Stephens Planning

05/13/2026

A large portion of the federal government’s spending today goes directly toward programs that support individuals and families through benefits, healthcare, retirement income, and other assistance programs. In 2025, nearly 70% of federal spending is expected to go toward these types of payments.

At the same time, areas like national defense now make up a much smaller share of the budget than they did decades ago. Another growing expense is interest on the national debt, which is consuming an increasing portion of taxpayer dollars each year.

Why does this matter? Because the way the government spends money can impact on inflation, taxes, interest rates, retirement planning, and the long-term financial outlook for families across the country. Understanding these trends helps put today’s economic conversations into perspective.

No matter your political views, these are the kinds of economic shifts that can affect everyday Americans for years to come. Staying informed and having a financial plan that can adapt to changing conditions has never been more important.

05/06/2026

The U.S. produces plenty of oil, but as this chart shows, it is often the “wrong” type for our specialized refineries. Most of our equipment was built for “Heavy” oil, while we mostly pull “Light” oil out of the ground.

This mismatch forces us to trade on a global scale, which directly impacts inflation and market volatility affecting your retirement.

If you have more questions about how these global trends impact your personal financial path, feel free to reach out to us.

04/29/2026

This chart reviews performance for S&P 500 industries by looking at them like different neighborhoods of the economy. It shows how areas like technology, energy, and retail are expected to grow, making it easy to see which areas are speeding up or slowing down.

For example, the dip in Energy followed by a predicted rise helps us identify where the economy is shifting and where new opportunities are starting to grow.

Watching these shifts in the market helps to create a more balanced plan for the future, no matter which way the market moves.

If you have any questions about how these industry shifts might impact your specific goals, feel free to reach out so we can discuss your plan.

04/27/2026

Looking for clear insights on your estate and tax plan? Come have lunch with us! Stephens Planning is teaming up with Liz Heller at The Wedge on May 8th at 12:00 PM for a relaxed, community-focused session. It's free to attend, but be sure to reserve your spot at the link below. We hope to see you there! https://calendly.com/cstephens-stephensplanning/estate-planning-taxes-lunch-learn

Goldenberg Heller & Antognoli, P.C. partner Liz Heller is teaming up with Curtis Stephens to host a community Lunch & Learn on estate planning and taxes in Alton, IL.

04/22/2026

Join us for the We**ie Party! It is The Wedge's 1-year celebration this Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 PM at 620 E Broadway, Alton, IL 62002.

Short notice, but we didn’t want you to miss it. We would love for you to come by.

If you can, stop in even 15 to 20 minutes. There will be food, light refreshments, live music, and a great atmosphere.

Admission is on us. Use code SP1 for free admission when you register here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wedge-turns-w-one-a-community-celebration-tickets-1987095032734?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/22/2026

In 2023, more than 153 million Americans filed tax returns, reporting over $15 trillion in income and paying more than $2 trillion in federal income taxes. As shown in the image, the system is designed so that as income goes up, taxes usually do too the top 1% paid about 26% of their income, while the bottom half paid closer to 4%.

For many people, that’s more than just a statistic it’s a reminder that the more you earn and save, the more important tax planning becomes. In retirement, income can come from several places at once like Social Security, retirement accounts, and withdrawals and that can quietly lead to a larger tax bill than expected.
At Stephens Planning, we’re here to help you understand how this applies to your situation, find ways to reduce unnecessary taxes, and ultimately help you keep more of what you’ve worked hard to earn. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out.

04/15/2026

I had the opportunity to join The Big Z Morning Show today to discuss why tax and estate planning doesn’t have to be intimidating. It should be about having the information you need to make confident decisions for your family so you can leave behind a legacy rather than a burden.

Looking forward to expanding on these topics at our upcoming Lunch & Learn at The Wedge (620 E Broadway, Alton, IL) on May 8th at 12:00pm. It will be a relaxed environment to get your questions answered and start building a proactive plan for the future.

We’ll also be giving away St. Louis Cardinals tickets and some other fun items for those who join us!

You can listen to my full segment here for more details:
https://www.advantagenews.com/podcasts/big_z_morning_show/taxes-and-estate-planning-lunch-and-learn/audio_d423f024-fddd-4876-8945-4f738cb5e826.html

Interested in joining us? Register for the Lunch & Learn here:
https://calendly.com/cstephens-stephensplanning/estate-planning-taxes-lunch-learn

04/15/2026

As you can see in the image, the S&P 500 may seem diversified, but today about one-third of it is driven by just seven companies—Apple, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla, Alphabet, and Meta. In the first quarter of 2026, all seven were down and accounted for nearly the entire 4.3% market decline.

What that means for you: when a small group carries that much weight, it creates concentration risk—especially in retirement. If those companies stumble during a correction, portfolios tied closely to the index can feel it quickly.

This isn’t about fear—it’s about understanding. Do you know how much of your plan is exposed to that kind of risk?
At Stephens Planning, our purpose is to help you connect what’s happening in the market to your personal situation—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

If you’re unsure how this fits into your plan, we’d be glad to walk through it with you.

03/25/2026

Student loan debt continues to grow and it’s becoming a bigger financial burden for millions of Americans.

Today, total student loan debt has reached $1.8 trillion, with over 45 million borrowers carrying balances. Even more concerning, delinquency rates have surged, with over 16% of loans now seriously past due the highest level on record.

This isn’t just a statistic, it’s a reminder of how important it is to have a clear financial plan in place, especially when debt, taxes, and long-term goals all intersect.

If you’re wondering how this could impact your financial future or your family’s now is the time to get clarity.

📍 We offer a complimentary Financial Viewpoint to help you understand where you stand and what steps you can take next.

01/16/2026

Texas Trip = a great mix of friendship and business. Grateful for the conversations, the opportunities, and the time spent with good people!