Dan Olson - Stone Point Financial

05/12/2026

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.

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 &...

04/30/2026

Investing can feel a lot like dessert.

It’s easy to chase what looks the most exciting in the moment—the flashy wins, the quick gains, the “can’t miss” opportunities. But just like dessert, too much of the wrong thing can leave you worse off over time.

The real results come from balance. Discipline. Consistency.

Build your financial “meal” with strong fundamentals first—diversification, patience, and a long-term plan. Then, if you want, leave a little room for the dessert.

Because sustainable success isn’t about indulgence… it’s about strategy.

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.

Monthly Market Insights | March 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets U.S. stocks struggled in February amid fears that artificial intelligence would disrupt a wide swath of industries, unsettling investors. Late in the month, geopolitical concerns weighed on the market amid tensions in the Middle East. Th...

04/01/2026

A Roth IRA is one of the most powerful retirement savings tools available to investors. Because contributions are made with after-tax dollars, the account allows investments to grow and potentially be withdrawn completely tax-free in...

03/18/2026

Time doesn’t slow down for any of us—and if we’re not intentional, the years with our families can blur into “maybe someday.”

We recently took our son, Eli, and some of his friends on a weekend trip to Nashville (aka NashVegas) for his birthday. The trip wasn't cheap; however, we did it on a budget, and we created memories that will last a lifetime.

Some of my favorite conversations with clients aren’t about rates or returns, but about memories: taking the kids to their first show, watching their faces light up, or turning a normal weekend into something they’ll talk about for years. Those moments don’t just happen by accident—they’re made possible by planning.

Smart budgeting and financial planning give you the freedom to say “yes” more often:

Yes to a weekend getaway instead of another weekend of chores.

Yes to tickets for a Broadway show at the Nashville Broadway scene, dinner, and a night of live music without stressing over the credit card bill.

Yes to being present in the moment instead of worrying about whether you’re jeopardizing your future.

Visiting Broadway in Nashville, catching a great show, walking the streets with live music on every corner—that’s not just a trip, it’s a memory your family will carry with them long after the photos fade.

Money is a tool. The real goal is using it to buy back your time, create experiences, and “smell the roses” with the people you love while you have the chance.

If you’d like your financial plan to be less about numbers on a page and more about moments like these, it might be time to revisit your budget and long‑term strategy.

03/05/2026

Stocks were mixed in February as AI disruption concerns and escalating geopolitical tensions weighed on investor sentiment. The S&P 500 slipped 0.87% and the Nasdaq fell 3.38%, while the Dow edged up 0.17%. Canada’s S&P/TSX advanced 7.57%. As attention turns to the Fed’s March meeting and its updated Summary of Economic Projections, markets will be watching closely for signals on the path ahead. From 73% of the world’s maple syrup produced in Canada to a \$1.64 billion global market, this month’s by-the-numbers highlights the industry behind one of North America’s most iconic products.

Monthly Market Insights | March 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets U.S. stocks struggled in February amid fears that artificial intelligence would disrupt a wide swath of industries, unsettling investors. Late in the month, geopolitical concerns weighed on the market amid tensions in the Middle East. Th...

02/18/2026

Building a large investment portfolio doesn’t usually happen through luck or quick wins — it’s the result of consistent habits, smart decisions, and patience over time. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow what you...

Learn the key habits and strategies needed to build a sizable investment portfolio, including starting early, investing consistently, diversifying wisely, and staying focused on long-term growth.

02/06/2026

Stocks climbed in January as solid economic data offset geopolitical tensions. The S&P 500 rose 1.37%, the Dow gained 1.73%, and Canada's TSX picked up 0.66%, setting multiple record highs early in the month. The Fed held rates steady as expected, with all eyes now on the March meeting. From \$27.5 billion spent in the U.S. to \$97.80 per person in Canada, Valentine's Day spending spans the globe. Check out this month's by-the-numbers.

Monthly Market Insights | February 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks climbed in January as the tailwinds of solid economic data offset the headwinds of geopolitical tensions that rattled investors during the month. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.37 percent, while the Nasdaq Composi...

02/03/2026

As tax season approaches, one of the most common questions we hear is: “When will my 1099 be ready?” If your investment accounts are custodied at Pershing, here’s what you need to know about the 2026 1099 delivery timeline and how to...

01/09/2026

Markets ended 2025 on a quiet note, but Q4 closed with gains across all major U.S. indexes as investors weighed lower interest rates, mixed labor data, and ongoing economic delays from the October shutdown. The S&P 500 rose 2.35% for the quarter, while the Dow led with a 3.59% gain. As we kick off the new year with resolutions and fresh starts, many of us reach for our favorite morning brew. But have you ever wondered about the global love affair with coffee and tea? Check out this month's by-the-numbers.

Quarterly Market Insights | January 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets U.S. stocks notched a solid gain in the fourth quarter as investors cheered lower interest rates and solid corporate profits while navigating limited economic updates due to the U.S. government shutdown. The Standard & Poor’s 500 I...

12/05/2025

Markets ended November on a five-day winning streak, softening earlier losses driven by concerns over tech valuations, consumer sentiment, and rate uncertainty. While the Nasdaq slipped 1.51 percent, the S&P 500 held steady and the Dow inched up 0.32 percent. All eyes now turn to the Fed's final meeting of the year on December 9–10.

Monthly Market Insights | December 2025 U.S. Markets Stocks were mixed in November as a late-month rally almost clawed back losses from earlier in the month. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.13 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 1.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged ...