Stratos Wealth Partners-Prescott Branch

05/15/2026

🔍 Think you can spot a scam? With AI, it’s getting a lot harder.

Today’s online shopping scams are powered by artificial intelligence, making fake websites look polished and convincing. Scammers now use AI to create:
- Believable product listings and fake reviews
- Deepfake influencer videos that promote fraudulent sites
- Near-perfect website addresses that mimic trusted retailers

🛑 Before clicking “add to cart,” take a second look:
✅ Double-check URLs for misspellings
✅ Avoid shopping directly through social media links
✅ Use credit cards for added fraud protection

Scammers are moving fast—but awareness helps slow them down. 🧠💻

Source:

Malicious sites are on the rise and thanks to AI, it's almost impossible to tell the difference.

05/01/2026

If you've seen those tempting signs advertising luxury goods at bargain prices at pop-up auctions, you'll want to read this important warning.

Recent investigations reveal concerning practices at these temporary auction events:
Items advertised as "fine art" and "luxury goods" are often worthless reproductions.
One victim spent $6,000 on a "Picasso" that was appraised at just $70.
The fine print states descriptions are "opinions," not "facts."
Once auctions conclude, phone numbers on promotional signs stop working.
Operators use multiple business names, making them difficult to track.

The organizations behind these auctions have faced penalties, suspensions, and license issues across multiple states. Rep. Jan Schakowsky calls for an FTC investigation into these potentially deceptive practices.

Industry expert Renee Jones advises that legitimate auctions have extensive marketing, online catalogs, proper websites, and visible licensing - unlike these questionable pop-ups that disappear overnight.


Source:

One auction attendee spent $6,000 on what was supposed to be an "authenticated" Picasso. It was actually a reproduction worth about $70.

04/24/2026

The Treasury Department in January said more than a million people have signed up for Trump accounts. Are you eligible?

04/17/2026

Have you ever heard of the bucket strategy? With this approach, you segment your retirement expenses into three buckets, attempting to match income sources to essential expenses.

04/10/2026

A new provision in the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill is restoring a tax deduction for certain car buyers—but with limits.

Here’s what’s changing:
▪️ Buyers can deduct up to $10,000 in auto loan interest each year (2025–2028)
▪️ Applies only to new, U.S.-assembled light vehicles purchased for personal use
▪️ Used vehicles and leases do not qualify
▪️ The deduction is available even for those taking the standard deduction
▪️ Income caps apply: phased out above $150K (single) or $250K (joint)

This could affect an estimated 3.5 million vehicle loans this year. But the benefit won’t apply to every buyer, especially those with higher incomes or leasing preferences.


Source:

The tax and spending bill signed into law by President Trump on July 4 includes a limited tax break for car buyers.

04/03/2026

03/27/2026

The IRS announced adjustments for 2026, which address a few key areas:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/401k-limit-increases-to-24500-for-2026-ira-limit-increases-to-7500

What does that mean for you?

There are changes to capital gains tax rates, annual exclusion for gifts, estate tax exclusion, and more.

Have questions about the new rules? My office has 2026 tax resources that you may find helpful.

This material is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice, so make sure to consult your tax professional before modifying your tax strategy.