Jessica Hinks, The Everyday Advisor

08/28/2026

Social Security is an important piece of the retirement puzzle, but for the average retiree, the monthly benefit is about $2,012 in 2026.💡 That's why retirement planning isn't just about when to claim Social Security, but also creating a plan that helps support the lifestyle you want for years to come!

08/21/2026

U.S. credit card debt is approaching a record high.🤯Americans’ credit card balances reached $1.26 trillion in the second quarter, rising by $21 billion, according to new data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. That puts credit card debt just below the all-time high of $1.28 trillion set late last year.

08/14/2026

According to Fidelity, Gen Z IRA contributions increased 65% year over year in Q1 2026. It looks like our younger investors are getting a head start on building wealth, and I love to see it! 😊

08/07/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families! A new analysis found that school lunches are more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11% from last year. Additionally, a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8%. 🤯

08/06/2026

One of my favorite parts of this blog is sharing perspectives from people at different stages of life. As parents prepare to send students off to college, or as students get ready to begin this exciting new chapter, I thought it would be valuable to hear firsthand from someone who just experienced it.🧡

Our firm’s finance intern, Megan Stall, recently completed her first year at Bowling Green State University. In this guest post, she shares what she did that helped her succeed, along with a few lessons she wishes she had known before arriving on campus. Whether you’re a student preparing for college or a parent helping someone make the transition, I hope you’ll find her insights helpful!

💡Go check it out: https://theeverydayadvisor.com/advice-starting-college/

07/31/2026

Digital banking and electronic payments are making physical cash a relic, with only 8% of the world's currency still in circulation!👀

07/24/2026

Did you know? 60% of families have savings set aside for college or postsecondary education, with savings accounts being the most popular option. In 2025, the average 529 account balance grew by $260.25 per month, showing the power of compounding. What are our thoughts? 💡

07/17/2026

SpaceX has officially joined the Nasdaq-100, a major stock market index that tracks many of the largest nonfinancial companies listed on Nasdaq.

The move could make the company a holding in more index-based funds, including some funds used in retirement accounts.

Index inclusion can matter because index-tracking funds may need to add shares of a newly included company. That can affect demand for the stock, though it does not guarantee future performance.

The company recently went public and has seen notable stock-price movement since its initial public offering.

The broader takeaway is that index changes can indirectly affect what investors own, especially through mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and retirement account holdings.

For investors, this is a reminder to understand what is inside the funds they own—not just the name of the index or account.

07/15/2026

How much money would it take for you to finally feel financially secure?💡

A million dollars?
Two million?
Five million?

Most people don't actually have a number in mind. They just assume they'll feel secure someday.

The reality is that financial security isn't only about the amount in your accounts. It's about having confidence in your plan, clarity around your goals, and knowing your money is supporting the life you want to live.

That's why some people with significant wealth still worry about money, while others with far less feel completely at peace.

The question isn't always "How much is enough?"

Sometimes the better question is: "What would help me feel confident about my future?"

Read my latest blog to learn more!

Finding Security in Your Financial Future | The Everyday Advisor | Financial Planning Tips By Jessica Hinks, CFP®

07/10/2026

Treasury yields moved slightly higher after new employment data offered another look at the labor market. The 10-year Treasury yield rose to around 4.40%, while the 2-year yield moved to about 4.125%. 💡

Why does this matter? Treasury yields can influence borrowing costs across the economy—from mortgages to auto loans and credit cards. The latest job openings data showed 7.6 million openings in May, above expectations. Investors are also keeping an eye on energy prices, inflation, and upcoming labor reports for more clues about the economy. For households and businesses, these yields offer helpful context on where borrowing costs may be headed.