Six Pillars Financial Advisors

07/08/2026

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has released its annual list of the most endangered historic places in the United States.

This year’s list includes 11 sites connected to America’s 250th anniversary and the country’s ongoing conversations around equality, preservation, and shared history.

Sites on the list include places tied to civil rights, women’s rights, immigration, religious freedom, Indigenous heritage, and Revolutionary War history.

For the first time since the list began in 1988, each selected site will receive a one-time $25,000 grant to help address preservation needs and raise awareness of the stories connected to these places.

Historic preservation is not only about protecting buildings or landmarks. It is also about keeping the stories, struggles, and contributions behind those places visible for future generations.


Source:

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has released its annual list of the most endangered historic places in the United States

07/01/2026

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its latest meeting, maintaining the benchmark range at 3.5% to 3.75%.

While the decision itself was widely expected, the vote reflected a notable level of disagreement among policymakers, with several members expressing differing views on the outlook for future rate adjustments.

Some officials pointed to ongoing inflation concerns, while others focused on how policy signals could shape expectations moving forward.

Recent economic data continues to show a mixed picture, with steady job growth alongside inflation that remains above long-term targets.

Moments like this highlight how central bank decisions often involve balancing multiple factors as conditions evolve over time.


Source:

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday released its latest decision on interest rates.

06/24/2026

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.

06/17/2026

Moving to music can be more than just fun—it can also support physical, mental, and social well-being as people age.

Health professionals say dancing may help improve balance, strength, mobility, flexibility, and brain health. Because it combines movement, memory, rhythm, and coordination, it can engage both the body and mind.

Dancing can also create meaningful social connections, whether through line dancing, ballroom, salsa, tap, Zumba, or community groups.

For many older adults, that combination of movement and connection can make staying active feel more joyful and sustainable.

The best part? You do not need to be an expert to benefit. Starting with simple steps, a beginner-friendly class, or a favorite song at home can still be a meaningful way to get moving.


Source:

Medical professionals say that moving to music is a great way for older adults to stay healthier as they age. It doesn't matter what kind of dancing.

06/10/2026

Treasury yields have risen as bond prices have fallen, reflecting renewed attention to inflation, interest rates, and investor sentiment.

Treasurys are U.S. government bonds, and their yields often move based on expectations for inflation, economic growth, and Federal Reserve policy.

When inflation remains elevated, investors may expect interest rates to stay higher for longer. That can make existing bonds less attractive, pushing prices down and yields up.

Higher Treasury yields can also affect other parts of the economy. The 10-year Treasury, for example, is closely tied to mortgage rates, which can influence homebuyers' borrowing costs.

Rising yields may also affect corporate borrowing, stock valuations, and the broader cost of capital.

While higher yields can signal concern, they can also reflect a market adjusting to new economic data. For consumers and businesses, the key takeaway is that bond market movement can ripple into borrowing costs and financial decisions over time.


Source:

U.S. government bonds are sagging as investors fret that hotter inflation will keep interest rate cuts on hold.

05/20/2026

Some lawmakers are exploring changes to capital gains taxes on home sales to address the ongoing housing shortage.

Currently, homeowners can exclude up to $250,000 in profits for single filers and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly when selling a primary residence. These limits have remained unchanged since 1997.

However, rising home values mean more sellers may now exceed those thresholds. Estimates suggest that about 8 million households—roughly 10 percent—could exceed the $500,000 exemption for married couples.

Supporters of potential changes argue that adjusting the rules could encourage long-time homeowners with significant equity to sell, potentially increasing housing supply. Others question whether tax adjustments alone would meaningfully address affordability challenges.

As housing policy discussions continue, proposals like these highlight the complex relationship between tax policy, housing supply, and market dynamics.


Source:

Some lawmakers want to reduce or eliminate capital gains on home sales. Here's how that could impact housing affordability.

05/13/2026

Extended care is one of the biggest wild cards in retirement.

Costs vary by location, care type, and health needs—but they've all been rising faster than many realize.

These five insights can help you understand what drives costs and why they often catch retirees by surprise.



Sources:
CareScout, Cost of Care Report, July–December 2024
AALTCI, Long-Term Care Insurance Statistics & Data 2025
EBRI/Greenwald, 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey, April 2025

05/06/2026

Mom taught me that "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. 💬👇

04/29/2026

A recent study suggests that maintaining a healthy diet may contribute to keeping your brain younger and potentially slowing cognitive aging. 🍎🥦

The research highlights the benefits of nutritious eating habits on brain health, emphasizing the importance of diet in supporting mental wellness and longevity. As we explore ways to promote healthy aging, understanding the role of nutrition in cognitive function becomes increasingly significant.

Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet could be a key factor in preserving brain health as you age.

Source:

A new study that tracked brain changes in more than 1,600 adults over 12 years found that eating may help keep the brain younger.

04/22/2026

There's a moment many people experience at some point in their lives.

You're booking a flight. You scroll past the standard seat… and pause at first class.

Not because you have to upgrade.
Not because you're trying to impress anyone.
But because you've worked hard, and you're wondering when you're allowed to start enjoying the perks.

Milestones can shift the way we think about money.
A career high. An empty nest. A major life win. Retirement on the horizon.

Financial discipline matters. So does lifestyle.

The goal isn't reckless spending—and it isn't endless accumulation, either. It's aligning your resources with the life you actually want to live.

Sometimes that means staying in your seat.
Sometimes it means stretching out a little.

If you're navigating what "enjoying the journey" looks like in your own life, we'd be happy to talk it through with you. ✈️