Kowal Financial Advisors, LLC

10/28/2026

There’s still time to make the most of your retirement contributions before the end of the year.

Take a moment to review your 401(k), IRA, and HSA contributions. Are you on track to maximize your savings opportunities and stay aligned with your long-term goals?

Small steps today can help strengthen your financial future.



Source:
https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans

Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC and Kowal Financial Advisors, LLC are separate entities. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult a legal or tax professional for information regarding your individual situation.

10/20/2026

Open enrollment is an opportunity to review your health insurance options and make sure your coverage still fits your needs.

Before selecting a plan, take time to compare premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket costs, and benefits. The right choice can help you better prepare for both your healthcare needs and your financial goals.



Sources
● HSAs https://kowalfinancialadvisors.com/hsa-retirement-strategy/
● Healthcare.gov – Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Information: https://www.healthcare.gov/
● Medicare – Medicare Open Enrollment Information: https://www.medicare.gov/
Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC and Kowal Financial Advisors, LLC are separate entities. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult a legal or tax professional for information regarding your individual situation.

10/14/2026

Our President, Jan Kowal, spent a few days in Chicago attending the 2026 Stratos National Meeting! Events like this provide a good look at where the wealth management industry is heading and how new tools can better serve our clients.

A couple of key takeaways:
🔹Streamlined Operations: Utilizing updated, compliant tech tools helps reduce administrative paperwork—giving our advisors more dedicated time to listen and focus on our clients.
🔹Collaboration & Best Practices: Connecting with fellow Stratos advisors allows us to share insights so we can better support clients with additional services and guidance.



Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC and Kowal Financial Advisors, LLC are separate entities. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult a legal or tax professional for information regarding your individual situation.

10/06/2026

If you’ve spent any time looking at the news lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines about the new Trump Accounts (or Section 530A accounts, if we’re being official). The federal program officially launched nationwide in July 2026, and there is a lot of noise out there about what these accounts are and what they aren’t.

This is a brand-new tool in the toolbox, and like anything coming out of Washington, it has some strict rules you need to know before you sign up.

Let’s cut through the noise and look at how these accounts actually work. Read more at https://kowalfinancialadvisors.com/trump-accounts-section-530a-parents-guide/



Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC and Kowal Financial Advisors, LLC are separate entities. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult a legal or tax professional for information regarding your individual situation.

If you’ve spent any time looking at the news lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines about the new Trump Accounts (or Section 530A accounts, if we’re being official). The federal program officially launched nationwide in July 2026, and there is a lot of noise out there about what these acco...

09/30/2026

When most folks hear “HSA” or Health Savings Account, they immediately think of a debit card sitting in a wallet, waiting to pay for a doctor’s co-pay or pick up a prescription at the local pharmacy. And that’s fair! That is what they were designed for on the surface. But if you take a step back and look at how tax rules are structured, an HSA can actually be one of the most versatile tools available for folks who qualify.

Now, a few disclaimers right out of the gate: not everyone is eligible to contribute. To open and add funds to an HSA, you generally need to be enrolled in a qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and meet standard IRS criteria. (Keep in mind, while you cannot make new contributions once you are enrolled in Medicare, you can still use existing HSA funds tax-free for qualified expenses.)

If you do qualify, an HSA can play a meaningful role in helping address healthcare costs today while working toward your long-term retirement goals ...

Read more at:
https://kowalfinancialadvisors.com/hsa-retirement-strategy/



Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC and Kowal Financial Advisors, LLC are separate entities. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult a legal or tax professional for information regarding your individual situation.

When most folks hear "HSA" or Health Savings Account, they immediately think of a debit card sitting in a wallet, waiting to pay for a doctor’s co-pay or pick up a prescription at the local pharmacy. And that’s fair! That is what they were designed for on the surface. But if

09/22/2026

This past 18 months, the marketplace has seen more distinct elements than we have seen in years. First, we saw the introduction of tariffs, court pullbacks, constant changes in tariff levels, and their reintroduction. Secondly, market concentration—where the 10 largest stocks comprise approximately 40% of the S&P 500, and 3 companies represent 29% of the MSCI Emerging Markets index—has propelled stock market performance. Lastly, inflationary pressures from geopolitical conflicts and tariffs have redirected funds away from other areas of the economy.

Read our latest article "Our Dynamic Economy: Staying Diversified and Vigilant" at: https://kowalfinancialadvisors.com/our-dynamic-economy/



Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC and Kowal Financial Advisors, LLC are separate entities. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult a legal or tax professional for information regarding your individual situation.

This past 18 months, the marketplace has seen more distinct elements than we have seen in years. First, we saw the introduction of tariffs, court pullbacks, constant changes in tariff levels, and their reintroduction. Secondly, market concentration—where the 10 largest stocks comprise approximatel...

09/15/2026

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month—a great reminder to review whether your coverage still aligns with your current needs and goals.

Major life changes such as marriage, children, a new home, a career change, or approaching retirement can all be reasons to revisit your life insurance strategy.

A thoughtful review today can help provide greater confidence for the future.

Source:
https://lifehappens.org/about-us/



Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC and Kowal Financial Advisors, LLC are separate entities. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult a legal or tax professional for information regarding your individual situation.

09/07/2026

Labor Day is a time to celebrate the hard work and dedication that help build stronger families, businesses, and communities.

Happy Labor Day from all of us at Kowal Financial Advisors!



Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC and Kowal Financial Advisors, LLC are separate entities. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult a legal or tax professional for information regarding your individual situation.

09/01/2026

September is the perfect time for a financial reset. As summer winds down and routines return, take a few minutes to review your budget, revisit your financial goals, and make sure you're on track to finish the year strong. Small adjustments today can make a meaningful difference over time.



Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC and Kowal Financial Advisors, LLC are separate entities. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult a legal or tax professional for information regarding your individual situation.

08/26/2026

Most tax breaks are "Either/Or." You either get a deduction now or tax-free growth later. The Health Savings Account (HSA) is the only vehicle that gives you both, plus a third: Tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses.

The 2026 Limits:
● Family: $8,750
● Individual: $4,400
● 55+ Catch-up: $1,000

The "Elite" Strategy: Don't spend it. If you can pay for medical bills out-of-pocket today, let your HSA ride in the market. In 20 years (or by retirement), you’ve created a secondary, tax-free fund for medical expenses in retirement.



Sources:
IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-19 (HSA Limits)
https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/hsa-contribution-limits

Investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC and Kowal Financial Advisors, LLC are separate entities. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult a legal or tax professional for information regarding your individual situation.