News and Commentary

Federal Government Has Shutdown – Here’s What It Means for You At 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2025, the federal government officially shut down many of its operations – marking the 15th shutdown since 1980. Why it happened: Congress didn’t pass any of the 12 funding (appropriations) bills needed to keep federal agencies running. A short-term fix – known as a continuing resolution – failed to gain enough bipartisan support, leading to the lapse in funding. What’s affected: - Many federal workers are furloughed or working without pay. - Social Security, Medicare, and mail delivery continue. - Some federal services – including tax processing, small business loans, and inspections – could experience slowdowns or pauses. - Air travel and national park operations may also be impacted. Economic outlook: While brief shutdowns typically have limited market impact, prolonged ones can slow GDP growth and increase uncertainty. (The 2018-19 shutdown, for example, cost the U.S. economy about $11 billion.) What this means for investors and households: Moments like this highlight why financial preparedness matters – having a sound plan helps protect against uncertainty, regardless of what’s happening in Washington. #FinancialPlanning #Economy #GovernmentShutdown #WealthManagement #FinancialAdvisor #RetirementPlanning

By making tax-smart decisions about what you invest in and where you hold it, you can keep more of your money working for you. Here’s how to build a tax-smart portfolio.

As the end of 2025 approaches, it’s a good time to implement strategic tax planning to minimize your tax liability, maximize savings, and get on track for 2026.