Gabe A. Rohwedder CRPC, AIF - Guide Wealth Partners

09/08/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.

A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.

School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.

The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.

Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.

Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.

For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.


Source:

U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.

09/05/2026

It’s rarely one big expense that throws things off.

It’s the $5 subscription that turns into $9.
The takeout that becomes routine.
The upgrade that feels small in the moment.

Progress isn’t about cutting everything - it's deciding what actually matters to you and spending on purpose.

09/02/2026

A lot of retirees say the same thing lately: “I’m not doing anything differently, but things feel more expensive.”

That’s because costs often increase gradually, not all at once. Property taxes, insurance, repairs, and healthcare tend to creep up over time.

A helpful habit is to revisit your spending once a year, just to see what has changed. You may not need to cut back, but having a clear view of where your money is going can make it easier to stay in control.

08/30/2026

Life insurance is often framed as something you only think about "just in case."

But for many people, it can be part of a broader financial foundation—supporting both current flexibility and future considerations.

From how coverage works to what employer benefits actually provide, understanding the basics can make it easier to decide what fits your situation.

Several factors affect the cost and availability of life insurance. And any guarantees associated with a policy depend on the issuing insurance company's ability to continue making claim payments.

08/27/2026

Online scams are becoming more sophisticated, and new technology is helping criminal networks operate at a larger scale.

An AP investigation found that scam operations have used artificial intelligence, cloud services, internet infrastructure, satellite connections, and social platforms to target people around the world.

Some scams now involve automated messages, real-time translation, fake identities, and carefully scripted conversations designed to build trust quickly.

The financial damage can be devastating. The Federal Trade Commission estimated that scams cost Americans nearly $200 billion in losses in 2024.

The human impact is also serious. Some people working inside scam compounds have been trafficked or forced to participate under threat of violence.

For consumers, the warning signs still matter: pressure to act quickly, requests to keep conversations secret, sudden talk of money or investments, and relationships that move unusually fast.

As scams become more advanced, skepticism can be a form of protection. Slowing down, verifying details, and talking with someone trusted before sending money can make a meaningful difference.


Source:

Technology from American companies is being used to power a revolution in the scam industry, playing a key role in the industrialization and globalization of fraud in ways that have not been clear until now, an AP/“FRONTLINE” investigation has found.

08/24/2026

No need to wait. Go paperless to get your tax refund sooner.

08/21/2026

Do you plan to give before the end of the year?

08/18/2026

A strategic plan for harvesting investment losses to offset capital gains can help reduce this year’s tax bill. Let’s find the right balance together.

08/15/2026

Are you working with a tax-intelligent financial professional?

08/12/2026

In retirement, income sources like Social Security and pensions are designed to be steady. The challenge is that expenses rarely are.

Healthcare, home costs, and even everyday essentials can rise at different speeds, which can quietly reduce purchasing power over time.

One simple way to stay ahead of this is to separate your “must-have” expenses from “nice-to-have” spending. That clarity makes it easier to adjust when costs shift without disrupting your lifestyle.