Financial Advisor: Heidi Reif-Jones

11/01/2026

Military Family Month recognizes the spouses, children, and parents who hold things together while a loved one serves.

Frequent moves, long separations, and the quiet stress of uncertainty are part of that story too, even when no uniform is involved.

If someone in your life carries that kind of steadiness, this is a good month to tell them you noticed.

10/19/2026

🛍️ What if you and another shopper paid different prices for the exact same groceries?

AI could make that scenario more common.

Retailers are exploring personalized pricing, which may use data such as browsing habits, ZIP codes, and purchasing behavior to determine what individual shoppers are willing to pay.

In one Instacart pricing experiment, researchers found that identical grocery baskets cost some shoppers up to 23% more than others. Instacart disputed aspects of those findings and later ended the experiment.

As AI becomes more involved in retail, it raises an interesting question: Will the price you see depend on who's shopping? 🤖



Source:

Retailers want to harness the power of artificial intelligence to set personalized prices for shoppers, a consumer protection expert says.

10/06/2026

The two accounts aren't connected, and funds can't transfer between them, according to a 2026 update from Brightstart.com.

That makes things simpler for a lot of families. It's rarely a true either-or decision. Many households end up using both accounts, each one doing its own job. If you're weighing how Trump Accounts and a 529 might fit your family, bring it up the next time we talk.

#529

10/03/2026

Here's where the two accounts part ways, starting with who's in control. Trump Accounts is opened for a child, and the money stays locked up until January 1 of the year they turn 18. After that, it works like a traditional individual retirement account. The IRS in 2026 clarified that family, friends, and employers can contribute up to $5,000 per child per year, with employers capped at $2,500 of that.

A 529 runs on different rules. There's no federal cap on yearly contributions, though each state sets its own lifetime limit. The IRS says that a parent can contribute up to $19,000 per year ($38,000 for a couple) without any gift tax paperwork. Money can be withdrawn at any time for qualified education costs, and the earnings are exempt from federal tax.

#529

09/30/2026

Trump Accounts and 529s keep coming up in the same conversation. Both put money aside for a child's future. The similarity ends there. One is designed for educational expenses, but the other is open-ended. College, a first home, retirement, or anything else.

#529

09/09/2026

🚢From ships to shares, here’s a brief history of stocks 📊

The first “stocks” were tied to dangerous sea voyages. Today? They’re traded with a tap.

Swipe to explore:
⚫ The first company to issue stock
⚫ The world’s first exchange
⚫ Why stocks became so popular
⚫ How this centuries-old idea still drives markets today

08/11/2026

September is College Savings Month, and it's a good time to think about what you want your child's future to look like. Every family's situation is different. If you have questions about what college savings options might make sense for your household, reach out. That's exactly what we're here for.

08/04/2026

Creating a will is crucial, but remember: life changes. When it does, so should your estate strategy. Regularly updating your will keeps it aligned with your current circumstances and wishes. Here are 7 reasons to revisit your will:

1️⃣ Family Changes: Marriage, divorce, births, or losses can impact your strategy.
2️⃣ Relocation: Different places, different laws.
3️⃣ Financial Shifts: Reflect on your current assets.
4️⃣ Executor/Trustee: Ensure they’re still the right choice.
5️⃣ Law Changes: Stay compliant and minimize taxes.
6️⃣ Beneficiary Updates: Reflect evolving relationships.
7️⃣ Time: Review every 3-5 years.

07/30/2026

📝✨ August is Make-A-Will Month! ✨📝

In that spirit, we're raising awareness about the importance of creating a will. Now is the perfect time to have your wishes clearly outlined. Or if you have a will, August is a great time to review it and see if it remains aligned with your wishes.

Creating a will isn't just about assets; it's about leaving a legacy, making your intentions known, and thinking about your loved ones' future.

Here are a few reasons why having an up-to-date will is essential:
Your Loved Ones: Outline how you want your family to be cared for, especially any children under 18.
Manage Conflicts: Clear instructions can help during disputes and misunderstandings.
Your Legacy: How will your assets, possessions, and digital presence be distributed and managed?
Have Your Affairs in Order: Comfort for you and your loved ones.

Let's make this month count by taking steps towards your future! Have you already started? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. 👇💬

📜🔒

07/28/2026

Small business owners often think of their employees as family, but are they set up like it? This post opens the conversation around retirement options available to small business employees, reminding owners that a 401(k) isn't the only choice and that some options are built specifically for smaller teams.