BDA Financial Services

06/15/2026

🚨 New "Trump Accounts" open for contributions on July 4, and many families are already asking questions.

One issue that's flying under the radar: who is actually authorized to open the account.

Some grandparents are rushing to establish accounts for grandchildren, assuming it's similar to opening a 529 plan. However, proposed IRS rules appear to give priority to parents and legal guardians. In some situations, a grandparent who completes the election paperwork may be certifying that no parent or legal guardian was available to do so.

The takeaway?

Before opening an account for a child, make sure you understand who is permitted to establish it and what certifications are being made on the paperwork.

As with many new financial programs, the details matter just as much as the benefits.

If your family is considering one of these accounts, it may be worth reviewing the rules before submitting any forms.

06/14/2026

Here's a number worth sitting with: as of late 2025, the U.S. homeownership rate stands at 65.7%.

That's roughly two out of every three households.

And it's held steady—even through elevated mortgage rates and shifting market conditions.

What that tells us is that homeownership is still deeply woven into how Americans build their financial lives. It remains one of the most common ways families create memories and connect with the community.

If you're among those two-thirds, this month is a good moment to reflect on what that decision has meant for your household. If you're working toward it, know that millions of others have walked that same road.



Source: Census.gov, September 9, 2025

06/13/2026

👻 Ever applied for a job and never heard a thing back?

You may have encountered a "ghost job" — a position that appears open but isn't actively being filled.

Recent surveys suggest ghost job postings are more common than many realize, with some companies leaving listings up long after hiring has paused or been completed.

Why does it matter? Job searching takes time, energy, and sometimes money. For those looking to increase income, change careers, or improve their financial situation, chasing positions that aren't truly available can be frustrating and discouraging.

A few ways to avoid wasting time:

✅ Focus on jobs posted within the last 7 days
✅ Check that the role appears on the company's official careers page
✅ Look for verified job postings when available
✅ Leverage your network and employee referrals whenever possible

A strong financial plan often starts with a strong career plan. Being strategic with your job search can help you spend more time pursuing real opportunities and less time chasing ghost jobs.

06/11/2026

Do you ever feel like you're falling behind financially, even when you're saving, investing, and making smart decisions?

You're not alone.

According to Courtney Alev, Consumer Financial Advocate at Credit Karma, **financial dysmorphia is on the rise** as more people compare their financial lives to what they see online.

The challenge? Social media often highlights the highlights.

We see the new homes, luxury vacations, designer purchases, and early retirement announcements. What we don't see are the debts, financial stress, years of saving, family assistance, or other factors that may be behind those posts.

Financial progress isn't about keeping up with someone else's highlight reel.

It's about:
✔ Building an emergency fund
✔ Saving consistently
✔ Investing for long-term goals
✔ Paying down debt
✔ Creating financial security for your family

The best financial comparison isn't between you and someone on social media.

It's between where you are today and where you were a year ago.

Focus on your progress, not someone else's posts.

06/10/2026

Many people think they're investing when their money is sitting in a high-yield savings account.

They're not.

A high-yield savings account can be a great place for an emergency fund or short-term goals. But when it comes to building long-term wealth, the real lever is investing in assets that have the potential to grow over time.

A dollar earning 4% in a savings account is not the same as a dollar invested in a diversified portfolio that may average 8–10% over decades.

The difference over 20 or 30 years isn't small—it can be life-changing.

That's often the difference between:
✔️ Having money saved
✔️ Having enough wealth to retire comfortably, travel, help your children, or pursue the goals that matter most to you

The people who build lasting wealth aren't necessarily the ones who cut every small expense. They're the ones who consistently put their money to work through long-term investing and give it time to compound.

Saving protects your money.

Investing helps grow it.

Both have a place in a financial plan—but knowing the difference can have a significant impact on your future.

06/10/2026

Marriage changes your financial life. This piece includes keys to preparing to grow wealthy together.

Keys to preparing to grow wealthy together.

06/10/2026

Does it feel like prices are climbing again almost everywhere you look? Gas. Groceries. Travel. Insurance. Dinner out. If you’ve been wondering, “Is it just me, or are things getting expensive again?,” the latest inflation reports say...

Recent inflation reports show prices are rising again. Learn how inflation, interest rates, and higher living costs can affect your financial plan and what steps you can take to stay on track.

06/09/2026

Auto debt continues to climb as higher vehicle prices and interest rates put pressure on household budgets.

A recent report found that total auto debt reached $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025, up 37% from late 2018. Nearly 86 million Americans, or about 1 in 4, now carry auto loan or lease debt.

Monthly payments have also increased. The typical auto loan payment rose from about $506 in 2018 to more than $680 by the end of 2025.

Several factors are contributing to the shift, including higher vehicle prices, fewer lower-cost new car options, and longer loan terms. More buyers are also taking on larger monthly payments, with $1,000 auto loan payments becoming more common for financed new-vehicle purchases.

For many households, higher transportation costs can affect other parts of the budget, including groceries, rent, savings, and emergency funds.

These trends highlight how vehicle affordability can play a larger role in everyday financial decisions.


Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/06/car-payments-squeeze-americans.html

06/08/2026

Stocks slumped last week as investors winced over the potential for oil-shock inflation and concerns that strong jobs data could lead to higher interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.32 percent, while the Standard...

06/08/2026

Dividend yield tells you how much income a holding generates relative to its price. Use this tool to calculate yield and see what it could mean for your portfolio.

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.