David Zachrich, CFP

09/03/2026

We talked about goals yesterday and envisioning your future. So — how many of you have ever made a mood board for your finances?

Sometimes creating a vision board is more fun than a spreadsheet. Both are needed, but the mood board can spark more excitement and help you actually picture the future you're working toward!

09/02/2026

OK, be honest — how many of us actually set financial goals? It can feel overwhelming, right? So here's an easier place to start.

Begin with a short-term goal — like saving for a vacation. Then move to a medium-term goal — saving for a house or a car. And finally, set a long-term goal — like where you want to be for retirement.

The key is understanding these goals take time. Life happens, and surprises will always impact your plans — but starting to envision the life you want is what matters most.

Finding the right financial planner can help too. Click the link in bio to set up your first meeting.

09/02/2026

Surprises crop up every day, and they’re a great reason to work with us.

Making the most of surprises is a great reason to work with us.

09/01/2026

Money stress is real — and often it's easier to avoid your finances than take that first step toward a healthier relationship with them. But what if tackling your finances brought empowerment, excitement, and calm instead? Imagine actually having a handle on what's going on with your money.

Here are three tips to get started:

1. Make a budget. A simple spreadsheet works great — track your spending. Do you really know where your money is going?

2. Start an emergency fund. Aim for 3 months of after-tax income as your cushion.

3. Pay yourself first. Put away 5–10% of your income into savings automatically.

08/31/2026

Do you know the best way to set your child up for collegiate success? Make sure with this miniature guide to financial aid options.

Help your college-bound child explore scholarships, grants, and more with this article on paying for higher education.

08/31/2026

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?

08/31/2026

🚢From ships to shares, here’s a brief history of stocks 📊

The first “stocks” were tied to dangerous sea voyages. Today? They’re traded with a tap.

Swipe to explore:
⚫ The first company to issue stock
⚫ The world’s first exchange
⚫ Why stocks became so popular
⚫ How this centuries-old idea still drives markets today

08/31/2026

Some trips are about getting away.

Others are about slowing down and really being there.

Lately, luxury travel has been less about doing more and more about choosing experiences that feel memorable, immersive, and just a little indulgent.

Whether that means returning to a favorite destination in a new way or heading somewhere you never thought you’d go, the common thread is simple: curiosity, comfort, and time to enjoy it.

If you could go anywhere next, where would you linger?

08/26/2026

U.S. credit card debt is approaching a record high.

Americans’ credit card balances reached $1.26 trillion in the second quarter, rising by $21 billion, according to new data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

That puts credit card debt just below the all-time high of $1.28 trillion set late last year.

Strong consumer spending is one factor behind higher balances. Rising prices for essentials like groceries and gas may also be contributing.

Delinquencies remain a concern. The share of credit card balances more than 90 days delinquent rose from 7.6% to 12.8% from mid-2022 through early 2026.

Total U.S. household debt now stands at $18.8 trillion. Auto loan debt also reached a new high of $1.71 trillion.

For households, rising debt is a reminder that everyday expenses, interest rates, minimum payments, and emergency costs can all affect financial flexibility.


Source:

Americans' credit card debt reached $1.26 trillion, increasing by $21 billion in the second quarter of this year, according to new data.

08/26/2026

The beans brewed for your morning coffee may have changed hands many times.

Few contemplate the complex journey that brought their coffee from farm to kitchen table.