Perspective Financial Group

10/27/2026

🛠️ The richest person in your town probably isn't a tech founder or someone in finance. It's more likely the dentist running four offices, or the owner of the HVAC company whose trucks are everywhere.

New research from economists Owen Zidar and Eric Zwick, based on IRS and Treasury data, found nearly 5 million U.S. households worth at least $5 million, holding combined wealth more than 13 times that of the Forbes 400.

A few patterns stood out:
➡️Most started their business themselves rather than inheriting it
➡️Most run ordinary, brick-and-mortar businesses rather than tech or finance
➡️Independence mattered more to them early on than getting rich ever did

🌭 Case in point: Dick Portillo started a hot dog stand in 1963 with just $1,100. Decades later, he sold the business he'd built for $1 billion.

Building wealth often looks much more ordinary and attainable than the headlines suggest. If growing or eventually stepping back from a business is part of your picture, that's worth talking through together.


Source:

Getting rich in the U.S. is still possible, but the most common path to wealth doesn't involve working for other people, according to a new book.

10/21/2026

10/20/2026

🎂 Japan just crossed a milestone: for the first time, more than 100,000 people there are age 100 or older.

According to the country's Health and Welfare Ministry, Japan now counts 107,677 centenarians, up nearly 8,000 from the year before. Almost 88 percent are women. The country's oldest resident, Kyoto's Fuyo Kishimoto, recently turned 114.

🎌 Officials point to progress in medical care, along with healthier lifestyles and diet, as part of what's driving the trend. And Japan isn't alone; life expectancies have been rising in many countries over the past several decades.

It's a good reminder of how many more years many of us may be around for, and why that's worth factoring into conversations about the road ahead, from healthcare to how a longer stretch of years gets supported financially.

That's exactly the kind of long-term thinking we like to talk through together.


Source:

The number of people aged 100 or older in Japan has surpassed a record 100,000 this year. The latest figures from Japan's government underscore the country’s rapid aging and population decrease.

10/13/2026

The average college senior graduates with credit card debt. How will your kids manage money?

You taught them how to read and how to ride a bike, but have you taught your children how to manage money?

10/05/2026

🏠 Higher mortgage rates are pushing some homebuyers to look for lower-cost alternatives.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6.79%, while the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage fell to 5.94%.

That gap is drawing more attention to ARMs, which made up 8% of mortgage applications last week, their highest share in five weeks.

🔑 The tradeoff is that an ARM’s rate can change later, which means the lower initial rate may come with more uncertainty down the road.

For buyers comparing mortgage options, it’s worth looking beyond the starting rate and understanding how the loan could change over time.


Source:

Mortgage rates continue to rise, pushing some buyers to riskier, adjustable-rate loans in order to find savings. Rates are at the highest level since June 2025.

09/24/2026

🍁 From crisp mornings to cozy sweaters and pumpkin-spiced everything, this is the perfect season to reflect on your financial strategy. Whether you're savoring the autumn air or tackling your Q4 goals, take a moment to enjoy all the little things that make fall feel so special. ✨

Let the fall vibes fuel your focus and inspiration! Feeling inspired already? Comment the word “Ready” to get connected today!

09/14/2026

We are excited and incredibly honored to share that Shawnda Sparks has been nominated for NAPA’s 2026 Top Women of Excellence recognition!

"I’m so grateful to Retirement Partners for the nomination and to everyone who has supported me along the way—my family, our amazing team at Perspective Financial Group, our clients, mentors, colleagues, and community partners. This work means so much to me because retirement planning is ultimately about helping people build greater confidence and security for their futures."
-Shawnda

Voting is open through September 28, and I would truly appreciate your support. If you would like to vote for me, you can do so here:
https://www.research.net/r/TopWomenVoting

Thank you for celebrating this exciting moment with me! 💜