A tax refund isn’t a bonus—it’s proof you overpaid the IRS. By understanding your paycheck—earnings, pre-tax deductions, taxes, and net pay—you can adjust your federal withholding and keep more money in your pocket each month. For example, one couple discovered they’d loaned the government $7,000 interest-free. With the right strategy, that money could boost savings, investments, or debt payoff. Take control of your paycheck with smart planning and professional guidance.

ETFs offer investors diversification, liquidity, low costs, transparency, tax efficiency, and easy entry with small investments. Beyond traditional stocks and bonds, new ETF structures now provide access to asset classes like Private Credit and Cryptocurrency, once limited to wealthy investors. These features make ETFs a powerful tool for building wealth, managing risk, and customizing portfolios to meet financial goals.

Real estate can be a powerful tool for portfolio diversification, offering passive income, appreciation potential, and tax benefits. Unlike stocks and bonds, it provides stability during market volatility and allows greater control through active management. While risks like illiquidity and tenant challenges exist, strategic planning can help mitigate them. For many investors, real estate is a smart way to build wealth and strengthen financial security.

Peter Lynch once said, “If you spend more than 13 minutes analyzing forecasts, you’ve wasted 10.” His advice: ignore the noise and focus on your strategy. Mid-2025 returns show the S&P 500 up 8.1%, Nasdaq up 9.1%, Dow up 5%, Russell up 2.3%, and MSCI EAFE up 20%. Tech leaders like Nvidia and Microsoft boosted gains, while Apple and Tesla lagged. Diversification remains key. Stay the course—volatility is the cost of strong long-term returns.

Consistently investing through dollar-cost averaging (DCA) helps reduce emotional stress and risk, even when markets hit all-time highs. Historical data shows buying at market peaks often leads to strong long-term returns, with nearly 30% of past highs becoming lasting floors. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment, disciplined, regular investing—Always Be Buying (ABB)—has proven to be a reliable strategy for long-term wealth building.

A new provision in the tax bill creates “Trump Accounts” for babies born between 2025–2028, starting with a $1,000 government deposit and allowing up to $5,000/year in contributions. Invested in a stock index fund, these accounts could grow into millions by age 50 through consistent saving and compounding. With just $50/month, families can give children a powerful financial head start. Learn how to make the most of this opportunity.

In investing, risk isn’t binary—it’s a spectrum. Advisors help manage unsystematic risks like business or regulatory issues through diversification and planning. While systematic risks like inflation or geopolitical events can’t be controlled, advisors prepare clients to navigate them with confidence. It’s not about predicting the future—it’s about being ready for it. Ready to build resilience into your plan? Let’s talk.

Rising tensions between Israel and Iran have led to market volatility and energy price swings. While geopolitical events can cause short-term disruption, history shows markets typically recover. Investors should avoid overreacting and stay focused on long-term goals. U.S. energy independence helps buffer economic risks, and diversified portfolios remain the best defense in uncertain times.

Investor psychology plays a powerful role in decision-making, especially during market volatility. Common behavioral biases like loss aversion, herd mentality, overconfidence, recency bias, and anchoring can lead to emotional and costly investment choices. By understanding these biases and focusing on long-term goals, diversification, and a solid financial plan—ideally with professional guidance—investors can stay disciplined and make smarter decisions.

A recession is a period of economic decline, often marked by reduced spending, job cuts, and falling GDP. While headlines may predict it, we usually only recognize a recession in hindsight through lagging indicators like unemployment and corporate earnings. Market downturns can create long-term opportunities for investors, but strategies vary by situation. Always consult a financial advisor to navigate uncertain times and protect your financial goals.

Baby Step 4 of the Ramsey Plan recommends saving 15% of your gross income for retirement. This guide explains how to structure those savings using a 401(k), Roth IRA, or taxable brokerage depending on your income, filing status, and employer plan access. Key rule: “Match beats Roth, Roth beats Pre-Tax.” Whether you're single or married, with or without a plan, there’s a strategy to fit your situation. Consult a financial advisor to create a plan that works for you.

Markets rallied after news broke that the U.S. and China reached a 90-day trade agreement, reversing many of the April tariffs. Tariffs on Chinese goods dropped to 30%, and China’s on U.S. goods fell to 10%. President Trump’s tweet about 80% tariffs sparked concern, but Sunday night futures surged, erasing losses. This shift reduces uncertainty and mirrors 2018–2019 patterns. Long-term investors should stay focused, as history shows markets rebound once clarity returns.

Tariffs can greatly impact investments, and Dave Ramsey’s four categories—Growth, Growth & Income, Aggressive Growth, and International—respond differently. Growth stocks may be hit hardest, while Aggressive Growth and International companies may benefit. Diversifying across all four can help reduce risk. Understanding these effects with the help of a financial advisor can guide smarter investing in uncertain times.

How to use section 351 ETF conversion to diversify concentrated stock positions.

John-Mark Young has officially earned the Certified Financial Planner® certification after 14 months of study and dedication.

Creating Offense and Defense In Your Portfolio Is The Key To Success In Retirement Investing.

Tax loss harvesting helps offset gains by selling investments at a loss, reducing taxes in taxable accounts. Retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s are tax-favored and don’t require this strategy. For maxed-out retirement savings, consider taxable accounts. Consult financial advisors to navigate tax loss harvesting effectively and avoid costly mistakes. Need guidance? Contact our Whitaker-Myers team to optimize your investment strategy.

Understanding the business cycle helps investors make smarter financial decisions during market uncertainty. While we can't control the economy, we can plan with discipline—by staying invested, rebalancing portfolios, managing expectations, and maintaining emergency funds. Market cycles may be more volatile, but a resilient, diversified portfolio helps weather all phases. Don’t try to time the market—plan wisely and stay focused on long-term goals.

Tax loss harvesting is the strategy of selling investments at a loss to offset capital gains and reduce your tax bill. Understanding capital gains brackets—especially with the 2025 thresholds—can help retirees and middle-income earners potentially avoid taxes altogether. Timing and spreading gains across years, as well as offsetting with losses, can maximize savings. A financial advisor can help tailor strategies to fit your income and goals.

Sequence of return risk—the timing of investment returns near retirement—can significantly impact portfolio longevity. Losses early in retirement are far more damaging than losses later. Investors approaching the “Retirement Red Zone” should reduce risk exposure and consider tools like income annuities, buffer assets, and diversified portfolios. A trusted financial advisor can help build a plan to retire with confidence and stability.