Financial Planning

This Week’s Market

The stock market demonstrated steady progress this week, with major indices posting solid gains from Monday’s open through Friday morning at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. The S&P 500 rose about 1%, reflecting resilience amid mixed economic data and stable job reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced roughly 2.1%, supported by strength in non-tech sectors, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed around 1.1%. These movements highlight ongoing investor confidence, even as rate expectations remain measured, pointing to potential opportunities ahead.

Trending Topics This Week

A key discussion in financial planning circles centers on updates to tax laws for 2026, including higher state and local tax (SALT) deduction caps, a new deduction for seniors, and increased retirement plan contribution limits. These changes, driven by recent legislation, are prompting advisors and individuals to reassess strategies for deductions, Roth conversions, and savings vehicles to optimize tax efficiency in retirement.

This Week’s Ideas

• Tax-Gain Harvesting: If your income places you in the 0% long-term capital gains bracket, consider selling appreciated assets to realize gains tax-free, then repurchasing to reset your cost basis. This can reduce future taxes without triggering current liabilities.
• Donor-Advised Funds for Bunching: Contribute multiple years’ worth of charitable gifts to a donor-advised fund in one year to exceed the new 0.5% AGI floor for deductions, allowing itemization while spreading distributions over time for steady support to causes.

Readers are encouraged to reply to this newsletter directly with any questions or comments, as I receive and read all responses. You can also reach out by calling or texting our office at 480-575-7688.

If you are not a client and have in-depth questions or want to explore how we might assist you, book a Discovery Call.

The information on our website and this blog is for information purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but JR Snell Capital Management does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The information on our website and in this newsletter or blog is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase of stock or any financial instrument.

This Week’s Market

The stock market experienced a mix of movements this shortened holiday week, with trading volumes lighter due to New Year’s Day closure. Major indices dipped modestly on Wednesday, December 31, as year-end profit-taking prevailed, with the S&P 500 down 0.7%, Nasdaq Composite off 0.8%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average declining 0.6%. However, the new year opened on a firmer note Friday morning, with tech and semiconductor stocks leading a rebound by 11 a.m. ET—the S&P 500 up 0.3%, Nasdaq gaining 0.6%, and Dow edging higher 0.1%. Overall, the tone remains constructive, supported by ongoing AI momentum and broader economic resilience, setting a steady path forward.¹

Trending Topics This Week

As 2026 begins, discussions in financial news and on social media are centering on preparing for upcoming tax changes. With parts of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire at year-end, higher brackets and reduced exemptions loom, prompting talks on strategies like accelerated Roth conversions and enhanced charitable giving. Additionally, new rules from recent legislation, such as increased gift tax exclusions to $15 million per individual, are sparking interest in estate planning updates.

Around the interwebs, folks are highlighting the need for proactive budgeting amid rising costs, viewing financial planning as essential for stability.

This Week’s Ideas

• Implement a bucket strategy for your retirement portfolio: Allocate funds into three segments—short-term (cash and bonds for immediate needs), medium-term (balanced investments for growth with moderate risk), and long-term (equities for higher potential returns)—to provide income stability during market fluctuations.
• Take advantage of SECURE 2.0’s 529-to-Roth IRA rollover provision: If you have a 529 plan open for at least 15 years with unused funds, roll up to $35,000 lifetime (subject to annual IRA limits) into the beneficiary’s Roth IRA, offering tax-free growth without penalties.

We welcome your questions or comments—reply directly to this email, or call or text our office at 480-575-7688.

If you are not a client and have in-depth questions or want to explore how we might assist you, book a Discovery Call.

The information on our website and this blog is for information purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but JR Snell Capital Management does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The information on our website and in this newsletter or blog is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase of stock or any financial instrument.

1. I get my market data from my trading and tracking software, Tradingview. ↩︎

This Week’s Market

The stock market opened the week on a solid note, with major indices posting gains amid continued strength in technology shares. On Monday, the S&P 500 rose 0.6% to close at 6,878.49, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.5% to 48,362.68, and the Nasdaq advanced 0.5%. Gold and silver reached new records, reflecting investor confidence in precious metals. By Friday morning, trading remained steady but lackluster, with indices fluctuating slightly around unchanged levels. Overall, the week highlighted resilience in equities and commodities, offering opportunities for long-term growth despite minor volatility.

