Financial Planning

This Week’s Market

It has been a historic and high-energy week on Wall Street. The Dow Jones Industrial Average stole the spotlight, surging 2.5% to cross the monumental 50,000 threshold for the first time. While the S&P 500 saw a slight 0.1% dip and the Nasdaq fell 1.8% due to a midweek rotation out of tech, the week ended with a resilient “buy the dip” sentiment. Markets often recalibrate after such milestones, but the underlying economic momentum remains a very bright silver lining.

Trending Topics This Week

A major point of discussion on social media and financial news right now is the “Great Wealth Transfer.” With trillions of dollars expected to pass to the next generation over the next decade, there is a significant focus on multi-generational tax efficiency.

Additionally, many retirees are tracking the 2.8% Social Security COIA increase for 2026, exploring how to best integrate these adjusted payments into their broader inflation-hedging strategies.

This Week’s Ideas

For those within the “retirement red zone” (5–10 years away) or already retired, consider the “Bucket-to-Roth” hack. Instead of a standard Roth conversion, use your required minimum distributions (RMDs) or taxable cash buckets to fund a spouse’s Roth IRA if they are still working even part-time. This allows you to shift “forever taxed” money into a tax-free vehicle, potentially lowering your future taxable estate while maintaining liquidity for healthcare costs later in life.

If you have any questions about these trends or your own strategy, please reach out to us by directly replying to this email, or by calling or texting our office at 480-575-7688. I personally read and respond to all replies.

If you are not yet a client and have in-depth questions or want to see how we can help you, please book a Free Consultation 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, major indices navigated volatility with resilience. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained about 1% overall, bolstered by strong performances in industrial and financial sectors. The S&P 500 experienced a modest dip of around 1%, while the Nasdaq declined 3% amid tech sector pressures. Friday’s morning rally, with the Dow up over 800 points, S&P advancing 1.3%, and Nasdaq rising 1.2% by 11 a.m. ET, underscores investor optimism and potential for continued stability.¹

The “other” markets swirling around stocks went a little wild this week. Various market commentators have been Chicken-Little-ing about the amount of value in the gold and silver markets that have crashed this week.

I’ve been reading comments about the $4 trillion dollar total market value losses in the gold and silver markets this week, like it’s some kind of a dramatic collapse of valuations.

Right… except it’s the $4 trillion dollars in paper gains that were made since Christmas. Easy come, easy go. January millionaires revert back to February thousandaires. 😉

Trending Topics This Week

A key discussion in financial news this week centers on Roth IRA conversions. With market uncertainty and potential tax changes on the horizon, many are considering shifting funds from traditional IRAs to Roth accounts to lock in current tax rates and enable tax-free growth in retirement.

We’ll do this towards the end of the year with everybody, as always.

This Week’s Ideas

For pre-retirees and retirees, consider claiming state-specific senior property tax exemptions or freezes, available in many areas to cap or reduce annual assessments. This can help preserve cash flow without relocating, but check your state’s treasury site for eligibility and application details.

I’ve done this for a few folks here in Arizona… there are some income caps and you have to renew it every three years (IIRC). And, despite the crazy advice being spooned out on the socials, there’s no actual “discount”… it’s typically protection against further increases.

If you have any questions or comments, please reply directly to this newsletter—I read all responses.

If you’re not a client and have in-depth questions or want to see if we can help, book a Free Consultation 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. Data from my TradingView trading platform. ↩︎

This Week’s Market

The stock market showed resilience amid mixed performances this week, with major indices navigating earnings reports and policy news. From Monday’s open to Friday morning, the S&P 500 dipped about 0.3% overall, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.1%.

Friday’s pullback was likely in reaction to the nomination of Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair, which contributed to the modest declines, the broader January trajectory remains positive, highlighting underlying strength in key sectors.

Gold an silver pulled back dramatically on Thursday and Friday… silver is down about 20% as I write this (Friday morning)¹

Trending Topics This Week

A notable financial planning discussion gaining momentum on social media is the “No-Buy 2026” challenge. This trend encourages individuals to skip non-essential purchases throughout the year to enhance savings and alleviate financial stress. Popular on platforms like TikTok and Reddit, it reflects a growing emphasis on mindful spending in response to persistent economic pressures.

Do it if you want… but I like to emphasize a mindset of abundance, rather than scarcity.

So, you do you.

This Week’s Ideas

Search for unclaimed property through your state’s official treasury website, as many people have forgotten funds from old bank accounts, insurance refunds, or utility deposits waiting to be claimed. This simple step can uncover unexpected money to bolster your emergency fund or investments without additional effort.

If you have questions or comments, please reply directly to this newsletter—I read all responses. You can also reach out to us 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 Free Consultation 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. All data is provided by my desktop trading and analysis software, TradingView. ↩︎

The stock market got ‘jiggy’ on Tuesday with the S&P 500 down about 2% (give or take)¹ But, by this morning (Friday), it again started showing resilience, with major indices experiencing modest pullbacks amid earnings season.

From Monday’s open to Friday at 11 a.m. ET, the S&P 500 declined 0.4% to close near 6,940, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.3% to 49,359, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.7% to 23,515. Small-cap stocks provided a bright spot, with the Russell 2000 rising over 2%, reflecting a healthy rotation toward undervalued segments and building on year-to-date gains of nearly 8%. Overall, the market remains supported by steady economic signals.

Of interest, many that I spoke to assumed that the market tanked on Tuesday because the mainstream media reported that the US was going to ‘invade’ Greenland (laughable IMHO). In actuality, it was caused by issues with the Japanese bond market auction not going favorably.

So much for assuming the markets care about non-financial things.

Trending Topics This Week

One prominent discussion in financial news and on some of the socials revolves around the role of artificial intelligence in portfolio construction. Advisors are increasingly exploring AI tools to analyze data and recommend personalized asset allocations, potentially enhancing efficiency for retirees managing risk and income needs.

This trend highlights how technology could streamline planning without replacing human oversight.

This Week’s Ideas

• Consider a Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC) within your IRA or 401(k), allowing up to 25% of assets (or $200,000) to be deferred from RMDs until age 85, providing guaranteed income later in life while reducing current tax obligations.
• Explore series I savings bonds for inflation-protected growth; with current rates offering a fixed component plus inflation adjustment, they serve as a low-risk hedge for retirement portfolios, especially for those nearing or in retirement seeking principal preservation.

We welcome your questions or comments—feel free to reply directly to this newsletter, 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, we encourage you to 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. According to TradingView, my trading platform. ↩︎

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.