Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Allison O’Connell, AAMS, CRPS

08/04/2026

Social Security is often a cornerstone of retirement income, but it's often misunderstood, leading to confusion, worry and poor planning decisions. Here's the truth behind five of the most common misconceptions.

First, it’s not going broke: if no action is taken, benefits could drop around 2032, but policymakers have options to strengthen it.
Second, it won’t replace everything. It covers roughly 40% of your income, so retirement savings are still critical.
Third, claiming early and working won’t permanently reduce benefits; payments are later increased for reductions that occurred before full retirement age.
Fourth, if an ex-spouse claims benefits based on your earnings record it doesn’t reduce your benefit.
And fifth, benefits are still taxable if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds, though some temporary deductions exist.
The more you understand Social Security, the more control you have over your retirement outcome. Grounding your decisions in facts rather than assumptions can make a meaningful difference in your long-term financial security.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Allison O'Connell, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 863 E. Chicago St. in Coldwater. Edward Jones and its financial advisors cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your qualified tax professional regarding your situation. Edward Jones-Member SIPC

08/03/2026

The Federal Reserve held rates steady as earnings from four Magnificent 7 companies led to mixed market reactions, suggesting that investors increasingly want evidence that AI spending is translating into durable revenue and earnings growth. While interest rates may remain higher for longer, resilient economic growth, strong corporate earnings and broader participation across sectors continues to support equities.

Brian Therien, Investment Strategist, explains what this means and how this could impact investors in the latest Weekly Market Wrap.



https://bit.ly/4bWTSTW

07/31/2026

Summer is here and you might find your family spending more money on activities, vacations and more. Plan ahead on your family expenses so you can maximize the fun.

Learn more about how you can create budgeting solutions for you and your family. From Edward Jones and EVERFI

07/27/2026

Renewed U.S.–Iran tensions are driving oil prices higher, bringing inflation concerns back into focus and raising questions about whether the Federal Reserve may need to adjust its approach.

Angelo Kourkafas, Sr. Global Investment Strategist, offers perspective on the recent developments and how they could impact investors in the latest Weekly Market Wrap: https://bit.ly/3RTzrk5

07/26/2026

Summer is often a time to slow down — and it can also be a great opportunity to check in on your retirement plans. Whether you’re building savings or already retired, a quick review can help ensure your strategy still aligns with your goals. If you’ve been meaning to take a closer look, this season may be the right time to start the conversation.

With summer underway and the year at its midpoint, it can be a helpful moment to step back and revisit your progress toward what is likely one of your most important financial goals — your retirement. www.edwardjones.com/us-en

07/24/2026

If you’re retired or nearing RMD age, your withdrawal strategy matters more than you might think. From qualified charitable distributions to thoughtful Roth conversion planning, there may be ways to better manage required withdrawals and their tax impact.

During your working years, you likely built much of your retirement savings in tax-advantaged accounts such as a 401(k) or a traditional IRA.www.edwardjones.com/us-en

07/23/2026

Planning for Medicare? Don't forget that your health needs will change as you age. The coverage you choose now should work for you years down the road too. We break down Medicare's two options and help you think through what matters most.

As you approach 65, you’re likely thinking about the next chapter — travel plans, new hobbies and time with loved ones.www.edwardjones.com/us-en

07/21/2026

One significant risk investors face isn’t losing money in a market dip; it’s failing to reach their long-term financial goals. Many people focus on avoiding short-term losses and invest too conservatively, which can limit growth over time and may impact your retirement security.

A thoughtful approach starts with understanding three things: how much risk you’re comfortable taking, how much risk you can afford based on your financial situation and time horizon, and how much growth you need to reach your goals.

You'll want to find the balance between your level of risk and long-term goals. Spreading your investments across a diverse set of investment and asset types can help manage market ups and downs while still pursuing growth, though it doesn't insure profits or protect against losses.

Investing well isn’t about avoiding risk. It’s about taking a balanced approach that merges your level of comfort with the future you’re working toward.

Investors should understand the risks involved with owning investments, including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. The value of investments fluctuates and investors can lose some or all of their principal.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Allison O'Connell, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 863 E Chicago St. in Coldwater. Member SIPC

07/20/2026

After an AI-driven rally earlier this year, markets are taking a breather, with leadership rotating across sectors, and investors anticipating second quarter earnings season. Head of Investment Strategy Mona Mahajan explains what this could mean for investors in the latest Weekly Market Wrap.

https://bit.ly/4fqmd62

07/17/2026

If you'll soon retire, or recently have, market volatility may feel especially unsettling. And that’s understandable because at this point in your life, market downturns can have an outsized impact on your financial security.

That’s why now is a good time to stress-test your retirement income.

First, start by confirming how much you rely on your portfolio for income and how a market drop may affect your short-term needs.

Then consider whether you have enough in an emergency fund to help you through. Three to six months’ worth of essential expenses is a standard rule of thumb.

And think about where you could adjust your spending, and if you need to reduce your exposure to riskier assets such as stocks.

If you’d like help stress-testing your retirement income plan, I can help you evaluate your options and stay focused on your long-term goals, even when the markets are anything but steady.

Content provided by Edward Jones