Jared O'Neal, CFP, AAMS, CDFA - Financial Advisor

09/02/2026

The College Board will begin offering AP Business with Personal Finance in high schools this year, a course covering entrepreneurship, business strategy, and personal finance. Most states require students to
complete a stand-alone personal finance class to graduate. But nearly a dozen still don't.

(Source: CEE)

councilforeconed.org

08/27/2026

In 1978, the percentage of 16- to 19-year-olds
with summer jobs hit a record high of 58% (measured since 1948).

By 2010, however, the number had hit a record low of 29.6%.

Over the last 16 years, teen summer employment has seen a bumpy increase, reaching a high of 37.4% in 2022 and 35.5% this summer.

Source: Pew Research

We love seeing the younger generations out there earning their keep!

08/21/2026

According to My Guide to Retirement.org, 80% of Americans have provided financial support to a loved one in the past year, and 38% are financially supporting both a child and a parent. As a result, 44% of those Americans haven't been able to adequately save for retirement, and three out of four feel stressed about their own personal finances.

Every big financial decision matters to the long term plan. Need help? We're available.

07/30/2026

The annual salary needed to live comfortably for a family of four based on 50% needs, 30% wants, and 20% savings is now above $400k in two US cities: San Francisco ($408k) and San Jose ($403k).

Just three cities need annual incomes below $200k to live comfortably: New Orleans ($198k), Memphis ($194k), and San Antonio ($193k).
(Source: SmartAsset)

Where you live in retirement matters.

07/28/2026

Your child may be an adult at 18, but that doesn't automatically mean you'll be able to help in an emergency. From healthcare decisions to financial matters, key legal documents can help ensure parents and caregivers can step in when needed.

Learn which documents every family should consider before college move-in day by reading the article below.

Have questions about protecting your family and preparing for the next stage of life? Connect with me to discuss planning considerations that may be right for your situation.

raymondjames.com

07/23/2026

Our friends at MFS put out a piece titled "Nine Steps to Raising Money-Smart Kids". I may be guilty of overteaching my daughter about money as she might be "cheaper" than I am.

However, it is important to have money conversations early as one of my closest friends once told me, "you don't get rich by spending all your money".

These 9 steps are:

1) Start Money Conversations Early
2) Build Saving Into Everyday Life
3) Open a Savings or Long-Term Account
4) Plan and Practice Together
5) Encourage Responsibility Through Earning
6) Introduce Simple Budgeting Early
7) Show the Impact of Inflation
8) Prepare for a Digital Financial World
9) Give an Early Financial Head Start

In the PDF, there are further elaborations on each topic. Want a copy? Let us know!

07/03/2026

A quarter millennium of big dreams. Happy Fourth of July weekend!

06/30/2026

The United States is home to the most Ultra High Net Worth individuals (net worth > $30mm), comprising 37% of the Global Total. This is more than the other top 10 countries combined! (Source: Altrata)

Happy 250th America!

06/17/2026

The past 12 months have been interesting as we've been preparing to send our oldest to College. After a lengthy process, including financial aid packages, campus visits, etc; she chose Mississippi State.

I've learned a lot over this past year about the Florida BrightFutures program, other scholarships, College Consultants, etc.

Lately I've received some calls on 529 investment plans vs. prepaid plans.

Bottom line, if you're concerned about saving for a child's (or grandchild's) future education, we can help!

05/29/2026

It is 5/29 which also happens to be National 529 Day. 529 plans are an excellent way to plan for a child's future education costs. With new regulations, any money left in a 529 plan is able to be moved into a Roth IRA later in life (certain restrictions apply). This makes this account type even more appealing.

Want to know more? We would be honored to help.