Jerry Cutaia, CRPC - Shepherd's Way Financial

06/02/2026

Once school is out, we spend most evenings after work enjoying the lake life!

05/25/2026

As we reflect on the reasons for this day of remembrance, let us not forget that we are blessed to live in the greatest country in the world because of the sacrifice that has been made by so many.

Not only the sacrifice of those that gave their lives, but also the sacrifice of every family member and loved one left behind to grieve their personal loss.

05/08/2026

If you or someone in your family is still in school—or heading back in the fall—now is the time to make sure your FAFSA form is in.

A few things worth knowing:
⏰ The federal deadline is June 30. State and school deadlines are often earlier.
⏰ Many types of aid are first-come, first-served. Waiting could cost money.
⏰ You can make corrections after submission, but the form needs to be in first.

Don't let a deadline get in the way of money that's already available to you.

05/08/2026

Mom taught me that "waste not, want not."
That grocery lists matter.
That rainy day jars aren't just for spare change; they're one way she prepared for life's "what ifs."

Whether she balanced the checkbook down to the penny or found creative ways to stretch a budget, many of us carry her financial wisdom with us.

What's a money lesson your mom shared that still sticks with you?
Drop it in the comments—we'd love to hear what stayed with you. 💬👇

05/06/2026

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.

05/01/2026

That yellow section? That's money you never saved, your money made it for you.

This is compound interest in action. Start with $1,000/year at a hypothetical 5 percent return, and by year 30, you've built nearly $70,000. But the real story is the yellow: Interest earning interest.

Year 1: almost no interest at all.
Year 30: the interest on your interest alone might cover a year of car payments (or more).

You don't need to invest more. You need to stay focused on your strategy. What's one financial habit you wish you'd started earlier? Drop it below. 👇

05/01/2026

Money and mental health are more connected than we often realize. Stress about bills, debt, or even keeping track of accounts can take a toll.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, it's a good time to pause and check in with yourself. Sometimes, even one small financial step—like reviewing an account balance or setting up an automatic payment—might help manage your stress and bring a sense of control.

And remember: if you're struggling with mental health, reaching out to a trusted professional or support resource can make a difference.

04/28/2026

You've done the hard work. Now come the fun choices.

A life well-lived doesn't have to be extravagant. One moment you may crave that favorite food from childhood, the next an elegant wine at a table under the stars, and finally a chef-inspired dream you talk about for years to come. There are no wrong answers to how you experience joy. Only the freedom to celebrate the way you deserve, thanks to the good decisions you've made along the way.

Savor every bite. You've earned it.

04/07/2026

Investors are anxious, and with good reason. The unsettling events in the Middle East are dominating the headlines, which can put even the most seasoned investor on edge. Will the number of corrections for the S&P 500 increase to 27 this year?

04/06/2026

When you choose to take Social Security might impact your retirement income. Find out how.

One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits.