Simplicity Financial Planning

08/24/2026

Weekly Market Commentary August 24, 2026

🔍 Week in Review 📝

The week's economic data suggested the economy continues to grow at a moderate pace, while labor market conditions remained resilient and Federal Reserve policymakers maintained a cautious stance on inflation. Market attention centered on the release of the July Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes, crude oil inventories, jobless claims, and business activity surveys.

On Wednesday, the Federal Open Market Committee released the minutes from its July meeting, where policymakers left rates unchanged at 3.50%–3.75%. The minutes showed officials generally viewed inflation as moving in the right direction but remained cautious about easing policy prematurely. The discussion reinforced the Fed's data-dependent approach ahead of the September meeting.

Also on Wednesday, the U.S. Energy Information Administration released its weekly crude oil inventory report. Crude oil inventories increased by 4.4 million barrels, significantly above expectations for a 0.2-million-barrel increase. The larger than expected build suggested near-term oil supplies were more ample than anticipated, helping ease some concerns about energy-driven inflation despite crude oil prices remaining elevated.

On Thursday, initial jobless claims fell to 206,000 from the prior week's revised 212,000 reading. The decline suggested layoffs remain limited despite evidence of moderating economic growth. Continuing claims rose to 1.799 million, indicating hiring conditions may be becoming more selective, though overall labor market conditions remain stable.

The week concluded with the release of the August Flash Purchasing Managers' Indexes (PMI). The Services PMI increased to 56.8 from 54.6, marking its highest reading since December 2024, while the Manufacturing PMI slipped to 53.2 from 53.9, a five-month low. The strength in the services sector more than offset slower manufacturing activity, lifting the Composite PMI to 56.0 from 54.5, its highest level since April 2022. The report suggested economic activity accelerated during August despite the headwinds from elevated interest rates and restrictive financial conditions.

Overall, the week's data reinforced the view that the economy is gradually cooling but remains on solid footing. Inflation pressures continue to moderate, labor market conditions remain healthy, and business activity continues to expand, supporting expectations that the Federal Reserve will closely monitor incoming data before making any further policy adjustments.

Week in Review The week's economic data suggested the economy continues to grow at a moderate pace, while labor market conditions remained resilient and Federal Reserve policymakers maintained a cautious stance on inflation. Market attention centered on the release of the July Federal Open Market C

08/10/2026

Weekly Market Commentary August 10, 2026

🔎Week in Review 📝

The week of August 3 was highlighted by a mixed set of economic releases that reinforced two key themes: business activity remained in expansion territory, while labor market indicators softened.

Economic growth data remained constructive throughout July. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) held at 53.9, while ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.6 from 53.3 in June and exceeded expectations. Services activity also remained healthy, with the Services PMI increasing to 54.6 and the ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI registering 54.1. Collectively, these readings indicate continued expansion across both manufacturing and service sectors and suggest economic activity remained resilient despite a slowing labor backdrop.

Inflation pressures also remained elevated. The ISM Manufacturing Prices Index registered 71.1, while the ISM Non-Manufacturing Prices Index increased to 70.3 from 67.7. These readings indicate businesses continue to report meaningful input cost pressures, particularly within the services sector, suggesting inflation remains an area of focus for policymakers.

Labor market data represented the week's primary source of weakness. Job openings declined to 7.36 million, ADP employment growth totaled 44,000, and July Nonfarm Payrolls unexpectedly fell by 23,000 versus expectations for an 85,000 increase. Average hourly earnings increased by just 0.1% month-over-month, while the unemployment rate improved modestly to 4.1%. Initial jobless claims were little changed at 199,000. Taken together, the data points to a gradually cooling labor market, even as broader economic activity remains constructive.

Overall, the week's releases suggest the economy continues to expand, though employment trends and inflation pressures remain key areas for investors and policymakers to monitor.

Week Ahead ⏩

The upcoming week will provide investors with important updates on inflation, consumer activity, and housing conditions, all of which could influence expectations for future Federal Reserve policy decisions. Inflation data will be the primary focus, as both Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) reports are scheduled for release.

Consensus expectations call for headline CPI to increase 0.1% month-over-month in July, while annual inflation is projected to ease slightly to 3.4% from 3.5%. Core CPI is expected to rise 0.2%, and PPI is also forecast to increase 0.2%, providing additional insight into underlying pricing pressures across the economy.

Beyond inflation, investors will be monitoring several indicators tied to consumer and housing market health. Retail sales are expected to increase 0.1% in July, while core retail sales are projected to rise 0.2%, helping gauge whether consumer spending remains resilient following the weaker-than-expected July employment report. Existing home sales are expected to register 4.05 million units, offering another perspective on housing market activity amid elevated borrowing costs.

