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Writing a Legacy Letter
What is your legacy? Leaving a legacy goes well beyond simply leaving money to your children. Money fades quickly, but what really matters is the values, memories, skills, and habits that we pass down - the way that we have shaped the people who come after us. What will your family remember about you? Were your values lived and communicated? Did your family feel love and approval? Last week many of you participated in the Legacy Letter Workshop with our guest speaker, Bla
Steve Coker, CFP
Jan 301 min read
2026 Outlook
We begin 2026 with both greater optimism than we have seen in years, and yet greater risks than we have seen in years. We remain optimistic that 2026 will be another positive one in the stock market as the recession risks fade and the Federal reserve begins its easing cycle. Yet the risks of both upside and downside risks are increasing. In light of this outlook, let’s walk through our framework of what could go right and what could go wrong in 2026. Let’s begin with what c
Steve Coker, CFP
Jan 114 min read
2025 Year-In-Review
2025 was an exceptional year in the markets. At the beginning of 2025, we noted three key areas that were likely to drive the market higher. First, we noted that the Federal Reserve was likely to lower interest rates and stimulate the economy. Secondly, we highlighted a surge in productivity growth, which is the secret sauce of capitalism, would allow both worker incomes and corporate profits to grow. Finally, we noted that Trump’s 2 nd term in office, with promised lower t
Steve Coker, CFP
Jan 42 min read
What is a Trusted Contact and why should I have one?
This year, as you meet with family and friends, we encourage you to consider naming a “Trusted Contact Person”. A “trusted contact person” is a person that you authorize your brokerage firm (Schwab in the case of our clients) to contact in limited circumstances, such as if your broker has trouble reaching you or has a reasonable belief that your account may be exposed to possible financial exploitation. For example, if Schwab cannot get ahold of you, they may contact the tru
Steve Coker, CFP
Dec 19, 20252 min read
The Family Estate Planning Conversation
As we move into the holiday season families across the country will come together – and refuse to talk about money. Admittedly, talking about finances and estate planning can be a sensitive topic and getting mom and dad to admit they need a little help may be even more difficult. Here are a few tips for having a family estate planning conversation. First, take stock of your parent’s condition. Can your aging parents still make decisions for themselves? This is a critical
Steve Coker, CFP
Dec 14, 20253 min read
