Molly Reese Ward, CFP, CDFA - Financial Advisor

Last week we took our strategy off the spreadsheets and onto the track 🏎️💨

It turns out our team knows how to handle more than just portfolios -- we can handle hairpin turns too.

Just like racing, smart financial planning is all about timing, precision, and knowing when to accelerate.

BIG THANKS to Steve Ledner for a fun afternoon!

Safe to say.... we're built for both speed and long-term performance! 📈

🏆 Grateful to share that WLW was recognized by Forbes among Best In State Wealth Advisors (2026) – Texas, Houston (High Net Worth). 🏆

This recognition belongs to the incredible team behind the scenes—the smart, hardworking, big hearted people who show up every day for our clients and each other.

Shout out to Tate Lowe, Leah Ragiel, Ross Selvaggi, Jose Salgado and Sadie Morelli.

I may steer the ship, but they make it seaworthy. 🚢

Recognition is nice—but impact is everything.

Now… back to doing the work. 💼❤️



Forbes Best In State Wealth Advisors (2026) ranking was developed by SHOOK Research. Third party rankings are not indicative of future performance or client experience and do not constitute an endorsement. No compensation was provided for this ranking.

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.

Monthly Market Insights | May 2026 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.

Athena Study Group sisters Jody Dagostini and Cindy Price 💫

Celebrating our accomplishments in Amsterdam reminded me how rare and powerful this group truly is.

As women leaders in this industry, we support, encourage, and sharpen one another—iron sharpening iron. So grateful for these relationships.

Catherine Abbruscato, Wendy Baum, Gretchen Zommermand—let’s get ALL the Athena Sisters to Pinnacle 2027!

🌷✨ Life’s most beautiful gifts are not just accomplishments, but the moments shared with family and loved ones.



I’m deeply honored to share that I qualified to attend Equitable’s Pinnacle Conference and Award’s Dinner. To qualify, you must rank in the top 50 among the 4,000+ Equitable Advisors. I ranked #33 of 4,000+ and proudly stood as the #2 female advisor in the country.

Yet, as proud as I am of this recognition, the true highlight wasn’t the award itself—it was sharing this celebration with my daughter, Lily Ward, in the stunning beauty of Amsterdam. 🌎💐

Together, we explored acres of tulip fields in bloom, a breathtaking reminder of nature’s wonder. This trip reaffirmed what truly matters: family, shared experiences, and the joy of making memories that last a lifetime.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Maureen Fleming and the team who made this trip amazing. And Jim Mellin, David Karr, and Nick Lane for your support and encouragement.

This experience confirms that success feels complete when celebrated with those closest to your heart. 💕

Our day took a purr fect turn when a client stopped by the Well Lived Wealth office with the kittens she fosters and rehabilitates. 🐾

From tiny paws to curious whiskers, these little furballs absolutely stole the show—and our hearts. It was impossible not to smile (or stop working) with that much cuteness roaming the office.

Proof that sometimes the best meetings include kittens, cuddles, and a little extra joy. 🐱💛

🌿 New Team Member Announcement

We’re excited to welcome Sadie Morelli to Well Lived Wealth as our new Client Service Associate! 🌿

Sadie is a key part of creating a seamless, organized, and genuinely comfortable experience for our clients. From onboarding and account administration to behind-the-scenes coordination, she helps reduce complexity so families can focus on what matters most.

Well Lived Wealth is Life Well Lived! www.WellLivedWealth.com

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.

Monthly Market Insights | March 2026 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.

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.

Monthly Market Insights | March 2026 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.

🔍 Pensions, Social Security & Divorce: Why Early Financial Guidance Matters

Last week’s session with Collaborative Divorce Houston opened the door for some powerful conversations—especially around how differently pensions and Social Security must be treated within the divorce process.

In our presentation, Tate Lowe, CFP®, CDFA®, walked through why these benefits can’t be approached like typical assets and why missteps can lead to unintended (and sometimes irreversible) outcomes for clients.

His key message: Bringing a CDFA into the collaborative process early ensures these complex benefits are valued fairly and applied correctly, protecting both parties and supporting a smoother, clearer path forward.

We’re grateful to Collaborative Divorce Houston for the opportunity to share this insight—and we remain committed to supporting attorneys, therapists, and collaborative professionals as they guide families through transition with clarity and confidence.

Here’s to building the strongest, most supportive collaborative divorce community in the country—right here in Houston. 💛

www.Well Lived Wealth.com