Ian R. Hastings, MBA, CHFC, RICP

09/07/2026

Worried about passing your wealth to a troubled adult child?There are strategies that can help.

The money problems or bad lifestyle habits of adult children could lead to the squandering of any inheritance they receive.

09/07/2026

Which month historically gives the S&P 500 its biggest headache?

If you said October, think again!

Although October has a reputation for market events, September is actually the month that's experienced more downturns.

September finishes higher less than half the time (historically around 44 percent).

There are theories behind it.

Institutions often rebalance their portfolios at the end of the third quarter, adding to the volatility.
Traders return from a slower summer, which can shake up trading.

And the federal government's fiscal year ends September 30, so budget uncertainty also tends to land in September.

Did you already know this? Or is this new news?

The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index that is considered representative of the U.S. stock market. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.

09/04/2026

This piece presents an overview of fundamental steps to consider when a loved one passes.

An overview of some fundamental steps when a loved one passes.

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.

Monthly Market Insights | September 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Renewed enthusiasm for AI pushed stocks higher in August as investors looked past mixed economic signals. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.62 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 3.93 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...

09/03/2026

Most families think they have until next June to file the FAFSA.

For a lot of state and school aid, that's already too late.

FAFSA for the 2027-28 school year is set to open on October 1.

The federal deadline runs through June 30, 2028, but most states and colleges set their own deadlines, some as early as January, and aid is often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

File in October, and you're near the front of the line. Wait until spring, and the aid you were counting on may already be spoken for.

Tip: Create your FSA ID at StudentAid.gov before October 1 arrives, ahead of the day-one rush.

If you have a student applying to college this year, make a note in your calendar.

09/02/2026

Saving for college doesn’t have to be as complicated as college itself.

Here's a crash course on saving for college.

08/31/2026

U.S. Service Members should consider taking advantage of programs that are available.

Military families face unique challenges, making personal finance even more critical.

08/28/2026

The financial risks to consider when evaluating self insurance?

Choosing to bear the financial burden of an adverse event is called self-insuring. Do you know what that entails?

08/26/2026

Property taxes too high? Here are ways to potentially lower your assessment.

For homeowners who think their property taxes are too high, there are ways to appeal.

08/24/2026

What can a fairy tale teach us about goal-setting success? Watch our video and find out.

Do you know how to set up your financial goals for success? This knight does.