Estate and Wealth Management Services, LLC

10/15/2026

Stocks ended last week higher after an up-and-down week where a kitchen sink of economic, geopolitical, and AI-related events competed for investors’ attention. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.15 percent, while the Nasdaq...

10/11/2026

Columbus Day falls on the second Monday of October. Just a reminder that banks and government offices close for the day.

10/08/2026

Stocks advanced last week as the broad market looked past inflationary pressures and focused on falling oil prices, declining bond yields, and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

09/30/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

We take this time to honor the strength of those who have faced a diagnosis, support those currently going through it, and recognize the families and communities who stand beside them.

Awareness matters. Support matters. Presence matters.

We stand with you.

09/24/2026

The price you see on the shelf may not be the exact amount you pay at checkout.

With penny production ended, some merchants have started rounding cash purchases up or down to the nearest nickel. Depending on the total, that could mean a few cents more or a few cents less.

Paying by credit card may come with another wrinkle. Some retailers and service providers are adding surcharges to help offset card processing costs, which may increase the final price.

That means the same purchase could cost slightly different amounts depending on whether you use cash, debit, or credit.

Before you pay, take a second to compare the total for cash, debit, and credit so you know which option makes the most sense for that purchase.


Source:

More merchants are rounding change for cash purchases to the nearest nickel due to the end of penny production, or adding surcharges to credit card transactions.

09/24/2026

Stocks ended last week mixed as investors navigated the Fed’s rate decision, Treasury yields, oil prices, and the volatile AI trade.

09/16/2026

Stocks fell over a shortened trading week as higher oil prices rattled investors.

09/12/2026

🚨🔧🌍 Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters 🌍🔧🚨

Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month? It's the perfect time to empower our youth with the knowledge and skills they need to be prepared for any disaster. Here are some important steps to help teach young people about disaster preparedness:

🔧 Start the conversation: Engage children in discussions about different types of disasters and why it's important to be prepared. Use age-appropriate language and examples to help them understand.
🔧 Create a family emergency plan together: Involve children in the process of developing an emergency plan for your household. Teach them what to do, where to go, and whom to contact in case of an emergency.
🔧 Assemble an emergency kit: Show children how to gather essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and first aid items. Explain why each item is important and how they can help during a crisis.
🔧 Practice emergency drills: Conduct regular drills to familiarize children with evacuation procedures and safety protocols. Make it interactive and fun to reduce anxiety and build confidence.
🔧 Encourage them to spread the word: Empower children to share their knowledge with friends, classmates, and neighbors. Encouraging others to be prepared can create a ripple effect of readiness in the community.

By teaching youth about disaster preparedness, we are equipping them with lifelong skills that can save lives and build resilience.

09/07/2026

🏈 Football season is almost here, and all 32 NFL teams are bringing something new to the field.

From offseason moves and fresh faces to shifting expectations across every division, there’s no shortage of storylines heading into 2026.

The season opens with the New England Patriots facing the Seattle Seahawks in a Super Bowl 60 rematch, and that’s just the beginning.

Whether you’re following your hometown team, setting a fantasy lineup, or just counting down to Sundays on the couch, now’s a great time to catch up on what changed during the offseason.

🏆 Which team are you watching most closely this season?


Source:

NBC Sports has 32 team previews full of stats, storylines and projections that could shape your favorite team’s season.

09/06/2026

🚨🔧🌍 Protect Your Family and Your Property from Disasters 🌍🔧🚨

Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month? It's the perfect time to take action and safeguard your family and property from potential disasters. Here are some crucial steps to help you protect what matters most:

🔧 Conduct a home safety assessment: Identify potential hazards in and around your home, such as loose wiring, blocked exits, or overgrown vegetation, and take necessary measures to mitigate them.
🔧 Review your insurance coverage: Ensure that your homeowners or renters insurance policy adequately covers potential risks like floods, earthquakes, or wildfires. Consider additional coverage if needed.
🔧 Create a home inventory: Document your valuable possessions by taking photos or videos, and keep a detailed list of important items. This will assist with insurance claims in case of damage or loss.
🔧 Secure your property: Implement measures such as installing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and sump pumps to protect against various hazards.
🔧 Develop an emergency response plan: Establish evacuation routes, designate a safe meeting point, and ensure that all family members are aware of what to do in case of a disaster.
🔧 Share information with neighbors: Encourage your neighbors to also prepare and exchange contact information, fostering a sense of community resilience.

By taking proactive steps to protect your family and property, you can mitigate the impact of disasters and increase your overall preparedness.