trump Accounts began accepting contributions. The accounts were formally established under Section 530A of the Internal Revenue Code as part...

07/13/2026

"Let's talk about it in December."

By December, choices can be limited. Mid-year is often the sweet spot for preparation.

The bracket picture is clearer than it was in January.

Roth IRA conversion timing is flexible within the calendar year, but the bracket math can influence the outcome.

Six months of runway means scenarios can be modeled, not rushed.

If the market dips before year-end, the same tax math may change. Those windows rarely give notice. Keep your tax, legal, or accounting professional in the loop if you see an opportunity.

December conversions can be reactive.

Mid-year conversions can be designed.

If you’re wondering about timing, we welcome a discussion.

To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under certain other circumstances, such as the owner's death. The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.

07/13/2026

Stocks largely advanced over a V-shaped week as the AI trade, led by chip stocks, pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq averages higher amid renewed conflict.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.23 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.74 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.50 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 1.42 percent.

Read more on our blog linked below.

Stocks largely advanced over a V-shaped week as the AI trade, led by chip stocks, pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq averages higher amid renewed conflict. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.23 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...

07/09/2026

We're thrilled to introduce Paul Erickson as our new Director of Operations!

Before joining the team at Financial Planning Resources (FPR), Paul built a diverse career spanning healthcare, energy, education, and private industry. Throughout his career, he has focused on leading teams, improving operational efficiency, and developing processes that help organizations better serve their clients.

As Director of Operations, Paul is dedicated to creating a seamless experience for both clients and advisors. By overseeing the firm's day-to-day operations and continuously improving internal processes, he helps ensure advisors can devote more of their time to what matters most—building relationships, developing personalized financial strategies, and helping clients pursue their financial goals.

Outside the office, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and children, exploring Oklahoma's lakes and outdoors, and traveling with his family. Whether visiting the mountains or either coast, he enjoys discovering new places, and meeting interesting people.

Please join us in welcoming Paul!

07/07/2026

Prediction markets suggest the Federal Reserve may show more agreement at its latest interest rate meeting.

Traders on Kalshi placed a 70% probability on a unanimous Fed rate decision in June. That would mark a shift from April, when four members dissented — the highest number of dissents since 1992.

The Fed is widely expected to hold rates steady in the 3.50% to 3.75% range as policymakers continue weighing inflation, oil prices, and broader economic uncertainty.

A more unified vote could signal that policymakers are aligning around the current rate path, even as inflation remains above the Fed’s long-term target.

For households and businesses, Fed decisions can influence borrowing costs, savings yields, mortgage rates, and overall economic confidence.

Even when rates do not change, the level of agreement among policymakers can offer insight into how the central bank is reading the economy.

Traders on prediction market platform Kalshi largely forecast a unanimous decision among FOMC members at Wednesday's meeting, after April's divided vote.

07/06/2026

One of our advisors, Chase McBee, recently returned from a trip to Machu Picchu in Peru.

Chase shared these photos with us, and the views were amazing! What an incredible experience.

Although we miss our team members when they're away, we're always happy to see them enjoy some well-deserved time off. We're especially glad to have him back safe and sound. Welcome back, Chase!

07/06/2026

Markets notched a solid gain over a shortened trading week as investors cheered ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.77 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 2.12 percent....

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07/02/2026

This 4th of July is a milestone year!

It’s our nation's 250th birthday.

Hope most of you are enjoying a long weekend celebrating this historic anniversary.

From our family to yours, wishing you a happy Independence Day weekend.

07/01/2026

It's July 1. Six months of 2026 are gone.

If you're like most of the people we work with, the year hasn’t gone exactly the way you sketched it out in January. Maybe the market did something you didn't expect, and your priorities look different from what they did six months ago.

Maybe you sold something, bought something, retired, semi-retired, or finally admitted you're not going to retire when you said you would.

Any one of those is a reason to revisit your approach before December, not after.

The clients who feel most in control of their financial lives are the ones who don't wait until year-end to find out what the year actually was.

Send us a message or visit f-p-r.com to schedule an appointment with an advisor.

06/29/2026

Stocks ended mixed as falling oil prices helped lift the Dow Industrials, while concerns about AI valuation put pressure on the broader market. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.95 percent while the Nasdaq Composite Index skidded...