The Lerner Group - Hightower Advisors

06/23/2026

We often measure success by big milestones: buying a home, paying off debt, or funding education. But real progress is built through small, consistent financial wins.

Micro goals like saving $25 a week, automating a transfer, or paying a little extra toward debt can create momentum. Each small win boosts confidence, builds habits, and makes long‑term goals feel achievable rather than overwhelming. Small wins compound, financially and psychologically. They help reduce stress, improve awareness, and make positive behaviors feel natural over time.

These wins look different for everyone:
• Early career? Track expenses or start a small weekly savings habit.
• Growing family? Add consistently to an emergency fund.
• Nearing retirement? Increase contributions or refine spending.

If you want to stay accountable, frameworks like SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time‑bound) can help you stay focused and track progress. And don’t forget to celebrate milestones along the way. Even simple rewards reinforce good habits.

Long-term wealth isn’t built overnight. It’s built through intentional choices repeated over time. A financial advisor can help connect your daily habits to your bigger goals and adjust your plan as life evolves.
Learn more: https://hubs.li/Q04mh8jl0

06/21/2026

From the Dads on our team to all the incredible Dads out there — Happy Father's Day! Thank you for the lessons, the laughs, and inspiring us to be better.
We appreciate all that you do!

06/18/2026

Workplace retirement plans like 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457s are the foundation of retirement savings for most Americans — and understanding how they work can set you up for long‑term success.

Below, we break down key retirement‑plan basics, including the difference between defined benefit vs. defined contribution plans, how contributions work, investment options, vesting rules, and the 2026 contribution limits.

Whether you’re just getting started, navigating a job change, or looking to optimize what you’ve already built, clarity matters.
If you have questions or want personalized guidance, our team is here to help you make confident, informed decisions about your retirement strategy.

06/17/2026

Last week’s SpaceX IPO took off, while markets stayed focused on the AI chip “arms race.”

In this week's Moving Markets recap, JR Gondeck reveals why interest rates may stay put and what to expect from the markets in the months ahead.

Last week’s SpaceX IPO took off, while markets stayed focused on th...

06/16/2026

Life moves fast - careers evolve, expenses shift, and goals change. That’s why it’s important to pause every so often and make sure your retirement savings are still on track.

A quick check‑in can help you:
• Confirm you’re contributing enough to meet long‑term goals
• Adjust for changes in income, lifestyle, or timelines
• Revisit your investment mix to ensure it still fits your risk level
• Take advantage of employer matches or new plan features
• Identify opportunities to save more efficiently

Small adjustments today can make a meaningful difference in your future financial security. If you haven’t reviewed your retirement strategy recently, now is a great moment to do so.

A financial advisor can help determine if your retirement savings are on track, and adjust your strategy as life changes. Schedule a meeting to learn more → https://hubs.li/Q04lyVTP0

06/11/2026

Major life events such as divorce, loss of a loved one, illness, or injury can shake more than your emotions. They can quietly erode financial confidence at a time when decisions feel heavier, and clarity feels harder to reach.

Rebuilding confidence doesn’t happen all at once. It often unfolds in three steady steps:
1. Stabilize your foundation.
Create clarity around cash flow, prioritize essentials, simplify where possible, and protect what remains. Stability restores a sense of control.
2. Rethink your financial plan.
Life has changed — your plan should reflect that. Revisit goals, income, and risk tolerance so your strategy aligns with your current reality, not the past.
3. Rebuild confidence through progress.
Small, consistent actions — rebuilding emergency savings, managing new obligations thoughtfully, and setting achievable milestones — gradually restore momentum.

A financial advisor can help you adjust your plan to fit your life and your goals. Reach out to schedule a meeting and get started → https://hubs.li/Q04l2crN0

06/09/2026

A clear budget builds confidence—and keeps your goals within reach.

A budget is one of the most effective tools for taking control of your financial life. It shows exactly where your money is going and helps you make intentional decisions about spending, saving, and investing.

The real key is consistency. Tracking your spending regularly gives you clarity and helps you spot opportunities to save. Even a simple system that divides your income into essentials, long‑term savings, and short‑term needs can bring structure and balance to your financial routine.

What is a Budget? A budget is a written plan that helps you keep track of how much you earn (your income) and how much you spend (your expenses). It’s perhaps the single most important tool for understanding how to manage your money, because it clarifies exactly where your money is going. You c...

06/04/2026

Your life is shaped by your experiences, values, and goals. As you build your future, you’re not just gathering assets, you’re creating a legacy that reflects who you are and what you want to leave behind. But how do you ensure that legacy continues to reflect your wishes long after you’re gone?

Start with the following:
1️⃣ Review Your Plan
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, a new child, a move, or major financial shifts can make parts of your plan outdated. Consider whether recent events mean it’s time for an update.
2️⃣ Review Your Holdings
Work with your advisor to truly understand your net worth, list your assets, and get valuations for high‑value items. Knowing what you own and its cost basis helps you make smart gifting and planning decisions.
3️⃣ Review Designated Assets
All designated assets, such as IRAs and life insurance policies, will pass based on the designations you have on file. These assets do not pass via your will or revocable trust unless you have designated your trust as the beneficiary. It’s essential to review these designations so they align with your overall estate plan.

Ready to take the next step? Our team is here to help you review your plan and ensure your legacy reflects your wishes. https://hubs.li/Q04k3Cnv0

06/02/2026

The midpoint of the year is an ideal moment to step back, evaluate your progress, and revisit your financial plan to ensure everything remains aligned.

Here are six key questions to help guide the conversation:

1. Big‑Picture Alignment
→ Are your goals or life circumstances different than they were in January? Changes like a new job, marriage, or family updates may require adjustments to your plan. Are you still on track for major goals like retirement, education funding, or a home purchase?

2. Portfolio & Market Positioning
→ How has your portfolio performed year‑to‑date relative to benchmarks, and is your current allocation still appropriate?

3. Cash Flow, Savings & Budget
→ Are your retirement and savings contributions on track for the year?

4. Protection & Risk Management
→ Do beneficiaries or insurance policies need updating based on recent family or employment changes?

5. Taxes & Planning Opportunities
→ Are there new investment opportunities or tax‑advantaged accounts worth exploring now?

6. Administrative & Structural Check‑In
→ Have there been changes in income, expenses, or cash‑flow needs that should be reflected in your plan?

A financial advisor can help you assess your progress, adjust your strategy, and realign your plan with your goals.

Reach out to schedule a meeting and take the next step toward a stronger rest of the year. → https://hubs.li/Q04gpsK30

05/28/2026

🤝 Family wealth planning isn’t just about building and passing down assets, it’s about preserving values, relationships, and intentions across generations.

The strongest legacy plans bring families together through:

• Clear communication
• Shared values and purpose
• Thoughtful planning around money, roles, and responsibilities

When families take the time to align on what matters most, wealth becomes a tool for connection, not conflict. Planning early and intentionally helps ensure your legacy reflects both your financial goals and your family’s well-being.