Steven South, Financial Advisor at 360 Planning Partners

10/16/2026

🛠️ The richest person in your town probably isn't a tech founder or someone in finance. It's more likely the dentist running four offices, or the owner of the HVAC company whose trucks are everywhere.

New research from economists Owen Zidar and Eric Zwick, based on IRS and Treasury data, found nearly 5 million U.S. households worth at least $5 million, holding combined wealth more than 13 times that of the Forbes 400.

A few patterns stood out:
➡️Most started their business themselves rather than inheriting it
➡️Most run ordinary, brick-and-mortar businesses rather than tech or finance
➡️Independence mattered more to them early on than getting rich ever did

🌭 Case in point: Dick Portillo started a hot dog stand in 1963 with just $1,100. Decades later, he sold the business he'd built for $1 billion.

Building wealth often looks much more ordinary and attainable than the headlines suggest. If growing or eventually stepping back from a business is part of your picture, that's worth talking through together.


Source:

Getting rich in the U.S. is still possible, but the most common path to wealth doesn't involve working for other people, according to a new book.

10/15/2026

A carton of milk 🥛. A set of golf clubs ⛳. A bottle of perfume 🌸. All three just got pricier to send north into Canada. 🍁

Canada's new tariffs on $20 billion in American goods took effect this week, ranging from 15 to 50 percent depending on the product.

It's the latest move in a trade dispute that's dragged on for more than a year between two of the world's largest trading partners.

The ripple effects won't directly affect most household budgets. But they're a reminder that global headlines and everyday costs are more connected than they seem.

That connection, and what it might mean for your own situation, is exactly the kind of thing we're keeping an eye on for you.


Source:

Canada's steep retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion in U.S. goods took effect just after midnight ET on Tuesday, deepening the trade war between the two countries.

10/15/2026

Health-care coverage (including Medicare) typically does not cover extended medical care.

It's important to make sure your retirement strategy anticipates health-care expenses.

10/14/2026

Did you know that starting just one decade earlier can be more impactful than tripling your contributions? The math might surprise you. Read on to see how time can do the heavy lifting for you.

See how starting early—not saving more—can be the most powerful move you make for your long-term future.

10/13/2026

🌴 More Americans are deciding that enjoying life now matters just as much as making financial progress for later.

A recent SoFi survey found that 72% of Americans would be willing to make slower progress toward their financial goals so they can spend more time with family, travel more, and prioritize meaningful experiences.

That doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning long-term goals. In fact, 59% of respondents said enjoying life is how they define financial progress, compared with 27% who pointed to owning a home.

The challenge is finding a balance between what matters now and what matters later. ✈️ That can mean making room for a vacation, concert, or family event while still keeping an eye on retirement savings and debt.

But charge that trip to a credit card and carry a balance, and interest can turn a two-week memory into a much longer bill.

What does financial progress look like to you: reaching the next milestone, enjoying more of life now, or some mix of both?


Source:

SoFi found 72% of Americans are willing to make slower progress on financial goals to prioritize family, travel and meaningful experiences.

10/12/2026

Check out LPL Financial Research's Weekly Commentary on the market: "Credit Is Still Flowing, and Businesses Are Borrowing".https://static.fmgsuite.com/media/documents/2d8a7dfe-7fec-4523-bf2c-025094a083be.pdf

10/12/2026

Do you know the difference between a credit lock and a credit freeze?

Learn the ins and outs of credit locks, freezes, and more.

10/08/2026

Are you thinking about 530A Accounts, also known as Trump accounts? Our new article covers the basics!

An article explaining 530A Accounts.

10/07/2026

Might you need more coverage in retirement? This piece covers some good reasons to retain your insurance.

Reasons to retain your coverage into your retirement years.

10/06/2026

Check out LPL's monthly client letter.https://static.fmgsuite.com/media/documents/bf53ae4b-81d3-4bd4-b487-b42d66cff90f.pdf