RIA Group

06/05/2026

Markets continued their upward climb in May, supported by strong technology performance, positive economic data, and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The Nasdaq gained 8.36%, the S&P 500 rose 5.15%, and Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 2.37%, while investors welcomed better-than-expected job growth and upbeat corporate earnings. With the Fed's next meeting scheduled for June, attention is turning to updated economic projections and what they may signal about the broader economy. From \$24 billion spent on Father's Day to the popularity of dining out and special outings, this month's by-the-numbers highlights how families celebrate the dads in their lives.

Stocks pushed higher in May, fueled by big tech names, positive economic news, and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

06/04/2026

Don't miss our latest podcast episode! Join us for an insightful discussion with Michael Hardat of Children & Family Urban Movement (CFUM).

In the 3rd of 3 episodes featuring Children & Family Urban Movement (CFUM): Hear how one after-school program transformed the life of Michael Hardat — and wh...

05/29/2026

Happy 529 Day! Check out our blog about 529 Plans!
https://www.riagroupmidwest.com/blogs

05/20/2026

RIA Group Representing - TRHS Rider Cup!

05/08/2026

Stocks surged in April, delivering their strongest monthly gains in five years as solid economic data, easing geopolitical tensions, and upbeat first-quarter earnings lifted investor sentiment. The Nasdaq climbed 15.29%, the S&P 500 rose 10.42%, and the Dow gained 7.14%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 3.65%. With no Fed meeting in May, attention turns to remarks from Fed officials and how evolving economic data may shape expectations moving forward. From \$34.1 billion in U.S. spending to the popularity of Mother’s Day dining and gifts, this month’s By the Numbers highlights how families celebrate the occasion.

Stocks surged in April, notching their best month in five years as investors cheered upbeat economic news, efforts to lower tensions in the Middle East, and first-quarter results.

05/07/2026

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.

04/15/2026

Check out Give & Grow DSM. Terrific podcast featuring nonfprofits that are shaping Iowa's Future. Here's is their lastest episode featuring Andy Bales, Executive Director of Children and Family Urban Movement.

The 1st of 3 episodes featuring Children and Family Urban Movement: Give & Grow DSM host Siobhan Spain sits down with Andy Bales, Executive Director of Child...

04/09/2026

The Artemis program faced years of delays, budget fights, and other issues, leaving many wondering whether it would ever get off the ground. But it did. There will be times when it can be a challenge to stay focused on your investing goals when the financial markets hit a rough patch. But that’s when you need to step back, look past the daily headlines, and realize investing is a commitment.

04/07/2026

U.S. stocks slipped in Q1 as AI disruption fears and Middle East tensions rattled investors. The S&P 500 fell 4.63%, the Nasdaq dropped 7.11%, and the Dow lost 3.58% — though six of eleven S&P 500 sectors still finished in the green, led by Energy's standout 37.91% gain. As the weather warms up and spring gets us outside, it turns out Americans are right there with you — over 181 million U.S. residents participated in outdoor recreation in 2024. Check out this month's by-the-numbers for more on the outdoor recreation economy.

U.S. stocks struggled in February amid fears that artificial intelligence would disrupt a wide swath of industries, unsettling investors. Late in the month, geopolitical concerns weighed on the market amid tensions in the Middle East.

04/03/2026

Spring isn't just for deep cleaning your home—it's also a chance to clear out the financial clutter that built up over the winter.

Now's a great time to check in on your spending, review automatic payments, organize important documents, and take one small step toward a bigger goal. It doesn't have to be all at once—just one thing at a time.

Need help figuring out where to start? Reach out—We are happy to help.


🔗 Sources
CNBC, April 2025
Kiplinger, March 2024
American Express, March 2024