Jeffrey Hackbarth, CFP

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...

04/07/2026

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...

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...

02/06/2026

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...

11/29/2025

🧐 Did you know…

Small businesses (firms with 249 or fewer employees) made up 53 percent of the total net job creation in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Small Business Saturday celebrates exactly this—the vital role entrepreneurs play in our economy and communities.

We have the privilege and honor of working with business owners and helping them translate their hard work into personal financial strategies for the years ahead.

This Small Business Saturday, every local purchase supports the local economy, job creation, and the personal dreams behind each storefront.

A healthier small business community supports us all. 🚀

11/27/2025

🦃 This Thanksgiving, our hearts are full of gratitude.

We are thankful for:
💛 The trust our clients place in us to guide their financial journeys
👏 The dedication of our team, whose commitment makes everything possible
🏡 The communities we serve, which inspire us every day with their resilience and strength

We want to express our deepest appreciation in a season that reminds us of the importance of connection. The relationships we share with clients, colleagues, and friends are what make our work meaningful.

From our team to yours, may your Thanksgiving be filled with gratitude, great company, and plenty of pie. 🥧🥧

11/25/2025

⏰ It’s Open Enrollment season, which means it’s time to review your health and benefits coverage for the year ahead.

According to Fidelity, here are the general timelines to keep in mind:
📌 ACA/HealthCare.gov: Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 (enroll by Dec 15 for Jan 1 coverage)
📌 Medicare: Oct 15 – Dec 7 (separate rules apply for Initial and General Enrollment)
📌 Medicaid/CHIP: Enrollment available year-round if eligible
📌 State marketplaces: Some states have slightly different windows—check your state’s site
📌 Employer plans: Typically run 2–4 weeks in Oct/Nov (HR/benefits will confirm exact dates)

💡 The reminder: Open Enrollment only comes once a year. It’s your chance to compare options, weigh costs, and align your coverage with your needs.

If you’d like to talk through how your benefits fit into your broader financial strategy, we’re here to help.

11/21/2025

🎁 PricewaterhouseCoopers projects U.S. holiday spending will see its steepest drop since 2020:
▪️ Overall spending down 5 percent
▪️ Gift budgets down 11 percent
▪️ Gen Z cutting back a striking 23 percent

💭 When people spend less, the real question becomes: What drives the purchases we do make?

A 2023 Simple Money article, “The Psychology of Holiday Spending,” points out that overspending often happens when:
▪️ We try to “re-create” the holidays of our childhood with bigger or more gifts
▪️ We feel pressure to match the generosity of friends or family
▪️ Retailers remind us that “time is running out,” and we click buy now before thinking twice

🧠 The real opportunity this season isn’t about spending less—it’s about spending with intention.

As we know, the best gifts are rarely the ones wrapped in paper.

When financial choices align with values, the holidays can feel lighter, less stressful, and more meaningful. Wishing a wonderful holiday to you and all those you love.

11/19/2025

💡 Did you know? If you’re over 50, a big retirement savings rule change is coming in 2026.

It has to do with retirement plan catch-up contributions (the extra dollars allowed once you turn 50).

First, catch-up contributions aren’t going away. You’ll still be able to make them in 2026 and beyond.

BUT—here’s the important difference:
📌 High earners will face a new rule. If you earned more than $145,000 from your employer in the prior year (indexed for inflation), all of your catch-up contributions will be handled differently. For some, that may mean you’ll have a taxable event now but down the road certain retirement plan withdrawals could be tax-free.
📌 Keep in mind that many companies are updating their retirement plans to make it easier for higher-earners to follow the new rule.
📌 If you earn less than $145,000, you can still choose where to place your money depending on your plan's choices.

If you’re turning 50 soon or already making catch-up contributions, now is the time to review your strategy and see if your plan is keeping up with the new rule.

11/17/2025

The IRS has released the 2026 contribution limits for workplace retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, most 457 plans, and the federal Thrift Savings Plan.



Here’s what’s changing:
▪️Employee contribution limit: $24,500 for 2026 (up from $23,500 in 2025)
▪️Catch-up contribution (age 50+): $8,000 for 2026
▪️Special catch-up (age 60–63): $11,250, unchanged from last year



These annual adjustments reflect updated IRS thresholds and may influence how individuals approach their savings goals for the upcoming year.

The IRS has announced higher 401(k) contribution limits for 2026. Here’s what savers need to know.