schultz-new-build

Inflation Update

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:22:16 GMT

All signs pointed to potential trouble.

Sticky inflation. Tariffs heating up. Energy costs on the rise.

Economists warned that the next inflation report would signal surging prices and stall any hope of a rate cut.

But then the numbers came in, and they told a different story.

Prices did rise in September, but not as much as expected. In fact, the report showed signs of cooling across several key categories.

That’s a rare moment of relief for investors, policymakers, and anyone trying to stay financially grounded in a volatile year.

Why?

Recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics dropped one of the only official economic reports we’ve seen since the government shutdown began: the September inflation data.

The takeaway? Inflation is still rising…but more slowly than expected.

Consumer prices ticked up 0.3% last month, bringing the annual rate to 3%. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, also eased a bit.1

Gas prices spiked, and food costs crept higher, but those looked more like outliers than the norm. Most prices stayed relatively steady, hinting that the recent inflation surge may be losing steam.1

Wall Street initially responded positively.

Stocks surged, with each of the major indices ending the day at record highs. Add in better-than-expected corporate earnings, and markets closed the week with a wave of optimism heading into the Fed’s latest rate decision.2

In other words, analysts braced for a blowout. But the numbers came in cooler than expected.

Inflation’s still rising, just not as fast. And that’s what the Fed’s been aiming for.

The softer inflation data gives Fed Chair Jerome Powell some breathing room. He’s been trying to cool inflation without slowing the economy too much. At the most recent meeting (October 28th-29th), the Fed cut rates by 0.25% but emphasized this doesn't guarantee a December cut, with officials wanting to see more data.3 This inflation data provides one piece of the puzzle as the Fed weighs future policy adjustments.

Why does that matter? Because lower interest rates can ripple through the economy in ways that may affect your financial life:

Borrowing could get cheaper. When rates come down, you might see some relief on mortgages, auto loans, or credit card balances.
Businesses may catch a tailwind . Lower rates can help companies invest, hire, and grow…supporting the broader economy.
Market reactions can vary. While rate cuts have historically supported markets in some conditions, the response depends on many factors including economic context and future policy expectations. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results, and volatility is always possible.
Yields on CDs and savings accounts may dip. When the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, banks usually respond quickly by slashing payouts on CDs and savings accounts.
The U.S. dollar might dip. Lower interest rates usually, though not always, clip the U.S. dollar. A weaker greenback makes American-made goods more affordable abroad, which helps exports. But it could also make international travel more expensive if you’re planning a trip.

There’s one more ripple effect to note, especially for retirees. The government uses the same inflation data in this report to calculate cost-of-living adjustments, or COLAs, for Social Security.

Following the recent release, the Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% COLA for 2026. That means benefit payments will get a modest bump starting in January…a welcome boost for millions of retirees trying to keep pace with rising costs.4

This inflation report had the potential to rattle nerves. And with prices still elevated, that concern was valid.

The numbers confirmed what matters for planning purposes: inflation is moderating, not accelerating. Markets reflected this in their pricing. And the Fed maintained flexibility for its next moves.

These are data points, not turning points. But they help us understand the environment we're navigating.

Sources:

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025 [URL: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm].

2. Reuters, 2025 [URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/wall-st-futures-rise-intel-boost-ahead-inflation-test-2025-10-24/].

3. CNBC, 2025 [URL: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/29/fed-rate-decision-october-2025.html]

4. Social Security Administration, 2025 [URL: https://www.ssa.gov/cola/].

The Shutdown and Your Portfolio

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:18:28 GMT

You’ve probably seen the headlines: the U.S. government has shut down again.

It is the kind of story that dominates the news cycle, stirs up anxiety, and makes investors wonder, “Should I be doing something?”

But here is the thing: headlines are not the whole story. And a disciplined strategy does not panic over politics.

Let’s walk through what is happening, what it could mean for you, and why it is not a reason to hit the panic button.

A government shutdown happens when Congress cannot agree on a budget. Without a funding deal, certain government operations pause until lawmakers reach a compromise.

It is a bit like a flight hitting turbulence. The plane is still flying, but the seatbelt sign is on. The pilot has asked everyone to stay seated, and the flight attendants have temporarily stopped service. Things feel uncertain, but the essential systems are still running, and the crew is working to smooth things out.

So what does this mean in practical terms?

Many federal workers are furloughed without pay.

Social Security checks still go out, but new applications or benefit changes could be delayed.

Passport offices and IRS services may slow down or close.

FAFSA processing and Medicare updates might take longer than usual.

And the markets? They tend to dislike uncertainty, but they have also shown a history of resilience.

Over the 22 shutdowns since 1976, the S&P 500's performance has varied—rising during some closures and falling during others. Across all these episodes, the average return was about 0.3%, suggesting that these disruptions have tended to have minimal lasting impact.1

Of course, past performance does not guarantee future results. Every shutdown is different. But historically, markets have often taken these disruptions in stride.

Which brings us to what really matters: your strategy.

This is not the first shutdown, and it will not be the last. Markets rise. Politics clash. Headlines flare up.

But a strategy should be designed for moments like this.

