Monarch Wealth Strategies

05/08/2026

Stocks surged in April, delivering their strongest monthly gains in five years as solid economic data, easing geopolitical tensions, and upbeat first-quarter earnings lifted investor sentiment. The Nasdaq climbed 15.29%, the S&P 500 rose 10.42%, and the Dow gained 7.14%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 3.65%. With no Fed meeting in May, attention turns to remarks from Fed officials and how evolving economic data may shape expectations moving forward. From \$34.1 billion in U.S. spending to the popularity of Mother’s Day dining and gifts, this month’s By the Numbers highlights how families celebrate the occasion.

Monthly Market Insights | May 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks surged in April, notching their best month in five years as investors cheered upbeat economic news, efforts to lower tensions in the Middle East, and first-quarter results. The Nasdaq Composite rose an eye-catching 15.29 percent, wh...

04/10/2026

Many dream of retiring in California, drawn to its lifestyle and year-round sunshine. It’s important to weigh both the benefits and the trade-offs, such as the quality of life it may offer versus the high cost of living and taxes.

Read our blog post to learn what it could mean for your retirement planning: https://www.mwsus.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-retiring-in-california/

04/07/2026

U.S. stocks slipped in Q1 as AI disruption fears and Middle East tensions rattled investors. The S&P 500 fell 4.63%, the Nasdaq dropped 7.11%, and the Dow lost 3.58% — though six of eleven S&P 500 sectors still finished in the green, led by Energy's standout 37.91% gain. As the weather warms up and spring gets us outside, it turns out Americans are right there with you — over 181 million U.S. residents participated in outdoor recreation in 2024. Check out this month's by-the-numbers for more on the outdoor recreation economy.

Quarterly Market Insights | April 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks fell in the first quarter amid concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) could disrupt certain industries and geopolitical issues that unsettled investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 3.58 percent while the Standard &...

04/03/2026

Choosing to retire in California is a highly personal choice that involves more than just financial considerations.

Before making your decision, read our blog post on the pros and cons of retiring in California:

https://www.mwsus.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-retiring-in-california/

03/26/2026

If you thought that payouts from life insurance are tax-free in all cases, think again.

Life insurance proceeds are generally tax-free. But not in all cases.

03/25/2026

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion? This piece helps answer those questions.

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

03/24/2026

Committed to increasing your financial literacy? Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Many Americans are operating their personal finances with only the barest minimum of knowledge.

03/23/2026

Bi-weekly mortgage payment can potentially accelerate your mortgage payoff. Sound interesting?

This calculator estimates the savings from paying a mortgage bi-weekly instead of monthly.

03/22/2026

Have a strategy for discussing healthcare with your parents.

As our nation ages, many Americans are turning their attention to caring for aging parents.

03/21/2026

Low car lease payments look great, but do you really save money in the end?

This calculator compares the financial impact of leasing versus buying an automobile.