Summer is quickly coming to an end. What are you doing to enjoy the last few weeks?

Bev is taking grandkids camping at Governor Dodge. It is something they have done for years now, and the kids all look forward to it. The little things, especially done consistently, make the greatest impact.

We’d love to hear some of your summer traditions – what are some of your favorite summer memories as a kid and what are some of your favorite traditions now?

Market Update

The S&P 500 cleared 7,800, setting a new record and capping its third straight week of gains. Strong Q2 earnings did most of the work, with the majority of companies reporting positive earnings and revenue.

Inflation cooperated, too. CPI came in at 3.4% year over year, down slightly from June. Wholesale prices were also flat for the month. Both readings were softer than expected, which is part of why markets performed the way they did last week. A lot of that improvement traces back to energy prices easing over the past two months.

SpaceX (SPCX) stock is in focus on Wednesday after a Chinese company landed a rocket booster for the first time, just as a new share unlock adds to the pressure. The stock closed down 2.6% after trading lower in the premarket. This comes after SpaceX’s $135 IPO price was recovered on Aug. 10, the first close above the offering price since mid-July.

In The News

Can You Retire on $1 Million?

This US News article highlights:

• The article says $1 million may be enough for some retirees, but not for everyone.
• How long $1 million lasts depends on things like housing, healthcare, lifestyle, and how long you live.
• The article says retirees usually do not rely only on savings because many also have income from Social Security, pensions, or annuities.
• One advisor says retirement should be built around an income plan, not just an asset total. (THIS IS EXACTLY RIGHT!)
• The cost of living in your area can make $1 million stretch much further or run out faster.
• Spending habits matter a lot, and retirees who spend more will need a larger nest egg.
• The article says most retirees have other income sources, so savings are often used to supplement monthly income.
• The way money is invested matters because $1 million in cash is very different from $1 million in investments. (HOW RISK IS MANAGED IS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT IN RETIREMENT)
• Home equity is not the same as liquid savings because it can be harder to access and comes with costs.
• Inflation reduces the buying power of retirement savings over time.
• Medicare Part B premiums rose nearly 10% in 2026, which outpaced the 2.8% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment.
• The article says many advisors prefer a personalized savings target instead of a one-size-fits-all rule.
• A common rule of thumb is the 4% rule, which would allow someone with $1 million to withdraw about $40,000 per year at first. (WE ARE CONFIDENT WITH 6%! Watch the Retirement Shift to see why)
• The article suggests ways to make $1 million last longer, including downsizing, relocating, delaying Social Security, or working part time. (Yes, BUT what is your Dream?)
• It also says younger workers can still build $1 million over time by starting early and saving consistently.

We say all the time that there is no magic number to retire; it is all about YOU, your retirement dream, your financial picture. So, don’t let numbers be your focus; instead, let’s work through a simple process so you can live your retirement with financial confidence!

Just for Fun

Dad Joke of the Week:

Which days are the strongest? Saturday and Sunday. The rest are weekdays.

This Week in History

• 1814 – British troops set fire to the White House
• 1947 – First Little League World Series champion crowned
• 1989 – Pete Rose gets booted from baseball

What Did it Cost? (Ford Mustang GT)