Newsletters

Happy July! We hope you had a wonderful weekend filled with family, fireworks, and celebration. 

We've wrapped up the first half of 2025 and it's brought its fair share of market volatility, driven by a mix of global economic uncertainty, tariff news, and interest rate debates.  The news cycle has been fast-paced and often unpredictable also making the midpoint of 2025 a perfect time to reflect on both the year so far and the bigger picture—your path to financial independence. Whether it’s retiring comfortably, traveling freely, or leaving a legacy, we’re here to help you define and work toward that goal with confidence and clarity. As we often remind our clients: financial independence isn’t just about having a number—it’s about having choices. 

To help you stay on track, we’ll begin sending out reminders next week to schedule your annual review with our office. These meetings are a valuable opportunity to make sure your financial strategy remains aligned with your goals and current circumstances. Whether it's a brief check-in or a more in-depth planning discussion, your annual review allows us to make thoughtful adjustments and ensure your portfolio continues to support your long-term vision for the rest of the year and beyond.

Wishing you a great summer and we look forward to seeing you in the coming months!

Welcome to May. We hope your month is off to a good start and you've been able to get out and enjoy some of the warmer weather we've been experiencing. 

Market Update: We witnessed significant market volatility last month, primarily driven by aggressive U.S. trade policies and fluctuating economic indicators. U.S. equities experienced a dramatic selloff initially, but then recovered during the last two weeks as many earnings reports came in better than many expected. While most companies are reluctant to give concrete forward guidance, they're also still seeing hard data that points to a strong U.S. consumer. If trade wars persist through the summer, we would expect that increased prices could hurt consumers which would potentially show up in the Q2 earnings reports in July. 

We understand that these market swings can be unsettling, especially for those approaching or already in retirement.  If you have specific questions about how your portfolio may be effected, please don't hesitate to reach out. That's what we're here for! 

As we approach the midpoint of the year,  we recommend checking in on your financial goals and making any necessary adjustments. Here are a few timely topics to consider this month:

Mid-Year Financial Check-In: Review your budget, savings, and investment performance. Are you on track with your 2025 goals?

Plan for Summer Expenses: From vacations to kids’ camps to back-to-school shopping, now is the time to budget for seasonal spending and avoid surprises. 

Tax Planning Post-Filing: Use insights from your recent return to adjust withholdings or plan for deductions and retirement contributions.

Small Business Focus: Are you a small business owner? In honor of National Small Business Week, review your business cash flow, benefits, and succession plan. Also check out the U.S. Small Business Administration virtual summit on May 6th and 7th. This free 2-day summit includes educational presentations by experts and exhibit booths that can help you learn more about how to promote the importance of small businesses in our communities.

May is also National Military Appreciation Month, which is dedicated to honoring the contributions and sacrifices made by the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Not only do we observe Memorial Day (May 26th) to remember those who served and died in the military, but also other observances, such as Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 9th) and Armed Forces Day (May 17th).  We are deeply thankful for our clients and their family members who have served in the military—we are forever grateful for your service and sacrifice.

As we head into the weekend, we’d like to take a moment to recognize all the incredible mothers and mother figures who provide unwavering support, guidance, and care every day. Wishing you a joyful and restful Mother’s Day.

Thank you for staying connected with us. We look forward to continuing to support your financial goals in the months ahead.

April is here and so far the volatility of March has persisted into the first week of the month. The newly announced tariffs by President Trump have contributed to a pronounced market drop, sending the S&P 500 back to the levels of last summer. The market continues to sell off today as economists lower their growth projections and traders increase their bets on a US recession in 2025.

It's also important to note that while a drop in the major market indexes produces headlines and superlatives, index performance does not usually reflect the majority of investor's portfolios. Over 50 stocks in the S&P 500 actually hit 52-week highs yesterday including Coca-Cola (KO), Waste Management (WM) and Duke Energy (DUK). Rather than panic selling across the board, this correction appears to be a measured repricing of certain sectors and companies that will be most directly impacted by tariffs and a weaker US consumer.

This market activity has understandably sparked concern among investors. During periods of volatility it's important to remember that market routs like this are not unprecedented, and it's times like these that historically have presented some of the best opportunities for long term investors.   

We are watching the situation closely and remain committed to our investment strategies which are designed to navigate such challenges effectively.  If you would like to talk through your individual strategy, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.

-First Financial Advisors Group

Our first priority is helping you take care of yourself and your family. We want to learn more about your personal situation, identify your dreams and goals, and understand your tolerance for risk. Long-term relationships that encourage open and honest communication have been the cornerstone of my foundation of success.