Trending Topics This Week

With 2025 drawing to a close, year-end financial planning strategies are gaining attention across news outlets and social media. Discussions focus on optimizing tax positions through charitable giving, reviewing asset allocations, and preparing for potential policy shifts in 2026, such as changes to tax refunds and fiscal stimulus. Investors are also exploring stablecoins and digital assets as tools for faster, more transparent transactions amid evolving regulations.

This Week’s Ideas

• Tax-loss harvesting in taxable accounts: Sell underperforming investments to realize losses that offset capital gains, reducing your tax bill. This is particularly useful for pre-retirees managing portfolios outside retirement plans, allowing reinvestment in similar assets after the 30-day wash-sale period to maintain market exposure.
• Exploring long-term care insurance options: Secure policies that cover in-home care or assisted living, potentially with hybrid life insurance features for added death benefits. This protects retirement savings from healthcare costs, providing peace of mind for retirees without depleting nest eggs.

If you have questions or comments, reply directly to this newsletter—I read and respond to all. You can also call or text our office at 480-575-7688.

If you are not a client and have in-depth questions or want to learn if we can assist you, book a Discovery Call.

The information on our website and this blog is for information purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but JR Snell Capital Management does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The information on our website and in this newsletter or blog is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase of stock or any financial instrument.

This Week’s Market

This week’s stock market displayed resilience amid mixed performances. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.1%, buoyed by rotations into non-tech sectors and steady economic indicators. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 dipped 0.6%, and the Nasdaq fell 1.6%, reflecting some pullback in technology stocks following recent highs. Overall, indices hovered near record levels, supported by positive sentiment around potential Federal Reserve actions and market adaptability. Investors can find opportunities in this balanced environment as the year closes.

Trending Topics This Week

Discussions in financial news and on social media are focusing on the growing use of AI tools like ChatGPT for personal financial planning. Recent surveys indicate that around 40% of consumers have turned to these platforms for advice on budgeting, investments, and retirement strategies, with another 24% open to trying them. This trend highlights the blend of technology and traditional guidance, offering accessible insights while emphasizing the need for verification with professionals.

This Week’s Ideas

• Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) Strategy: If you hold appreciated company stock in your 401(k), consider distributing it in-kind upon separation from service. This allows taxation at long-term capital gains rates rather than ordinary income, potentially saving significantly on taxes for retirees with concentrated positions.

Readers are encouraged to reply directly to this newsletter with any questions or comments—I read and respond to all.

If you’re not a client and have in-depth questions or want to explore how we might assist, consider booking a Discovery Call.

The information on our website and this blog is for information purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but JR Snell Capital Management does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The information on our website and in this newsletter or blog is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase of stock or any financial instrument.

This Week’s Market

The stock market displayed resilience amid anticipation of Federal Reserve actions. From Monday’s open, the S&P 500 experienced modest fluctuations, closing the week slightly higher overall with gains in mid-week sessions offsetting early dips. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced about 1.5%, reflecting strength in industrial sectors, while the Nasdaq Composite remained relatively flat, supported by steady tech performance. Investors focused on positive economic indicators, highlighting opportunities for long-term growth despite short-term volatility.

The Fed did lower interest rates by another quarter-point this week, lowering the interest rate being paid on cash reserves. The cash reserves accounts that we’re able to offer are still typically about the best out there, but again, unless you have a specific short-term use for the money, we’ve always posited that cash makes a lousy long-term investment. What’s happened thus far this year with dropping interest rates is exactly why we take this position.

Trending Topics This Week

A key discussion in financial news centers on the Federal Reserve’s recent 25-basis-point rate cut in December 2025, marking the final adjustment of the year. This move aims to support economic stability amid moderating inflation. For those nearing or in retirement, it underscores the importance of reviewing fixed-income allocations, as lower rates may influence bond yields and savings returns, prompting a balanced approach to portfolio diversification.

Despite what some media outlets want you to believe, inflation is constrained and continues to be quite low historically.