Diversified? You are spreading risk, not stacking it.
Focused on the long term? You goal is to ride out the short-term noise.
Working with a financial professional? You are not reacting. You are staying ready.

The goal was never to avoid uncertainty. It was to be prepared for it.

Sources:

CBS News, 2025 [URL: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2025-government-shutdown-stock-market/]

Chart Source:

The Conference Board, 2025 [URL: https://www.conference-board.org/topics/us-leading-indicators/ ]

What the Fed sees...and why it matters

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 15:15:07 GMT

The Fed is sending up a flare: the economy may be softening.

In a recent speech, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled that interest rate cuts could be on the table soon.

He expressed rising concern about the job market, noting a sharp slowdown in hiring and the risk of further weakness ahead.

And he’s not alone. Other indicators have started pointing in the same direction.

Taken together, these signals point to potential shifts in economic momentum that could affect interest rates, the markets, and your financial plan.

Let’s start with what has the Fed most concerned: jobs.

In his speech, Powell highlighted several worrying trends in the labor market. Over the past three months, employers have added an average of just 35,000 jobs per month. That’s a steep drop from the 168,000 monthly average we saw in 2024.1

Long-term unemployment is rising too. Nearly 1.8 million Americans have been out of work for more than 27 weeks, up 20% from a year ago.2

In his words, “the stability of the unemployment rate allows us to proceed carefully,” but the recent data may “warrant adjusting our policy stance.”3

Translation: interest rate cuts are on the table.

But it’s not just the Fed chair who’s raising concerns about the economy. Other reports have started to echo that same message.

One of the most telling is the Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index, or LEI.

Think of the LEI like an early warning indicator on your car’s dashboard. It pulls together a range of forward-looking signals from across the economy like manufacturing orders, building permits, jobless claims, and consumer sentiment.

No single indicator tells the whole story. But when multiple indicators start showing similar warning signs, it's worth paying attention.

In July, the LEI declined for the sixth month in a row.4

The chart below shows how sharp LEI declines like this have correlated with recessions over the past two decades.

So, what does this all mean?

For the economy, it suggests a shift toward slower growth (and possibly a mild recession) is becoming more likely. If that happens, the Fed may cut rates to help cushion the impact, making it cheaper to borrow and invest. But it’s also a sign that economic momentum is softening, which can affect businesses and workers alike.

For your personal finances, lower interest rates could reduce borrowing costs on things like mortgages, credit cards, or car loans. At the same time, savings accounts and other interest-based products may see lower yields. Managing cash flow and debt wisely becomes even more important in an environment like this.

For your investments, things can feel a bit counterintuitive. A slowing economy (which often triggers rate cuts) can sometimes be good for both stocks and bonds. Why? Because lower interest rates reduce borrowing costs, which can boost corporate profits and investor appetite, especially in sectors like real estate and technology. Bonds may also benefit as yields fall and existing bond prices rise. That’s why the S&P 500 closed at record high last week.5

While none of this calls for immediate action, it does call for attention.

A well-structured retirement strategy can help navigate market shifts like these.

But if anything in your life has changed (or if you just want to stress test your strategy), it’s a great time to talk.

Sources:

The Federal Reserve, 2025 [URL: https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/powell20250822a.htm ]

CBS News, 2025 [URL: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jobs-employment-slowdown-layoffs-federal-reserve-jerome-powell-charts/ ]

The Federal Reserve, 2025 [URL: https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/powell20250822a.htm ]

The Conference Board, 2025 [URL: https://www.conference-board.org/topics/us-leading-indicators/ ]

Reuters, 2025 [URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/dow-notches-record-high-wall-street-cheers-powells-speech-2025-08-22/ ]

Chart Source:

The Conference Board, 2025 [URL: https://www.conference-board.org/topics/us-leading-indicators/ ]

The Economy Slows... But Stocks Roar

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 15:01:50 GMT

What if we told you the economy is slowing… yet some investors are cheering?

Sounds backward, right? But it is happening in plain sight.

Look around. Fewer “Help Wanted” signs. Quiet shifts at your favorite restaurant. Friends delaying big purchases.

You’re not imagining it. The data says the slowdown is real:

73,000 jobs added in July (well below expectations) ¹
258,000 jobs erased from prior months after revisions ¹
4.2% unemployment , the highest in two years ¹
1.97 million continuing jobless claims, the most since late 2021 ²
Weak factory data pointing to manufacturing cutbacks ³

And yet, the S&P 500 keeps breaking records. It’s already up more than 8% year-to-date .

So what is going on?

Let’s break it down into three big reasons that are possibly driving the market right now.

1) Lower rates are on the table

Thanks to the recent swath of weak numbers, investors are speculating that the Federal Reserve could start cutting interest rates later this year. ⁴

Think of the Fed as the country’s financial thermostat. If the economy is cooling too much, it turns up the heat.

Lower rates make it cheaper for companies to borrow and invest. They also make bonds less appealing, which pushes more money toward stocks.

Imagine a seesaw. On one side: stocks. On the other: bonds. Lower rates tip the balance toward stocks.

That is why bad economic news can sometimes push markets higher. Investors are betting the Fed will step in.

2) A few giants carry the market

The “Magnificent 7” — Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Nvidia, Meta, and Tesla — have powered much of this year’s rally.

In the second quarter, analysts project these companies will see their earnings jump 14.1% year-over-year.

The other 493 stocks in the S&P 500, by comparison, expect to report earnings growth of 3.4% . ⁵

Because the Magnificent 7 make up such a large share of the index, their wins can lift the market even if many companies are struggling.

This concentration means a diversified portfolio might not mirror headline market moves, and that's actually a good thing. It shows you’re not betting everything on a handful of tech giants.

3) Money is still flowing in

Years of stimulus and government spending have left plenty of cash in the system. That money has to go somewhere.

Investor sentiment matters, too.

Over the past decade, many have been conditioned to buy the dip because markets have often bounced back quickly.

Combine that with the ease of app-based trading, and rallies can feed on themselves.

Think of it like a campfire. The wood is already stacked. It only takes a small spark for the flames to rise.

The bottom line

These three forces, rate cut expectations, a handful of dominant companies, and strong investor sentiment, can push markets higher even when the economy might be slowing.

All of them are tied to expectations and human behavior, not just today’s numbers.

That is why chasing headlines is risky.

It is also why emotional decisions can derail a well-built plan.

Our role is to help you interpret the headlines, not react to them.

To show how market moves reflect both economics and psychology. And to help you make choices that align with your long-term goals and values.

Markets will always swing. Your plan should help keep you steady.

If you are wondering how this environment fits with your strategy, let’s talk. We can review your allocation and help ensure it is built for your future, not the market’s current mood.

Journal of Financial Economics, 2018 [URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304405X18301521?via%3Dihu ]
W. P. Carey School of Business, 2024 [URL: https://wpcarey.asu.edu/department-finance/faculty-research/do-stocks-outperform-treasury-bills#:~:text=Dec.%2031%2C%202022-,Updated%20spreadsheet,-%E2%80%94%20U.S.%20public ]

Picking stocks? The odds might not be in your favor

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 19:26:08 GMT

Here’s a stat that stops a lot of people in their tracks:

Less than 4% of all U.S. stocks have been responsible for the market’s net gains going back nearly 100 years.1

That’s from a landmark study by Professor Hendrik Bessembinder of Arizona State University, titled Do Stocks Outperform Treasury Bills?1

When it was first published in 2018, it made waves. And now, newly updated data through the end of 2024 confirms what the original research showed:

A small handful of companies are responsible for almost all the market’s wealth creation.2

To put it in perspective, picking one of the long-term winners at random is a bit like rolling a 25-sided die and hoping to land on a single number.

Even more eye-opening? Just one-third of one percent of stocks created half of all the market’s lifetime gains. We’re talking about names like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia.2

Apple alone has delivered nearly $4.7 trillion in shareholder wealth. That’s almost 6% of all the wealth generated by the entire U.S. stock market since 1926.2

The top five stocks together? Over 21% of lifetime market wealth.2

The rest of the market? Most stocks either underperformed safe government bonds or lost value altogether.2

This happens, Bessembinder believes, because most companies struggle to grow or maintain market share. A few, on the other hand, create breakthrough products, dominate industries, or ride powerful long-term trends. Those outliers deliver gains so large, they carry the whole market.

That’s why stock returns aren’t distributed evenly. They're lopsided. A small number of big winners end up covering for thousands of smaller or failing companies.

So what does this mean for investors?

To be clear, Bessembinder’s study is based on historical data. It’s always worth emphasizing that past results do not guarantee future returns.

Additionally, the study also doesn’t say investors should avoid the stock market. Quite the opposite.

Historically, equities have represented one of the most powerful ways to build long-term wealth.

But the catch is this: most of those returns come from a very small number of companies, and it's nearly impossible to know in advance which ones will be the standouts.

Even professional investors, with research teams and advanced tools, rarely get it right year after year.

For individual investors, chasing the next Amazon might feel exciting. But statistically, it’s much more likely to end in frustration.

So instead of trying to guess which stocks will succeed, the study points to broad market exposure as a more reliable approach for capturing long-term gains.

With a diversified portfolio, you don’t have to find the needles. You might already own most of the haystack!

That’s the beauty of broad market investing. You could potentially capture the rare winners without needing to predict them.

Want to know how your current strategy stacks up?

This message is intended to educate, not to offer personalized advice. But if you're unsure what this means for your specific situation, let's talk about it.

No pressure. Just a helpful conversation about investing with confidence.

Journal of Financial Economics, 2018 [URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304405X18301521?via%3Dihu ]
W. P. Carey School of Business, 2024 [URL: https://wpcarey.asu.edu/department-finance/faculty-research/do-stocks-outperform-treasury-bills#:~:text=Dec.%2031%2C%202022-,Updated%20spreadsheet,-%E2%80%94%20U.S.%20public ]

What the New Tax Bill Could Mean for You

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:12:15 GMT

You've likely heard about this from every possible media channel.

A sweeping new tax law just hit the books.

It’s called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” and it could represent a big overhaul to household finances.

Think of it like a home renovation. The 2017 tax cuts laid the foundation. This law keeps the structure, adds new features, and rips out a few that may no longer fit.

We won't dance around the issue: This bill is controversial.

Some people love it. Others don’t.

Yet no matter how you feel about the politics behind it, what we want to break down in this email is how it might affect you.

Your taxes, your savings, your financial future.

Here's a high-level breakdown of some of the key changes in the bill:1

Tax brackets will stay the same for now. Lower income tax rates and higher standard deductions are now permanent. In 2025, the deduction rises to $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly.

State and local tax (SALT) deduction cap quadruples. It jumps from $10,000 to $40,000 in 2025, with annual increases through 2029.

Seniors get a bigger break. If you’re 65 or older, you may qualify for an extra $6,000 deduction, depending on income.

New help for families. The Child Tax Credit bumps up to $2,200. And every baby born between 2025 and 2028 gets a $1,000 “Trump Account” to start saving for the future.

Student loan system overhaul. Repayment plans like SAVE and PAYE are going away. PLUS loan caps are coming. The Grad PLUS program ends July 1, 2026.

529 plans just got more flexible. You can now use them for K–12 tuition (up to $20,000), educational therapies, and more.

Temporary perks, disappearing credits. New deductions apply to tipped income, overtime, and U.S.-made car loans. Credits for EVs and clean energy are being phased out.

It’s a lot.

This law is more than 900 pages long. Some changes start right away, others in 2026.

And while the headlines are political, the impact is personal. That's the focus with this email.

The good news? You don’t have to navigate this alone.

With changes this significant, it can be helpful to review how they might affect your specific financial picture. Whether you're adjusting your savings strategy or exploring how new tax breaks might apply to you, a conversation about your situation can help you stay ahead of these changes.

If you have questions about how this might impact you, we're here to help walk through it. Just reach out and we'll find a time to connect.

Congress.gov, 2025 [URL: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text ]

Markets at All-Time Highs: What Should You Do Now?

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:37:14 GMT

The S&P 500 just closed at another all-time high.

Cue the headlines. Cue the opinions.

And for many investors? Cue the hesitation.

When markets are setting records, it can feel like the worst possible time to put new money to work.

After all, nobody wants to buy at the top.

But here's the thing: All-time highs are not rare.

In fact, they’re more like mile markers on a long journey.

Between 1950 and 2024, the S&P 500 has hit more than 1,250 of them. That’s over 16 new highs per year, on average.1

So if you’re thinking, “Maybe I’ll wait for a better entry point,” you’re definitely not alone.

But let’s break it down…

Investing at all-time highs has actually produced solid results, often not far off from investing at any random time.

Here’s how those returns compare:

1-year holding period: 11.2% after all-time highs vs. 12.6% for all periods
3-year holding period: 10.9% vs. 11.5%
5-year holding period: 10.3% vs. 11.3%

In other words, investing at a market high has been just slightly below average… still solid, and far from concerning.

There’s more.

Since 1950, the market has dropped more than 10% in the year following an all-time high only 9% of the time.

Look out 10 years, and the S&P 500 has never ended that period more than 10% down after any of its record highs.

That’s a powerful reminder for long-term investors.

Waiting to invest because prices are high is like waiting to fill your gas tank until prices drop.

You might save a little.

Or you might make the road trip take longer than planned.

Yes, the market could pull back. But it might not. And sitting on the sidelines while prices climb can be more costly than it seems.

So, what could you do?

I’m not saying to chase the highs.

I’m not saying you should try to time the market.

And I’m definitely not saying these historical returns will play out the same way in the future.

But I am saying this:

History shows that investing at all-time highs has not been as risky as many investors assume. It’s been, at least historically, a reasonable time to invest. And for long-term investors, it has often worked out just fine.

If you’re not sure what to do next, let’s talk about your options.

You don’t have to guess.

You don’t have to go it alone.

And you definitely don’t have to let fear steer your financial plan.

1. Shiller Data, 2025 [URL: https://shillerdata.com/]

2. Bloomberg, RBC GAM, 2024 [URL: https://www.rbcgam.com/en/ca/learn-plan/investment-basics/investing-at-all-time-highs/detail]

3. Shiller Data, 2025 [URL: https://shillerdata.com/]

Chart sources:

Bloomberg, RBC GAM, 2024 [URL: https://www.rbcgam.com/en/ca/learn-plan/investment-basics/investing-at-all-time-highs/detail]

3 Reliable Ways to Help Steady Your Income

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:09:58 GMT

As workers, most of us are accustomed to receivi ng a regular paycheck on a steady basis. It's especially welcome in turbulent times.

If you're in the critical period of five years before or ten years after retirement, you're probably worried about replacing your paycheck during times like these.

The market and economy teeter back and forth, and you're concerned about being caught on the downside right when you need the money. If you're not sure how you're going to create a paycheck-like cash flow for your retirement, you're in the right place.

This no cost guide is specially designed to help you discover how you can create a reliable stream of income to help steady your finances even when times are unstable.

