Sage Hills Financial

05/28/2026

A rare wildlife moment is drawing attention in Chicago.

Two bald eagle hatchlings were recently spotted in a nest at Park 597 along the Calumet River on the city’s Southeast Side. Officials believe this may be Chicago’s first successful wild bald eagle breeding in more than a century.

The discovery is especially meaningful given the bald eagle’s long recovery story. Habitat loss and insecticide contamination once caused the species’ population to decline sharply, but conservation efforts helped support its comeback over the past several decades.

Park 597 has also gone through its own transformation. The site was previously home to a city water treatment plant, but restoration work improved the natural habitat.

Now, the appearance of two eaglets offers a hopeful reminder of how restored green spaces can support wildlife, even in the middle of a major city.


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Two bald eagle hatchlings have been spotted in a Chicago park in what experts believe is a first for the Windy City in more than a century.

05/14/2026

If you or someone in your family is still in school—or heading back in the fall—now is the time to make sure your FAFSA form is in.

A few things worth knowing:
⏰ The federal deadline is June 30. State and school deadlines are often earlier.
⏰ Many types of aid are first-come, first-served. Waiting could cost money.
⏰ You can make corrections after submission, but the form needs to be in first.

Don't let a deadline get in the way of money that's already available to you.

04/16/2026

I am excited to let people know that Sage Hills Financial has been nominated for The Wenatchee World "World's Best" Financial Advisory firm. Take a moment and vote for us.

Thank you for your support and the opportunity to serve so many great people!!!

You can vote via Phone by texting 229 to (509) 210-2317

https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/contests/worldsbest/?fbclid=IwY2xjawROLBVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFFck8wdnVDQkJuc1pzVmlFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpLUhDVL6jb40x42Jrg3T8YrzbKEwe1yFzMFXpiegdsyalAi7TCYyoh4ZhHU_aem_3UO6W_FOyWI70dppWZ6O5Q #/gallery?group=536330

Join Us for the 16th annual World's Best!The Wenatchee World is excited to bring you the 16th annual World’s Best, where your voice matters! - Nomination Round: March 13 at 11 AM – March 23 at 11:59 PM - Voting Round: April 16 at 11 AM – April 26 at 11:59 PM Nominate your favorites during the ...

04/15/2026

Spring isn't just for deep cleaning your home—it's also a chance to clear out the financial clutter that built up over the winter.

Now's a great time to check in on your spending, review automatic payments, organize important documents, and take one small step toward a bigger goal. It doesn't have to be all at once—just one thing at a time.

Need help figuring out where to start? Reach out—I'm happy to help.


🔗 Sources
CNBC, April 2025
Kiplinger, March 2024
American Express, March 2024

04/01/2026

02/25/2026

More than 200 love letters discovered in a Nashville home are now offering a deeply personal look at one couple’s courtship during World War II.

The letters, written between William Raymond “Ray” Whittaker and Jane Dean, trace their relationship from early uncertainty to marriage — all while Ray served in the Army.

Found years later and donated to the Metro Nashville Archives, the collection is now digitally available through the Nashville Public Library. Beyond romance, the letters reveal:
• The realities of military life during WWII
• Honest conversations about love, doubt, and distance
• Glimpses of racial and social dynamics of the era
• The emotional toll of uncertainty during wartime

In one early letter, Jane writes that hearing from Ray was both “pleasant and sad;" she is proud of his service, yet aware of the uncertainty of war. Just months later, they were married.

It’s an intimate reminder that even in complicated times, connection, hope, and commitment endure.


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A trove of more than 200 letters from World War II that were found in a Tennessee home offers an intimate picture of love during wartime.

02/18/2026

As tax season gets underway, reports of tax-related scams tend to rise right along with it. Fraudsters often impersonate the IRS or state tax agencies via emails, texts, phone calls, or social media messages that appear official.

Common red flags include messages claiming a refund has been approved, warnings about unpaid taxes, or requests to “verify” personal or financial information. Government agencies generally do not initiate contact this way, and clicking links or sharing details can expose sensitive information.

Staying aware of these tactics may help reduce the chance of identity theft or fraudulent activity during filing season. If something feels off, it’s worth taking a moment to pause before responding.



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The FTC is warning taxpayers to keep an eye out for phishing and smishing scams aimed at stealing tax refunds and personal data.

02/13/2026

As preparations ramp up for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, volunteers and performers are already hard at work shaping the opening ceremony 🎭❄️

Inside a massive rehearsal space near Milan’s San Siro stadium, dancers, musicians, and volunteers are practicing a carefully choreographed production celebrating Italian culture, creativity, and collaboration. The ceremony will blend tradition with modern staging, offering viewers a glimpse of how large-scale global events come to life behind the scenes.

It’s a reminder that moments we experience in just a few hours often take months of coordination, creativity, and teamwork to bring together.



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Classically trained dancers from La Scala’s academy are rehearsing for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.

02/04/2026

Homeownership can bring added considerations during tax season.

As the IRS begins accepting 2026 tax returns, homeowners may be reviewing whether to itemize deductions or take the standard deduction. Depending on individual circumstances, certain expenses tied to owning a home may still be eligible for tax treatment under current rules, including mortgage interest and property-related costs.

Because tax situations vary, it may be helpful to review what applies to you before filing.

If you have questions about how these items show up in your overall financial picture, feel free to reach out. For specific tax guidance, it’s best to connect directly with your qualified tax professional. I’m happy to coordinate with them to ensure your financial strategy is aligned.



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It will mostly be business as usual for homeowners this tax season. However, new changes introduced under the "big, beautiful bill" may affect how they file.

01/29/2026

As the U.S. enters 2026, economists are watching several key factors that may influence the economic landscape in the year ahead. While growth held up better than expected in 2025, many households continue to feel pressure from elevated costs.

Among the biggest questions are whether inflation will continue to cool, how the Federal Reserve may respond to changes in employment, and whether housing affordability will improve gradually over time. Experts are also monitoring how the adoption of artificial intelligence could affect job growth and productivity, as well as whether stock market gains can be broadened beyond a small group of leading companies.

Taken together, these factors suggest a year shaped less by dramatic shifts and more by gradual adjustment, as businesses and consumers respond to evolving economic conditions.



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From stubbornly high living costs to a softer labor market, economists say these are the forces that will shape the year ahead.