Life is unpredictable, but your finances don't have to be. Unexpected expenses like car repair or a sudden medical bill are stressful enough. An emergency savings fund helps you handle these moments without adding financial stress. It’s the buffer between a "curveball" and a crisis. Spectrum’s Financial Education Advisors meet with people every day, and many of the same questions come up about emergency savings. Here are some of the most common questions they hear: What is an

Quarterly Economic Newsletter Snapshot: Geopolitical tensions have created short-term volatility; history suggests limited long-term impact. Inflation pressures have risen due to energy prices, but pressures should moderate through 2026. Economic growth is expected to be about 2% this year. Written by: Jon Marshall, MBA | Chief Investment Officer Blaine Disrud, CFA  | Portfolio Manager James Marshall  | Chairman/Founder The S&P 500 declined in the first quarter of 2026 with

News headlines and global events can make markets feel uncertain.  While markets may move up and down in the short term, history shows they have continued to grow over time. Throughout history, markets have experienced wars, political events, and economic uncertainty. Despite these disruptions, investors who stay disciplined and keep a long-term perspective are often better positioned to benefit from growth. What Retirement Investors Should Know About Volatility Market volati

This GuideSteps webinar is a practical, easy-to-follow session that highlights helpful money habits, common pitfalls to avoid, and simple steps to keep your retirement savings and legacy on track. Key Takeaways: Build Strong Habits: Learn everyday financial practices that support long-term growth. Avoid Costly Mistakes: Discover common errors that can slow your retirement progress. Retire with Confidence: Navigate Social Security, Medicare, long-term care, and estate planning

Quarterly Economic Newsletter Snapshot: International stocks led the way in 2025 as markets recovered from the April tariff shock. U.S. economy continued to grow, boosted by large scale investment in AI. Tax refunds may provide relief to the consumer. The S&P 500 moved higher by 2.7% in the fourth quarter to finish 2025 with a 17.9% total return. International stocks led all broad stock categories with the MSCI EAFE index posting a 31.2% return. The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bon

Understanding Social Security can feel confusing, so this GuideSteps webinar explores the fundamentals of Social Security and strategies to help you best use the benefit Key Takeaways: Timing trade-offs: making an informed decision Rules and considerations for couples Rules for divorced individuals The future of Social Security benefits Passcode: 316220 Speakers: Marina Moths , VP Financial Wellness - Spectrum Investment Advisors Sharon Carson, CRPC, Retirement Strategist Ex