Stearns Financial Group

08/08/2025

Fore the love of Fridays!

Some of the team got together recently for a golf outing, reminding us that the best teams know how to work and play together!

08/07/2025

Every month, our founding partner, Dennis Stearns, answers questions from clients and the community. This month we examine the implications of U.S.–China AI policy, massive infrastructure investments by leading tech firms and the evolving regulatory framework for digital assets.

By Dennis Stearns, CFP® SFG Investment Committee, Founding Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor Q: I’ve recently heard about some big tech announcements that came out of the recent Innovation Conference in Pittsburg. Is there anything that would impact my career or investments?  A: The Energy and...

08/06/2025

The month of July brought a mix of news for investors and consumers alike, some of which resulted in closure of outstanding issues, and others of which resulted in further uncertainty. Read the full August update on the economy and markets by our Chief Investment Officer, PJ Williams.

By PJ Williams, CFA, Chief Investment Officer  Overview  The month of July brought a mix of news for investors and consumers alike, some of which resulted in closure of outstanding issues, and others of which resulted in further uncertainty. On the closure side, Congress not only passed the long-...

07/24/2025

The Big Beautiful Bill makes the 2017 tax cuts permanent, along with big changes to charitable giving, estate taxes, Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds and more. Tara Maxwell and Teresa Talton share how these updates could impact your financial future.

and… What It Means For YOU By Teresa Talton, CFP® and Tara Maxwell, CFP® On July 4, 2025, Congress passed a sweeping budget reconciliation measure known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” or simply the “Big Beautiful Bill.” This comprehensive legislation includes hundreds of provisions...

07/23/2025

What does the Big Beautiful Bill mean for your wallet? Our financial planning team dives into the details and what they mean for you.

and… What It Means For YOU By Teresa Talton, CFP® and Tara Maxwell, CFP® On July 4, 2025, Congress passed a sweeping budget reconciliation measure known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” or simply the “Big Beautiful Bill.” This comprehensive legislation includes hundreds of provisions...

07/17/2025

SFG team members Teresa Talton, Jay Alava, Lindsay Brock, Noah Vercampt and Hayden Elms brought energy and insight to this year’s PWFEC Wealth Management Camp. Thank you for making financial education engaging and real!

From June 23 to June 27, the Peggy Ward Financial Education Center (PWFEC) hosted its annual Wealth Management Camp, an immersive, week-long experience designed to empower high school students with the knowledge and confidence to take control of their financial futures. As a long-time supporter of t...

07/15/2025

“Education is the one thing that can never be taken away from you.”

This advice from her grandfather still fuels Paula McMillan’s mission to empower others through financial literacy. Congrats to Paula on her recognition in the O.Henry Magazine’s Leading Women of 2025!

We’re proud to celebrate our advisor and partner, Paula McMillan, who has been recognized in the July 2025 issue of O.Henry Magazine’s “Leading Women,” a spotlight on women who are redefining the Triad’s business landscape with vision, courage and heart. In her interview, Paula shares the...

07/14/2025

Stearns Financial Group was proud to support the Peggy Ward Financial Education Center’s Wealth Management Camp again this summer. Our team led sessions on college planning, tax basics, home ownership, and more, empowering teens with the tools to take charge of their financial futures.

From June 23 to June 27, the Peggy Ward Financial Education Center (PWFEC) hosted its annual Wealth Management Camp, an immersive, week-long experience designed to empower high school students with the knowledge and confidence to take control of their financial futures. As a long-time supporter of t...

07/11/2025

What if your next trip wasn’t about checking boxes, but about honoring your pace and preferences? Shira Katsir’s guide to international travel shows you how.

How to Prepare for International Travel with Intention and Ease By Shira Katsir, CFP®, Wealth Advisor As a financial advisor who has logged more miles than some airline pilots and navigated everything from border crossings to baggage claims, I’ve come to see international travel as a practice in ...

07/10/2025

Big news! Our very own Paula McMillan has been named one of O.Henry Magazine’s Leading Women of 2025! Her vision, courage and heart are helping shape the Triad’s future. Congrats, Paula!

We’re proud to celebrate our advisor and partner, Paula McMillan, who has been recognized in the July 2025 issue of O.Henry Magazine’s “Leading Women,” a spotlight on women who are redefining the Triad’s business landscape with vision, courage and heart. In her interview, Paula shares the...

07/09/2025

Why did China suddenly agree to a trade deal after months of resistance—and what role do rare earth metals play in the bigger picture?.
Read the full article by Dennis Stearns to understand the shifting dynamics of the U.S.–China trade war.

By Dennis Stearns, CFP®, SFG Investment Committee, Founding Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor Q: I don’t understand our trade war with China. First the Chinese push back hard, then they agree to a deal that includes rare earth metals. What’s going on? Is China the most crucial part of the tr...

07/08/2025

Why are 83% of public company CEOs predicting a recession in the next 12–18 months?
Dennis Stearns, Founding Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor, outlines the top concerns driving this outlook.
Read the full article to understand what’s behind the numbers.

By Dennis Stearns, CFP®, SFG Investment Committee, Founding Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor Q: I don’t understand our trade war with China. First the Chinese push back hard, then they agree to a deal that includes rare earth metals. What’s going on? Is China the most crucial part of the tr...