The Stefans Group

07/17/2026

Market volatility has returned, led by weakness in technology stocks. While the headlines may feel unsettling, the broader market has remained more resilient, reinforcing the value of diversification and a long-term perspective.
Read the Cetera Investment Management Team's latest market commentary:

Market volatility has returned, led by weakness in technology stocks. While the headlines may feel unsettling, the broader market has remained more resilient,…

07/17/2026

How much is enough for your emergency fund?

Having an emergency fund may help alleviate the stress and worry associated with a financial crisis.

07/16/2026

Here is a story we see a lot.

A family comes in after a loss. The Will is clear. The Intentions were clear. But the retirement account named someone who was never supposed to receive it — an ex-spouse, a deceased parent, a sibling when everything was meant to go to the children.

The Beneficiary Form won. It always wins.

Your Will & your Beneficiary Designations are two separate systems. They only protect your family when they’re built to work together.

If yours haven’t been reviewed at the same time, by someone looking at the whole picture — that is the conversation to have before you need the other one.

We’ve been in that room. Let’s make sure your family doesn’t have to be.
📲 Call (516) 692-2744 to Book Your Estate Planning & Asset Protection Review Today!

07/16/2026

Read the latest issue of Financial Watch here:

Your emergency fund is one of the most important financial tools you have. It is what stands between an unexpected car repair and a credit card balance that…

07/15/2026

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

In the world of finance, the effects of the

07/15/2026

Your Estate Plan only works if everything around it is aligned. These four documents help make sure your plan is working together to support your wishes.

✔️ HIPAA Authorization
✔️ Your Long-Term Care Plan
✔️ Beneficiary Forms
✔️ A Digital Asset Inventory

None of them get much attention. All of them matter.

Alignment doesn't happen by accident. It's why we build every plan as one coordinated strategy.

This is Part 2 of our series on the nine documents worth having updated before retirement. 👉

💬 Which of these four still needs your attention?

Ready to Start Planning?
📲 Call (516) 692-2744 to Schedule your Estate Planning Consultation.

07/14/2026

Read the latest issue of Retire Wise here:

Inflation works quietly in the background, and over time, even a modest rise in the cost of everyday goods and services can chip away at the lifestyle you…

07/14/2026

Before retirement, most people check the financial boxes — savings, investments, the number they need to hit. Fewer check the legal paperwork. 📋

An updated Estate Plan makes sure the accounts you built still work the way you intended when decisions need to get made & is KEY to a strong retirement plan.

In this post, we look at four docs that create the foundation for your legal plan:
✔️ Trust
✔️ Will
✔️ Power of Attorney
✔️ Medical Directives — including your Health Care Proxy & Living Will

Swipe through to see what each one protects & why having a Trust doesn't mean you can skip the Will. 👉

💬 Do you have these documents in place? If not, now's the time.
📲 Call (516) 692-2744 to Schedule your Estate Planning Consultation.

This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. Part 2 covers the documents that round out that foundation — ones most families don't think about until it's too late.

07/13/2026

Earnings season begins this week, with major banks kicking off a six-week stretch of quarterly reports. Join CIO Gene Goldman as he explains why earnings matter, what investors should watch for in the latest results, and how markets may respond as companies report against elevated expectations 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...

07/13/2026

Scams are evolving but so can your defenses. From phone calls to social media, scammers are using old tricks in new ways. The good news? Most are preventable. Check out our quick infographic to stay one step ahead!

A helpful glossary of current scams.