Benchmark Wealth Management

The Benchmark team is enjoying a day of rest from the work we love to do, and wishing you the same! Happy Labor Day!

What does it actually mean for you when you see "CFP®" next to all of our advisors' names?

Behind those letters is a promise that the person across the table is held to the highest standards in the financial industry. Here is what your partnership looks like with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional:

✅ Rigorous Education: Completing extensive, comprehensive coursework covering everything from investments and tax planning to retirement and estate strategies.

✅ The Fiduciary Standard: Legally binding commitment to always put your best interests first, 100% of the time.

✅ Strict Ethics & Experience: Adhering to a code of professional ethics and completing thousands of hours of rigorous, real-world financial planning experience before ever earning the mark.

When you work with Benchmark, you never have to wonder about the experience across the table. You get fiduciary advice you can trust from day one. Don't accept anything less.

Learn More about the CFP®:
https://www.letsmakeaplan.org/choosing-a-planner/why-choose-a-cfp-professional

📈 September 2026 Market Note from the Benchmark Advisors:

As summer winds down and September begins, investors are navigating a market shaped by strong corporate profits, continued debate about AI, evolving monetary policy expectations, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts. While volatility has increased at times, the underlying backdrop remains fundamentally well supported.

One of the most important pillars supporting the stock market has been strong corporate earnings. Second-quarter earnings growth for the S&P 500 is tracking to a stellar 31% (excluding mark-ups of investment holdings), while analysts continue to raise forecasts for the second half of 2026. Solid earnings across a broad range of sectors have strengthened the fundamental case for stocks. If not for large non-recurring charges by two healthcare companies, all 11 S&P sectors would have grown earnings by 9% or more in the quarter.

Investor attention has also remained squarely on AI. Recent results and commentary from major tech companies have reinforced confidence that AI investment will drive innovation and profitable growth, even as investors debate potential payoffs. Strong outlooks from leading firms—including NVIDIA, currently the world's largest company—have helped maintain investor enthusiasm and provided support for AI-related stocks.

Inflation and interest rates remain important considerations. While inflation has improved from recent highs, price pressures remain above the Federal Reserve’s target, and expectations for a potential rate hike have increased. Higher rates can put pressure on valuations and borrowing costs, making upcoming data important. At the same time, continued economic strength and earnings growth provide a strong counterbalance.

Overall, we remain constructive on the stock market outlook, supported by broadening corporate profit growth, a resilient U.S. economy, and continued AI innovation. Investors should expect periods of volatility as the market weighs interest rate policy, geopolitical developments, and the economic outlook. Historically, September and early October have been more challenging periods for stocks, and after a strong first eight months of the year, maintaining a long-term perspective remains particularly important.

As we look ahead, we believe a disciplined and diversified investment approach remains the best way to navigate changing market conditions. The right mix will look different for every investor and should reflect individual goals, time horizons, and risk tolerance. While short-term swings may happen, continued economic growth, healthy earnings, and innovation provide a solid foundation for the market as we move into fall.

We're getting a little attitude from a certain coworker today.

His mom had the audacity to suggest that he had too many "snack tours" of the office. 🦴 He's communicating his disappointment to the bookcase. Don't worry - we can't say no to that sweet (pouting) face for long!

Proudly partnering with clients across the country, but our heart and home reside right here in Memphis. 💙

Happy 901 Day from all of us at Benchmark Wealth Management! We are so grateful for the community that built us and the incredible people we get to walk alongside every day. ✨

If your Monday needs a little pick-me-up, the Benchmark team has got you. Our recent Back to School week unearthed some photos worth sharing. Enjoy at our expense! 🤣

The Humans (and Minifigs) of Benchmark 💙

We’re continuing our series to introduce the real people behind our team. Meet Carolyn, Executive Assistant to our CEO & Founder!

💼 Joined Benchmark in 2003

😊 The Minifig:
We custom-built a LEGO twin for everyone on the team! Carolyn's verdict? Holding a coffee mug is spot-on. She is a self-proclaimed coffee snob and rarely seen without a mug in hand. ☕

🎯 The Purpose:
Benchmark's core purpose is to help good people do great things. For Carolyn, that means providing seamless executive support to empower Nancy to focus on what she does best: connecting with the community, mentoring team members, and leading the vision of our firm.

🌱 The Human:
Outside of the office, Carolyn loves traveling to new destinations and relaxing in nice hotels. When she’s at home, you’ll likely find her in the greenhouse nurturing her green thumb—she has a special knack for starting new plants from cuttings and getting orchids to re-bloom! 🌺

Us: "It's National Dog Day!"
Banner: "I'm ready for my close-up."
Dot: "Wake me when the celebration snacks arrive."

These two bring so much joy to our days! 🐾

Benchmark Wealth Management was thrilled to send team representatives to LPL Financial's Focus 2026 Conference in San Diego earlier this month. ✈️

Sarah, Katrina, and Alison joined with other financial advisors and industry leaders to dive into cutting-edge technology, market insights, and modern practice management.

When our team grows, our clients benefit!

The early bird gets the worm at Benchmark! ☀️

Good morning from our friend, Tony Hawk!