Cody Hybiak: SEM Financial Advisor

09/28/2026

Win one game: "We're so back."
Lose one game: "It's so over."

Football fans know the feeling... I know I've felt this way.

Unfortunately, many people approach the economy the same way, letting the latest headline determine their outlook on the future.

In this week's blog, I explore why emotional reactions can distort our perspective and what recent trends in diesel prices, interest rates, and the economy may actually mean.

Read the blog here: https://tradersblog.semwealth.com/mmm7-39/

09/22/2026

Many families think about children's savings as a parent-only responsibility, but grandparents and other relatives may also want to be part of the conversation. When handled thoughtfully, family giving can support long-term goals and create opportunities for meaningful money conversations across generations. The key is coordination.

Before relatives contribute to any account, families should understand the purpose of the account, the rules involved, and how it fits with existing savings strategies. A well-intentioned gift can still create confusion if no one is clear about the goal.

Is the family prioritizing education? Long-term investing? Financial literacy? Future flexibility? Those answers matter.

This week, we are looking at how grandparents and extended family members can be part of a broader planning conversation without letting a single account drive the entire strategy.

I wrote a blog going into more detail on this: https://tradersblog.semwealth.com/trump-accounts/

09/21/2026

What does a garden have to do with inflation, interest rates, and the economy?

More than you'd think.

Sometimes the most important work happens before the season begins. In this week's blog, I share what gardening has taught me about preparation, patience, and long-term thinking.

Read more: https://tradersblog.semwealth.com/mmm7-38/

09/15/2026

Families can feel pressure to make the perfect financial decision at exactly the right time. But in long-term planning, consistency often matters more than perfection.

A sustainable habit that fits the household budget may be more helpful than an aggressive plan that creates stress or gets abandoned. This applies to retirement savings, education savings, and accounts designed for a child's future. The goal is not to do everything at once. The goal is to build healthy financial rhythms over time. For some families, that may mean focusing on their own retirement first. For others, it may mean adding a child's account into an already healthy plan. The right answer depends on the broader picture.

This week, we are looking at why steady progress can be more valuable than trying to make the perfect move. Read the full blog for more: https://tradersblog.semwealth.com/trump-accounts/

09/11/2026

While I don't remember every detail from that day, I've grown up hearing the stories, seeing the images, and learning about the impact it had on America and the people who lived through it.

Twenty-five years later, it's worth taking a moment to remember those we lost, honor those who served, and reflect on what brought our nation together during one of its darkest moments.

This week's blog asks an important question:

Have we forgotten?

See the original post for the blog link.

Twenty-five years later, the images, stories, and memories of September 11 still remind us of a moment when Americans stood together.

This week, we're stepping away from market analysis to ask a simple but important question:

Have we forgotten what happened 25 years ago?

Jeff shares his thoughts on unity, division, and what it means to be American in a time when it often feels easier to see our neighbors as opponents than fellow citizens.

Read the blog here: https://tradersblog.semwealth.com/have-we-forgotten-d2/

09/10/2026

Compounding is one of the most important ideas for families to understand when thinking about long-term investing.

At its simplest, compounding means growth can build on earlier growth. Over short periods, that may not feel very dramatic. Over longer periods, the effect can become much more meaningful. This is why time matters so much when discussing accounts for children. A long runway gives investments more opportunity to experience cycles, recover from setbacks, and potentially grow over time. Of course, compounding is not automatic or guaranteed. It depends on investing, staying consistent, and allowing time to do its work.

This week, we are looking at why patience is often one of the most underrated parts of a financial plan. The goal is not to chase headlines. The goal is to understand how long-term investing actually works.

Read the full blog for more: https://tradersblog.semwealth.com/trump-accounts/

09/09/2026

In 2 Peter 2, Peter issues a sobering warning about false teachers who distort truth and lead others astray. While the challenge is real, the solution isn't fear. It's knowing God's Word, remaining grounded in truth, and keeping our eyes fixed on Christ.

In this month's blog, we explore what Peter's warning means for believers today and how we can grow in discernment without losing hope.

Read the blog: https://tradersblog.semwealth.com/anchored-in-hope-9/

09/04/2026

Here's a good budgeting tip if you're a homeowner!

09/03/2026

Saving and investing are often discussed together, but they are not the same thing.

Savings is usually about safety, access, and short-term needs. Investing is about accepting risk in pursuit of longer-term growth. That distinction matters when evaluating any account designed with a long time horizon. Families should understand whether money is meant to be available soon or whether it is intended to remain invested for many years.

A Trump Account may be discussed in the context of long-term investing, which means families should think carefully about risk, time, and expectations. Market values can move up and down, and long-term accounts should not be treated like short-term savings buckets.

This week, we are breaking down the difference between saving and investing, so families can better understand how each fit into a financial plan. Read the full blog for more: https://tradersblog.semwealth.com/trump-accounts/

09/02/2026

Not every message that sounds spiritual is true.

Peter warned believers to be watchful because false teachers would arise and distort the truth. Thousands of years later, his words remain just as relevant.

Next week, we'll explore what Scripture teaches about false teaching, why discernment matters, and how we can stay rooted in God's truth.

Stay tuned.