Semper Fortis Financial, LLC

06/17/2026

Inflation moved higher in May, with energy costs playing a major role in the increase.

Consumer prices rose 4.2% from a year earlier, up from 3.8% in April. On a monthly basis, prices increased 0.5%.

Gas prices were a key driver. Higher energy costs accounted for more than 60% of the monthly increase, while gasoline prices were up sharply from a year earlier.

The impact extends beyond the pump. Higher fuel and energy costs can affect transportation, shipping, airfares, electricity, business expenses, and household budgets.

Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, rose at a more modest pace. That suggests some price pressures remain concentrated in energy-related categories, though consumers and businesses are still feeling the strain.

For households, inflation can affect everyday spending decisions. For businesses, higher costs may influence pricing, hiring, margins, and customer behavior.


Source:

Rising gas prices pushed inflation to its highest level in three years last month, a headache for the Federal Reserve and a potential political challenge for the Trump administration as midterm elections near.

06/16/2026

Asset location can have a big impact on your long-term results. Are your investments in the right accounts?

06/16/2026

🚨 Stocks surged and oil fell yesterday as a U.S.-Iran deal eased supply concerns. Lower energy prices and stronger investor confidence fueled the rally. Markets are mixed this morning though the tech rally continues. 📈🛢️

06/15/2026

The timeline for normal shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains an important focus for global markets.

Recent prediction market activity suggests uncertainty around how quickly traffic through the strait could return to typical levels, even if broader diplomatic progress continues.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global energy shipments, so changes in shipping activity can affect oil markets, fuel prices, transportation costs, and broader inflation trends.

Traders recently placed a 38% probability on traffic returning to normal by July 1, with higher odds for a later timeline.

While these numbers can change quickly, they offer a snapshot of how markets are weighing geopolitical risk, energy supply, and timing.

For households and businesses, the broader takeaway is that global shipping routes can significantly affect everyday costs, especially when energy markets are already under pressure.


Source:

Despite reports Iran could return the passageway to normal traffic flows within a month of a peace deal, Kalshi traders thought that was unlikely.

06/15/2026

Most investors think about asset allocation. Fewer think about asset location.

The right placement of investments may help improve after-tax returns over time.

📞 (843) 877-6718

06/15/2026

Weekly Motivation: "Stand firm, and you will win life." - Luke 21:19

06/15/2026

The summer job landscape has dramatically shifted since 1980. Back then, teens and college students flooded the job market during summer break, finding work at theme parks, retail stores, and more. With the minimum wage at $3.10/hr, managers made room for young workers, often allowing them to continue part-time during the school year.

Fast forward to today: Many employers seek full-time availability, with minimum wage at around $7.25/hr. The demand for flexibility is gone, and summer jobs are less economically viable for both businesses and students.

Now, with the rise of unpaid internships, volunteer work, and side hustles, students are building skills and brands rather than just earning money. When you see a young person working this summer, remember they're keeping a vintage tradition alive.

Sources:
Salon, May 26, 2025
Department of Labor, March 2, 2026

06/14/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸

Today we honor the Stars and Stripes—the enduring symbol of our nation’s freedom, unity, and resilience. We are grateful for those who have served and sacrificed to protect the values our flag represents.

May we never take for granted the liberties we enjoy as Americans.

06/12/2026

Major student loan changes are set to take effect July 1, bringing updates to borrowing limits, repayment options, and federal aid eligibility.
New rules will limit how much some students and parents can borrow. Parent PLUS loans will be capped at $20,000 per year and $65,000 total per student, while new caps will also apply to graduate and professional degree borrowing.
Repayment options are also changing. New federal loan borrowers will have fewer choices, with options narrowing to a tiered standard repayment structure or a new income-driven option called the Repayment Assistance Program.
Borrowers currently enrolled in SAVE may also need to choose a new repayment option, with loan servicers expected to send notices about next steps.
Pell Grant rules are changing as well, including expanded eligibility for some short-term workforce training programs.
For borrowers and students, the takeaway is simple: watch for communications from loan servicers, confirm contact information is current, and review available options before deadlines arrive.

Source:

The changes will affect how much students and their parents can borrow, as well as their repayment options.

06/12/2026

Inherited an IRA or 401(k)? The decisions you make now could impact your taxes and financial future for years to come.

Before taking withdrawals, make sure you understand your options.