Justine D. Hughes, CFP, Chfc, CPFA

06/03/2026

No two clients are the same. Nor are their portfolios.

The strategies that serve someone building wealth at 55 look very different from those preparing for retirement at 65. That's why it's critical to take a multi-layered approach that allows us to use a mix of strategies to pursue your goals.

What mix works best for you?

06/02/2026

This Monthly Recap summarizes market performance, major events and news from May 2026. Read more here:

U.S. stocks extended gains in May, with the S&P 500 ending the month with seven straight daily gains and its ninth consecutive weekly gain, its longest winning…

06/02/2026

One of the most overlooked questions in building a retirement strategy isn't "How much do I have?" It's "When do I need it?"

That's exactly what a bucket strategy does. It matches your assets to your timeline, so every dollar is working as hard as it can for as long as it can.

Do your buckets match your time horizon?

06/01/2026

Markets are riding a nine-week rally, but a data-heavy week will test that momentum. With PMIs, job openings, and the May jobs report in focus, we are watching labor strength and inflation signals closely. The question: can the rally continue, or does volatility return? See what Chief Market Strategist Brian Klimke thinks in .

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

06/01/2026

05/29/2026

Travel can feel very different once time is no longer tightly scheduled.

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.

It may be worth revisiting how travel fits into your overall approach—especially as priorities continue to evolve. Reach out to your financial professional to discuss how your strategy can support the adventures you've earned.

05/28/2026

Recent survey data 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.

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.


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.

05/27/2026

Extended care is one of the biggest wild cards in retirement.

Costs vary by location, care type, and health needs—but they've all been rising faster than many realize.

These five insights can help you understand what drives costs and why they often catch retirees by surprise.



Sources:
CareScout, Cost of Care Report, July–December 2024
AALTCI, Long-Term Care Insurance Statistics & Data 2025
EBRI/Greenwald, 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey, April 2025

05/26/2026

A quiet week for data, but Thursday’s PCE report still matters. Inflation is expected to remain above the Fed’s target. But the bigger driver? Geopolitics—especially in the Middle East. See why Chief Market Strategist Brian Klimke says markets may take cues from headlines, not data, in .

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

05/26/2026

Auto debt continues to climb as higher vehicle prices and interest rates put pressure on household budgets.

A recent report found that total auto debt reached $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025, up 37% from late 2018. Nearly 86 million Americans, or about 1 in 4, now carry auto loan or lease debt.

Monthly payments have also increased. The typical auto loan payment rose from about $506 in 2018 to more than $680 by the end of 2025.

Several factors are contributing to the shift, including higher vehicle prices, fewer lower-cost new car options, and longer loan terms. More buyers are also taking on larger monthly payments, with $1,000 auto loan payments becoming more common for financed new-vehicle purchases.

For many households, higher transportation costs can affect other parts of the budget, including groceries, rent, savings, and emergency funds.

These trends highlight how vehicle affordability can play a larger role in everyday financial decisions.


Source:

Auto debt has swelled to $1.68 trillion, a new analysis finds. Americans face costlier vehicles, higher interest rates and lengthier loan terms.