Smedley Financial Services, Inc.

11/02/2026

The November/December edition of Money Moxie is here!

As we head into the holiday season, we’re exploring some of the financial topics shaping investors’ lives right now:
🔹 What happens if retirement comes earlier than planned? Nearly half of retirees leave the workforce sooner than expected. We discuss why flexibility is just as important as saving.
🔹 Investing or entertainment? From day trading to prediction markets, technology has made financial markets more accessible than ever. But are some platforms blurring the line between investing and gambling?
🔹 5 unconventional financial thoughts. Why many people don’t actually want to be millionaires, when paying off a mortgage may not be the best move, and what pizza can teach us about value.
🔹 The psychology of investing. Why losses feel more powerful than gains and how behavioral finance influences the decisions investors make.
🔹 Inflation, interest rates, and the price of gas. What rising energy costs may mean for inflation, borrowing costs, and your financial plan.
🔹 A holiday tradition worth sharing. Brandi shares a personal story about family, traditions, and her favorite ginger molasses cookies.

The markets matter. Your money matters. But the people and moments that make life meaningful matter most.

Read the full newsletter through the link in our bio.

10/30/2026

Rule #7 for Protecting Your Money: Make Your Financial Accounts Harder to Access.

You don’t have to wait until something goes wrong to improve your financial security.

A few simple steps can make it much harder for someone to gain access to your accounts:
🔑 Use strong, unique passwords.
Don’t use the same password across multiple accounts.
📱 Turn on multi-factor authentication.
An extra layer of protection can make a big difference.
💻 Keep your devices and software updated.
Updates often include important security fixes.
👀 Monitor your accounts regularly.
Look for unusual activity and consider setting up account alerts.
🔒 Be careful about what you share.

Personal information shared online can give scammers clues they can use against you.

Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting your computer or phone. It’s about protecting the financial life you’ve worked hard to build.

And that’s the final rule in our 7 Rules for Protecting Your Money series.

Take a few minutes today to check your passwords, security settings, and account alerts. Your future self will thank you.

10/30/2026

10/30/2026

As we become more reliant on technology for information and communication, it can be easier to fall prey to cyber criminals. This October, commit to protecting your digital assets from threats by practicing safe online habits. Limit how much you share on social media, avoid clicking suspicious links or accepting friend requests from strangers, and review your privacy settings periodically. By exercising caution, you can better protect your digital footprint!

10/29/2026

10/28/2026

Rule #6 for Protecting Your Money: Don’t Assume a Personal Relationship Means Trust.

Not every scam starts with a suspicious email or an obvious phone call.

Some scammers take their time.

They may build a friendship or romantic relationship through social media, email, texting, or phone calls. Over time, they gain your trust—and eventually, they may ask for money, personal information, or introduce you to an “investment opportunity.”

That’s what makes these scams so dangerous: the relationship can feel real.

If someone you’ve only met online:
💰 Asks you for money
🎁 Requests gift cards or financial information
📈 Encourages you to invest
🚨 Creates an emergency that requires immediate action
…take a step back and verify the situation independently.
A personal connection should never require you to ignore financial red flags.

If money is involved, slow down. Talk to someone you trust. And verify who you’re dealing with before taking action.

Real people can be scammers. Verify before you trust.

This is Rule #6 in our 7 Rules for Protecting Your Money series. Follow along for the final rule.

10/27/2026

Think a 4% CD means you’re earning 4%? Not so fast.

Taxes take a bite. Inflation takes another. The real question isn’t how much you’re earning; it’s how much you’re keeping.

In our latest Power Up Wealth podcast, Amy Hansen explains how higher interest rates are creating opportunities for investors while introducing new planning challenges.

Link in bio to listen and learn.

10/23/2026

Rule #5 for Protecting Your Money: Be Careful With Investment Opportunities on Social Media.

A social-media investment opportunity can look surprisingly legitimate.

It might feature:
📈 Impressive returns
⭐ Positive testimonials
👥 Thousands of followers
💬 Comments from people claiming they’ve made money
⏰ A “limited-time” opportunity

But appearances can be deceiving.

The FTC reported that consumers lost $1.1 billion to investment scams that began on social media in 2025.

Be especially cautious when someone you’ve only met online offers investment advice or encourages you to move money into a particular investment.

Before investing:
🔍 Research the opportunity independently.
👤 Verify who you’re dealing with.
⚠️ Be skeptical of guaranteed or unusually high returns.
💬 Don’t let social media testimonials replace real due diligence.

And remember:
Don’t let a social-media connection become your financial adviser.

When your hard-earned money is involved, take the time to verify the opportunity before you invest.

This is Rule #5 in our 7 Rules for Protecting Your Money series. Follow along for Rule #6.