In this episode of Finance in a Flash: Plain Talk, we wrap up our three-part series on unemployment data by zooming out to the bigger picture—what the jobs report really tells us about the economy. Using the latest data from early 2026, we break down the relationship between employment and GDP, explain why job growth can lag behind economic growth, and explore how trends like artificial intelligence and productivity gains may be reshaping the labor market.
Read MoreIn this episode of Finance in a Flash: Plain Talk, we continue our mini-series on unemployment data by diving into the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Using February 2026 data, we break down what the unemployment rate actually measures, why headline job numbers can be misleading, and how key factors like labor force participation and population growth shape the broader economic picture.
Read MoreOn this episode of Finance in a Flash – Plain Talk, John and Dave kick off a three-part series breaking down one of the most talked-about economic topics: Unemployment. They start the series off discussing ADP Employment Report, explaining what it is, how it differs from government data, and why it often tells a slightly different story than the headlines you see on Friday mornings.
Read MoreOn this episode of Finance In A Flash, John interviews Beacon's newest team member, Isaac Elsasser. We really hope you enjoy this episode and get to know more about Isaac as he talks about his personal life, how he got into financial planning, and his time here at Beacon so far!
Read MoreIt is always a good idea to periodically review your tax situation to identify opportunities to reduce your tax liability and strengthen your overall financial strategy. Proactive tax planning throughout the year can help ensure you are taking full advantage of available planning opportunities.
Read MoreBecoming overly concentrated in your portfolio adds an extra amount of risk. We monitor our portfolios for this and ensure that no one company will determine the ultimate success of our clients’ portfolios.
Read MoreAt Beacon Financial Strategies, we agree that investments that generate income should be a valuable component of most retiree’s portfolios. However, we also believe that maintaining a diversified investment approach will enhance returns and reduce risk for most long term investors. This really proves beneficial during the distribution phase of your life as it provides for income, growth, potential tax efficiency, and flexibility as life changes.
Read MoreThe principles of efficiency, consistency, and composure bind swimming and financial success together. In both, it’s not about how hard you work, but how smartly you move forward.
Read MoreDuring this webinar, Dave and Chip share their perspective on the current economic landscape and financial markets. They cover timely topics such as tariffs, interest rates, market valuations, and the outlook for domestic versus international investments. They also address some of the most common questions clients are asking right now—providing clarity and context to help you stay informed.
Read MoreWe frequently speak with clients about their asset allocation—especially during periods of significant market movement. These conversations often revolve around the desire to increase equity exposure when markets are rising and reduce it when markets are falling. While this instinct is understandable, a visual representation can often help illustrate why market timing is rarely a successful long-term strategy.
Read MoreInflation has been a hot topic in financial news over the past few years, but what does it really mean for consumers and investors? In this episode of Finance in a Flash, John and Dave take a step back to break down inflation—what it is, why it matters, and how it can impact your purchasing power and investment strategy.
Read MoreOver the past 3 years, the word “inflation” has dominated the headlines. In the current environment, there seems to be some confusion among investors and consumers regarding this term and what is happening. Therefore, we thought it would be a good idea to go over some of the key “flation” terms and clarify what each means and where we are today.
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On this episode of Finance in a Flash, John sits down with Beacon’s newest team member, Dave Trettel. Tune in to learn more about Dave as he shares insights into his personal life, his professional journey in financial planning, and his experiences since joining the Beacon team. We hope you enjoy getting to know Dave!
Read MoreTarget Date funds have grown in popularity over the last decade especially inside employer benefit plans such as 401Ks. On the surface, they all seem to be exactly the same. First, you pick your fund based on your anticipated retirement date. Then you let the manager handle the rest – they utilize their glide path and make the portfolio more conservative as you approach retirement. While true, behind the scenes there are subtle differences that investors should be aware.
Read MorePlacing a security freeze on your credit with each agency is the only way to prevent someone from obtaining credit in your name without your consent. Here we discuss how to execute a credit freeze and the drawbacks to this strategy.
Read MoreMany underestimate their understanding of basic financial matters, leading to a lack of confidence and possibly anxiety. In reality, there is really just one simple “secret formula” that people who are financially successful do—they Pay Themselves First.
Read MorePortfolio rebalancing is an integral part of the investment management process. On this episode of Finance In A Flash, Chip and John sit down to talk about the concept of rebalancing and discuss the benefits of implementing a portfolio rebalancing strategy.
Read MoreOn this episode of Finance in a Flash we welcome a special guest to the podcast. Stephanie Murray, Stephanie is Beacon’s Planning and Operations Manager. Stephanie is an Enrolled Agent—a federally licensed tax practitioner as well as a Certified Financial Planner™. John and Stephanie sit down and discuss important tax forms, the tax preparation process, and much more!
Read MoreInvesting is as much a psychological journey as it is a financial one. While market dynamics, economic indicators, and personal preferences play crucial roles in investment decisions, understanding and managing behavioral issues is equally important.
Read MoreOn this episode of Finance in a Flash, Chip and John explore why we prefer mutual funds and ETFs versus individual stocks!
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