Financial Partners, Inc.

06/16/2026

https://www.financialpartnersinc.net 1.641.684.0368 Intelligent C...

06/16/2026

Let’s Talk About Tech

A few years ago, the “talk” on the internet was whether people were “tech savvy” or “tech dependent.” I think that discussion is still pertinent now, maybe even more so than in the past. Where do you think you stand?

What’s the difference? Tech savvy means you understand your tools well enough to use the right one, use it efficiently, troubleshoot basic issues, and have “intentional control” over what you are doing. Tech dependent means exactly that. You can use a program, but you don’t necessarily use it for the correct purpose, know how to fix issues with it, or you are completely dependent on it. Every little “ding” dictates your immediate attention. The app drives your behavior, not the other way around.

Can you walk away from your computer? Tablet? Phone? Even for ten minutes? Ten minutes of quiet time can do wonderful things for your soul.

It drives my friends and family a little crazy that I am not attached to my phone. I can walk away from it. Sometimes I even go to the grocery store or run an errand without it. (Oh, the horror!) I’m in charge of my phone, not the other way around. Read Tech Savvy here… I may need some help from someone younger in learning how to use a new app that I install; however, I am in charge of the app. I elect when to use it, when to read posts, when to respond, and how to use it as a tool for communication, learning, or entertainment. I even decide if I want to uninstall it. Not everything is useful. Don’t waste that digital space. Would you let an appliance you never use take up space on your kitchen counter?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) apps throw a new kink into this equation for all of us. Don’t get me wrong. I love AI! I’ve recently completed several courses and learned a lot of things to help me incorporate AI into my world. However, the very first thing you should learn is that you can’t always trust it. (Anybody heard of “Skynet”? Look it up.) AI is a wonderful brainstorming tool and educator, but you still need to check your facts as you should for any internet related research. Don’t be afraid to challenge the information it feeds you. That’s part of the verification process. I reviewed an article recently about the AI process, and because it combs through all types of internet content to build the responses you receive, sometimes it will provide you with “facts” that are actually from fiction it has reviewed. It’s an app. A machine. A program that is still learning. It’s not smart enough (yet) to know whether it pulled information from a factual document, or from a fictional story someone posted. Remember, it’s just a tool.

So, please, take a step toward becoming more tech savvy. Learn new skills and apps, use AI, stay connected… but also, stay calm and in control and your capability will grow as we all grow and flourish in our everchanging world of technology.

~ Contributed by Melody Lowe
financialpartnersinc.net/moments-with-melody-2/

06/16/2026

“Don’t Talk to Strangers”

It’s something we’ve all been taught since we were small – don’t talk to strangers… However, there are strangers, and then there are strangers, and then there are strangers.

Yeah, I know, but the world keeps changing so the rule needs to change with it to keep us safe. Here’s how I see it.

First, there are strangers. These are just people we don’t know. We stand next to them in the cashier’s line at the grocery store, we stand next to them at the gas pump, we stand next to them at the coffee shop. They are strangers. We don’t know them. Yet. I recently listened to an article about how it’s good for us to share some small talk with these people. It’s good for our mental health. So, stick your phone in your pocket for just a few minutes and have a real human conversation. You’re not committing to anything by having a brief conversation, although you might find something in common with this stranger and it could grow into a true friendship. What a blessing that could be.

And the thing that absolutely amazes me is that people avoid eye contact and don’t speak to that person they are standing next to at their local shop, however, they will “friend” anybody and everybody on social media. I receive friend requests all the time from people I don’t know. I don’t just blindly accept them as some do. I look at that person’s information. Do they know somebody I know? Do they work somewhere I go to frequently? Do they have specific interests in some of the same things I have an interest in? Is there a community or a commonality I should consider, or are they just sending friend requests to everyone to “get their numbers up?” And we all know there are strangers on social media that are looking to prey on us. They are not always easy to recognize, however most of us are cognizant they are there and we take note when something seems “off.” Always listen to that little voice… And teach your children how to do that, too. Keep them safe on the internet.

Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE the internet. I embraced it from inception and like to think of myself as an internet gypsy. I love exploring various sites and learning new things. I can do a lot of scrolling and sometimes I must curb myself (nobody is watching over my shoulder, so I have to be my own police.) But through this, I have learned how to do my research to know who or what is viable or not. And yes, I have made some very good friends through the internet.

Then, of course, there are strangers. Yes. The ones your parents warned you about, the ones you warn your children about. Don’t talk to those strangers! You know the rules – stay safe so that maybe one day we can meet.

Contributed by Melody Lowe

06/09/2026

Check out Financial Partners, Inc.’s latest monthly economic update from Bob!

https://www.financialpartnersinc.net 1.641.684.0368 Intelligent C...

05/28/2026

Join us in welcoming Syprus Loucks!

Syprus attends Drake University focusing on financial studies, and she is joining Financial Partners, Inc. for a summer internship. You can expect to hear her friendly voice when you call our office and she will happily direct you to the correct team member to assist with your needs. In addition to answering the phone, she will be learning about various investments and types of accounts as we provide her with an array of various learning opportunities related to her chosen path.

We’re happy to welcome her to our team.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day holiday, please allow some time to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served our country, past and present, at home and abroad. We are a nation founded on fighting for what we believe in and defending our rights, going on 250 years. Thank you to each and every one of you for your service.

05/21/2026

Financial Partners, Inc. Featured in Kiplinger, Again!

Our firm has been featured once again in a national article published by Kiplinger. In this article, Blake discusses retirement planning and the financial challenges the millennial generation faces today.

Information included highlights practices we regularly discussed with clients, including having a “Bucket Plan” strategy, and tax-efficient saving process for the years ahead.

Millennials might not have saved enough for retirement, but how bad can it be if your fake ID name is "McLovin"?

05/18/2026

Check out Financial Partners, Inc.’s May Economic Update. In this video, Bob summarizes recent action in the markets and the economy.

https://www.financialpartnersinc.net 1.641.684.0368 Intelligent Choices – Exceptional Service Learn more about the current economy and the impacts on the mar...

05/16/2026

Tax season may be over, but tax planning never stops. Last month, Blake traveled to study with Ed Slott and Company along with other top financial professionals from across the country.

The SECURE Act, SECURE 2.0, and the newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act are now all in effect with overlapping rules that require careful coordination. Other topics included updates on Trump Accounts, Final IRS RMD Regulations, and more.