Stratos Wealth Partners

05/06/2026

The cost of raising a child in the U.S. continues to rise, reaching a new milestone in recent estimates.

A new analysis puts the total cost at approximately $303,000 through age 18, or about $16,800 per year on average.

These figures include everyday expenses like housing, food, and childcare, but do not account for college costs, which can add significantly more over time.

Costs can also vary widely depending on location. Some states saw notable increases, while others experienced slower growth in certain child-related expenses.

While the overall total has increased, some categories, such as early childcare, have shown signs of stabilizing in recent data.

As costs evolve, these trends offer a broader view of how family-related expenses are changing.


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Raising a child through age 18 is most expensive in Hawaii, where a family would spend an estimated $412,661 in 2026, LendingTree found.

12/19/2025

The holiday season can bring joy, but also stress, pressure, and a long list of expectations. A new report found that 60% of Americans felt stressed heading into the holidays, while nearly 70% reported feeling pressure to appear happier than they truly are.

According to workplace culture expert Jennifer Moss, small “micro-actions” may help people navigate overwhelming moments with more steadiness. Here are a few of the expert-backed ideas highlighted in the piece:

▪️Label the feeling: Naming an emotion may help reduce stress.
▪️Appreciate a person, not just a thing. Gratitude aimed at someone can
strengthen a connection.
▪️Notice something neutral or positive to interrupt negativity bias.
▪️Replay one good thing before bed to shift attention.
▪️Take a break from comparison on social media.
▪️Tune into your senses during busy or loud environments.
▪️Offer silent gratitude during tense family moments.
▪️Do one tiny act of generosity, like thanking a retail worker.
▪️Let go of one expectation to reduce pressure.
▪️Move more slowly to steady your nervous system.
▪️Try a 30-second “awe scan” outdoors: Briefly focus on something striking in
nature to interrupt stress.
▪️Celebrate small wins to build momentum.

These gentle resets aren’t about forcing joy; they’re about finding moments of calm in a very full season.


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Try "practicing these micro-actions — like tiny mood resets," says Jennifer Moss, former member of the Global Happiness Council and author of "Unlocking Happiness at Work."

12/17/2025

Job creation at small firms has come to a halt. Firms with fewer than 50 employees lost 120,000 jobs during the first two weeks of November. If the Fed cuts short-term interest rates, will that solve small businesses' job problems overnight? No, but it might be a step in the right direction.

11/27/2025

Thinking about retirement? You're not alone—and the numbers might give you something to think about.

From how much people rely on Social Security to what retirees actually spend, these stats highlight why it’s important to look at the full picture. It’s not about having every answer—it’s about starting a conversation that helps you feel more confident about what’s ahead.

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11/13/2025

There is always something to worry about when investing. In fact, there’s even a saying about it. “Wall Street climbs a wall of worry.” Some people believe, “I’ll wait until it all gets resolved.” But remember, those were the same people who in the Spring suggested, “I’m going to the sidelines until the tariff issue gets resolved.” Since May, stock prices have advanced for six consecutive months, despite unresolved tariff issues.

11/11/2025

Today, we express our deepest gratitude to those who have bravely served our nation.

11/07/2025

The delayed September Consumer Price Index report, released on October 24, was the first major federal economic report since the shutdown began on October 1. But as Underdog said, “there’s no need to fear,” Jerome Powell & Crew have plenty of alternative stats to review.

11/04/2025

As “Revenge Savings” sweeps the nation, keep in mind these words of encouragement from Warren Buffett.

10/31/2025

Secure Your Legacy with the Right Business Succession Plan. Your business is your legacy—ensure it thrives for generations to come. A personalized buy-sell agreement is the foundation of a strong succession plan. Let’s discuss how you can secure your business’s future today.

10/29/2025

Protect Your Business’s Future with a Solid Succession Plan. Planning for the future is key to protecting your business. A buy-sell agreement ensures a smooth transition of ownership and secures everything you've worked hard to build. Let’s start planning today!