Planning for Major Life Events: How Proactive Financial Steps Help Protect Your Priorities

As the flowers begin to bloom and the days grow longer, many of us turn our attention to spring cleaning. While scrubbing floors and organizing closets is satisfying, your finances are another area of your life that could likely use a seasonal refresh.

Our brief March monthly update on the markets and the economy.

Whether you are just starting your career or are well-established, determining the "right" amount to save depends on personal factors and your unique financial goals.

Today, investors face a variety of chaotic swings driven by shifting interest rates, geopolitical conflicts, and global economic transitions.

February Recap The S&P 500 fell -0.8% in February , its first negative month in ten. International equities continued to perform well, while concerns around AI spending and its potential disruption to the software industry led technology stocks lower. 1 The benchmark 10yr Treasury yield dropped from over 4.2% to below 4%, leading to a 1.6% gain for the US Aggregate Bond Index. 2 Inflation , measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose 2.4% year-over-year ; April will mark five years above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target (figure 1). The economy lost -92k jobs and the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4% , further negative news for a labor market that has been weakening since 2022 (figure 1). 3 S&P 500 earnings grew 14% in Q4 2025, the fifth straight quarter of double-digit growth. 4 The Supreme Court ruled against President Trump’s tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). However, the administration instituted a new blanket tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which will last 150 days. As a result, the average global tariff rate dropped slightly. 5

A financial spring reset is not about following trends or making sudden changes. It involves stepping back, reviewing fundamentals, and considering thoughtful adjustments that align with long-term financial wellness.

Just like spring cleaning at home, reviewing money habits can provide clarity, focus, and a renewed sense of direction.

The S&P 500 rose 1.5% in January, starting 2026 with its ninth straight positive month.

A solid estate plan typically includes a will, beneficiary designations, and powers of attorney. Together, these help guide how assets are distributed and who can make decisions if you’re unable to do so yourself.