This Week’s Ideas

• Consider a bond ladder strategy to manage interest rate risk; by staggering maturities, you can secure predictable income streams and reinvest at potentially higher rates as bonds mature.

Readers should reply directly to this newsletter with any questions or comments, as all responses are reviewed personally. Alternatively, reach out by calling or texting our office at 480-575-7688.

If you are not a client and have in-depth questions or wish to explore how we might assist you, book a Discovery Call.

The information on our website and this blog is for information purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but JR Snell Capital Management does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The information on our website and in this newsletter or blog is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase of stock or any financial instrument.

This Week’s Market

This week, the stock market demonstrated steady resilience despite an initial dip. Major indices opened lower on Monday amid bitcoin pressures and economic data reviews, but rebounded through the week on expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. The S&P 500 advanced about 1.2% from Monday’s open to Friday morning, supported by broad sector gains.

The Dow Jones rose 0.8%, while the Nasdaq climbed 1.5%, reflecting strength in technology. This performance highlights ongoing opportunities for investors in a stabilizing environment.

Trending Topics This Week

One prominent financial planning topic gaining attention this week is the rising concern over politics as a key influence on personal finances. Reports indicate that the political environment has become the top money worry for clients, overtaking issues like inflation, as discussions focus on potential policy shifts heading into 2026. This emphasizes the need to monitor legislative changes that could affect taxes, retirement savings, and overall wealth strategies.

We’re also keeping an eye on the new “Trump Accounts” structure. The IRS just recently clarified the details and we are beginning to get some idea as to structure. If you have younger friends or your own children or grandchildren are thinking about having children in the next few years, we’d be happy to help them out with the details.

Just let us know.

This Week’s Ideas

• Utilize qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from IRAs for those aged 70½ or older, allowing direct transfers to charities that count toward required minimum distributions without adding to taxable income, potentially reducing tax liabilities.
• Implement asset location optimization by holding tax-inefficient assets like bonds in tax-deferred accounts and equities in taxable ones, which can enhance after-tax returns over retirement years.

If you have any questions, reach out by replying to this email, or call or text our office at 480-575-7688.

Readers are encouraged to reply to this newsletter directly with any questions or comments, as I receive and read all replies.

If you are not a client and have in-depth questions or want to learn whether we can help, book a Discovery Call.

The information on our website and this blog is for information purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but JR Snell Capital Management does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The information on our website and in this newsletter or blog is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase of stock or any financial instrument.

This Week’s Market

The stock market showed steady gains this shortened holiday week, with major indices climbing amid positive economic signals and tech sector strength. From Monday’s open, the S&P 500 rose about 2.9% to approximately 6,828 by Friday at 11 a.m. ET. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased roughly 2.5% to around 47,522, while the Nasdaq Composite advanced 3.7% to near 23,303. Volumes moderated as the week progressed, reflecting typical pre-holiday trading patterns.

It was a good week to keep our focus on our growth stock strategies, while maintaining appropriate allocations by considering not just one’s tolerance for risk, but their capacity for it as well.

It may take a while for the current administration’s economic revival plan to take effect, but for now it appears as though “the market” is a believer. Stay positive about this… negativity is not usually a profitable stance 😎.

Trending Topics This Week

The IRS recently announced increases to retirement savings limits for 2026, including higher contributions for 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs. This adjustment, aimed at keeping pace with inflation, has sparked discussions in financial news about optimizing tax-advantaged accounts to bolster long-term security.

This Week’s Ideas

• Use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from your IRA if age 70½ or older; these allow direct transfers to charities up to $105,000 annually in 2025, satisfying RMD requirements without increasing taxable income.
• Consider a “laddered” Roth conversion strategy in lower-income years before full retirement, converting portions of traditional IRAs gradually to manage tax brackets and secure tax-free growth.

Readers are encouraged to reply directly to this newsletter with any questions or comments, or reach out by calling or texting our office at 480-575-7688.

If you are not a client and have in-depth questions or want to explore how we might assist you, book a Discovery Call.

The information on our website and this blog is for information purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but JR Snell Capital Management does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The information on our website and in this newsletter or blog is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase of stock or any financial instrument.