After nine months on hold, the Federal Reserve delivered its first interest rate reduction of 2025. Fed Chair Jerome Powell characterized it as a “risk management cut,” aimed at guarding against a cooling economy and labor market. 1

Backpacks? Check. Notebooks? Check. Crayons, calculators, and lunchboxes? Check, check, and check. As families scramble to wrap up their back-to-school shopping, one item that rarely makes it onto the supply list (but absolutely should) is a 529 plan. While it may not fit in a backpack, this tax-advantaged savings account is one of the smartest tools available for funding education at every stage.

At its core, financial independence means having the freedom to live life on your terms without financial worry. It’s not simply about retiring early or hitting a magic number in your bank account. It’s about creating a life where you can make choices based on what truly matters to you.

Summer isn't just for vacations: it's also one of the most strategic times of the year to meet with your financial advisor. Whether you’re tracking toward long-term goals, considering portfolio adjustments, or preparing for year-end strategies, a mid-year financial review offers a host of benefits.