BARR Financial Services, LLC

09/07/2026

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...

09/07/2026

A disability could keep you from work and increase costs. How can you protect yourself?

In the event of an unforeseen accident or illness, disability insurance may be a good way to protect your income and savings.

09/07/2026

"Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don't let anyone limit your dreams." (Donovan Bailey) Today, we celebrate your hard work, sacrifice, and dreams. Happy Labor Day!

09/04/2026

🏈 Football season is almost here, and all 32 NFL teams are bringing something new to the field.

From offseason moves and fresh faces to shifting expectations across every division, there’s no shortage of storylines heading into 2026.

The season opens with the New England Patriots facing the Seattle Seahawks in a Super Bowl 60 rematch, and that’s just the beginning.

Whether you’re following your hometown team, setting a fantasy lineup, or just counting down to Sundays on the couch, now’s a great time to catch up on what changed during the offseason.

🏆 Which team are you watching most closely this season?


Source:

NBC Sports has 32 team previews full of stats, storylines and projections that could shape your favorite team’s season.

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.

09/03/2026

10 tips that can head-off marriage money problems.

Couples may be able to head off many of the problems in a marriage that money can cause.

09/03/2026

Protecting your future is easy. Rethink life insurance today. Contact me to find out more.

09/03/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.

A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.

School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.

The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.

Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.

Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.

For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.


Source:

U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.

09/02/2026

A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years. Explore what that means in this helpful piece.

A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.

09/02/2026