LPL Enterprise Financial Planner- Bobby Pugh

One of the most overlooked questions in building a retirement strategy isn't "How much do I have?" It's "When do I need it?"

That's exactly what a bucket strategy does. It matches your assets to your timeline, so every dollar is working as hard as it can for as long as it can.

Do your buckets match your time horizon?

There are four ways to approach risk. You can ignore it or avoid it entirely. Or managing it carefully. Or transferring it through insurance.

Every one of these can work, but the key is knowing which one you're choosing and why.

Of these four approaches, which one do you instinctively reach for?

The Senate has confirmed a new Federal Reserve chair, marking a leadership change at the central bank during a closely watched period for monetary policy.

The confirmation vote was 54-45, making it one of the closest votes for a Fed chair in the modern era.

The transition comes as policymakers continue to weigh inflation, interest rates, labor market conditions, and broader economic uncertainty.

The new chair previously served on the Federal Reserve Board and has been involved in monetary policy discussions during periods of significant economic stress.

As leadership changes, markets and policymakers will continue watching how the Fed approaches its dual mandate: supporting maximum employment while seeking price stability.

Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. They will always be remembered. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful Memorial Day holiday.

Today, we celebrate every kind of mom who loves, guides, and nurtures us in countless ways.

Thank you for all the ways you make our world brighter and our hearts fuller. 💐

Mom taught me that "waste not, want not."
That grocery lists matter.
That rainy day jars aren't just for spare change; they're one way she prepared for life's "what ifs."

Whether she balanced the checkbook down to the penny or found creative ways to stretch a budget, many of us carry her financial wisdom with us.

What's a money lesson your mom shared that still sticks with you?
Drop it in the comments—we'd love to hear what stayed with you. 💬👇

What a phenomenal evening with the TCU Sales Center at the annual Sales Role Play Finals. It was a privilege to serve as a judge and watch three outstanding students demonstrate their relational sales skills in real-world scenarios for real companies.

Congratulations to Lindsay Gattis, Lauren Jones, and Taylor Clerc on reaching the finals—and on a job exceptionally well done. Their preparation, confidence, and performance clearly reflected the hard work and dedication they put in throughout the semester.

The TCU Sales Center is truly a special place. The students are eager, professional, and highly collaborative. It’s refreshing to see a culture where, even within a competitive environment, students consistently support one another as they refine their skills and grow together. Sales Center Neeley School of Business

Tax Day Is Here – and So Are Extensions! If you’ve already filed and ended your yearly business with the IRS, congrats! If you are filing extensions, congratulations on getting that process underway. Alongside your tax professionals, we wish you a timely resolution to this yearly ritual.

More young adults are turning to traditional hobbies to step away from screens and reconnect with hands-on creativity.

Activities such as needlepoint, knitting, pottery, origami, birdwatching, and even blacksmithing are gaining popularity among Gen Z and millennials. Many say these analog hobbies help reduce stress and provide a sense of focus and accomplishment.

Researchers note that hobbies requiring concentration and creativity can support well-being by encouraging people to slow down and spend time offline.

Interestingly, social media has helped fuel the trend, with creators sharing tutorials, communities forming around crafts, and younger generations putting their own spin on classic pastimes.

For many people, the goal isn’t just learning a new skill; it’s creating small moments of calm in an increasingly digital world. 🧶📚🌿


Source:

Young people are turning to old-school hobbies to get off their phones Droves of young people who are turning to tactile, analog hobbies and activities as a means of escaping technology and reconnecting with childlike creativity and exploration.

What if your most expensive tax decision in 2026 happens long before you file your return?
Tax prep looks backward; tax strategy looks ahead, and that gap is where real after-tax outcomes get decided.

A few high-impact levers to keep on the radar:
➡️ When Income Lands: Timing bonuses, self-employment income, and retirement distributions can help manage brackets.

➡️ How You Might Save: Consider taking advantage of the higher 401(k) limits in 2026 and catch-up provisions—but be sure to look into whether you need to use a Roth for those catch-up contributions.

➡️ Where Giving Shows Up: New rules change how charitable gifts and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limits work together.

➡️ What You Do in Down Markets: Tax-loss harvesting can turn volatility into a tool, not just noise.

➡️ With most retirement accounts, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions. Roth accounts are the exception. Withdrawal penalties may apply if you take the money before age 59½. Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after the account holder reaches age 59½.

Preparing year-round can help shape future cash flow, flexibility, and choices.



Sources:
➡️ https://www.affiancefinancial.com/news/tax-planning-or-tax-preparation-which-do-i-need
➡️ https://www.bdo.com/insights/tax/irs-issues-final-catch-up-contribution-regulations-for-salary-deferrals-in-retirement-plans
➡️https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-25-67.pdf
https://silvertaxgroup.com/donor-advised-funds-strategy/
➡️ https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/guidance/charitable-tax-strategies/bunching-charitable-donations.html
➡️ https://www.bankrate.com/retirement/convert-to-roth-ira/