AssetGrade, LLC Registered Investment Advisors

10/12/2026

As we move into the final quarter of 2026, markets continue to give investors plenty to talk about. Major stock market indices are at or near all-time highs, commodities have been the strongest-performing major asset class so far this year, and international markets, particularly emerging markets, have continued to perform well. At the same time, higher bond yields and ongoing concerns about inflation and the federal deficit have made the fixed-income environment more challenging.

Artificial intelligence is also drawing significant attention and is increasingly influencing the market. AI-related companies now represent more than 53% of the S&P 500, naturally raising questions about market concentration and whether today’s valuations are sustainable. These are important conversations, but they also remind us why it matters to understand what you own, why you own it, and how each investment fits into your broader financial plan.

In our October 2026 Quarterly Market Review, we take a closer look at these trends, including commodities, interest rates and bonds, U.S. and international equities, and the importance of diversification.

While none of us has a crystal ball, our perspective remains the same: stay focused on your long-term goals, maintain an appropriate level of risk, and avoid allowing short-term market headlines to drive long-term financial decisions.

Review the report here: https://www.assetgrade.com/blog/2026-october-market-review

09/26/2026

If life changed tomorrow, would you feel confident about your finances?

Created with women’s unique financial needs and life transitions in mind, this practical checklist can help you understand where you stand, identify what may need attention, and move forward with greater clarity.

Read more:

Whether you have managed your finances for years or are beginning to take a more active role because of retirement, divorce, widowhood, an inheritance, or another life transition, financial confidence starts with understanding where you stand today.The Confident Woman’s Financial Checklist walks y...

09/25/2026

What if you could slow down your retirement contributions without putting your future retirement at risk?

That’s the idea behind Coast FIRE. Learn how this approach uses time and compound growth to create more financial flexibility today, and how to determine whether you may be ready to coast.

Read more:

Last month my business partner, Pat, wrote about retirement and how rewarding it may be to transition to retirement. Continuing with that theme, I have clients that have worked for many years, and some are now coasting to financial independence.

08/21/2026

Many parents who are saving for retirement and college often fall into a trap – how do you help your kids pay for college while planning for your retirement? It’s like the airplane safety brief: put your own mask on first before helping others. As someone who has two teenage daughters with college dreams on the horizon, here are three steps to help you plan and save for retirement while helping your child pay for college.

Read the full article on our website:

Many parents who are saving for retirement and college, often fall into a trap – how do you help your kids pay for college while planning for your retirement? It’s like the airplane safety brief: put your own mask on first before helping others. As someone who has two teenage daughters with coll...

08/20/2026

Most people think they would recognize a Ponzi scheme, but it’s not that easy.

Consider a recent SEC case involving approximately 300 investors and at least $140 million.

As usual, the investment had a plausible story. Investors were told their money would fund short-term bridge loans to businesses awaiting longer-term financing. The loans would generate interest, providing investors returns of up to 18%, substantially higher than current market rates.

Read the full article on our website:

Most people think they would recognize a Ponzi scheme, but it’s not that easy.Consider a recent SEC case involving approximately 300 investors and at least $140 million.As usual, the investment had a plausible story. Investors were told their money would fund short-term bridge loans to businesses ...

08/19/2026

Retirement is often treated like a light switch: Friday you work full-time, Monday you’re retired.
For many folks, that cliff-edge transition creates a bigger adjustment than they expected. The
better approach may be to retire gradually.

07/14/2026

As we move through the second half of the year, the headlines continue to remind us that uncertainty is a constant part of investing. From inflation and interest rates to global events and market volatility, it's easy to wonder what it all means for your financial future.

That's why we're pleased to share our July 2026 Quarterly Market Review, which takes a closer look at what's happening in today's markets, what's driving recent performance, and the long-term principles that continue to guide our investment approach.

We hope this report provides a helpful perspective and reinforces the importance of staying focused on your long-term goals rather than short-term headlines.

Read the report here:

AssetGrade Market Summary – July 2026Learn More Here

04/09/2026

Check out AssetGrade’s recent quarterly update on the economy and markets. Kate Hennessy discusses the impact of geopolitical issues on the economy, and why it’s important to stay invested.

AssetGrade Market Summary – April 2026Learn More Here

03/31/2026

Why "Time in the Market" is Your Most Valuable Asset in 2026.
For many individuals reaching age 65 this year, the instinct to protect a lifetime of savings is at an all-time high.

Why "Time in the Market" is Your Most Valuable Asset in 2026For many individuals reaching age 65 this year, the instinct to protect a lifetime of savings is at an all-time high. With retirement less than 12 months away, the volatility of the current market—where moves of 1% or more occur every 5 t...

02/19/2026

I recently had a great reminder of why I really love serving in wealth management. A client coming up on their 10-year anniversary with AssetGrade told me “Thank you, thank you, thank you! We appreciate everything you do for us.”

I recently had a great reminder of why I really love serving in wealth management. I was chatting with a client and I let her know that she and her husband were approaching their 10-year anniversary as AssetGrade clients.