Additional releases include weekly initial jobless claims, crude oil inventory data, and Treasury auctions for both 10-Year Notes and 30-Year Bonds. Overall, this week's reports should help determine whether inflation continues to moderate, consumer demand remains supportive of growth, and economic activity retains its recent momentum.

Week in Review The week of August 3 was highlighted by a mixed set of economic releases that reinforced two key themes: business activity remained in expansion territory, while labor market indicators softened. Economic growth data remained constructive throughout July. Manufacturing Purchasing Ma

08/07/2026

College planning can feel overwhelming for many families.

Between admissions deadlines, financial aid forms, scholarships, and understanding the true cost of college, there is a lot to navigate.

Join Melissa Naylor, Financial Advisor at Simplicity Financial Planning, and Sharon Genicoff, Co-Founder of Next Generation Consulting, on August 18th at 7:00 PM (EST) for a discussion designed to help parents make informed decisions about their child's college journey.

Sharon Genicoff will discuss:

✅ What families should be doing during each stage of high school
✅ Building a balanced college list
✅ Understanding application timelines and deadlines
✅ What colleges are looking for in strong applications

Melissa Naylor will discuss:

✅ The real cost of college and what families actually pay
✅ FAFSA, CSS Profile, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities
✅ Smart college savings strategies, including 529 plans
✅ Balancing college funding with retirement and other financial goals

Whether your child is just beginning Kindergarten, or preparing to submit applications, this call will provide practical insights and actionable strategies to help your family plan with confidence.

📅 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM EST | 4:00 PM PST

🔗 Register today HERE:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/D-3YQKXxQxib7EzK9pGEEg

07/31/2026

This week a client came into the meeting focused on worst-case scenarios. Together, we stress-tested her retirement plan against market downturns, lower Social Security benefits, increased spending, and unexpected challenges.

By the end of the conversation, she said:

"I haven't felt this powerful in a long time. It is amazing. Thank you for showing me that I did have power. Sometimes we do have it, but we don't know it. Thank you for giving me wings."

A great financial plan isn't just about investments, taxes, or retirement projections. It's about helping people gain clarity, confidence, and peace of mind so they can make decisions from a position of strength instead of uncertainty.

Moments like these are exactly why we do what we do. 💙

07/27/2026

Weekly Market Commentary July 20, 2026

🔬 Week in Review 📝

Economic data released during the week pointed to continued economic expansion, supported by a resilient labor market and improving business activity, though inflationary pressures and housing affordability challenges remained important areas of focus.

Labor market data continued to highlight underlying strength. Initial jobless claims fell to 187,000, down from 209,000 the prior week, marking the lowest level in decades. The decline reinforced the view that labor market conditions remain healthy. Continued labor market resilience should help support consumer spending and broader economic activity.

Business activity strengthened during the month. Preliminary July Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data showed Composite PMI rising to 53.6 from 51.9 in June, reaching its highest level in eight months. Services activity remained the primary driver of growth, while July Manufacturing PMI eased slightly from the prior month but remained in expansion territory with a reading of 53.8. The data suggested the economy entered the second half of the year with solid momentum, supported by continued demand across much of the private sector.

Energy market data provided a mixed signal on inflation pressures. U.S. commercial crude oil inventories increased by 2.0 million barrels during the week, reversing expectations for a decline. While higher inventory levels may help reduce upward pressure on energy prices in the near term, overall stockpiles remain below historical averages, indicating supply conditions remain relatively tight.

Housing data suggested conditions remain challenged but stable. New home sales increased 1.6% in June to an annualized pace of 628,000 units, improving from 618,000 in May. This increase suggests housing demand remains resilient despite elevated mortgage rates, providing evidence that buyers continue to adapt to higher borrowing costs. While activity remains below the stronger pace seen in recent years, the report indicated the housing market may be gradually finding footing.

Overall, the week's data reflected an economy that continues to expand at a moderate pace. Strong labor market conditions and improving business activity remain supportive of growth, while inflation and housing affordability continue to present challenges that policymakers and investors will monitor closely.

Week in Review Economic data released during the week pointed to continued economic expansion, supported by a resilient labor market and improving business activity, though inflationary pressures and housing affordability challenges remained important areas of focus. Labor market data continued to

07/20/2026

Weekly Market Commentary July 20, 2026

🔎 Week in Review 📝

The week’s most closely watched economic release came on Tuesday with the June Consumer Price Index (CPI). Headline CPI declined 0.4% month-over-month, the largest monthly decrease since April 2020, while the annual inflation rate slowed to 3.5%, down from 4.2% in May. Core CPI, which excludes the more volatile food and energy categories, remained flat on the month and increased 2.6% year-over-year. The sharp decline in headline inflation was largely driven by a 5.7% drop in energy prices, particularly gasoline, which more than offset continued strength in shelter and services inflation. For markets, the report reinforced the disinflation narrative and substantially reduced expectations of additional Federal Reserve tightening. The combination of moderating inflation and still-positive economic growth increased confidence that inflationary pressures are easing, providing the Federal Reserve with greater flexibility as it evaluates the appropriate path for monetary policy.

