Keystone Retirement Resources, Inc.

06/18/2026

A takeover battle is unfolding around a historic Italian lender widely regarded as the world’s oldest bank.

Founded in 1472, the institution began as a way to provide credit to lower-income citizens in Siena. More than five centuries later, it remains part of Italy’s financial landscape.

The current bidding activity has drawn attention because the outcome could reshape part of Italy’s banking sector.

The situation also carries broader significance because the bank has connections to major financial holdings, including insurance and government bond exposure.

For Italy, the issue is not only about banking. It also raises questions about domestic control, foreign influence, and how countries approach financial institutions viewed as strategically important.

It is a reminder that financial history is not frozen in the past. Sometimes, institutions that have existed for centuries still sit at the center of modern economic and political debates.


Source:

Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena has been operating for well over 500 years, and some Italian officials reportedly want to ensure it stays in Italian hands.

06/17/2026

Nearly half of healthy aging experts name physical activity as the single most important lifestyle habit for longevity, according to a September 2025 U.S. News & World Report article.

Not supplements. Not sleep hacks. Not anything you might read about on a social feed. Just movement. Plain and simple.

What habit has made the biggest difference for you?

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice made the freedoms we enjoy possible, and we are deeply grateful.

As we spend time with family and friends this Memorial Day, may we also take a moment to reflect on those who served and never made it home to 🇺🇸.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/15/2026

One of the greatest compliments we can receive is an introduction to your friends or family.

Many of the people we work with first came to us through someone they trust, and we’re incredibly grateful for those connections. If you know someone who may have questions about retirement planning, investments, life insurance, or simply wants a second opinion on their financial situation, we’d be happy to have a conversation.

At Keystone Retirement Resources, our goal is to help people feel informed, comfortable, and confident about their future.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

05/14/2026

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:

Auto debt has swelled to $1.68 trillion, a new analysis finds. Americans face costlier vehicles, higher interest rates and lengthier loan terms.

05/13/2026

Recent global developments are beginning to show up in key areas of the U.S. economy, with energy costs leading the impact.

Fuel prices have risen, with the national average reaching around $4.10 per gallon, increasing costs for households and businesses. Broader inflation data has also reflected some upward pressure, particularly in energy-related categories.

Despite these shifts, overall economic growth is still expected to continue, though at a slower pace. Some forecasts suggest growth may ease slightly while remaining positive.

Consumer activity has shown mixed signals. Spending has remained relatively steady, even as sentiment surveys reflect lower confidence.

Looking ahead, factors like energy prices, inflation trends, and central bank decisions may continue to influence the economic outlook.


Source:

The Iran war is starting to show up in the U.S. economy in ways both obvious and not so much.

05/12/2026

When gas prices rise, small changes in driving habits can make a noticeable difference in fuel use.

Experts suggest that driving at steady speeds around 65 mph and avoiding rapid acceleration or braking can help improve efficiency. Using cruise control on highways may also reduce fuel consumption.

Other adjustments can add up over time, including limiting idling, reducing extra weight in your vehicle, and keeping tires properly inflated.

Combining trips, carpooling when possible, and planning routes more efficiently may also help reduce overall fuel use.

While these changes may seem minor, they can help drivers get more out of each tank—especially during periods of higher fuel costs. 🚗


Source:

When gas prices go up, it adds to drivers' pain at the pump. But experts say consumers can do something to stretch their fuel just a little farther — change the way they drive.

05/11/2026

If you or someone in your family is still in school—or heading back in the fall—now is the time to make sure your FAFSA form is in.

A few things worth knowing:
⏰ The federal deadline is June 30. State and school deadlines are often earlier.
⏰ Many types of aid are first-come, first-served. Waiting could cost money.
⏰ You can make corrections after submission, but the form needs to be in first.

Don't let a deadline get in the way of money that's already available to you.

05/10/2026

Today, we celebrate 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. 💐

05/08/2026

The cost of raising a child in the U.S. continues to rise, reaching a new milestone in recent estimates.

A new analysis puts the total cost at approximately $303,000 through age 18, or about $16,800 per year on average.

These figures include everyday expenses like housing, food, and childcare, but do not account for college costs, which can add significantly more over time.

Costs can also vary widely depending on location. Some states saw notable increases, while others experienced slower growth in certain child-related expenses.

While the overall total has increased, some categories, such as early childcare, have shown signs of stabilizing in recent data.

As costs evolve, these trends offer a broader view of how family-related expenses are changing.


Source:

Raising a child through age 18 is most expensive in Hawaii, where a family would spend an estimated $412,661 in 2026, LendingTree found.