Senes & Chwalek Financial Advisors

06/02/2026

Travel can feel very different once time is no longer tightly scheduled.

For many, it becomes less about fitting a trip into the calendar and more about deciding how they want to spend their time. Whether that means staying longer, traveling more often, or bringing family along, those choices often reflect years of thoughtful decisions.

It may be worth revisiting how travel fits into your overall approach—especially as priorities continue to evolve. Reach out to your financial professional to discuss how your strategy can support the adventures you've earned.

05/27/2026

Recent survey data suggests many households are feeling increased financial pressure.

About 55% of Americans say their financial situation is getting worse, reflecting a steady rise in concern over the past several years.

Affordability remains a key factor, with higher costs across essentials like housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses continuing to shape how people experience their finances.

At the same time, concerns extend beyond the short term. Many individuals report increased anxiety around long-term goals, including saving for retirement and managing future expenses.

While experiences can vary widely, these trends highlight how broader economic conditions can influence both day-to-day budgeting and longer-term financial outlooks.


Source:

The impact of higher energy prices and fears about covering monthly bill is taking a toll on public sentiment, a new Gallup poll finds.

05/20/2026

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.

05/15/2026

Recent global developments are beginning to show up in key areas of the U.S. economy, with energy costs leading the impact.

Fuel prices have risen, with the national average reaching around $4.10 per gallon, increasing costs for households and businesses. Broader inflation data has also reflected some upward pressure, particularly in energy-related categories.

Despite these shifts, overall economic growth is still expected to continue, though at a slower pace. Some forecasts suggest growth may ease slightly while remaining positive.

Consumer activity has shown mixed signals. Spending has remained relatively steady, even as sentiment surveys reflect lower confidence.

Looking ahead, factors like energy prices, inflation trends, and central bank decisions may continue to influence the economic outlook.


Source:

The Iran war is starting to show up in the U.S. economy in ways both obvious and not so much.

05/13/2026

That yellow section? That's money you never saved, your money made it for you.

This is compound interest in action. Start with $1,000/year at a hypothetical 5 percent return, and by year 30, you've built nearly $70,000. But the real story is the yellow: Interest earning interest.

Year 1: almost no interest at all.
Year 30: the interest on your interest alone might cover a year of car payments (or more).

You don't need to invest more. You need to stay focused on your strategy. What's one financial habit you wish you'd started earlier? Drop it below. 👇

07/19/2022

http://videos.lpl.com/watch/1KnTAj18NRULCfXyuYTcQA

LPL Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick takes a look at bear markets, what they mean, and what could happen next. Tracking #: 1-05286842

05/10/2022

https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info-2020/how-long-to-keep-records.html?cmp=EMC-DSO-NLC-WBLTR-SAPLA--MCTRL-042322-TS1-6315608&ET_CID=6315608&ET_RID=54470194&encparam=8t%2fWH%2f0KNz5St6IARTYmAI5tc7QXp%2bXFKI5NtPkTNno%3d

After filing your tax return, organize and keep records for 3, 6, 7 or more years depending on statutes of limitations when the IRS may ask for them.

05/04/2022

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/01/business/money/where-to-save/index.html

One of the most important things you can do when it comes to securing your financial future is to consistently live below your means. Once you've done that, however, the next step is to take any leftover cash -- whether it's a few dollars or a few hundred dollars -- and put it to work.

04/05/2022

https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info-2020/risks-of-a-tax-audit.html?cmp=EMC-DSO-NLC-WBLTR-SAPLA--MCTRL-032522-F5-6251017&ET_CID=6251017&ET_RID=54470194&encparam=8t%2fWH%2f0KNz5St6IARTYmAI5tc7QXp%2bXFKI5NtPkTNno%3d

Most taxpayer returns the IRS audits each year are due to math errors, missing forms or other red flags with only a small number picked at random.

03/29/2022

https://www.aarp.org/money/budgeting-saving/info-2022/best-things-to-buy-used.html?cmp=EMC-DSO-NLC-WBLTR-SAPLA--MCTRL-032522-F1-6251017&ET_CID=6251017&ET_RID=54470194&encparam=8t%2fWH%2f0KNz5St6IARTYmAI5tc7QXp%2bXFKI5NtPkTNno%3d

Save money on furniture, clothes, pet supplies, sporting goods and more with our secondhand shopping guide to the best deals on quality used items.