You might be asking yourself:

What happens to my income when the stock market drops?
How will I maintain my standard of living when the economy is struggling?
Is there anything I can do to help stabilize my cash flow, even if my investments are fluctuating?
How do I handle the uncertain future without giving up too much?
Will my spouse be able to enjoy a steady stream of cash flow when I’m gone?

If any of the questions resonate with you, keep reading!

Fundamental 1: Social Security

Social Security might be the biggest source of government-guaranteed, inflation adjusted, lifetime income you'll have in retirement, but but making sense of all of the available information can be confusing.

Fortunately, there are still decisions you can make to boost your Social Security payout.

Do you know how to get the most out of your Social Security benefits? Key questions you should ask:

Do I know when to file to maximize the income my spouse and I receive from Social Security?
Do I know my "break-even" point between filing early (to claim for a longer timeframe) and filing later (to claim a larger benefit)?
Have I reviewed how the recent retirement rule changes could affect me?
Do I understand how my benefits, my spouse's benefits, and potentially my ex-spouse's benefits can be combined to produce the highest amount available?
Have I discussed my Social Security claiming strategy with a financial professional?

Fundamental 2: Pension Benefits

Though many Americans no longer have access to pension plans, some do. Pensions can be a crucial component to help provide steady retirement income if you have access to one.

Understanding how to potentially maximize your benefits is key to optimizing this key source of income.

Do you have clarity on how your pension benefits will affect your retirement? Key questions you should ask:

How does my pension affect my or my spouse's Social Security?
Does my pension options provide contingency planning for my spouse?
Do I understand how my pension will adapt to future inflation? Am I aware of methods that will help me potentially increase my pension payout?
Have I reviewed my potential health care benefits to coordinate with Medicare?
Do I have clarity on what percentage of my expenses will be covered by my pension when I begin receiving the income?
Have I researched the organization providing my pension for its financial health and likelihood of payout?
Have I discussed how my pension fits within my overall strategy for the future with a financial professional?

Fundamental 3: Advanced Strategies

Transitioning your portfolio from the "building phas e" to the "retirement phase" is crucial to creating your stable income stream.

Fortunately, there are many strategies that don't fluctuate just because the stock market does. Including these assets for a portion of your portfolio can help steady it, even when markets or the economy are teetering on the edge.1,2

Do you understand where and how you should consider using alternative income strategies in your investment portfolio? Key questions you should ask:

Am I protected from sequence-of-returns risk if the stock market continues to be volatile?
Am I positioned to take advantage of higher interest rates if and when they occur during my retirement?
Have I reviewed my portfolio to understand how my income is/will be generated?
Do I have a portion of my assets positioned to provide a guaranteed stream of income?
Have I planned for the contingency of my spouse outliving me?
Are there other advanced strategies for a steady income stream that I should consider?
Have I discussed adding advanced income strategies in my portfolio with a financial professional?

Don't Allow Stock Market Uncertainty to Destabilize Your Retirement Income

Not confident about whether you'll be able to turn assets into income in your later years?

You're not alone. Contact us to set up a NO COST Steady Income Session to get the answers to your pressing questions about retirement income and your next steps to help create a steady cash flow.

We can help you discover ways to balance chaotic market conditions with a more reliable stream of income through the turbulent times ahead.

Right now you may feel that you don’t have all the answers for creating a workable retirement strategy, and that’s OK. The crucial issue is to identify your challenges and find a way to work around them.

By deciding to learn more about the reliable cash flow options that are already available to you, you’ve taken the first important step. You’re already ahead of the game compared to most people, just by reading through this guide.

We can help you discover your next steps to take you from concern about cash flow to clarity. Your action plan starts with a no cost, no-obligation Steady Income Session. Book yours now!

1 https://www.financial-planning.com/news/the-coronavirus-impact-on-annuities

2 https://www.fa-mag.com/news/generating-retirement-income-with-annuities-60555.html

How AI Scams Are Fooling Smart People

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:49:43 GMT

Voice cloning. Deepfakes. Hyper-personalized emails. AI scams are getting more convincing. Here’s what to watch out for to stay safer and better prepared.

In the 1920s, a man named Victor Lustig convinced dozens of people he had the authority to sell the Eiffel Tower. ¹

Twice.

He forged documents, spoke confidently, and preyed on trust.

Scams aren’t new. The technology just keeps changing.

Today’s scammers don’t need forged papers or fake titles. They have artificial intelligence. And they’re using it to clone voices, create fake videos, and craft eerily personal emails.

Even smart, cautious people can be fooled.

This issue of the Visual Insights Newsletter breaks down five common AI-powered scam tactics , and gives you practical steps to help protect yourself and your loved ones.

#1 Voice Cloning: Trust, Hijacked

AI can now clone a loved one’s voice with exceptional accuracy (often using just a few seconds of audio scraped from online sources). Scammers use it to impersonate family members in distress, tricking victims into sending money during fake emergencies.2

Precautions to take:

Set up a family safe word for real emergencies, and never act based on a voice alone. If something feels off, hang up and call the person back using a number you know is real . Ask a personal question only they would know.

What to know:

Scammers can fake what shows up on your caller ID. It’s called spoofing. Just because it looks like a call from your bank or a family member doesn’t mean it actually is.

