Category: Articles

The SpaceX initial public offering was the largest IPO ever, by a significant margin, and it made its founder a trillionaire. Share prices surged in early trading, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world. This was the kind of debut that gets everyone talking. What does all this mean for the markets and investors? Is it the entry point for one of history’s great companies, or part of an overhyped mania? 

Part 2 of our annual financial to-do list. From estate planning in July to year-end gifting in December, this month-by-month financial checklist helps you finish the year on track. 

There are moments when discussing financial markets can feel like the wrong place to begin. The world feels uncertain right now - and it's okay if that has you thinking about your portfolio. Here's what we know: markets have weathered moments like this before, and the historical record is more reassuring than today's headlines suggest.

A new type of tax-advantaged savings account for children is launching in Summer 2026. Here’s a balanced look at what a Trump Account is, how it works, and what to consider before opening one. 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, will have varying impacts on taxpayers in 2026 depending on their income levels. The bill will have the most sizable benefit for lower and middle-income taxpayers, especially those age 65 and above. For higher-income families, the impact is more mixed – there are some benefits, but many of the law's more generous provisions phase out as income rises. 

The start of a new year offers a fresh opportunity to reflect on where you've been and chart a course for where you want to go. Whether you're focused on building better habits, pursuing big dreams, or creating more balance in your life, having a clear plan makes all the difference. The same holds true for your finances!

Over the next 20 years, an estimated $84 trillion will pass from older generations to their heirs. This "Great Wealth Transfer" brings both tremendous opportunity and significant challenges. So, whether you're preparing to pass on wealth or expecting to receive it, thoughtful planning is essential. 

Join Camille Matson from Sonoma Land Trust and wealth advisor Jake Weber, CFP® from Willow Creek Wealth Management, for an informative session covering strategic charitable giving strategies that maximize both impact and tax benefits.

This past quarter brought plenty of ups and downs – and ultimately, higher than expected returns. It also serves as a powerful reminder of two core investment principles: (1) markets can change direction quickly, making it hard to time them, and (2) maintaining diversification remains one of the best ways to weather uncertainty. While these ideas are often repeated, they can be easy to overlook in the heat of short-term market swings, when emotion tempts investors to make decisions that could be harmful in the long run. 

While applying to college may be the most stressful part for students, figuring out how to pay for it is often just as overwhelming for parents. The financial burden of higher education can often feel like taking on a second mortgage. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and planning, families can make more informed and manageable choices.