Baltimore-Washington Financial Advisors

11/02/2026

The Markets (as of market close October 30, 2026)
The major indexes finished the week lower, with tech and AI shares bearing the brunt of the sell-off. The small caps of the Russell 2000 closed the week higher. Among the market sectors, only communication services and information technology closed the week lower. Energy and health care outperformed. As stock traders moved from risk, Treasury yields fell on rising demand for government bonds. Crude oil prices moved little during the week and remained firmly above $100.00 per barrel.

Last Week's Economic News

- By a 10-2 vote, the Federal Open Market Committee decided to maintain the federal funds rate at 3.75% to 4.00%. The Committee noted that economic activity was expanding at a strong pace. While uncertainty remains elevated owing, in part, to geopolitical developments, domestic spending has been resilient. Productivity growth was strong, and capital investment was robust.

The Markets (as of market close October 30, 2026) The major indexes finished the week lower, with tech and AI shares bearing the brunt of the sell-off. The sma

10/23/2026

Could giving too much to your family put your own retirement at risk?

Helping your children can be an important part of the legacy you want to create, but those gifts still need to fit within your retirement plan.

Sandy Hornor explains why giving should be treated like any other retirement expense. The goal is to understand what you can afford today without creating financial problems for yourself later in life.

Listen to the full episode:
https://ow.ly/WMHp5100znu

Watch on YouTube:
https://ow.ly/ovzg5100znv

10/15/2026

Could paying off your mortgage before retirement actually cost you money?

Becoming mortgage-free can provide peace of mind, but that does not automatically make it the best financial decision.

Sandy Hornor explains why retirees should compare the cost of their mortgage to what they may be giving up by using savings or investments to pay it off. Interest rates, taxes, and opportunity costs can all affect the answer.

Listen to the full episode:
https://ow.ly/OxWs50ZY9ot

Watch on YouTube:
https://ow.ly/gpWj50ZY9os

10/08/2026

How do you turn retirement savings into income?

After decades of saving and growing your retirement accounts, retirement requires a major shift. Instead of continuing to accumulate money, you have to begin using those savings to support your lifestyle.

Sandy Hornor explains why that transition can feel difficult and why creating a retirement income stream requires a different mindset than the one you used while working.

Listen to the full episode:
https://ow.ly/37qV50ZVxVu

Watch on YouTube:
https://ow.ly/pjI550ZVxVt

10/05/2026

Markets finished mixed last week as rising Treasury yields and persistent inflation concerns competed with signs of a cooling labor market. September’s employment report showed hiring slowed considerably, raising new questions about how the Federal Reserve may balance inflation risks against softer job growth.

This week, investors will turn to the Fed’s latest meeting minutes for more insight into the path of interest rates.

Read the full Weekly Economic Update on BWFA.com.

The Markets (as of market close October 2, 2026) Wall Street experienced a more volatile week as stock traders weighed rising Treasury yields and persistent in

10/02/2026

Will you actually spend less in retirement?

Many people assume their expenses will decrease once they stop working. But the early years of retirement can bring more freedom to travel, pursue hobbies, and spend time doing the things you may have been putting off while working.

Sandy Hornor explains why retirement spending can change through the “go-go, slow-go, and no-go” stages and why your retirement budget should reflect how you actually plan to live.

Listen to the full episode:
https://ow.ly/rOJv50ZTwn2

Watch on YouTube:
https://ow.ly/KJcb50ZTwn4

10/01/2026

The October edition of BWFA’s Advisor Magazine is now available.

This issue explores the decisions and changes shaping financial lives today, from the growing role of artificial intelligence and the Great Wealth Transfer to retirement timing and IRA considerations.

Beyond financial insights, we’re introducing BWFA’s newest team members, highlighting the people and experiences that make our firm what it is and sharing more of what’s happening at BWFA.

Read the latest edition:
https://ow.ly/SxtV50ZTw2R

09/30/2026

Is having enough money enough to know you’re ready to retire?

Financial readiness is an important part of the decision, but retirement can also mean a major change in how you spend your time, where you find purpose, and what your day-to-day life looks like.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Sandy Hornor discusses why preparing for retirement involves more than reaching a certain account balance and why the clients he sees enjoying retirement often approach the transition intentionally.

Listen to the full episode:
https://ow.ly/ezcL50ZT6qZ
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/DAXVRB2TDiA/

09/28/2026

Markets finished mostly higher last week as technology and AI-related stocks helped drive gains, even as Treasury yields climbed to levels not seen in roughly two decades. Falling oil prices provided some relief, but persistent inflation and elevated interest rates remain important factors for investors.

This week’s GDP, inflation, and employment reports could offer important clues about the economy and the Federal Reserve’s next move.

Read the full Weekly Economic Update on BWFA.com.

The Markets (as of market close September 11, 2026)   Wall Street experienced a volatile week as stock traders weighed persistent inflation, sharpl

09/26/2026

Experience authentic Western hospitality at one of the True Ranch Collection's historic dude ranches. From horseback riding and breathtaking scenery to unforgettable family experiences, these destinations offer a unique way to slow down and reconnect.

Discover the adventure:

https://ow.ly/zupj50ZqP0y