#2 Deepfakes: Seeing Isn’t Believing

AI-generated videos and photos can now make it look like someone said or did something they never actually did. ³

From fake celebrity endorsements to political misinformation, deepfakes are being used to deceive. They’re getting harder to spot.

Precautions to take:

If a video or image seems off, don’t react right away. Cross-check with a trusted source, look for coverage from credible outlets, and avoid sharing emotionally charged content until it’s verified.

What to know:

Deepfakes often rely on urgency or shock to bypass your skepticism. Slowing down your reaction is one of the simplest — and most effective — defenses.

#3 Phishing Emails & Texts: Deception, Personalized

Scammers now use AI to craft phishing emails and texts that sound personal, look legitimate, and often mimic real institutions.

They can appear to come from your bank or delivery services like USPS or FedEx. These messages try to trigger urgency or curiosity to get you to click a link or share sensitive information. ⁴

Precautions to take:

Don’t click on links in unexpected messages — even if the name looks familiar. Instead, go directly to the source (like your bank’s website or your account on a retail site) to verify. If a message feels suspicious, check the sender’s address or number carefully and don’t respond.

What to know:

Scammers can spoof both email addresses and phone numbers. They can even use fake websites that look nearly identical to the real thing. If something feels off, pause, verify, and never rush to respond .

#4 Fake Websites: Familiar Look, Fraudulent Intent

Many phishing scams lead you to the next trap: a fake website that looks almost identical to a trusted brand.

Scammers use AI to build convincing clones that mimic real companies, complete with official logos, login forms, and messaging.

Precautions to take:

Avoid entering personal or financial information on a site you reached through an email or text message. Instead, type the website address directly into your browser or use a saved bookmark. Look closely for misspellings or unusual characters in the URL.

What to know:

Just because a website looks legitimate doesn’t mean it is. Scammers use fake links to trick you into handing over passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. ⁵

#5 Personalized Scams: Too Much Information

AI makes it easier for scammers to gather your personal details, from social media posts to public records, and use them to create messages that seem tailored just for you. These scams might reference your job, family, hobbies, or recent events to catch you off guard and earn your trust.

Precautions to take:

Be mindful of what you share online. Adjust your privacy settings and avoid posting information about vacations, birthdays, or family milestones that could be used against you. If a message feels oddly specific or familiar, pause and verify before you respond.

What to know:

Scammers don’t need to hack you when they can simply collect what you’ve made public. The more they know, the more convincing their scams become. ⁶

Stay Ahead of the Scam Curve

These scams are evolving fast, but being informed gives you an advantage. With just a few small changes to your habits and awareness, you can reduce your risk and stay in control.

Which of these scams caught you by surprise?

Which ones could catch someone you care about off guard?

Digital scams don’t just steal information. They target your trust, your time, and your financial sense of security.

The good news is, you don’t need to know everything to stay protected. A few smart habits and conversations can make a big difference.

Staying informed helps you make clearer decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and support others who may be more vulnerable.

When it comes to protecting your wealth and peace of mind, awareness is a powerful first move.

And when digital threats are just one piece of the puzzle, a well-rounded financial strategy becomes even more important.

Whether you're planning for growth, legacy, or long-term protection, we’re here to help you stay one step ahead.

Biography.com, 2018 [URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20181002102234/https://www.biography.com/people/victor-lustig-20657385 ]
Federal Trade Commission, 2023 [URL: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/03/scammers-use-ai-enhance-their-family-emergency-schemes ]
AARP, 2024 [URL: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/ai-scams/ ]
Federal Trade Commission, 2025 [URL: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/think-text-message-usps-it-could-be-scam ]
Federal Trade Commission, 2024 [URL: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/phishing-scams-can-be-hard-spot ]
Social Security Administration, 2025 [URL: https://blog.ssa.gov/resolve-to-protect-yourself-from-scams-this-new-year/

Housing Market Cooling

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:21:53 GMT

After years of runaway growth, the housing market is cooling…like a pot taken off the flame.

Still warm. Still active. But no longer boiling over. And the numbers back it up.

Across the U.S., 117,000 new single-family homes are sitting on the market. That’s the highest level since July 2009 and a 31% jump from last year.1

Regionally, some places are feeling it more than others:

Texas: Active listings are 53% above normal2

Florida: Tampa and Jacksonville lead the country in price cuts3

California: Bay Area pending sales just saw their weakest March since 20124

Even luxury buyers are slowing down.

In April, sales of high-end homes dropped 10% year-over-year.5

That’s not about mortgage rates…many of these buyers pay cash.

It’s about confidence.

That said, prices haven’t plunged.

Home values in the 20 largest metro areas dipped just 0.12% in March.

That’s the first monthly decline after 15 straight gains.6

It’s a small move, but a clear signal that the heat is coming down.

So why does this matter?

Real estate isn’t just a reflection of the economy.

It’s often a preview.

Housing tends to be one of the earliest sectors to respond when things start to shift. That’s why many economists watch it closely. It affects jobs, consumer spending, and local tax revenues.

When people get cautious about housing, that caution can spread. We’re not sounding alarms, but we are paying attention.

