Kyle Murphy, Financial Advisor

09/02/2026

September is College Savings Month, and it's a good time to think about what you want your child's future to look like. Every family's situation is different. If you have questions about what college savings options might make sense for your household, reach out. That's exactly what we're here for. And it's rarely too early to get started. Let's talk today.

08/23/2026

🎒📚 Back to School! 🍎✏️

Hey everyone! As the summer sun begins to set, it's time to trade in those flip-flops for some fresh kicks and head back to school. Whether you're starting a new grade, meeting new teachers, or reuniting with friends, this school year is your blank canvas. Let's fill it with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories. Remember, every day is a new adventure waiting to unfold. Wishing you all a fantastic and successful school year ahead!

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08/20/2026

🌞 Did you know schools in the South tend to start the school year the earliest? 🌞

📚 As the back-to-school season approaches, approximately 54.1 million K-12 students and 5.7 million teachers are gearing up to head back to classrooms this fall. 📚 For us in Henrico County, VA, that's the last full week of August...where has the summer gone?

🍎 Teachers are the largest group among the nearly 10 million individuals employed in the country's elementary and secondary schools, which also include principals, school bus monitors, teaching assistants, and janitors. 🚌👩‍🏫



Information from the U.S. Census Bureau

08/19/2026

This topic is one we should all be monitoring closely...if you have questions or concerns, please message me to schedule a time to meet or speak by phone or Zoom.

U.S. credit card debt is approaching a record high.

Americans’ credit card balances reached $1.26 trillion in the second quarter, rising by $21 billion, according to new data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

That puts credit card debt just below the all-time high of $1.28 trillion set late last year.

Strong consumer spending is one factor behind higher balances. Rising prices for essentials like groceries and gas may also be contributing.

Delinquencies remain a concern. The share of credit card balances more than 90 days delinquent rose from 7.6% to 12.8% from mid-2022 through early 2026.

Total U.S. household debt now stands at $18.8 trillion. Auto loan debt also reached a new high of $1.71 trillion.

For households, rising debt is a reminder that everyday expenses, interest rates, minimum payments, and emergency costs can all affect financial flexibility.


Source:

Americans' credit card debt reached $1.26 trillion, increasing by $21 billion in the second quarter of this year, according to new data.

08/17/2026

Early estimates for the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment have moved lower as inflation moderates.

New projections suggest the 2027 COLA may fall between 3.4% and 3.6%.

The official adjustment has not been announced yet. The final number will depend on inflation data for July, August, and September.

Social Security COLAs are calculated using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, known as CPI-W.

July data showed CPI-W rose 3.4% over the past 12 months. The broader consumer price index also rose 3.4% year over year.

One estimate from AARP suggests a 3.5% COLA would raise the average retired worker’s benefit by about $73 per month.

For retirees and near-retirees, the COLA is an important reminder that inflation can affect income, purchasing power, household expenses, and long-term financial decisions.


Source:

New estimates show just how much Social Security benefits may increase in 2027, based on new government inflation data.

08/16/2026

🔥 Are you feeling brave enough to fire up the grill?? 🔥

Whether you're flipping burgers, smoking ribs, or going veggie-style with skewers, grilling brings people together one bite at a time.

🍔 What's your go-to grill masterpiece? Share your favorites below! 👇

08/15/2026

Travel can feel very different once time is no longer tightly scheduled.

For many, it becomes less about fitting a trip into the calendar and more about deciding how they want to spend their time. Whether that means staying longer, traveling more often, or bringing family along, those choices often reflect years of thoughtful decisions.

It may be worth revisiting how travel fits into your overall approach—especially as priorities continue to evolve. Reach out to your financial professional to discuss how your strategy can support the adventures you've earned.

08/14/2026

For many homeowners, the biggest weather risk may no longer be hurricanes. Our local weather earlier this week has certainly proven this to be true!

New research from First Street found that severe convective storms, including tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds, have become the costliest insured natural disasters worldwide.

In 2025, these storms accounted for one-third of global natural disaster economic losses. Insured and uninsured losses totaled $82 billion, with $68 billion concentrated in the U.S.

Hail is the biggest driver of insurance payouts within this category, followed by severe winds.

These storms tend to move quickly, but they can cause widespread damage to homes, cars, businesses, and infrastructure.

For homeowners, the growing cost of severe weather can show up in more than repairs. It may also affect insurance premiums, property maintenance, emergency savings, and long-term housing costs.

As weather risks shift, it can be worth reviewing coverage, deductibles, and how prepared your household is for unexpected property damage.


Source:

Severe "convective" storms account for roughly a third of global natural disaster economic losses, a new study finds.

08/13/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.

A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.

School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.

The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.

Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.

Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.

For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.


Source:

U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.

08/09/2026

Set these dates on your phone calendar so you'll remember to watch!

The Perseids meteor shower is back, bringing one of the best skywatching events of the year.

The meteor shower occurs each summer from about July 17 to Aug. 23 and is expected to peak this year between Aug. 12 and 13.

Under clear, dark skies, the Perseids can produce 50 to 100 visible meteors per hour.

The shower is known for bright, fast-moving meteors that can leave trails of light and color as they move through Earth’s atmosphere. It is also known for fireballs, which are larger bursts of light that can appear brighter and last longer than a typical meteor streak.

For the best viewing, NASA recommends finding a spot away from light pollution, lying flat on your back, and giving your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the dark.

The Perseids are best seen in the Northern Hemisphere during the predawn hours, but they can also be visible earlier in the evening.

Sometimes, the best summer moments are the ones that ask us to slow down, look up, and take in something bigger than our daily routines.


Source:

It's the time of the summer when the Perseids meteor shower is lighting up the night sky.