The holiday season is a time for generosity. Whether you’re supporting a local nonprofit, donating to a favorite charity, or passing down a tradition of giving, every contribution can make a difference. With a little planning, you may also be able to make your charitable dollars go further. New tax rules taking effect in 2026…
Captain’s Log There’s Always a Reason to Wait If you’ve watched the news lately, you could easily list a few reasons to hold off on investing. There’s ongoing conflict overseas, and the Iran conflict and the energy shocks it set off have added to market swings this year. The midterm elections are just weeks away, and…
Investing would be easy if we could remove one thing from the equation: ourselves. Markets go up. Markets go down. Headlines get louder. And suddenly, the long-term investment strategy that seemed perfectly reasonable a few months ago can feel like the wrong decision. That’s where the psychology of investing comes in. Understanding how our emotions…
Captain’s Log The Biggest Threat to Your Portfolio May Be Your Next “Great Idea” It often starts innocently. A friend mentions a stock that “can’t miss.” A new investment theme dominates the headlines, or a market pullback makes cash suddenly feel safer. Each decision may seem reasonable. But jumping from one bright, shiny idea to…
Captain’s Log When Headlines Change: Keeping Your Financial Plan in Focus Recent headlines about inflation, interest rates, trade policy, and global events can create understandable concern. When markets move, it is natural to wonder whether you should make a change. At Anchor Wealth Management, we believe successful investing is not about reacting to every headline.…
For Illinois educators, a pension is one of the most valuable retirement benefits you’ll ever receive. But despite its importance, many teachers and school administrators don’t fully understand how it works until they’re approaching retirement. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. By learning the basics of your pension…
Captain’s Log History Teaches About Long-Term Investing As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, it is a good moment to step back and remember that progress has never come in a straight line. Our country has lived through wars, recessions, inflation spikes, political division, market crashes, and periods of deep uncertainty, yet over time…
When choosing a financial advisor, most people focus on services, investment strategies, and performance. While those things certainly matter, they don’t tell the whole story. At Anchor Wealth Management, our approach is guided by something deeper: our values. The word Anchored is more than our name; it’s our philosophy. It’s the foundation for every recommendation…
Captain’s Log UTMA Accounts vs. Trump Accounts: What Families Should Know For families who want to save and invest for a child or grandchild, UTMA accounts and Trump Accounts can both play a role, but they are built for different goals. UTMAs offer broad flexibility and simple setup, while Trump Accounts are more retirement-style accounts…
Vacation should be something you look forward to — not something you’re still paying off months later. With a little planning and intentional spending, you can enjoy a memorable trip without blowing your budget or setting yourself back financially. In fact, a successful, stress-free vacation often starts with the same habits you build at home:…