So where do we go from here?

It’s tough to say.

There are many variables still in play. Interest rates. Inflation. Employment trends.

That’s why this is a good moment to pause, reassess, and make sure your financial strategy still fits the environment.

Thinking about buying or selling? Considering real estate as part of your portfolio? Just wondering how this fits into your bigger picture?

Let’s talk it through. Markets evolve. Plans adapt.

If you're curious how the current changes in real estate could affect your future plans or investment strategy, We're here to help you think it through.

Fast Company, 2025 [URL: https://www.fastcompany.com/91341501/housing-market-homebuilder-unsold-inventory-swells-to-2009-levels ]
Newsweek, 2025 [URL: https://www.newsweek.com/texas-faces-major-housing-market-correction-prices-drop-across-state-2070190 ]
Realtor.com, 2025 [URL: https://www.realtor.com/research/april-2025-data/ ]
San Francisco Chronicle, 2025 [URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20250602214059/https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/home-sale-price-bay-area-20296381.php ]
Redfin, 2025 [URL: https://www.redfin.com/news/luxury-homes-market-april-2025/ ]
Marketwatch, 2025 [URL: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/home-prices-in-the-biggest-20-markets-decline-for-the-first-time-in-over-two-years-heres-where-theyre-expected-to-fall-the-most-14cebe4f ]

What the GDP Receipt Doesn't Show

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Wed, 14 May 2025 17:12:21 GMT

Recession alarm bells are ringing…again.

The latest GDP report shows the economy shrank by 0.3%.1 That kicked off a flood of doomscrolling, scary headlines, and panicked selling.

But before we jump to conclusions, let's dig into what's really behind the number. Because once you dive into the report, things get quite interesting.

As a quick refresher, think of GDP like a grocery receipt for the entire country.

It adds up everything we produce domestically… goods, services, the works. When that number shrinks, it often signals a problem for a country's economy.

But sometimes, the final tally can be a little bit misleading. And from time to time, it pays to dive a little deeper into the details.

The first number that stands out in last week's report? Business investment. Corporate spending on equipment spiked 22% during the first quarter.2 That number blew most analysts' expectations out of the water. It's strange because that's not something we usually see right before a recession.

Moreover, we also saw a 1.8% bump in consumer spending.3

Keep in mind, that figure wasn't as robust as we have seen in previous quarters. However, Americans usually shut their wallets ahead of a downturn, so this figure represents a vote of confidence in the U.S. economy.

So what then caused the big drop in GDP? A 41% spike in imports.4

Companies raced to stock up on goods ahead of potential tariffs tied to President Trump's proposed trade changes.

Why does that matter?

Because in the GDP equation, imports don't just get ignored. They're actually subtracted.

That means even with solid economic activity, all those extra imports pulled the final number down.

Think of it like this… If GDP is like a grocery receipt, it only counts what we grow or make ourselves.

So if you fill your cart with imported bananas, the house is still full of food. But the total on the receipt drops, because we don't grow those bananas here in America.

That's what happened last quarter. The shelves stayed full, but the receipt looked smaller.

So, what should we take away from all this?

First, the economy still has signs of strength.

People are spending. Companies are investing. The labor market hasn't cracked.

This isn't a recession. Not yet, anyway.

Second, we're not out of the woods. President Trump didn't announce his tariff plan until midway through the quarter. So the real effects of these new policies might not show up until after Q2.

And there's good reason to be worried. A number of leading indicators, such as consumer confidence and the stock market, have started flashing red.

Of course, no one knows what's coming next. But if we are heading towards a recession, what can you do now to prepare?

Here are three simple ways to shore up your finances:

Top off your emergency fund. Having 3 to 6 months of expenses saved gives you breathing room if things shift quickly.

Pay down high-interest debt. It frees up cash flow and lowers your financial stress.

Check your spending habits. A few small tweaks can make a big difference when uncertainty creeps in.

Here's one more thing to remember. While the headlines may change, your long-term goals don't. The plan we've built is designed to hold steady through ups and downs. That's the power of planning ahead.

Sources:

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2025 [URL: https://www.bea.gov/news/2025/gross-domestic-product-1st-quarter-2025-advance-estimate]
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2025 [URL: https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2025-04/gdp1q25-adv.pdf]
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2025 [URL: https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2025-04/gdp1q25-adv.pdf]
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2025 [URL: https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2025-04/gdp1q25-adv.pdf]

What's Your Investment Mindset?

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Wed, 14 May 2025 16:18:59 GMT

More than one-third of adults say they plan to make changes to their investment strategy in 2025. And nearly 9 in 10 are planning to invest the same or more than they did in 2024.1

This signals a shift. Investors are ready to take action with their money.

But making smart moves starts with having the right strategy. Whether you're investing more, shifting your portfolio, or just getting serious about your future, the key is knowing which approach matches your mindset and goals.

There’s no one-size-fits-all investment strategy. But by identifying the approach that aligns with your goals, time horizon, and mindset, you can feel more confident about your financial future.

Whether you’re just getting started or refining a long-term plan, here are five strategies to help you discover your investment mindset and make your money work smarter.

