2nd Quarter: Financial Highlights & New Social Content
Market Recap
It's been a volatile start to the year, with swings in both directions, during the past quarter on Wall Street. The S&P 500 had its best month of May in 30 years.
Here’s how major U.S. stock indexes fared over the past three months:
- The S&P 500 rose by 6.75%
- The Nasdaq 100 surged by 10.61%
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average was higher by 2.41%
Some additional highlights affecting the market include:
- Inflation metrics showed more signs of relaxing in May, much like in April, even though many consumers expect it to rise due to tariffs.
- The Federal Reserve left its key overnight lending rate unchanged at 4.25% to 4.50% during its meeting in June.
- Retail sales fell 0.9% in May after increasing 0.1% in April, and the March data was revised higher to 1.7%.
Narratives can shift extremely quickly, and while nobody can know what is ahead, the shift in narrative from April to May was a classic example of the resolve required to be a successful long-term investor.
Introducing "Ask an Advisor" Video Series
We're excited to launch our new "Ask an Advisor" video series. These videos are designed for new and existing individual investors. While some of the information may seem basic, the information is important, and it never hurts to have a refresher or possibly learn something new. If you've been an investor for a few years, then you already know that information changes rapidly in our field, and I want to make sure you are kept up to speed.
Upcoming video ideas include:
- Top questions I am asked during a new client discovery meeting?
- How does a financial advisor get paid?
- Are you a fiduciary?
Watch our announcement video here. Be sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages so you don't miss out. Please share the videos with anyone you think could benefit from the information.
Summer Jobs: A Smart Start for Teen Roth IRAs
Is your teen working a summer job? Now is an excellent opportunity to introduce them to the benefits of a Roth IRA. Opening a Roth IRA helps instill good saving habits and financial discipline in young individuals, setting them on a path to financial independence. Contributions are limited to the lesser of the teen's earned income or the annual contribution limit. Find out more in this video.
Leave us a Review
These days, most people check reviews before deciding who to work with or what to buy, and your feedback could help others feel confident in choosing us. If you have had a good experience with us, would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It would help us as a small business trying to grow.
Jen's Corner
The past few months have been a vibrant mix of travel, celebration, and new ventures. Ryan and I have been traveling with Addison to volleyball tournaments all across Texas. Doing this as a family was both exciting and rewarding. Watching her compete and grow this season (literally and figuratively) made it a truly special experience. Just for reference, Addison is officially as tall as I am now!
One of the most meaningful milestones was Addison’s church confirmation. She was confirmed alongside four other remarkable individuals, marking a significant step in her faith journey. Celebrating this together was a proud moment for her and our family.
On the creative front, we launched new social media videos focused on topics that matter—credit, early investing, and empowering females in finance. Although it was scary to get started, it’s been fulfilling to share important information and engage in financial literacy and personal development.
And through it all, we made it to the end of the school year. Looking back, it’s clear that this quarter was full of growth and achievement. Here’s to more exciting moments ahead!