Retirement Choices of California

Markets ended 2025 on a quiet note, but Q4 closed with gains across all major U.S. indexes as investors weighed lower interest rates, mixed labor data, and ongoing economic delays from the October shutdown. The S&P 500 rose 2.35% for the quarter, while the Dow led with a 3.59% gain. As we kick off the new year with resolutions and fresh starts, many of us reach for our favorite morning brew. But have you ever wondered about the global love affair with coffee and tea? Check out this month's by-the-numbers.

Quarterly Market Insights | January 2026 U.S. stocks notched a solid gain in the fourth quarter as investors cheered lower interest rates and solid corporate profits while navigating limited economic updates due to the U.S. government shutdown.

In 2024, the average work bonus was roughly 2.8 percent of the worker’s annual salary, across all industries. What would you do with yours?

What Will You Do With Your Bonus or Windfall? This article examines one's options when receiving a work bonus or other financial windfalls.

Ever wonder about those free credit scores you get once a year?

The Lowdown on Those Free Credit Scores What’s the deal with your yearly free credit report?

How much is enough for your emergency fund?

Your Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough? Having an emergency fund may help alleviate the stress and worry associated with a financial crisis.

The S&P 500 is ubiquitous. Ever wonder how it works?

The Anatomy of an Index The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

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

Financial Aid for Students 101 Help your college-bound child explore scholarships, grants, and more with this article on paying for higher education.

Your investment strategies and personal beliefs don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Learn more about impact investing here:

Investing for Impact Learn how to build a socially conscious investment portfolio and invest in your beliefs.

Stay ahead this year with this handy Personal Finance Calendar.

Personal Finance Calendar Use this handy calendar to remember the year’s most important financial dates.

There’s 5 phases to changing unhealthy behaviors. Here’s how to do it.

Changing Unhealthy Behaviors Five phases to changing unhealthy behaviors.

Childhood attitudes and habits can determine your child's health in his or her adult years.

Raising Healthy Children Healthy habits are one of the greatest gifts to give your child.

Do you know the risk factors that can lead to cognitive decline?

Avoiding Cognitive Decline Try these activities to keep your brain sharp.

Markets ended November on a five-day winning streak, softening earlier losses driven by concerns over tech valuations, consumer sentiment, and rate uncertainty. While the Nasdaq slipped 1.51 percent, the S&P 500 held steady and the Dow inched up 0.32 percent. All eyes now turn to the Fed's final meeting of the year on December 9–10.

Monthly Market Insights | December 2025 The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.13 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 1.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.32 percent.1