Colin Powers, Financial Advisor

09/03/2026

Oil prices rose sharply after renewed tensions between the U.S. and Iran raised concerns about global energy supplies.

Brent crude futures gained 7.2% to $90.12 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures rose 6.6% to $84.46.

The move followed reports of an attempted attack on U.S. forces in the Middle East and renewed concerns about shipping routes tied to global oil exports.

Markets have been closely watching the Strait of Hormuz and the southern Red Sea, two key chokepoints for oil exports from the Middle East.

When geopolitical tensions affect energy markets, the impact can move beyond oil futures. Higher crude prices can influence gasoline, diesel, transportation, shipping, and airline fuel costs, as well as inflation expectations.

For households and businesses, energy prices remain an important part of the broader economic picture.


Source:

Oil rose sharply amid renewed tensions in the Middle East after Iran launched an attack on U.S. forces using ballistic missiles.

09/02/2026

This piece presents an overview of fundamental steps to consider when a loved one passes.

An overview of some fundamental steps when a loved one passes.

09/01/2026

Check out LPL's monthly client letter.https://static.fmgsuite.com/media/documents/75289a3f-a886-4a42-b15f-b694ecc66ad7.pdf

09/01/2026

Check out LPL Financial Research's Weekly Commentary on the market: "The Cash Flow Case for Value". https://static.fmgsuite.com/media/documents/9546ba0f-a55e-4612-ab15-fde0117a63dc.pdf

09/01/2026

As a new school year begins, it's a great opportunity to think about what you're building beyond the classroom. Equitable's Value of an Advisor study shows that educators who work with a financial professional have a median 403(b) account balance that is $29,000 higher than those who do not. Having a plan and taking consistent steps over time can make a meaningful difference in supporting your long-term goals. If you'd like to discuss your retirement plan, feel free to reach out. https://equitable.com/individuals/retirement-savings-plans/educators?utm_medium=social-media&utm_source=MarketingSuite&utm_campaign=0726_BTS_Sequence&utm_content=Post_01_educators

08/31/2026

For many homeowners, the biggest weather risk may no longer be hurricanes.

New research from First Street found that severe convective storms, including tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds, have become the costliest insured natural disasters worldwide.

In 2025, these storms accounted for one-third of global natural disaster economic losses. Insured and uninsured losses totaled $82 billion, with $68 billion concentrated in the U.S.

Hail is the biggest driver of insurance payouts within this category, followed by severe winds.

These storms tend to move quickly, but they can cause widespread damage to homes, cars, businesses, and infrastructure.

For homeowners, the growing cost of severe weather can show up in more than repairs. It may also affect insurance premiums, property maintenance, emergency savings, and long-term housing costs.

As weather risks shift, it can be worth reviewing coverage, deductibles, and how prepared your household is for unexpected property damage.


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Severe "convective" storms account for roughly a third of global natural disaster economic losses, a new study finds.

08/31/2026

Discover the YOLO Economy and why Millennials are prioritizing experiences over material things in this thought-provoking article.

The YOLO Economy is a focus on experiences over material possessions, prompting Boomers to consider a similar mindset.

08/28/2026

Data breaches are becoming increasingly common in today's digital world. Make sure you're prepared with this helpful checklist of steps to take if you've experienced a breach. Stay informed, change passwords, monitor credit accounts, and more.

This article provides a checklist of steps to take if you experience a data breach.

08/26/2026

Periodic withdrawals in retirement may not be such a good idea.

Taking regular, periodic withdrawals during retirement can be quite problematic.

08/25/2026

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.