Steve Watkins, AAMS, BFA, CKA

09/09/2026

What did it take to become the richest man in Babylon?

In good times and bad, consistently saving a percentage of your income is a sound financial practice.

09/07/2026

Markets pushed higher in August as AI-driven optimism helped investors look past softer economic data. The S&P 500 gained 2.62% and the S&P/TSX Composite rose 2.96%, even as softening retail sales kept consumer spending in focus. Back-to-school season adds another data point to that story, with spending expected to reach \$146.8 billion in the U.S. and \$4.5 billion in Canada this year.

Monthly Market Insights | September 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Renewed enthusiasm for AI pushed stocks higher in August as investors looked past mixed economic signals. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.62 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 3.93 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...

09/07/2026

Do your kids have the right stuff for college?

Preparing for college means setting goals, staying focused, and tackling a few key milestones along the way.

09/04/2026

🏈 Football is back, and so is everything that comes with it.

A new season means fresh storylines, surprise contenders, and those moments you just can’t script. Whether you’re locked in from the opening coin toss or just showing up for the company and the snacks, game day has a way of bringing people together.

Fire up the grill. Find your seat. The season is here. 💪

09/04/2026

Divorce is a painful process. Avoid financial mistakes that may have life-long consequences.

By understanding a few key concepts during a divorce, you may be able to avoid common pitfalls.

09/03/2026

How much money is enough? It’s a simple question, but one that can be surprisingly difficult to answer.

We spend a lot of time talking about how much we need to retire, how much we should save, and whether we’re on track financially. But perhaps an even more important question is: When is enough actually enough?

I recently came across this FaithFi Field Guide, How Much Money Is Enough? I really appreciate the way it moves the conversation beyond accumulation and toward contentment, generosity, purpose, and defining what a meaningful financial finish line looks like.

If you are wrestling with that question, reach out. I’d be delighted to share a copy of the field guide with you.

Sometimes the most important financial conversations aren't about getting more. They're about discovering what enough looks like.

09/03/2026

How much life insurance is enough? Use this calculator to get a better sense of the coverage that may make sense for your family and financial situation.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Some of this material was developed an...

09/02/2026

🌞 Did you know schools in the South tend to start the school year the earliest? 🌞

📚 As the back-to-school season approaches, approximately 54.1 million K-12 students and 5.7 million teachers are gearing up to head back to classrooms this fall. 📚

🍎 Teachers are the largest group among the nearly 10 million individuals employed in the country's elementary and secondary schools, which also include principals, school bus monitors, teaching assistants, and janitors. 🚌👩‍🏫



Information from the U.S. Census Bureau

09/02/2026

When giving to charity, some make cash donations. Others want a more sophisticated strategy.

Some people may want a more advanced gifting strategy that can maximize their gift and generate potential tax benefits.

09/01/2026

How much life insurance is enough? Use this calculator to get a better sense of the coverage that may make sense for your family and financial situation.

Estimate how much life insurance coverage may be appropriate for your situation.