Blog
Continuing Care Retirement Communities: What They Cost, How They Work, and When to Start Preparing
Why Is This Conversation So Important Right Now? The U.S. is in the middle of a sustained demographic shift. More than 61 million adults are aged 65 and older as of 2025, and that number is projected to reach approximately 82 million...
Read MoreGroundhog Day All Over Again
Markets climbed to record highs as vague peace assurances drove tech and semiconductors higher. Hormuz remains closed, crude near 2026 highs, and inflation data this week will test the Fed's resolve.
Read MoreStrait Remains Closed, Markets Pivot to Earnings
Nasdaq and S&P hit record closes as Intel surges 109% YTD. Oil climbs 12% as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Five Magnificent Seven companies report this week, headlined by Amazon, Alphabet, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft.
Read MoreComplacency Meets Reality
Markets surged on hopes the Strait of Hormuz had reopened, but the détente lasted barely 48 hours. With inflation arriving in earnest and the AI trade delivering spectacular results, it was a week of stark contrasts.
Read MoreWhen Should I Start Taking Social Security: 5 Factors to Consider
Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall...
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A Schwab Client’s Guide to Donor-Advised Funds: Tax-Smart Giving with Everything in One Place
DAFs at Schwab can streamline tax-smart giving—especially in high-income years, with appreciated stock, IPO events, sales, or windfalls.
Read MoreMarkets Rally, But Headwinds Persist
Markets rallied last week despite slowing growth, surging inflation, and no resolution in Iran. Q1 earnings season kicks off this week with the major banks, Taiwan Semi, and Netflix in focus.
Read MoreA Roth for Kids - By Another Name
Don’t Let the Name Distract From the OpportunityAt Contango Wealth Management, we focus on substance over labels. And while this new children’s savings vehicle—often called a “Trump Account” (or 530A account)—may not resonate with...
Read MoreMarkets Rally Amid Policy Whipsaw
Markets rallied as shifting U.S. messaging on Iran drove volatility. Oil surged amid uncertainty, while economic data showed mixed strength with solid hiring but softer services activity.
Read MoreTeaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making
If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high? Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated...
Read MoreMarkets Slide as Conflict Escalates
Markets declined as Middle East tensions escalated, pushing oil prices higher and adding pressure to equities. Major indexes moved closer to correction territory while economic data remained mixed and largely in line with expectations.
Read MoreHelping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way
Key TakeawaysHere are some questions this blog aims to answer:How can parents or grandparents help with a down payment for adult children?What are ways to gift a down payment, and how do the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime...
Read MoreGeopolitics and Inflation Weigh on Markets
Markets fell as Middle East tensions and Strait of Hormuz risks weighed on sentiment. Hotter inflation reduced Fed cut expectations, pushing yields higher. Oil stayed elevated, while earnings remained generally constructive.
Read MoreWar Continues, Oil Climbs
Markets fell as oil surged amid Middle East tensions and a disrupted Strait of Hormuz. Economic data showed slowing growth & persistent inflation. We will tactically rebalance tax-deferred accounts in response to current market conditions.
Read MoreThree Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Key TakeawaysHow much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter?What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last?How common is it for women to be...
Read MoreTax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...
Read More20FEB2026 Market Recap
Markets gained after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs, though new temporary tariffs followed. Fed minutes signaled no imminent rate cuts as inflation edged higher. Rising geopolitical tensions and oil prices add potential volatility.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...
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