Atrium Financial Associates, LLC

06/01/2026

Buy or lease—it's not just about the monthly payment. This calculator breaks down the full cost of each option so you can make a more informed decision.

05/27/2026

Summer travel may come with higher costs this year, as airfare, gas, lodging, dining, and activities all reflect broader price pressures.

Average domestic airfare is about $383, up $89 from last year, while gas prices have risen $1.42 per gallon from a year earlier.

Other travel-related expenses are also higher. Activities are up by more than 5.5%, lodging costs are up by 4.3%, and dining out prices are up by more than 3.6%.

Even with higher prices, many Americans are still taking trips, though some may choose destinations closer to home to help manage overall costs.

These trends show how inflation can affect more than everyday essentials — it can also shape how households approach travel, leisure, and seasonal spending.

Gas prices, airfares, accommodations and other vacation essentials are more expensive this year compared to last year.

05/25/2026

Having an estate strategy means that decisions about your family, assets, and your health care remain in your hands. Learn about 4 elements that may help you. Watch here:

Learn about the importance of having an estate strategy in this helpful and informative video.

05/19/2026

05/18/2026

A rare wildlife moment is drawing attention in Chicago.

Two bald eagle hatchlings were recently spotted in a nest at Park 597 along the Calumet River on the city’s Southeast Side. Officials believe this may be Chicago’s first successful wild bald eagle breeding in more than a century.

The discovery is especially meaningful given the bald eagle’s long recovery story. Habitat loss and insecticide contamination once caused the species’ population to decline sharply, but conservation efforts helped support its comeback over the past several decades.

Park 597 has also gone through its own transformation. The site was previously home to a city water treatment plant, but restoration work improved the natural habitat.

Now, the appearance of two eaglets offers a hopeful reminder of how restored green spaces can support wildlife, even in the middle of a major city.

Two bald eagle hatchlings have been spotted in a Chicago park in what experts believe is a first for the Windy City in more than a century.

05/18/2026

The savings rate is the government’s estimate of how much U.S. households are saving.

What can be learned from the savings rate?

05/14/2026

We’re excited to launch a new video series, “Bridging the Gap”, featuring our very own Andy Cohen and Jeremy Kuptsow.

Throughout this series, they’ll be discussing common questions they receive from clients and offer their different perspectives and experiences.

Enjoy this introductory video to the series. And let us know what you want to hear discussed!

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.

Stocks surged in April, notching their best month in five years as investors cheered upbeat economic news, efforts to lower tensions in the Middle East, and first-quarter results.

05/11/2026

This time of year, you may hear the phrase "tax-loss harvesting." Before moving ahead, it's best to get some guidance from a financial professional who is familiar with the strategy.

You may have heard the phrase

05/04/2026

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its latest meeting, maintaining the benchmark range at 3.5% to 3.75%.

While the decision itself was widely expected, the vote reflected a notable level of disagreement among policymakers, with several members expressing differing views on the outlook for future rate adjustments.

Some officials pointed to ongoing inflation concerns, while others focused on how policy signals could shape expectations moving forward.

Recent economic data continues to show a mixed picture, with steady job growth alongside inflation that remains above long-term targets.

Moments like this highlight how central bank decisions often involve balancing multiple factors as conditions evolve over time.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday released its latest decision on interest rates.