On Wednesday, the Producer Price Index (PPI) provided additional evidence that inflationary pressures at the wholesale level continue to moderate. Headline PPI fell 0.3% month-over-month, marking the largest monthly decline in 14 months, while core PPI – excluding food, energy, and trade services – rose a modest 0.1%. Similar to the CPI report, declining energy costs were the primary driver behind the softer reading, although pricing pressures tied to AI-related goods and services remained elevated. The report indicates businesses are facing fewer input cost pressures, reducing the likelihood that higher production costs will be passed through to consumers in the months ahead. Taken together with Tuesday’s CPI report, the data support the view that inflation is moving in the right direction, even as certain sectors remain resilient.

Also on Wednesday, the Energy Information Administration reported that U.S. commercial crude oil inventories declined by 1.7 million barrels for the week ending July 10. Although inventories continued to fall during the peak summer driving season, the draw was smaller than market expectations of roughly 2.6 million barrels, suggesting that supply conditions remain relatively balanced despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. A continued decline in inventories generally reflects healthy demand or constrained supply, but the smaller-than-expected draw indicates that oil markets have not tightened as rapidly as many investors had anticipated. Looking ahead, renewed disruptions in global energy markets remain a key upside risk to inflation.

On Thursday, the June Retail Sales report showed that consumer spending remained resilient despite a softer headline figure. Retail sales increased 0.2% month-over-month, the slowest pace of growth in five months, largely reflecting lower gasoline prices that reduced receipts at service stations. However, the closely watched control group, which feeds directly into GDP calculations, rose a stronger 0.5%, indicating that underlying consumer demand remains healthy. Given that consumer spending accounts for roughly two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, the report suggests household demand continues to support economic growth despite elevated interest rates. The data reinforce expectations for a solid second-quarter GDP reading and indicate that domestic demand remains on stable footing.

Also on Thursday, initial jobless claims came in at 208,000, down from 216,000 the previous week and below expectations of approximately 218,000. The decline to a two-month low suggests layoffs remain limited and the labor market continues to show resilience despite a moderating pace of economic growth. Combined with this week’s other economic data, the report reinforces the view that inflation is easing while consumer demand and labor market conditions remain supportive of continued growth.

Week in Review The week’s most closely watched economic release came on Tuesday with the June Consumer Price Index (CPI). Headline CPI declined 0.4% month-over-month, the largest monthly decrease since April 2020, while the annual inflation rate slowed to 3.5%, down from 4.2% in May. Core CPI, whi...

07/14/2026

Have you ever wondered why smart people sometimes make poor financial decisions?

The answer often lies in our behavioral "blind spots" - the unconscious habits, emotions, and biases that influence how we spend, save, invest, and respond to financial stress. Understanding these patterns can help us make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and stay focused on long-term goals.

Taking our Financial Virtues® Assessment quiz you'll gain valuable insights into your money mindset, decision-making tendencies, and behaviors that may be helping - or hindering - your financial success. Whether you're looking to strengthen your retirement savings, improve spending habits, or become a more confident investor, self-awareness is the first step toward positive change.

👉 Click the link to start the quiz and get your results instantly. https://atlaspoint.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1MOUlguEn4AIWq2/?uid=734b2237k

07/09/2026

New Opportunity for Families with Young Children

The new Section 530A "Trump Account" is generating plenty of attention because eligible children born between 2025 and 2028 may receive a $1,000 government-funded contribution.

But the real planning opportunity may be much bigger than the initial deposit.

These accounts are designed for long-term investing, allowing children decades of potential tax-advantaged growth through broadly diversified U.S. equity investments.

The key question isn't whether the account is valuable on its own.
It's how it fits alongside:

✅ 529 plans
✅ Roth IRAs for working children
✅ Custodial accounts
✅ Family gifting and legacy planning strategies

As with most financial planning decisions, the account itself isn't the strategy. It's how you integrate it into a broader plan that matters.

Are Trump Accounts something your family plans to explore, or do you see them as a complement to existing savings strategies?

New planning opportunities often create more questions than answers. If you'd like to talk through whether a Trump Account could benefit your children or grandchildren please reach out.

