Kent Thompson, CFP, MSFS, Financial Planner

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. They will always be remembered. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful Memorial Day holiday.

05/14/2026

Proud to support Flags for Our Heroes, a special event honoring our veterans and heroes in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the USA.

Join us May 25 for the opening ceremony and help us reach the goal of 250 flags at Leadmine & Millbrook Roads. Your sponsorship helps honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

05/13/2026

Celebrating Mother's Day this past weekend reminds me, mom taught me "waste not, want not."
That grocery lists matter.
That rainy day jars aren't just for spare change; they're one way she prepared for life's "what ifs."

Whether she balanced the checkbook down to the penny or found creative ways to stretch a budget, many of us carry her financial wisdom with us.

What's a money lesson your mom shared that still sticks with you?
Drop it in the comments—we'd love to hear what stayed with you. 💬👇

05/12/2026

This past weekend, we celebrated every kind of mom who loves, guides, and nurtures us in countless ways.

Thank you for all the ways you make our world brighter and our hearts fuller. 💐

05/07/2026

A growing number of Americans are carrying credit card balances, highlighting ongoing financial pressure for many households.

Recent data shows that about 50% of credit card holders—roughly 111 million people—currently carry debt, marking a notable increase over the past several years.

At the same time, borrowing costs remain elevated. Average credit card interest rates are now above 23%, making it more expensive for balances to grow over time.

Some households are adjusting by cutting back on discretionary spending, delaying larger purchases, or relying more heavily on credit to cover everyday expenses.

These trends reflect how shifts in costs, interest rates, and income can influence day-to-day financial decisions across a wide range of households.


Source:

About 111 million Americans are carrying credit card balances, a 17% increase in five years, new research shows.

05/06/2026

Great wine and great wealth have something in common—they both reward patience. 🍷

Behind every perfect vintage is time, care, and consistency. The same goes for your financial strategy. The goal isn't quick wins or a perfect growing season, but something that matures over time.

Let's raise a glass to long summer nights with friends, trusted bottles full of years of promise, and a life worth savoring.

Salut! 🥂

05/05/2026

Money and mental health are more connected than we often realize. Stress about bills, debt, or even keeping track of accounts can take a toll.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, it's a good time to pause and check in with yourself. Sometimes, even one small financial step—like reviewing an account balance or setting up an automatic payment—might help manage your stress and bring a sense of control.

And remember: if you're struggling with mental health, reaching out to a trusted professional or support resource can make a difference.

05/04/2026

Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the biggest retirement choices you’ll face. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some factors to consider:

📌 Are you still working?
📌 How long do you expect to live based on health and family history?
📌 How do early or delayed benefits fit into your retirement picture?

This guide walks through the basics to help you start thinking about your options.

05/01/2026

A new season marks its own point on the calendar, and the year is already halfway through. Schedules shift, big decisions surface, and what felt settled back in January sometimes looks different in a new light.

Some things deserve a closer look. Let's sit down and talk through where things stand.

04/30/2026

Mortgage rates moved lower last week, reaching their lowest level in a month—and borrowers responded.

The average contract rate for 30-year fixed mortgages with conforming loan balances ($832,750 or less) declined to 6.17%, down from 6.21%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Here’s what followed:
▪️Refinance applications rose 7% week over week
▪️Activity was 132% higher than the same week one year ago
▪️Purchase applications declined 3% for the week

While lower rates are creating opportunities for some current homeowners, buyer demand remains more measured. Limited housing supply and broader economic uncertainty continue to influence activity.

Mortgage markets remain sensitive to incoming economic data, and even small shifts in rates can meaningfully affect borrower behavior.


Source:

Mortgage rates dropped again last week, sparking a small jump in refinancing, but potential buyers were not impressed.

04/29/2026

Just over 50 percent of homeowners still have mortgages with rates under 4 percent. But that number has been trending lower, especially in the past year. Are you thinking about making a change?