Michael Nicholas, CFA

05/26/2026

A recent financial disclosure offers insight into the background of a nominee for a key central bank leadership role.

The filing shows net worth exceeding $100 million, along with a wide range of investments across private funds, startups, and other assets.

The disclosure also outlines income from consulting work and investment activity, as well as plans to divest certain holdings if confirmed in the role.

Financial disclosures like these are a standard part of the nomination process, providing transparency into potential conflicts of interest and financial relationships.

They also offer a broader look at how professional experience and financial backgrounds can intersect with leadership positions in public institutions.


Source:

Warsh's wealth far outstrips that of outgoing Fed Chair Jerome Powell, whose most recent disclosure shows he is worth at least $19.5 million.

05/21/2026

If you or someone in your family is still in school—or heading back in the fall—now is the time to make sure your FAFSA form is in.

A few things worth knowing:
⏰ The federal deadline is June 30. State and school deadlines are often earlier.
⏰ Many types of aid are first-come, first-served. Waiting could cost money.
⏰ You can make corrections after submission, but the form needs to be in first.

Don't let a deadline get in the way of money that's already available to you.

05/13/2026

What does it mean to be financially literate??

05/11/2026

Stocks surged in April, delivering their strongest monthly gains in five years as solid economic data, easing geopolitical tensions, and upbeat first-quarter earnings lifted investor sentiment. The Nasdaq climbed 15.29%, the S&P 500 rose 10.42%, and the Dow gained 7.14%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 3.65%. With no Fed meeting in May, attention turns to remarks from Fed officials and how evolving economic data may shape expectations moving forward. From \$34.1 billion in U.S. spending to the popularity of Mother’s Day dining and gifts, this month’s By the Numbers highlights how families celebrate the occasion.

Monthly Market Insights | May 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks surged in April, notching their best month in five years as investors cheered upbeat economic news, efforts to lower tensions in the Middle East, and first-quarter results. The Nasdaq Composite rose an eye-catching 15.29 percent, wh...

04/28/2026

As nervous about the market as I was to make this video? Then come check out my upcoming webinar on Wednesday, May 6th at 6pm CST. You can register with this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../the-state-of-the-market?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExMkZXdFNVQzhHaHlKeUhjeHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR59oBTBmvv6i8nNXY0DvC6Rv_5Cvv4UyyCcXcS3L4rcO83a24lKWIEBX9l0xA_aem_GZeYc8cUuNs0oR8VziI-hg

04/28/2026

Incoming news!! I will be hosting a Webinar Wednesday, May 6th at 6pm CST. Watch the below video for some additional details and some tasteful camera work.

This is for anyone who wants a clearer read on what’s going on, whether you’re actively investing, keeping an eye on your accounts, or just trying to stay informed without getting buried in headlines. You can RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../the-state-of-the-market....
TC8864578(0426)

04/15/2026

I talk about the market on here pretty often, but this time I figured it made sense to open up the conversation a bit more. So, I’m hosting a State of the Market webinar.

There’s a lot being said about the market right now, and not all of it is especially helpful. Some of it is overly dramatic, some of it is way too technical, and a lot of people are left somewhere in the middle just trying to figure out what actually matters. That’s really the point of this webinar.

I’ll be talking through what I’m seeing in the market right now, a few shifts I think are worth paying attention to, and some perspective to help make sense of it all.

This is for anyone who wants a clearer read on what’s going on, whether you’re actively investing, keeping an eye on your accounts, or just trying to stay informed without getting buried in headlines. You can RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-state-of-the-market-tickets-1986987460984?aff=oddtdtcreator.

TC8864578(0426)

04/14/2026

Some lawmakers are exploring changes to capital gains taxes on home sales to address the ongoing housing shortage.

Currently, homeowners can exclude up to $250,000 in profits for single filers and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly when selling a primary residence. These limits have remained unchanged since 1997.

However, rising home values mean more sellers may now exceed those thresholds. Estimates suggest that about 8 million households—roughly 10 percent—could exceed the $500,000 exemption for married couples.

Supporters of potential changes argue that adjusting the rules could encourage long-time homeowners with significant equity to sell, potentially increasing housing supply. Others question whether tax adjustments alone would meaningfully address affordability challenges.

As housing policy discussions continue, proposals like these highlight the complex relationship between tax policy, housing supply, and market dynamics.


Source:

Some lawmakers want to reduce or eliminate capital gains on home sales. Here's how that could impact housing affordability.

04/07/2026

U.S. stocks slipped in Q1 as AI disruption fears and Middle East tensions rattled investors. The S&P 500 fell 4.63%, the Nasdaq dropped 7.11%, and the Dow lost 3.58% — though six of eleven S&P 500 sectors still finished in the green, led by Energy's standout 37.91% gain. As the weather warms up and spring gets us outside, it turns out Americans are right there with you — over 181 million U.S. residents participated in outdoor recreation in 2024. Check out this month's by-the-numbers for more on the outdoor recreation economy.

Quarterly Market Insights | April 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks fell in the first quarter amid concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) could disrupt certain industries and geopolitical issues that unsettled investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 3.58 percent while the Standard &...

04/06/2026

Last month I had the honor of qualifying for and attending my second Presidents club trip. Such a great trip that’s filled with learning and relaxation.