Jess LoRubbio - Quest Advisory

04/08/2026

Private-sector hiring showed modest growth in March, with payrolls rising by 62,000.

While that total was slightly below February’s revised level, it came in above expectations and reflects continued, though uneven, job growth.

Most of the gains were concentrated in a few areas. Education and health services accounted for the majority of new jobs, while construction also contributed. Other sectors saw more limited growth or declines.

Smaller businesses played a notable role, with companies employing fewer than 50 workers leading hiring activity during the month.

At the same time, borrowing costs and broader economic conditions continue to influence hiring patterns, with some industries showing more caution than others.

Private sector employment growth kept pace, but health care and construction continued to provide nearly all the momentum.

04/08/2026

When gas prices rise, small changes in driving habits can make a noticeable difference in fuel use.

Experts suggest that driving at steady speeds around 65 mph and avoiding rapid acceleration or braking can help improve efficiency. Using cruise control on highways may also reduce fuel consumption.

Other adjustments can add up over time, including limiting idling, reducing extra weight in your vehicle, and keeping tires properly inflated.

Combining trips, carpooling when possible, and planning routes more efficiently may also help reduce overall fuel use.

While these changes may seem minor, they can help drivers get more out of each tank—especially during periods of higher fuel costs. 🚗

When gas prices go up, it adds to drivers' pain at the pump. But experts say consumers can do something to stretch their fuel just a little farther — change the way they drive.

03/07/2026

Consumers' perceptions of employment conditions improved slightly in February, helping bolster overall confidence in the economy.

03/07/2026

What do 5, 45, and 59 have to do with Women’s History Month?

There are 3 numbers that should shape how women think about personal finances:

💡 5: Women live about five years longer on average, which can materially change retirement and healthcare preparation.
💡 45: Women are on track to control as much as 45 percent of investable assets in the U.S. and Europe by 2030, per a 2025 study by McKinsey & Company.
💡 59: The average age of widowhood is about 59, meaning many women become the primary financial decision maker earlier than expected.

A simple checklist that helps:

✅ Confirm titling, beneficiaries, and key documents reflect reality today
✅ Build liquidity for flexibility during transitions
✅ Stress test the strategy for longevity, healthcare, and single-income scenarios

Bottom line for this month: wealth is growing, timelines are longer, and transitions can occur earlier; therefore, consider putting a strategy in place.

03/07/2026

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.

02/20/2026

02/13/2026

Thinking about a Roth IRA conversion this year, but not sure if it makes sense?

Here are a few key points to keep in mind ✅

What a Roth conversion is:
🔹 Moving money from a pre-tax account, such as a traditional IRA, into a Roth IRA
🔹 The amount converted is typically taxable as ordinary income in the year of conversion

Why investors consider it:
🔹 May allow for tax-free growth and tax-free qualified withdrawals in retirement if certain requirements are met
🔹 Currently, there are no required minimum distributions for the original Roth owner under existing law
🔹 May provide more flexibility for heirs than a traditional IRA, depending on individual circumstances

How to potentially approach it:
🔹 Consider smaller, multi-year conversions instead of one large move
🔹 Monitor how added income may affect Adjusted Gross Income, tax brackets, and future Medicare premiums
🔹 Once converted, it generally cannot be reversed under current rules

Key considerations:
🔹 With a Roth IRA, to qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth IRA distributions must meet a five-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under certain other circumstances.
🔹 With a traditional IRA, once you turn 73, you must take the required minimum distribution. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty if taken before age 59½.

Roth conversions may be a useful strategy when they align with an overall, personalized tax and retirement strategy. As always, consult a tax and financial professional before making any decisions.

01/24/2026

Is “Waiting Until 70” a smart Social Security move? ⏳

An October 2025 piece in “The Wall Street Journal” titled “Why Delaying Your Social Security Benefits May Not Make Sense” pointed out that delaying may not be the best fit for every household. Four angles to consider:

1️⃣ Behavior & Cash-Flow: Many retirees spend income but hesitate to draw principal. Delaying can unintentionally pinch lifestyle early on.
2️⃣ Market/Sequence Risk: “Bridging” with larger portfolio withdrawals while you wait can raise exposure to early-retirement downturns.
3️⃣ Timing & Medicare: Timing can affect how you sequence retirement plan withdrawals and handle Medicare payments.
4️⃣ Longevity & Survivor Needs: Health outlook, age gap, and survivor benefit priorities can tilt the math toward earlier—or later—claiming.

Takeaway: There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. A tailored strategy that models cash-flows, risk, and household goals beats a one-size-fits-all solution.