07/06/2026

Weekly Market Commentary July 6, 2026

🔎 Week in Review 📝

Last week's economic releases reinforced a familiar theme: growth continues, but momentum is becoming increasingly mixed beneath the surface. Labor market indicators remained relatively resilient, manufacturing activity stayed in expansion, and consumer sentiment showed signs of stabilization despite lingering caution.

Labor Market: Resilient but Losing Momentum

Labor market data delivered a mixed message. The May Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report showed job openings unexpectedly increased and came in above both expectations and the prior month's reading, suggesting demand for labor remained healthy heading into June.

However, June's employment report pointed to slower hiring activity. Nonfarm payrolls increased by just 57,000 jobs, well below expectations and a notable step down from the prior month's revised gain. The softer payroll figure may indicate employers are becoming more cautious as economic uncertainty persists.

At the same time, unemployment measures improved modestly. The headline unemployment rate declined from 4.3 percent to 4.2 percent, while the broader U6 measure fell from 8.1 percent to 7.9 percent. Taken together, the data suggest labor market conditions remain stable, though evidence of renewed acceleration remains limited.

Manufacturing: Expansion Continues but Momentum Softens

Manufacturing data continued to point toward expansion but with signs of moderation. The Chicago Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) exceeded expectations at 56.7, though it fell meaningfully from May's strong reading of 62.7, suggesting business activity remains healthy but has cooled from recent highs.

National surveys echoed a similar theme. The final S&P Global Manufacturing PMI was revised lower from its preliminary estimate, while the ISM Manufacturing survey showed modest softening in new orders. Even so, manufacturing employment improved from 48.6 to 49.7, moving closer to neutral, and suggesting firms may be becoming less cautious regarding hiring plans.

One encouraging development came from the ISM prices index, which fell sharply from 82.1 to 73.0 and came in below expectations. While still elevated, the decline suggests manufacturing-related price pressures eased during the month.

Consumer Sentiment: Stability Emerging

Consumer confidence came in below expectations but improved modestly from the prior month's revised level. While households remain cautious, sentiment has largely moved sideways in recent months rather than continuing to deteriorate.

The report reflects an economy where consumers remain concerned about affordability and uncertainty yet have not become materially more pessimistic. For now, stabilization appears to be the more meaningful trend than either improvement or decline.

Week in Review Last week's economic releases reinforced a familiar theme: growth continues, but momentum is becoming increasingly mixed beneath the surface. Labor market indicators remained relatively resilient, manufacturing activity stayed in expansion, and consumer sentiment showed signs of stab

06/29/2026

Weekly Market Commentary June 29, 2026

🔎 Week in Review 📝

The week’s data reinforced a backdrop of steady but uneven economic growth, though several areas continue to show signs of moderation under tighter financial conditions.

Preliminary June Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data pointed to stronger-than-expected business activity. Manufacturing PMI improved to 55.7 from the prior reading of 55.1, exceeding expectations and signaling continued strength in the industrial side of the economy. Services PMI came in at 51.3, slightly above expectations, reflecting modest expansion. Overall growth remains intact based on this data, though stronger manufacturing activity alongside slower services growth highlights an uneven expansion.

Housing data showed renewed softness. New home sales for May declined to 580,000 from 626,000 in April and fell well short of expectations. The decline reflects ongoing affordability challenges tied to elevated mortgage rates and reinforces that housing remains a pocket of weakness within the U.S. economy.

Inflation data continued to show gradual progress. Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) for May rose 0.3% month-over-month, in line with expectations, while the year-over-year inflation rate held at 3.4%. This indicates that underlying price pressures remain elevated relative to the Fed’s 2% target, and progress toward price stability continues at a gradual pace. Inflation also appears to be stabilizing rather than accelerating, reinforcing a higher-for-longer policy outlook.

Durable goods orders declined by 4.5% in May following a strong prior month, a smaller drop than expected. The pullback was driven largely by volatility in transportation orders, particularly aircraft. However, underlying trends were more constructive, with orders excluding transportation and core capital goods both increasing. This suggests that business investment remains stable despite variability in the headline figure.

Labor market data remained a source of strength. Initial jobless claims came in at 215,000, below expectations and consistent with a labor market that remains healthy. Layoffs continue to be limited, supporting the view that employment conditions are stable even as hiring momentum shows signs of slowing.

Overall, the latest data present a mixed view of the economy. Activity remains supported in several areas, though the pace of growth appears uneven across sectors. Labor market conditions continue to show stability, while housing and some measures of business investment reflect more sensitivity to current conditions. In aggregate, the data highlights an economic backdrop that remains intact but lacks uniform strength heading into the second half of the year.

Week in Review The week’s data reinforced a backdrop of steady but uneven economic growth, though several areas continue to show signs of moderation under tighter financial conditions. Preliminary June Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data pointed to stronger-than-expected business activity. Man...