Applied Financial Planning

Determining what age to begin claiming your Social Security benefit is a big decision. You could start as early as 62 or wait later—up until age 70.

There are a few factors to consider as you make your plan. We break it down for you here:

When Should I Start Claiming Social Security? | Applied Financial Planning Your plan shouldn't look the same when you’re 55 as it did when you were 35, and part of that is because you have ever-changing goals. So how do you know when it’s time to adjust your financial plan?

August is usually considered a weak month for stocks. This year, the S&P 500 is up about 3% with one trading day left. That matters, because when August was positive and stocks were already up 10% to 17.5% for the year, the final four months gained in 10 of 11 past instances.

It’s a small historical sample, not a forecast. But it’s one reason September’s bad reputation may not tell the whole story this year.

See what the seasonal data is showing heading into fall:

Market Commentary: A Strong August Sets Stocks Up for a Better September Than Feared With a day to go, the S&P 500 is up a very impressive 3% during the historically weak month of August. That’s the good news. The bad news? September

Choosing life insurance can get complicated quickly. The coverage you choose should reflect your family’s financial needs, your circumstances, and what may change over time.

This resource walks through questions to consider when evaluating a policy and when it may be time to review your coverage:

Choosing an Insurance Policy | Applied Financial Planning Your plan shouldn't look the same when you’re 55 as it did when you were 35, and part of that is because you have ever-changing goals. So how do you know when it’s time to adjust your financial plan?

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged and struck a more dovish tone. The bond market told a different story.

Short-term yields fell, while longer-term yields surged and the 30-year Treasury reached its highest level since 2007. That split may reflect concerns about inflation now and the possibility of a tougher Fed response later.

See why the bond market may be challenging the Fed’s message: https://ow.ly/tfBx50ZwmgZ

Markets faced plenty of turbulence in the first half of 2026, from an oil spike and geopolitical conflict to persistent inflation and sharp swings in stocks.

Still, earnings expectations climbed, AI investment accelerated, and the S&P 500 finished the first six months up 10.2%.

The 2026 Midyear Outlook looks at what may keep supporting markets and what could interrupt the ride.

Get the full second-half market read:
https://ow.ly/TIcA50Zqfi4

Social Security timing is more personal than many people realize.

Waiting can increase monthly benefits for some retirees. For others, claiming earlier may help address cash flow needs, survivor benefit decisions, or pressure on investments during a difficult market.

The key is knowing which scenario actually applies to you.

Claiming Social Security Benefits Early In many cases, our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents started collecting their Social Security benefits as late in life as possible. Their

Estate planning can feel like one of those things you know matters, but keep pushing off.

That makes sense. It asks you to think through your assets, your wishes, your family, and the people who may need to make decisions later.

Our Estate Planning Checklist can help you see what’s already handled and what may still need attention.
https://ow.ly/Gutq50Z8X21

Good economic news does not always get a good market reaction.

The S&P 500 sold off Friday after a stronger-than-expected jobs report, ending a nine-week winning streak.

But one day rarely tells the whole story.

This week’s commentary looks at why the move may say more about profit-taking and rate expectations than a major shift in the economy.

Market’s ‘Good News Is Bad News’ Response to Jobs Report May Actually Be Good News Friday was a challenging day for stocks. The S&P 500 fell 2.6%, which ended the index’s extraordinary nine-week winning streak. We have not had a

When people picture retirement, they often focus on a savings goal. The bigger question is what happens next. How will you spend your time? What will give you purpose? How might your lifestyle change over the years?

A retirement plan should account for more than finances.

Getting Ready to Retire? How to Be Fully Prepared During your working years, retirement can feel like a distant, far-off time in your life that you hope to get to someday. And though you may think of it

The S&P 500 just posted its ninth consecutive week of gains. At the same time, consumers continue to spend despite slower income growth and a lower savings rate. Strong markets can make the story feel simple. The reality is often more nuanced.

This week's commentary explores what's happening beneath the headline numbers. https://ow.ly/1MzY50Z6ov7