Buy and Hold: For the Patient Investor

Buy and hold is one of the most time-tested strategies in investing. It’s simple: you invest in quality assets like stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds and hold onto them for the long term, regardless of short-term market noise.

This strategy avoids emotional reactions and market timing, which can lead to costly mistakes. Historically, markets have shown periods of growth over time, and a patient, consistent approach helps you benefit from that compounding.

If you believe in the power of long-term growth and want to avoid the stress of chasing trends, this mindset may be your match.

Asset Allocation: For the Balanced Investor
Not too risky, not too conservative, just right.

Asset allocation is about dividing your investments among different asset classes like stocks, bonds, and cash to match your personal risk tolerance and financial goals.

A younger investor might lean more heavily into stocks for growth, while someone nearing retirement might shift toward bonds and more stable assets. The goal is to balance risk and reward across your portfolio in a way that fits your life stage and outlook.

This strategy helps reduce volatility and keeps you grounded, even when markets get choppy.

Dollar Cost Averaging: For the Consistent Investor
Markets go up and down, but that doesn’t mean your investment habits should.

Dollar cost averaging is a strategy where you invest the same amount on a regular schedule, regardless of market conditions. This smooths out the cost of your investments over time and helps remove the temptation to time the market.

You might not buy at the perfect moment, but you’ll avoid buying only when prices are high. It’s a great way to build discipline and stay focused on the big picture.

Growth Investing: For the Ambitious Investor
If you’re focused on building wealth and willing to embrace more risk, growth investing may be your strategy.

Growth investors seek out companies or sectors expected to grow faster than the market, often in tech, healthcare, or innovation-driven industries. While these investments can be more volatile, they may offer long-term growth opportunities.

This strategy requires conviction, research, and the patience to ride out ups and downs for a bigger payoff down the road.

Income Investing: For the Cash-Flow-Focused Investor

Not every investor is chasing growth. Some are focused on generating steady, reliable income, especially in retirement or during periods of low market confidence.

Income investing involves building a portfolio of assets that pay you regularly, such as dividend-paying stocks, bonds, or real estate investment trusts (REITs). It’s a strategy designed to provide stability and financial flexibility without needing to sell off assets to access cash.

If peace of mind and predictable returns matter more than aggressive growth, this might be your investing mindset.

Bonus Insight: Tax-Efficient Investing For the Strategic Investor

No matter which strategy you lean into, taxes can eat away at your returns if you’re not careful.

That’s why tax-efficient investing, like holding certain assets in tax-advantaged accounts, using tax-loss harvesting, or converting to Roth accounts at strategic times, is a key layer of a smart plan.

It’s not about avoiding taxes, it’s about managing them intentionally so more of your money works for you over time. A financial professional can help you identify the right moves for your situation.

What's Your Investment Mindset?

Sources:

New York Life, 2025 [URL: https://www.newyorklife.com/newsroom/2025/wealth-watch-2025-outlook ]

Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Wed, 14 May 2025 16:04:45 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Make a list

Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly

Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.

Keep in touch with site visitors and boost loyalty

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Wed, 14 May 2025 16:04:45 GMT

There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.

Here are some reasons to make blogging part of your regular routine.

Blogging is an easy way to engage with site visitors

Writing a blog post is easy once you get the hang of it. Posts don’t need to be long or complicated. Just write about what you know, and do your best to write well.

Show customers your personality

When you write a blog post, you can really let your personality shine through. This can be a great tool for showing your distinct personality.

Blogging is a terrific form of communication

Blogs are a great communication tool. They tend to be longer than social media posts, which gives you plenty of space for sharing insights, handy tips and more.

It’s a great way to support and boost SEO

Search engines like sites that regularly post fresh content, and a blog is a great way of doing this. With relevant metadata for every post so search engines can find your content.

Drive traffic to your site

Every time you add a new post, people who have subscribed to it will have a reason to come back to your site. If the post is a good read, they’ll share it with others, bringing even more traffic!

Blogging is free

Maintaining a blog on your site is absolutely free. You can hire bloggers if you like or assign regularly blogging tasks to everyone in your company.

A natural way to build your brand

A blog is a wonderful way to build your brand’s distinct voice. Write about issues that are related to your industry and your customers.

Tips for writing great posts that increase your site traffic

digital@triadpartners.com (Triad Digital) — Wed, 14 May 2025 16:04:45 GMT

Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.

Speak to your audience

You know your audience better than anyone else, so keep them in mind as you write your blog posts. Write about things they care about. If you have a company Facebook page, look here to find topics to write about

Take a few moments to plan your post

Once you have a great idea for a post, write the first draft. Some people like to start with the title and then work on the paragraphs. Other people like to start with subtitles and go from there. Choose the method that works for you.

Don’t forget to add images

Be sure to include a few high-quality images in your blog. Images break up the text and make it more readable. They can also convey emotions or ideas that are hard to put into words.

Edit carefully before posting

Once you’re happy with the text, put it aside for a day or two, and then re-read it. You’ll probably find a few things you want to add, and a couple more that you want to remove. Have a friend or colleague look it over to make sure there are no mistakes. When your post is error-free, set it up in your blog and publish.