Aspen Financial Strategies, LLC

06/15/2026

Every earnings season is different, but the influence of a handful of companies is undeniable.

06/11/2026

Artificial intelligence is becoming a more common expectation in early-career roles.

Recent data shows that about 4.2% of entry-level job postings now reference AI skills, nearly double the share from a year ago. Internship postings are even higher, with more than 10% including AI-related requirements.

The trend spans a range of industries, with the strongest presence in technology roles, along with growing adoption in areas like financial services and marketing.

At the same time, many students report learning these tools on their own, as formal training continues to catch up with workplace expectations.

While the overall job market for new graduates remains competitive, familiarity with AI tools is becoming one way candidates can stand out across a variety of roles.


Source:

As of March, 4.2% of full-time early-career jobs called for AI skills, nearly double the share from a year ago, according to Handshake's 2026 graduate report.

06/08/2026

Auto debt continues to climb as higher vehicle prices and interest rates put pressure on household budgets.

A recent report found that total auto debt reached $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025, up 37% from late 2018. Nearly 86 million Americans, or about 1 in 4, now carry auto loan or lease debt.

Monthly payments have also increased. The typical auto loan payment rose from about $506 in 2018 to more than $680 by the end of 2025.

Several factors are contributing to the shift, including higher vehicle prices, fewer lower-cost new car options, and longer loan terms. More buyers are also taking on larger monthly payments, with $1,000 auto loan payments becoming more common for financed new-vehicle purchases.

For many households, higher transportation costs can affect other parts of the budget, including groceries, rent, savings, and emergency funds.

These trends highlight how vehicle affordability can play a larger role in everyday financial decisions.


Source:

Auto debt has swelled to $1.68 trillion, a new analysis finds. Americans face costlier vehicles, higher interest rates and lengthier loan terms.

06/05/2026

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific investment or combination of investments. Illustration assumes Early Investor contributes $10,000 annually to a tax-deferred retirement account for ten years, while Late Investor contributes $10,000 annually for thirty years. Both accounts earn a hypothetical 6 percent annual rate of return. Consider your ability to make contributions over time before committing to a long-term strategy.

The early investor put in $100,000.
The late investor put in $300,000.

They ended up with nearly the same amount.

Let that sink in.

Starting early didn't just save money—it saved $200,000 in contributions. Same destination, a third of the effort. That's not a financial trick. That's time doing what money alone never can.

If you've been waiting for the "right time" to start investing, this chart is your sign. Save this post and share it with someone who needs to see it.

06/01/2026

New research shows a shift in how income is distributed across U.S. households.

About 31% of households are now considered upper middle class, making it the largest income group in the country — a significant increase compared to past decades.

This change reflects long-term income growth as more households move into higher-earning brackets. Factors such as dual-income households and increased workforce participation have contributed to this trend.

At the same time, the share of households in traditional middle-income ranges has declined, largely because many have moved into higher categories.

Even with these shifts, perceptions of financial well-being can vary. Rising costs in housing, education, and healthcare continue to shape how households experience economic progress.


Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/upper-middle-class-income-us-what-it-takes/

05/29/2026

Find your row first, then look one row up.

That's the difference starting 5 years earlier can make.

At a hypothetical 8% annual return, the difference between starting at 40 vs. 35 on a $500/month contribution is over $200,000 by the time you reach 65. Not because of more money—just more time.

Time in the market is not just valuable, it's the whole game.

Which row did you land on—and did it surprise you?

05/28/2026

Investors are anxious, and with good reason. The unsettling events in the Middle East are dominating the headlines, which can put even the most seasoned investor on edge. Will the number of corrections for the S&P 500 increase to 27 this year?

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. They will always be remembered. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful Memorial Day holiday.

Our office is closed.

05/22/2026

NASA has unveiled an ambitious long-term strategy to return humans to the moon and establish a sustained presence on its surface.

The plan includes an estimated $20 billion investment over the next several years, with the goal of building a permanent lunar base supported by a series of missions and international partnerships.

Rather than focusing on short visits, the initiative emphasizes developing infrastructure that would enable astronauts to live and work on the moon for longer periods.

The strategy is expected to roll out in phases—beginning with testing equipment and technology, followed by early construction, and eventually expanding into a more established base.

Officials say the goal is to move beyond exploration and toward a consistent human presence, marking a significant step in the next phase of space development. 🚀


Source: https://abcnews.com/Technology/nasa-unveils-ambitious-20-billion-moon-base-strategy/story?id=131361493

05/21/2026

A growing number of Americans are carrying credit card balances, highlighting ongoing financial pressure for many households.

Recent data shows that about 50% of credit card holders—roughly 111 million people—currently carry debt, marking a notable increase over the past several years.

At the same time, borrowing costs remain elevated. Average credit card interest rates are now above 23%, making it more expensive for balances to grow over time.

Some households are adjusting by cutting back on discretionary spending, delaying larger purchases, or relying more heavily on credit to cover everyday expenses.

These trends reflect how shifts in costs, interest rates, and income can influence day-to-day financial decisions across a wide range of households.


Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/record-share-americans-cant-pay-credit-card-bills/