Certus Wealth Management

06/02/2026

Markets have had a lot going on this year. Geopolitical conflict, oil price swings, questions about Fed policy, and still, corporate earnings have continued to come in strong.

My latest newsletter covers where things stand, what adjustments we made to client portfolios this quarter, and why staying disciplined through the volatility has mattered more than most people might expect.

If you want a clear, plain-English read on the current market environment and the thinking behind how we're positioning, it's worth a few minutes: https://tinyurl.com/3fktbr9t

05/29/2026

This time of year, a lot of people are thinking about family. It's also a natural moment to think about what you've put in place to protect them.

Over the past few months, I've helped several families navigate the estate settlement process after a loss. The ones with organized documents, updated beneficiary designations, and a clear record of their accounts made an incredibly hard time a little easier. The ones without those things faced delays and confusion on top of everything else.

The simple stuff matters a lot. If you missed the guide I sent out, it's on the blog along with two downloadable resources you can fill out for your own family. https://www.certuswealthmanagement.com/blog/estate-planning-guide

A practical guide to estate settlement: what to expect, key steps to take, and how to make the process easier for your family

05/19/2026

The best time to think about a Roth conversion is not December. By year-end, you're under a time crunch to estimate your current income and tax brackets for the year, while making a significant decision under pressure. Planning earlier gives you the full year to manage your taxable income with intention.

The basic idea is converting traditional IRA dollars to a Roth IRA, paying taxes on that amount now and then enjoying tax-free growth and withdrawals later. Whether that tradeoff makes sense depends on your current bracket, where you expect taxes to go, your timeline, and how a conversion fits into your broader picture.

If you've been wondering whether a Roth conversion belongs in your strategy, now is a good time to start that conversation.

05/12/2026

One of the things I talked about at a recent Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) parent meeting: our kids are growing up in a world where money is invisible. With Apple Pay, Venmo, Zelle, the swipe feels the same whether it's $5 or $500. Teaching them that it's finite, and that the habit of saving early creates real advantages, is harder than it sounds.

The framework I use with my own kids is the 50-40-10 rule. Every dollar that comes in, whether it’s allowance, birthday money, summer job earnings, gets split: 50% to spend, 40% to save, 10% to give. Consistency matters more than perfection.

I wrote about this in my recent newsletter, along with a few planning topics worth your attention this spring: https://tinyurl.com/3m2rbczd

What's one money lesson that actually stuck with your kids?

Earlier this month, I sent a note about a technology issue that caused some March 31st statements to look off. That issue has been fully resolved. Schwab worked diligently to correct the error and backdate the affected trades to the original date, so no one missed out on investment return as a resul...

05/06/2026

Gas prices are up, markets have been volatile, and the situation in the Middle East is still evolving. I've had a lot of clients reach out over the past several weeks with questions about what it all means for their finances.

I put together my read on what's happened since the conflict began, what it's doing to portfolios and purchasing power, and what I'm watching going forward:

A lot has happened since the recent conflict began in the Middle East, and pulling into the gas station this past week was a pretty tangible reminder of that. Several clients have reached out asking what's going on and what it means for their investments, so I wanted to share my read on where things...

04/29/2026

Quick reminder: If you're 50 or older and haven't maxed out your retirement contributions yet this year, you still have time.

For 2026:
-401(k): $24,500 base + $8,000 catch-up = $32,500 total
-If you're 60-63: Enhanced catch-up of $11,500 instead
-IRA: $7,500 base + $1,000 catch-up = $8,500 total

These increases from last year are meaningful. If you're not taking full advantage, consider adjusting your paycheck deferrals now rather than trying to catch up in December.

Questions about your retirement savings strategy? Let's talk: [email protected]

04/14/2026

Tax season is wrapping up, but tax planning is year-round.

If you filed an extension or are finishing up your 2025 return, take 15 minutes to think about what surprised you. Did you owe more than expected? Get a bigger refund than you planned on? Have a major life change that affected your tax situation?

These surprises are planning opportunities for 2026. Early coordination with your CPA and financial advisor can help you adjust withholding, time income, or consider strategies like Roth conversions before December scrambling.

The best tax planning happens in April, not December.

Want to discuss how your tax situation fits into your broader financial strategy? Learn more about CPA-advisor coordination here:

Certus Wealth Management works to maximize your opportunities & optimize your financial plan through two-way strategic coordination with your tax advisor.

04/08/2026

Spring cleaning isn't just for your closets. It's a good time to review your financial accounts too.

Quick checklist:
-When did you last review your beneficiary designations?
-Has your insurance coverage kept pace with your life changes?
-Is your emergency fund where it should be?
-Have you looked at your investment allocation lately?

These aren't exciting tasks, but they matter. Especially the beneficiary review. Outdated designations can create unnecessary complications during an already difficult time, but with a little planning it’s easy to avoid.

Want to do a comprehensive review of your unique financial goals? Reach out: [email protected]

03/31/2026

A few weeks ago, I sent out a guide on estate settlement that walked through the real steps families face when a loved one passes away.

The response surprised me. Multiple clients reached out to say how helpful it was, either because they're currently navigating this process or because it prompted them to get their own affairs in order.

If you missed it, the guide covers everything from the first 30 days through final distribution, plus two downloadable resources: a step-by-step checklist and a personal information organizer you can fill out for your own family.

You can read it here: https://tinyurl.com/379xtbx2

Have you had the estate planning conversation with your family yet?

A practical guide to estate settlement: what to expect, key steps to take, and how to make the process easier for your family

03/26/2026

We just wrapped up our Q1 market and economic review, and there are some interesting developments worth noting.

Our latest newsletter covers:
-Current market positioning and what's driving performance
-Economic indicators we're watching closely
-How we're thinking about portfolio strategy for the rest of 2026

The markets will always have something to worry about. The key is maintaining perspective and sticking with a strategy built for your specific goals.

Read the full update here: https://tinyurl.com/yc4pk7hs

Questions about how any of this affects your situation? Let's talk: [email protected]