Roger McDevitt III, Financial Advisor

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

"Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don't let anyone limit your dreams." - Donovan Bailey

Today, we celebrate hard work, sacrifice, and dreams. Happy Labor Day!

09/03/2026

Determining the value of an estate is a fundamental first step in estate management and a critical requirement for settling a decedent’s estate.

How to Assess the Value of an Estate🏠

1. Select the date of calculation. Because values move up and down, you need to set a specific date for a valuation. For a living person, you are free to pick any date. If you’re assessing the value of a decedent’s estate, you may choose either the date of death or the date six months after their death (the “Alternate Valuation Date”). If you use the Alternate Valuation Date, any asset sold or distributed during the first six months following the death must be valued as of the date of sale or distribution.

2. Determine the assets comprising the estate. This asset list should include everything an individual owns or has ownership interests in.

3. Gather all financial statements as of the date of calculation. If an account is owned individually, the entire value should be calculated in the estate. If owned jointly with a spouse who has rights of survivorship, then 50 percent of the value should be included.
Remember to:

-Deduct any outstanding mortgage balance.
-Include life insurance when the policy owner is the deceased individual or the beneficiary is the decedent’s estate.

4. Calculate deductions. Subtract any debts from the total value of assets. For the decedent, this may also include any regular bills that may be due (e.g., utilities, medical expenses, etc.), charitable gifts, and state tax obligations.

👉Assessing the precise value of an estate can be complicated, especially when settling an estate. Please consult a professional with estate expertise regarding your individual situation.

09/01/2026

Research shows that 42% of households would face financial hardship within six months should a wage earner die unexpectedly. Even worse, 25% would suffer financially within a month. Protect those you love – learn about life insurance today!

08/27/2026

Most people prepare for the big healthcare costs in retirement: Medicare premiums, prescription drug coverage, and maybe extended care insurance. That’s a great start.

But some costs can sneak up later. Fidelity estimated lifetime healthcare spending for 2025 at around $330,000 per couple, excluding extended care. What that number often misses are expenses that fall outside most retirement budgets. Here are three worth knowing about.

Prescription Drugs Not Covered
A new federal rule caps Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs for covered medications at $2,000 per year. The keyword is “covered.”

That cap only applies to drugs on your prescription drug list. With nearly 500 Medicare drug options available, the lists vary widely. Consider a medication that runs about $9,000 per month. If your coverage includes it, you pay no more than $2,000 for the year. If it’s not on your list, you might be responsible for the full amount.

It pays to review your prescription drug list every year, especially for high-cost medications. Insurers and drug lists change annually, so what was covered last year may not be this year.

The Hidden Cost of Living Remotely
Moving to a quieter, more scenic spot is a wonderful retirement choice for many people. Just make sure you’ve thought through what healthcare access looks like down the road.

People in places like rural Alaska have always factored in the distance from hospitals. But many retirees who move to peaceful areas early in retirement don’t think that far ahead.

Concierge Medicine
In some areas, concierge medicine may be an option.

Concierge medicine is a healthcare model where patients pay a monthly or annual membership fee directly to their physician in exchange for enhanced, personalized care. Unlike traditional practices, concierge doctors limit their patients to a few hundred, giving members same-day or next-day appointments, longer office visits, and direct access to their doctor by phone, text, or email.

The model appeals to patients who want a closer relationship with their physician and faster access to care

08/25/2026

Want to learn more about the 2026 tax law changes? See the article below!

https://www.library-messages.com/c3782295-bfe9-427d-9dc1-5d46d25727f3/resource-center/tax/2026-tax-law-changes

08/21/2026

August 21st is Senior Citizens Day. The world is a better place with Seniors in it, because they have so much to give. The old adage says age is just a state of mind, so make today fun and free-spirited!

If you’ve been putting off the retirement planning question, there’s no time like the present! Schedule some time with our office to get the conversation started! 🗓

08/18/2026

College is an opportunity for your children to achieve some self-reliance. That includes managing their finances! Before drop-off day, be sure to have the (Spending) Talk with them and emphasize the info about credit cards from this helpful article.

Not sure how to avoid debt from credit cards in college? Find out the key tips for dealing with college student credit card debt effectively.

08/13/2026

Ready to tackle back-to-school season without breaking the bank?

Discover these easy-to-use budgeting hacks to ease the financial strain. Swipe on for clever tips to help start the school year off on the right foot!

Know someone who could use these tips? Tag them to share!

08/12/2026

Markets navigated mixed signals in July. Inflation eased, tech faced pressure, and energy surged. Meanwhile, Americans are planning record travel spending in 2026: \$1.37 trillion. What's shaping your household budget this summer?

Monthly Market Insights | August 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks were mixed in July as investors navigated a cross-current of news on the outlook for AI spending and Q2 corporate reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, adding 0.32 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index edged down 0....