If you’re lucky, summer has been a chance to unwind, catch up on beach reads and spend quality time with family and friends before the familiar rhythm of fall resumes. But what happens when there’s no routine to return to? For many, that’s the dream of retirement: endless relaxation, free from the constraints of work. But the reality can be more complicated.
After closing out an eventful second quarter of 2025, we are reminded that investing is a long journey. A journey marked by short-term turbulence and long-term opportunity. This quarter brought a particularly meaningful moment in the investing world: Warren Buffett, one of the most enduring voices in finance, announced his upcoming retirement after six decades leading Berkshire Hathaway. At the same time, markets delivered a bumpy ride, testing the emotional resilience of even the most seasoned investors. Seen side by side, these developments highlight essential lessons about market behavior and investor discipline.
Congress recently passed a sweeping tax and spending policy bill with lots of long-term implications. Much of the news coverage has focused on its difficult legislative path and the potential political, economic and social consequences. But like many people, you’re probably wondering what this new legislation means for you and your family.
Over the course of your investing life, you’ll encounter market lows and highs. Headlines often spotlight the extremes, especially when markets reach record levels. Take, for example: “Stocks Hit Record Highs. What’s Behind the Rally.” 1 All-time highs have an interesting effect on investor behavior and psychology. Many investors can feel a nagging voice that whispers "wait for a better entry point" when markets are climbing. It's human nature to want to buy low and...
As spring arrives and the weather warms up, many people turn their attention to cleaning out closets and organizing their homes. According to a recent survey, about 80% of Americans have spring cleaning on their radar this year. 1 While most focus on the physical space, spring is also a great time to get your financial house in order. Refreshing your financial habits can reduce stress, provide structure, and uncover new opportunities to save money...
Wisdom Is Quiet. Fear and Greed Are Loud. If you’ve glanced at a newspaper, a website, or your phone lately, you’ve likely encountered bold headlines about markets, inflation, interest rates, elections, wars, and predictions of what’s to come. These stories often lean on two things: fear or greed.
Staying invested and maintaining a personalized financial plan requires both discipline and perspective—but it’s one of the most important drivers of long-term financial success. While headlines and market movements can be unsettling, periods of uncertainty are precisely when a well-constructed financial plan proves its value. During volatile times, remembering what your plan is built for—your goals and your timeline—can help you stay on track.
Trade headlines continue to weigh on markets as new tariffs go into effect. President Trump recently confirmed tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, dashing hopes of more extensions or last-minute deals. Additional tariffs are expected in the coming months, including reciprocal ones against countries that impose duties on U.S. goods.
Recent market swings have highlighted a gap between how investors feel and how markets have performed. As the famous Warren Buffett quote suggests, it has often been wise to be "fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” While this can seem counterintuitive when there are many economic and political concerns weighing on the market, having the discipline to stay invested has historically been the reason investors are rewarded in the long run.
Albert Einstein reportedly once told his accountant, "the hardest thing in the world to understand is income taxes." This observation from the Nobel Prize-winning physicist remains relevant today, as our tax system has only grown more complex in the decades since. This year’s tax deadline on April 15 is approaching, but taxes are more than a once-a-year obligation – they are an essential part of year-round, holistic financial planning.
This April marks the 250th anniversary of the first battles of the American Revolution in Lexington and Concord. As residents of New England reflect on this pivotal moment in history, it’s worth considering what made the patriots successful—preparation, adaptability, and a well-thought-out plan. At Monument Group, we believe the same principles that shaped history can help shape your financial future.
Retirement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. While financial security is a key foundation, a fulfilling retirement is about more than just having enough money. It’s about purpose, connection, and a sense of excitement for what comes next.