Matt Zettel, CFP

05/12/2026

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.

Quarterly Market Insights | April 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks fell in the first quarter amid concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) could disrupt certain industries and geopolitical issues that unsettled investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 3.58 percent while the Standard &...

04/15/2026

Valuation is important for business succession, estate taxes and even qualifying for a loan.

Ascertaining the value of your business is important for a variety of reasons.

04/12/2026

Here’s a look at what goes into creating a \$20 bill and what determines when a bill’s lifespan ends.

How long does a $20 bill last?

04/08/2026

Thinking of volunteering in retirement? Some considerations.

For many, retirement includes contributing their time and talents to an organization in need.

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...

04/05/2026

Tax deferral can have a dramatic affect on the growth of an investment. Know what's at stake.

This calculator compares a hypothetical fixed annuity with an account where the interest is taxed each year.

04/01/2026

The Consumer Price Index has shown low inflation since '09. Are your prices rising faster?

This calculator shows how inflation over the years has impacted purchasing power.

03/29/2026

Are dividends a key component when evaluating investment opportunities? Learn more.

This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.

03/25/2026

When Should You Claim Social Security? Let's Map Your Strategy

Help clients navigate their Social Security claiming decisions with our interactive roadmap.

03/22/2026

What if I stop working… and later realize I miscalculated something?

Most people asking that question aren’t reckless with money.

Usually they’ve spent decades saving carefully and doing the right things.

But retirement changes the equation.

For the first time, your financial life shifts from saving money to living off of it.

And that brings new questions:

• What if the market drops early in retirement?
• What if healthcare costs are higher than expected?
• What if we live longer than we expected?

Planning can’t eliminate every unknown.

But it can turn a lot of those questions into thoughtful decisions instead of guesses.

Situations like this are more common than people realize, and this is what we help our clients with every single day.