John Bannan - Bannan Financial Group

09/09/2026

Net worth is one of the most telling numbers in personal finance. Add up your assets and liabilities to see where you really stand today.

Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

09/09/2026

📌 Most families think they have until next June to file the FAFSA.

For a lot of state and school aid, that's already too late.

FAFSA for the 2027-28 school year is set to open on October 1.

The federal deadline runs through June 30, 2028, but most states and colleges set their own deadlines, some as early as January, and aid is often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

File in October, and you're near the front of the line. Wait until spring, and the aid you were counting on may already be spoken for.

Tip: Create your FSA ID at StudentAid.gov before October 1 arrives, ahead of the day-one rush.

If you have a student applying to college this year, make a note in your calendar.

09/09/2026

If you're a teacher, school staff member, or school administrator, here's a question: Have you ever talked to a financial professional about your retirement? If your answer is "no," you're not alone. A new study found that public...

09/08/2026

Do you know who just took the helm of the Fed?

Kevin Warsh is the new Federal Reserve Chair, though most people have never heard his name. Unlike his predecessors, he doesn't have an academic background. He spent the last decade and a half at a private investment firm, not in a university lecture hall.

He's already signaling a different approach, promising shorter statements and more transparency in how the Fed communicates.

That matters more than it might seem. The Fed Chair's decisions ripple through the economy, affecting everything from mortgage rates to car loans to credit cards.

Lately, we've heard one question more than any other: What does this mean for me? Honestly, it depends on your situation. But knowing who's steering the ship is where smart financial decisions start.

What's your biggest question about this shift at the Fed?

09/07/2026

Ready to retire, but not ready to stop working? Check out this video for a fresh way to look at encore career options.

Ready for retirement? Find out why many are considering encore careers and push your boundaries into something more, here.

09/07/2026

A long weekend gives us space to step back from work and reflect on the life we are building.

We honor the work our clients have done to build what they have. And we help make sure it actually serves their lives.

🗽 Wishing you and your family a meaningful Labor Day weekend.

09/04/2026

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.

09/04/2026

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

09/03/2026

Exciting news to share with you! Bannan Financial Group is growing, and I'm thrilled to introduce the newest member of our team: Alex Smith.

Alex spent almost 10 years teaching in Newark Public Schools before spending the past 3 years building his own financial strategy practice. Turns out, teaching and financial strategy have a lot in common: both are about taking something complex and making it click. That background gives Alex a real understanding of the challenges educators face when planning for retirement, and a natural gift for making complicated financial decisions feel clear and actionable.

One of Alex's favorite lines: "Personal finance is more personal than finance." It's a great reminder that a good plan starts with you, not just the numbers, and it's exactly the mindset he brings to every client relationship.

When he's not helping clients plan for retirement, you'll find Alex on the golf course, traveling with his wife Kirstyn, or exploring everything NJ has to offer.

From the day I opened this firm, I made a commitment: to provide the best possible service and guidance to help you plan for and navigate retirement. Growing this team is a direct reflection of that promise. Over the coming months, you'll start hearing from Alex as an additional resource. He's not replacing me, he's here to complement the service you already receive, giving you a second knowledgeable advisor for questions, a second opinion, or just extra support. My personal commitment to you hasn't changed one bit.

Learn more about Alex here: https://www.bannanfinancialgroup.com/about-our-team

As I said when I launched this firm: the times they are a-changin' and indeed they are.

09/03/2026

Recent data regarding men's health highlight a critical reality that deserves closer attention:

1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, it stands as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in U.S. men. While that statistic is stark, the turnaround potential is incredible:

🚀 When caught early, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 99 percent.

Here are the most critical facts to know about risk and prevention:

◾ The Age Factor: Approximately 6 in 10 cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older.

◾ Family History: Risk increases for individuals with a father or brother who has battled the disease.

◾ The Silent Nature: Early-stage prostate cancer rarely shows any symptoms at all, making proactive screening the ultimate defense.

The American Cancer Society recommends speaking with a healthcare provider to make informed decisions about testing. This conversation typically begins at age 50 for average-risk individuals and earlier (around age 40 to 45) for those with a strong family history.

Consider sharing this information with a colleague, friend, or family member who might need a reminder to prioritize their next check-up.