Matt Appel- Financial Consultant & Partner- Beacon Wealth Partners

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.

10/06/2026

🌴 More Americans are deciding that enjoying life now matters just as much as making financial progress for later.

A recent SoFi survey found that 72% of Americans would be willing to make slower progress toward their financial goals so they can spend more time with family, travel more, and prioritize meaningful experiences.

That doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning long-term goals. In fact, 59% of respondents said enjoying life is how they define financial progress, compared with 27% who pointed to owning a home.

The challenge is finding a balance between what matters now and what matters later. ✈️ That can mean making room for a vacation, concert, or family event while still keeping an eye on retirement savings and debt.

But charge that trip to a credit card and carry a balance, and interest can turn a two-week memory into a much longer bill.

What does financial progress look like to you: reaching the next milestone, enjoying more of life now, or some mix of both?


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SoFi found 72% of Americans are willing to make slower progress on financial goals to prioritize family, travel and meaningful experiences.

09/29/2026

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.


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

09/22/2026

Approaching age 59.5? It's a crucial milestone in your retirement planning, offering new financial opportunities. Here’s what to keep in mind:

*IRA and 401(k) Withdrawals: At 59.5, you can withdraw from IRAs and 401(k) plans without the 10% early withdrawal penalty. This flexibility can be beneficial if you need access to your savings.

*Tax Implications: Remember, while withdrawals are penalty-free, they may still be taxable. Plan wisely to manage your tax liability.

*In-Service Rollovers: If you're still working, check if your employer's plan allows in-service withdrawals to transfer funds to another retirement account.

*Income Strategy: Now’s a great time to reevaluate your income sources and shape a withdrawal plan that aligns with your retirement goals.

*Healthcare Planning: Consider future healthcare costs and explore insurance options, including Medicare, to safeguard your financial security.

Let’s connect to ensure your retirement strategy is on track!

09/15/2026

Back to School time! It’s been a long summer, and it’s time to get back to class and crack those books. We send our best wishes out to all of our scholars this year, including those starting out at a new school or maybe gearing up for graduation.

09/08/2026

After all the time you've spent preparing for retirement, make sure taxes don't throw off your plans. Learn the basics of how your taxes may change once you retire, along with strategies to help manage your tax obligations. Your retirement can be everything you want it to be-- read on to find out how. https://eqtble.co/3SF7Qzu

08/18/2026

Trending Higher

08/11/2026

What is it about August?

07/21/2026

There are so many reasons to create a will this month, but here are three big ones to consider:

Direct Your Property: Creating a will tells the courts how you want your property distributed. Without a will, state laws will determine how your estate is divided, which may not align with your intentions.

Provide instructions to the probate court: A will can help manage the probate process, providing instructions to the court.

Designate Guardianship for Minor Children: If you have minor children, a will allows you to appoint a guardian to care for them. This crucial step directs that your children are raised by someone you trust, rather than leaving the decision to the courts.

06/09/2026

NASA has shared new details about its long-term vision for building a base on the Moon.

The agency hopes to return humans to the lunar surface in 2028, with a broader goal of developing infrastructure that could eventually support longer-term activity there.

NASA says the effort will unfold in phases, starting with demonstrations of key technology, cargo delivery, landers, rovers, and surface research.

The challenge is significant. The Moon’s surface can reach extreme temperatures, lacks an atmosphere, and offers no natural protection from radiation, space weather, or meteorite impacts.

Early work is expected to focus on testing systems, studying survival needs, identifying potential landing areas, and preparing for future human activity.

It’s a reminder that space exploration often moves step by step—through engineering, testing, persistence, and the willingness to solve difficult problems far from home.


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NASA hopes to return humans to the lunar surface in 2028.