Gabe A. Rohwedder CRPC, AIF - Guide Wealth Partners

06/03/2026

Many families avoid financial conversations until they’re forced by circumstance.

Communicating before it’s urgent can prevent unnecessary stress, build confidence and understanding, and make future transitions smoother for everyone involved.

05/29/2026

New research shows a shift in how income is distributed across U.S. households.

About 31% of households are now considered upper middle class, making it the largest income group in the country — a significant increase compared to past decades.

This change reflects long-term income growth as more households move into higher-earning brackets. Factors such as dual-income households and increased workforce participation have contributed to this trend.

At the same time, the share of households in traditional middle-income ranges has declined, largely because many have moved into higher categories.

Even with these shifts, perceptions of financial well-being can vary. Rising costs in housing, education, and healthcare continue to shape how households experience economic progress.


Source:

America's middle class is shrinking, but not because people are getting poorer. Instead, more households are climbing the ladder, new research suggests.

05/26/2026

Spring isn't just for deep cleaning your home—it's also a chance to clear out the financial clutter that built up over the winter.

Now's a great time to check in on your spending, review automatic payments, organize important documents, and take one small step toward a bigger goal. It doesn't have to be all at once—just one thing at a time.

Need help figuring out where to start? Reach out—I'm happy to help.


🔗 Sources
CNBC, April 2025
Kiplinger, March 2024
American Express, March 2024

05/23/2026

When stock prices drop, some investors start asking "shoulda, woulda, coulda” questions about whether to remain invested. But as 2025 illustrates, market timing can be very expensive even if it means missing just a few days.

05/19/2026

A growing number of Americans are carrying credit card balances, highlighting ongoing financial pressure for many households.

Recent data shows that about 50% of credit card holders—roughly 111 million people—currently carry debt, marking a notable increase over the past several years.

At the same time, borrowing costs remain elevated. Average credit card interest rates are now above 23%, making it more expensive for balances to grow over time.

Some households are adjusting by cutting back on discretionary spending, delaying larger purchases, or relying more heavily on credit to cover everyday expenses.

These trends reflect how shifts in costs, interest rates, and income can influence day-to-day financial decisions across a wide range of households.


Source:

About 111 million Americans are carrying credit card balances, a 17% increase in five years, new research shows.

05/16/2026

The cost of raising a child in the U.S. continues to rise, reaching a new milestone in recent estimates.

A new analysis puts the total cost at approximately $303,000 through age 18, or about $16,800 per year on average.

These figures include everyday expenses like housing, food, and childcare, but do not account for college costs, which can add significantly more over time.

Costs can also vary widely depending on location. Some states saw notable increases, while others experienced slower growth in certain child-related expenses.

While the overall total has increased, some categories, such as early childcare, have shown signs of stabilizing in recent data.

As costs evolve, these trends offer a broader view of how family-related expenses are changing.


Source:

Raising a child through age 18 is most expensive in Hawaii, where a family would spend an estimated $412,661 in 2026, LendingTree found.

05/13/2026

A common online security tool is now being used in a new type of scam.

Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA prompts — the familiar “I’m not a robot” checks — to trick users into taking actions that can compromise their devices.

Instead of a simple verification, these prompts may ask users to click “Allow,” enable notifications, or follow additional steps that can lead to persistent pop-ups, phishing attempts, or unwanted software.

These scams often appear through ads, suspicious links, or redirected web pages, making them harder to spot at first glance.

Security experts note that legitimate CAPTCHA tests do not require enabling notifications, downloading files, or entering system commands — making those requests a potential red flag.

As these tactics evolve, staying cautious when interacting with unexpected prompts can help reduce exposure to online threats.


Source:

Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA prompts to trick users into enabling malware and scam notifications Security experts warn the ta

05/09/2026

Financial lessons are rarely just about dollars and cents. They’re also about patience, responsibility, and values.

When families talk openly about money and connect financial choices to what matters most, kids learn skills that go far beyond basic budgeting and balancing.

05/05/2026

Financial literacy can be taught at any stage, in age-appropriate ways.

Early, intentional education helps keep wealth and decisions aligned as responsibilities and opportunities grow.

Ask your financial professional to help you develop a plan.

05/01/2026

Retirement planning is largely focused on income and investments, but it’s also about communication.

Talking with family ahead of transitions can reduce uncertainty, set expectations, and help loved ones understand the decisions you’ve made and why.