Roger Michael Francis

10/15/2026

How does it stack up? Looking back over the last 20 years of Social Security cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments:

✅ It’s higher than 2.8% in 2026
✅ It’s above the 20-year average of about 2.6%
✅ It ties 2012 for the 4th-largest increase since 2008, behind only 2023 (8.7%), 2022 (5.9%) and 2009 (5.8%)

What does that mean in dollars? The average retired worker’s monthly benefit goes from $2,095 to $2,170 in 2027, about $75 more per month. The maximum benefit raises just slightly, from $4,152 a month to $4,188 in 2027.

Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will see the 3.6% COLA beginning in January 2027. Increased payments to about 7.3 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2026.

10/12/2026

Columbus Day falls on the second Monday of October. Just a reminder that banks and government offices close for the day.

10/08/2026

Why So Bearish?

10/08/2026

Stocks finished the third quarter mixed. The S&P 500 gained 2.03%, and the Nasdaq Composite rose 2.47%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 2.70%. Halloween is next on the calendar, with U.S. consumers expected to spend \$13.5 billion USD this year and 6.26 million Canadian children in their trick-or-treating years.

Stocks were mixed in the third quarter as economic, geopolitical, and corporate earnings news pushed the broad market higher while weighing on the Dow Industrials.

09/18/2026

Wealth transfer isn't just a financial issue—it's a human one. 🤝

**Insights:**
- An estimated $36 trillion to $100 trillion will shift from one generation to the next.
- Estate plans can fail without communication and preparation.
- Equal treatment in estate roles can lead to family disputes.
- Business succession requires clear planning and willing successors.
- Global family dynamics add complexity to wealth transfer.

(These insights highlight the importance of personal readiness over mere financial readiness.)

Thoughtful conversations within families are crucial. Preparing individuals to handle responsibilities can be more impactful than simply setting up financial structures. It's vital to ensure that heirs are not only aware of their roles but also capable and willing to take them on. The legacy isn't just wealth; it's the ability to sustain and grow it.

How are you preparing the next generation for the responsibilities of wealth?

The greatest challenge in passing on family wealth may not be taxes or markets, but preparing the next generation to manage it, says Saidin Hernandez.

09/17/2026

🚨 Scammers are getting more sophisticated, and the financial toll is growing.

Americans reported a record $15.9 billion in scam losses last year, up 25% from the year before. And the real number may be much higher, since many victims never report what happened.

⚠️ The problem is also widespread: 98% of Americans surveyed said they believe scammers have targeted them, and 3 in 10 said they’ve personally lost money or information.

Recovering stolen funds can be difficult, especially when someone is tricked into authorizing a payment. Victims may also be targeted again by criminals claiming they can recover the original loss for a fee.

🔐 If someone contacts you unexpectedly about money, an investment, or recovering funds you’ve already lost, slow down before sending anything. Verify who you’re dealing with through a trusted source, and be especially cautious if there’s pressure to act quickly.


Source:

Virtually every American has been targeted by scammers in some way, exclusive new polling data shows.

09/07/2026

We dedicate our efforts to ourselves, our families, our passions, and our needs. Whether you're an employee, an entrepreneur, or retired, here's to making the most of this holiday!

Have a wonderful !

09/06/2026

Let’s Go Warriors! 🏈

09/04/2026

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.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.62 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 3.93 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged, adding 1.34 percent. The S&P/TSX rose 2.96 percent.1,2

08/21/2026

The government is now contributing $1,000 to a Trump Account for eligible newborns, offering a new opportunity for long-term financial growth.

**Insights:**
- The initiative aims to support future financial security for children.
- Funds are allocated through a Trump Account, a retirement savings vehicle.
- While beneficial, experts suggest college savings may be more effective in a 529 plan.
- The Trump Account funds can grow over time, offering potential tax benefits.

(Consider the long-term impact of these accounts on future financial planning.)

This development underscores the importance of choosing the right savings strategy for your child's future. While the Trump Account provides an initial boost, it's crucial to weigh it against other options, such as 529 plans, which are tailored for educational expenses. Evaluate the potential growth and tax implications of each to align with future goals.

How do you prioritize between retirement and education savings for your family?

The government will put $1,000 into a Trump Account for eligible newborns. Take it, but remember that college savings will be better off in a 529 plan.