Renaissance Companies

02/12/2026

Recent data shows that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults say stress about money is harming their mental health, more than politics or world events, according to a study in the May report by PressReader.

That stress can quietly shape how you save, spend, and invest.

💡 Where Behavior and Money Collide
Common emotional triggers we see:
● Panic during market downturns
● Fear of missing out during rallies
● Clinging to outdated assumptions
● Avoiding all risk after a bad experience

These reactions are human; they are also why even a strong financial strategy can go off track if it ignores the emotional side of decision-making.

🤝 How We Help
Our role is part strategist, part coach:
● Clarifying realistic long-term goals
● Keeping focus on direction, not headlines
● Using structure to help manage risk
● Creating “emotional circuit breakers,” like waiting periods before big moves

Your financial strategy should support your life, not the other way around. If you are feeling anxious or your goals have shifted, this can be a good moment to talk. 💬

02/11/2026

Turning to coaches for advice is a smart thing to do. We'd like to be one of those coaches.

Coaches have helped you your whole life, in ways big and small. We'd like to be one of them.

02/10/2026

Thinking about a Roth IRA conversion this year, but not sure if it makes sense?

Here are a few key points to keep in mind ✅

What a Roth conversion is:
🔹 Moving money from a pre-tax account, such as a traditional IRA, into a Roth IRA
🔹 The amount converted is typically taxable as ordinary income in the year of conversion

Why investors consider it:
🔹 May allow for tax-free growth and tax-free qualified withdrawals in retirement if certain requirements are met
🔹 Currently, there are no required minimum distributions for the original Roth owner under existing law
🔹 May provide more flexibility for heirs than a traditional IRA, depending on individual circumstances

How to potentially approach it:
🔹 Consider smaller, multi-year conversions instead of one large move
🔹 Monitor how added income may affect Adjusted Gross Income, tax brackets, and future Medicare premiums
🔹 Once converted, it generally cannot be reversed under current rules

Key considerations:
🔹 With a Roth IRA, to qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a five-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under certain other circumstances.
🔹 With a traditional IRA, once you turn 73, you must take the required minimum distribution. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty if taken before age 59½.

Roth conversions may be a useful strategy when they align with an overall, personalized tax and retirement strategy. As always, consult a tax and financial professional before making any decisions.

02/09/2026

The Fed meets this week — but the data suggests no rate cut. With inflation still above target, jobs stabilizing, and long term yields rising, policymakers may see little need to move. On this week’s , CIO Gene Goldman breaks down why expectations are shifting and what it means for markets.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

02/09/2026

Did you update your retirement contributions for 2026?

It’s February, but you may still have your 401(k) and IRA deferrals set to last year’s numbers, even though the limits went up for 2026.

Here are the key updates to know for 2026.

Workplace Plans - 401(k), 403(b), 457s:
● Employee limit: $24,500
● Age 50+ catch-up: extra $8,000, total $32,500
● Ages 60–63 “super” catch-up: up to $35,750

IRAs (Traditional + Roth Combined):
● Base limit: $7,500
● Age 50+ catch-up: $1,100, total $8,600

🔍 High Earners - A Big Change.
If your 2025 wages were above $150,000, your 401(k) catch-up contributions in 2026 must be made in a Roth account, not a pre-tax one.

If your plan does not offer a Roth option, catch-ups may not be available.

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.

So, if you haven’t already:
● Confirm your current deferral rate reflects the new limits, not last year’s
● Check whether your plan offers Roth and how catch-ups are handled

02/09/2026

Some firms create a “sources and uses of funds” statement to evaluate operations. What does yours say?

Assess whether you are running “in the black” or “in the red” each month.

02/09/2026

Stocks climbed in January as solid economic data offset geopolitical tensions. The S&P 500 rose 1.37%, the Dow gained 1.73%, and Canada's TSX picked up 0.66%, setting multiple record highs early in the month. The Fed held rates steady as expected, with all eyes now on the March meeting. From \$27.5 billion spent in the U.S. to \$97.80 per person in Canada, Valentine's Day spending spans the globe. Check out this month's by-the-numbers.

Stocks climbed in January as the tailwinds of solid economic data offset the headwinds of geopolitical tensions that rattled investors during the month.

02/06/2026

If you thought that payouts from life insurance are tax-free in all cases, think again.

Life insurance proceeds are generally tax-free. But not in all cases.

02/04/2026

🎗️ Cancer touches almost every family in some way.

With each diagnosis comes navigating treatment, uncertainty, hope, and fear all at once.

World Cancer Day is about:
● Raising awareness and promoting prevention
● Encouraging early detection
● Calling for fair access to treatment and support
● Honoring those living with cancer, survivors, caregivers, and those we have lost

To everyone carrying this in some way, whether personally or through someone you love, you are not alone. We are thinking of you and standing with you. 🎗️

02/04/2026

Put your financial affairs in good order. Have you assessed your estate value, updated your will, and named all of your beneficiaries?

Start taking proactive measures to safeguard your legacy and plan for your family’s financial future.

02/03/2026

This Monthly Recap summarizes market performance, major events and news from January 2026. Read more here:

The first month of 2026 drew to positive close across most asset classes with the S&P 500 posting its strongest monthly performance since October. Following returns of +0.25% in November and +0.06% in December, the month ended in the black despite intense swings during the second half of January. Se...