Senes & Chwalek Financial Advisors

08/25/2026

The House passed a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent across most of the United States.

The bill passed by a vote of 308-117 and would end the twice-a-year clock change if it becomes law.

Supporters say permanent daylight saving time would provide more evening daylight during the hours when many Americans are most active. They also point to potential benefits for families, outdoor activity, tourism, and local businesses.

Critics have raised concerns about darker winter mornings, especially for children waiting for school buses and parents commuting to work.

States could opt out if their legislatures act before the bill takes effect.

The bill still needs to pass the Senate before it can be signed into law, so the current clock-change system is not changing yet.

For households and businesses, the debate is a reminder that even something as routine as changing the clocks can affect schedules, safety, commuting, consumer behavior, and local economic activity.


Source:

The Senate would also have to pass the daylight saving time bill before it could be signed into law, but it’s unclear if it will do so.

08/20/2026

Some Medicare beneficiaries may soon have access to GLP-1 medications for weight loss through a new temporary pilot program.

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program is scheduled to run from July 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2027. Eligible patients would pay a $50 monthly copay for certain covered GLP-1 medications.

This marks the first time Medicare will help pay for GLP-1 drugs prescribed solely for obesity, rather than only for certain other medical conditions.

Eligibility depends on several factors, including Medicare Part D coverage, enrollment in an eligible plan, prior authorization, clinical criteria, and whether the patient already receives GLP-1 coverage for another condition.

KFF estimates that 3.8 million Medicare beneficiaries may meet the eligibility requirements.

One important detail: because the program is outside Medicare Part D coverage, the $50 copay does not count toward a patient’s deductible or yearly out-of-pocket cap.

For Medicare beneficiaries, this is a reminder that coverage changes can affect health care costs, prescription access, and household budgets.


Source:

For the first time, Medicare will cover GLP-1 drugs prescribed solely for weight loss for eligible beneficiaries at a $50 monthly copay.

08/11/2026

There are so many reasons to create a will this month, but here are three big ones to consider:

Direct Your Property: Creating a will tells the courts how you want your property distributed. Without a will, state laws will determine how your estate is divided, which may not align with your intentions.

Provide instructions to the probate court: A will can help manage the probate process, providing instructions to the court.

Designate Guardianship for Minor Children: If you have minor children, a will allows you to appoint a guardian to care for them. This crucial step directs that your children are raised by someone you trust, rather than leaving the decision to the courts.

08/06/2026

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.

08/03/2026

Our website has a new look, and it's worth a visit. You'll find articles, videos, and tools covering a range of financial topics, with new content added regularly. If something catches your eye or sparks a question, reach out. We're always happy to talk.

Check out www.senesandchwalek.com.

08/01/2026

Living longer doesn’t automatically mean living better.

Healthy Aging Month is a reminder that how we age is shaped by more than just time. Staying active, mentally sharp, and socially connected all play a role—and so does the ability to support those lifestyles over time.

Small, consistent habits—both physical and financial—can influence what those years look like.



Sources
World Health Organization, Ageing and Health, October 2025
American Medical Association, What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Healthy Aging, September 2025
Stanford Medicine, Five Healthy Habits for Successfully Aging, January 2026
EBRI/Greenwald, 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey, April 2025

07/27/2026

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.

07/22/2026

Relocating in retirement? There's more to think about than sunny weather and home prices.

Where you live can affect access to health care, social connection, and day-to-day lifestyle—key factors that often get overlooked.

Before making a move, consider:
🌎 Does the location match the pace of life you’re looking for?
🏥 Are nearby medical services available and reliable?
💬 Will you feel connected to your community?

Relocation can be exciting, but it’s worth considering how a new zip code may shape your future quality of life.


Source:

Looking to retire and relocate? Deciding where to land isn't as easy as it sounds. Retirement experts say many retirees face challenges like rising costs and community support.

07/17/2026

🔥 The weather is warming up, so you know what that means - it's time to fire up the grill 🔥

Whether you're flipping burgers, smoking ribs, or going veggie-style with skewers, grilling brings people together one bite at a time.

🍔 What's your go-to grill masterpiece? Share your favorites below! 👇

07/09/2026

Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the biggest retirement choices you’ll face. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some factors to consider:

📌 Are you still working?
📌 How long do you expect to live based on health and family history?
📌 How do early or delayed benefits fit into your retirement picture?

This guide walks through the basics to help you start thinking about your options.