Edward Jones- Financial Advisor: Clay Smith

10/15/2026

The recently announced 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) may provide added flexibility for some retirees. But understanding how changes to Social Security fit into your overall retirement income strategy is just as important as the increase itself.

If you're thinking about how Social Security, portfolio withdrawals and other income sources work together in retirement, I'm here to help you evaluate your options and create a strategy that aligns with your goals. Click to read more in the article below:

Social Security announces 2027 cost-of-living adjustment for benefits

10/15/2026

I enjoyed reading this recent Kiplinger article featuring our Head of Wealth Management and Field Management, David Chubak. One point that stood out to me is how many families are balancing long-term goals with desire to support loved ones today.

It’s something that often comes up in conversations with clients, whether it’s helping adult children with housing expenses, student debt or other financial challenges. As David notes, "The reality is we live in an age of financial uncertainty and anxiety like no other." Having open conversations and a thoughtful plan can help families navigate those decisions with greater confidence.

Read the article here: https://bit.ly/4sfekGM

What financial lesson or value do you hope to pass along to the next generation?

Passing down the wealth you've built over a lifetime, with wisdom and grace, is good. Passing on your values along with the money? Even better.

10/13/2026

The first $100,000 is often the hardest milestone to reach — and the most rewarding.

Early on, progress can feel slow, especially when you're balancing family, work and other financial priorities. But once your portfolio grows, investment returns can begin doing more of the heavy lifting.

If you're working toward your first $100,000, stay focused on the habits that matter most: investing consistently, staying diversified and remaining committed through market ups and downs. Those habits can make all the difference over time.

Your first $100,000: why it matters most

10/08/2026

What would happen if you had to retire sooner than expected?

Many people focus on their target retirement date but spend less time preparing for the possibility of an earlier exit due to a job loss, health issue or family caregiving needs.

If you'd like to explore how your retirement strategy would hold up under an unexpected scenario, let's talk. Planning for the "what-ifs" today can help reduce stress tomorrow.

Concerned about a forced retirement? 4 tips to prepare

10/06/2026

AI-powered scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder to distinguish legitimate requests from fraud. Understanding common tactics can help you better protect yourself and your financial accounts.

Take a look at these five emerging scam types and practical steps you can take to stay vigilant.

5 AI-powered financial scams that are hard to spot

09/17/2026

Cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated, and AI is making scams harder to spot. But a few simple habits can help protect your finances:

• Be cautious of unexpected emails, texts or calls.
• Verify requests through a trusted source before responding.
• Use unique passwords and multifactor authentication.
• Pause when a message feels urgent or unusual.
• Keep devices updated and back up important files.

Small steps today can help safeguard your money, identity and long-term financial goals. If you have questions about protecting your financial accounts, I'm here to help.



Content provided by Edward Jones

09/14/2026

Market headlines got you worried? Staying focused on what you can control can help you feel more at ease. And one of the ways to do that is by diversifying your investment portfolio.

Diversification can't guarantee profits or prevent losses, but it can help manage risk and smooth out some of the ups and downs that can come with investing. However, diversification isn't one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on your goals, timeline and comfort with risk.

If you'd like to talk about your portfolio or have questions about navigating today's market environment, I'm here to help.



Content provided by Edward Jones

09/10/2026

Whether you employ a handful of people or a growing team, a business retirement plan helps your employees prepare for the future. The right plan can be simple to establish and easy to maintain.

Plan for the future with strategic workplace retirement solutions. Discover tax-saving opportunities through specialized retirement plans for small businesses.

09/08/2026

Easily monitor your progress as your goals change and stay on track with Online Access.

You may have mis-typed the URL or simply clicked on a broken link or QR code. Bitly links are CAse SeNsiTivE, so double check that everything is correct and try again.

09/04/2026

Market volatility doesn’t just impact investments — it can shape careers and income too.

As job competition increases, building in-demand skills like analytical thinking, adaptability and communication can play a key role in supporting long-term earning potential. Stronger income can mean more opportunities to save, invest and stay on track toward your goals.

If you’re thinking about your financial future, your career strategy matters more than ever.

Discover five essential skills, from AI literacy to emotional intelligence, that can help you stand out in today's job market and boost your earning power.www.edwardjones.com/us-en