Fox Financial Advisors

09/03/2026

There are so many reasons to create a will this month, but here are three big ones to consider:

Direct Your Property: Creating a will tells the courts how you want your property distributed. Without a will, state laws will determine how your estate is divided, which may not align with your intentions.

Provide instructions to the probate court: A will can help manage the probate process, providing instructions to the court.

Designate Guardianship for Minor Children: If you have minor children, a will allows you to appoint a guardian to care for them. This crucial step directs that your children are raised by someone you trust, rather than leaving the decision to the courts.

09/01/2026

If your kids are starting a summer job, why not look into a Custodial Roth account? Talk to your kids about how they can get started with tax-advantaged savings. Whether they put money in the account or you get it started for them with a gift, it’s a good way to start a great habit. For more information or to set up a meeting, drop us a note today!

We can explain the pros and cons of Custodial Roth IRA, and introduce you to some of the unique features of custodial accounts, including when kids can take control of the asset. Also, remember, with a Roth IRA, to qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, a Roth must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under certain other circumstances, and the original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.

08/31/2026

The U.S. economy grew more slowly in the second quarter, while inflation remained above the Federal Reserve’s target.

Gross domestic product increased at a 1.5% annualized rate from April through June, below expectations for 1.8% growth.

The headline number was weaker, but some underlying economic drivers were stronger. Personal spending rose 2.1%, and a key measure of underlying demand increased 3.9%.

At the same time, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge remained elevated. The personal consumption expenditures price index showed annual inflation at 3.7% in June.

Core PCE, which excludes food and energy, rose 3.3% from a year earlier.

Consumers continued spending, but the personal savings rate fell to 2.7%, its lowest level in four years.

For households and businesses, the broader takeaway is that slower growth, persistent inflation, consumer spending, savings, and interest rate policy are all connected parts of the economic picture.


Source:

While the GDP number was below expectations, the miss appeared to come from a decline in federal government spending and inventories.

08/29/2026

Some younger consumers are spending on luxury items even as major milestones feel harder to reach.

An article from The Economic Times explores whether Gen Z spending on items like expensive smartphones, sneakers, and travel may reflect a broader version of the “Lipstick Effect.” 📱👟✈️

The Lipstick Effect describes a pattern where consumers buy smaller luxuries during periods of financial uncertainty, especially when larger purchases feel out of reach.

In this case, the larger purchase is often homeownership.

As housing costs rise, some younger adults may feel that saving for property is increasingly unrealistic. Instead, they may choose purchases that offer more immediate enjoyment, identity, or a sense of progress.

That does not mean every purchase is financially harmful. But it does show how affordability pressures can shape behavior, priorities, and trade-offs.

The broader takeaway: spending decisions often reflect more than impulse. They can also reflect economic realities, delayed milestones, and the ways people look for meaning when traditional markers of success feel further away.


Source:

Financial advisor Prem Soni says Gen Zs spending on Rs 15,000 sneakers, expensive iPhones and foreign holidays may reflect the “Lipstick Effect.” He argues that with homes costing around Rs 3 crore and long-term EMIs, traditional milestones feel increasingly unreachable for young earners. Instea...

08/27/2026

Trending Higher

08/26/2026

Mortgage rates recently climbed to their highest level since August 2025, creating another challenge for homebuyers.

The average contract interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a conforming loan balance rose to 6.65%, up from 6.58% the previous week.

Higher rates can affect affordability, as even a small increase can change a buyer’s monthly payment.

That pressure showed up in mortgage demand. Applications to purchase a home fell 7% from the previous week and were 2% lower than the same week one year ago.

Buyers are also still facing high home prices and a limited supply of affordable homes for sale.

Refinance applications rose this week, though refinancing remains less attractive for many borrowers because rates are not much lower than they were a year ago.

For households, mortgage rates are a reminder that borrowing costs can play a major role in affordability, timing, and monthly cash flow.


Source:

Mortgage rates moved higher last week, causing buyers to pull back, but refinancing did see small gains.

08/25/2026

New research from The Aspen Institute looks at what it calls “essential wealth”: a benchmark for financial resilience and major life milestones.

The benchmark includes having six weeks of take-home pay in savings, along with enough net worth to support goals such as homeownership and retirement security.

According to the report, about 34.5 million U.S. households fall short of that threshold.

The estimated net worth needed varies by age group:
18-29: $40,000
30-39: $120,000
40-49: $265,000
50-64: $530,000
65+: $775,000 for a couple with no mortgage

These figures are broad estimates and can vary based on income, location, household needs, and housing costs.

The broader takeaway is that income alone does not always show whether a household feels financially secure. Savings, assets, debt, housing, and long-term goals all help shape the bigger picture.


Source:

Three in four American households lack the wealth to weather financial setbacks and achieve major life milestones.

08/24/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.

A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.

School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.

The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.

Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.

Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.

For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.


Source:

U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.

08/18/2026

New to pickleball or padel? Good news: both are beginner-friendly. Slightly humbling, but beginner-friendly.

For pickleball, start with placement before power. Learn the kitchen rules early, keep your paddle ready, and expect fast hands at the net.

For padel, don’t panic when the ball hits the wall. That’s the point. Focus on positioning, let the rally develop, and remember that not every shot needs to be a winner.

The real winning move? Pick the one that your friends will actually play with you.

Team pickleball, team padel, or “I’ll try both”?

08/16/2026

Pickleball usually wins the “where can we play this weekend?” contest.

Many communities have pickleball courts at parks, recreation centers, gyms, and tennis facilities. USA Pickleball’s 2025 report noted more than 82,000 known courts in its Pickleheads database.

Padel courts can take a little more searching, as the sport requires an enclosed court with walls. Try local racquet clubs, indoor sports facilities, social clubs, and newer court-sport venues.

Either way, beginner clinics and open-play sessions are a great place to start.

Tag the friend who’s always down to try a new sport.