Ty McDonald - Financial Advisor - Down Home Financial

06/03/2026

If this calving season showed you where your planning fell short, you'll remember it was "expensive" or "not too bad", but you won't remember what it actually cost. When fall rolls around, and you're trying to figure out how much cash to set aside for next winter, you'll be guessing again.

Use our guide so you're not playing the guessing game: https://www.downhomefs.com/blog/the-post-calving-financial-review-your-ranch-needs

06/02/2026

Haying season is around the corner. Have you thought about what you'll do with this year's hay?

That decision affects your cash flow between now and fall calf sales. Learn about your options: https://www.downhomefs.com/blog/selling-hay-vs-feeding-it

05/28/2026

School's out and ranch kids are looking for summer work. If your teenager is working for a neighbor this summer instead of on your own place, they're earning W-2 income that can go into a Roth IRA.

Plan for your children's future: https://www.downhomefs.com/blog/should-i-put-my-children-on-the-farm-or-ranch-payroll

05/26/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we've been sharing resources for ag families all month.
If you missed them and you or someone you know is dealing with stress or financial pressure, help is available. Montana Farm & Ranch Stress Assistance Network: 1-800-776-7443. More Resources:

Depression, anxiety, and other trauma-related symptoms are common reactions during a disaster such as a global pandemic. You are not alone. Seeking support, resources, education, and simply reaching out are positive steps you can take.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.
To the families who lost loved ones and to the veterans who served alongside them, thank you. We're grateful for the sacrifice that protects our freedom.

05/21/2026

The most important part of branding is the vaccinations for all the calves; this is their first round of vaccinations. Since Montana is a brand law state (meaning it’s the legal method for recognizing ownership), the hot iron brand is the muscle of the day, but the vaccinations and getting to evaluate health on each calf are the most important.

Plus, it’s a community event to celebrate the end of calving season, long nights, the end of feeding hay for many operations, and a “turn-out” to grass, meaning the cows will now just graze and don’t need hay, because the growing season has started, days are longer and warmer, and the grass is coming.

05/19/2026

Three things to check: beneficiary designations, emergency fund, and insurance coverage. Pick just one this week.
Read more: https://www.downhomefs.com/blog/spring-financial-planning

05/14/2026

Ranching and farming can be isolating, especially when finances are tight.

You're not the only one dealing with cash flow problems, debt, or wondering if you can make it work. Talking to other ranchers and farmers who've been there can remind you that you're not alone and that rough years don't mean you're failing.

05/12/2026

We're now 5 months into 2026. If your New Year's financial goals have fallen by the wayside, now's a good time to recalibrate.
Small adjustments now can get you back on track for the rest of the year.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day to my wife and all the moms out there doing the hardest work every day.
My wife homeschools our kids, helps run the ranch, and somehow keeps everything moving forward. That's the reality for a lot of moms: managing more than most people see, often without recognition. To all the moms doing that work, thank you.