
Economy Slows, Stocks Soar - A Market Paradox Explained
by Stacy Brasher on Aug 22, 2025
by Stacy Brasher on Aug 22, 2025
by Stacy Brasher on Aug 12, 2025
The Dow crosses 45,000. Your brain whispers: "This has to be the top."
The market drops 15%. Your brain screams: "Get out before it gets worse!"
Different scenarios. Same result: your brain hijacking your long-term investment strategy.
If you've ever felt paralyzed by market highs or panicked during market lows, you're not an outlier.
You're human.
The brain’s wiring is great for responding to immediate danger, like avoiding a snake. But that same instinct can misfire when applied to complex, long-term systems like financial markets.
by Stacy Brasher on Jul 22, 2025
by Stacy Brasher on Jul 10, 2025
Over the course of your investing life, you’ll encounter market lows and highs. Headlines often spotlight the extremes, especially when markets reach record levels. Take, for example: “Stocks Hit Record Highs. What’s Behind the Rally.”1
All-time highs have an interesting effect on investor behavior and psychology.
by Stacy Brasher on May 26, 2025
by Stacy Brasher on May 20, 2025
As spring arrives and the weather warms up, many people turn their attention to cleaning out closets and organizing their homes. According to a recent survey, about 80% of Americans have spring cleaning on their radar this year.1 While most focus on the physical space, spring is also a great time to get your financial house in order.
Refreshing your financial habits can reduce stress, provide structure, and uncover new opportunities to save money and time. It's a smart way to prepare for the busy summer months and beyond.
by Stacy Brasher on Apr 17, 2025
Tax season might not spark joy, but a refund sure can.
In 2025, the IRS estimates the average federal income tax refund will top $3,170.1 That means a lot of folks are suddenly asking the same question: What should I do with it?
Splurge? Save? Invest?
The good news: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are a few options that tend to deliver more peace of mind and long-term upside.
Here are five smart ways to use your tax refund in 2025, plus practical tips to help you make your money work harder (and smarter).
by Stacy Brasher on Apr 2, 2025
What do you do when faced with a complex financial challenge?
Do you seek an immediate solution, or do you take the time to fully understand the issue before acting?
The way you approach financial decisions often depends on your perception of time - specifically, how much time you believe you have to respond.1
by Stacy Brasher on Mar 20, 2025
Tax season doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. With the right strategies, you can minimize your tax bill and keep more of your hard-earned money where it belongs, in your pocket.
Whether you’re a DIY tax filer or rely on a pro, understanding these key moves can help you make smarter financial decisions and sidestep costly mistakes. Let’s dive in.
by Stacy Brasher on Mar 5, 2025
What will happen to your business when it’s time for you to take a step back?
That can be a tough question that many business owners eventually have to face.
Yet, far too many admit they don't have a formal succession plan in place. In fact, looking at family businesses alone, about 61% say they do not have a documented succession plan.1
Why?
Many business owners say they haven’t put together a succession plan because: