Navigate Wealth Planning Group

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

Living longer doesn’t automatically mean living better.

September is Healthy Aging Month. This is a reminder that how we age is shaped by more than just time. Staying active, mentally sharp, and socially connected all play a role—and so does the ability to support those lifestyles over time.

Small, consistent habits—both physical and financial—can influence what those years look like.



Sources
World Health Organization, Ageing and Health, October 2025
American Medical Association, What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Healthy Aging, September 2025
Stanford Medicine, Five Healthy Habits for Successfully Aging, January 2026
EBRI/Greenwald, 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey, April 2025

08/31/2026

Here is this week's news and updates in the market! https://www.navigatewpg.com/weekly-market-commentary

08/20/2026

Early estimates for the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment have moved lower as inflation moderates.

New projections suggest the 2027 COLA may fall between 3.4% and 3.6%.

The official adjustment has not been announced yet. The final number will depend on inflation data for July, August, and September.

Social Security COLAs are calculated using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, known as CPI-W.

July data showed CPI-W rose 3.4% over the past 12 months. The broader consumer price index also rose 3.4% year over year.

One estimate from AARP suggests a 3.5% COLA would raise the average retired worker’s benefit by about $73 per month.

For retirees and near-retirees, the COLA is an important reminder that inflation can affect income, purchasing power, household expenses, and long-term financial decisions.

Source:

New estimates show just how much Social Security benefits may increase in 2027, based on new government inflation data.

08/07/2026

Markets navigated mixed signals in July. Inflation eased, tech faced pressure, and energy surged. Meanwhile, Americans are planning record travel spending in 2026: \$1.37 trillion. What's shaping your household budget this summer?

Stocks were mixed in July as investors navigated a cross-current of news on the outlook for AI spending and Q2 corporate reports.

08/06/2026

📝✨ August is Make-A-Will Month! ✨📝

In that spirit, we're raising awareness about the importance of creating a will. Now is the perfect time to have your wishes clearly outlined. Or if you have a will, August is a great time to review it and see if it remains aligned with your wishes.

Creating a will isn't just about assets; it's about leaving a legacy, making your intentions known, and thinking about your loved ones' future.

Here are a few reasons why having an up-to-date will is essential:
Your Loved Ones: Outline how you want your family to be cared for, especially any children under 18.

Manage Conflicts: Clear instructions can help during disputes and misunderstandings.
Your Legacy: How will your assets, possessions, and digital presence be distributed and managed?

Have Your Affairs in Order: Comfort for you and your loved ones.

Let's make this month count by taking steps towards your future! Have you already started?