HerPlanning: Advice, Investments & Insurance

05/08/2026

Stocks surged in April, delivering their strongest monthly gains in five years as solid economic data, easing geopolitical tensions, and upbeat first-quarter earnings lifted investor sentiment. The Nasdaq climbed 15.29%, the S&P 500 rose 10.42%, and the Dow gained 7.14%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 3.65%. With no Fed meeting in May, attention turns to remarks from Fed officials and how evolving economic data may shape expectations moving forward. From \$34.1 billion in U.S. spending to the popularity of Mother’s Day dining and gifts, this month’s By the Numbers highlights how families celebrate the occasion.

Stocks surged in April, notching their best month in five years as investors cheered upbeat economic news, efforts to lower tensions in the Middle East, and first-quarter results.

04/07/2026

U.S. stocks slipped in Q1 as AI disruption fears and Middle East tensions rattled investors. The S&P 500 fell 4.63%, the Nasdaq dropped 7.11%, and the Dow lost 3.58% — though six of eleven S&P 500 sectors still finished in the green, led by Energy's standout 37.91% gain. As the weather warms up and spring gets us outside, it turns out Americans are right there with you — over 181 million U.S. residents participated in outdoor recreation in 2024. Check out this month's by-the-numbers for more on the outdoor recreation economy.

U.S. stocks struggled in February amid fears that artificial intelligence would disrupt a wide swath of industries, unsettling investors. Late in the month, geopolitical concerns weighed on the market amid tensions in the Middle East.

03/05/2026

Stocks were mixed in February as AI disruption concerns and escalating geopolitical tensions weighed on investor sentiment. The S&P 500 slipped 0.87% and the Nasdaq fell 3.38%, while the Dow edged up 0.17%. Canada’s S&P/TSX advanced 7.57%. As attention turns to the Fed’s March meeting and its updated Summary of Economic Projections, markets will be watching closely for signals on the path ahead. From 73% of the world’s maple syrup produced in Canada to a \$1.64 billion global market, this month’s by-the-numbers highlights the industry behind one of North America’s most iconic products.

U.S. stocks struggled in February amid fears that artificial intelligence would disrupt a wide swath of industries, unsettling investors. Late in the month, geopolitical concerns weighed on the market amid tensions in the Middle East.

02/22/2026

02/06/2026

Stocks climbed in January as solid economic data offset geopolitical tensions. The S&P 500 rose 1.37%, the Dow gained 1.73%, and Canada's TSX picked up 0.66%, setting multiple record highs early in the month. The Fed held rates steady as expected, with all eyes now on the March meeting. From \$27.5 billion spent in the U.S. to \$97.80 per person in Canada, Valentine's Day spending spans the globe. Check out this month's by-the-numbers.

Stocks climbed in January as the tailwinds of solid economic data offset the headwinds of geopolitical tensions that rattled investors during the month.

01/30/2026

Thinking about a baby? Me too! Let’s talk money. 👶🏾💸

🤰🏽✨ A personal update…

My husband and I are expecting our first child this spring 💛—and like many families, we’re thinking through all the financial considerations that come with this next chapter.

From covering an extra $16k–$30k per year in expenses to insurance, estate planning, and long-term savings, planning ahead makes a difference.

Raising a child to age 18 costs more than $300k!

Check out my most recent news segment with KOTV - News On 6 & Reagan Ledbetter, where I fill you in on the top financial considerations for adding a child to your family!

If growing your family is on your mind, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

👉 Book a meeting with HerPlanning for clarity, action steps, and accountability around your family's financial plan.

01/29/2026

A Colorado mother wired $2,000 to criminals who cloned her daughter's voice from online clips—in just 3 seconds of audio.

Her daughter was home the entire time.

AI has fundamentally changed how fraud works.

Criminals can now create fake voices, videos, emails, and documents that are nearly indistinguishable from real ones.

The emotional realism—especially of voice cloning—can make these scams devastatingly effective.

Three simple steps can help you manage your risk:
1️⃣ Create a family code word for emergencies. If someone calls asking for money, ask for the code. This defeats voice cloning instantly.
2️⃣ Verify before you act. Hang up and call back on a verified number. Real emergencies can wait 60 seconds.
3️⃣ Limit your digital footprint. Review social media settings and manage public videos/voice recordings that could be used against you.

The threat is real, but so is the solution: awareness, skepticism, and verification.

If you haven’t talked to your family, especially aging parents and young adult children, about these risks, don’t wait any longer.