Townsend Financial Life Management

06/24/2026

There are benefits and limitations when using a living trust.

Living trusts are popular, but their appropriateness will depend upon your individual needs and objectives.

06/22/2026

Consumers continued spending in May, even as higher prices and gas costs remained part of the picture.

Retail sales rose 0.9% in May, up from a revised 0.4% increase in April. Excluding gas station sales, retail sales rose 0.7%.

The gains were broad-based, with clothing, accessories, furniture, and online sales all moving higher. Online sales rose 1.5% during the month.

The data suggests consumers are still spending, supported in part by tax refunds and steady hiring. However, economists noted that the boost from tax refunds may fade, and higher gas prices could still affect household behavior.

Some shoppers appear to be adjusting by looking for discounts, changing where they fill up, or becoming more selective with purchases.

For the broader economy, retail sales offer a useful snapshot of consumer strength — and how households respond when prices, fuel costs, and confidence all shift at once.

Shoppers stepped up their spending in May, surpassing economists’ expectations, as temperatures warmed and gasoline prices leveled off.

06/22/2026

Weddings add up fast. Use this calculator to map out your budget by category, set priorities, and see what your big day might really cost.

Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day to all the great dads!

06/19/2026

Markets can be unpredictable, but solid investment principles remain constant. Discover how diversification, asset allocation, and consistent investing may help you navigate good times and challenging periods.

Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

06/17/2026

Have you signed up for the Trump Account for your kids yet? If they were born between 2025 and 2028 they may be eligible for a contribution from the government of $1000. If not, there may be other benefits to contributing to an account for your children. Give us a call and we will be happy to talk more about the pros and cons of the newly established Trump Accounts and help you determine if it is right for you and your kids.
This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only. Please consult your investment professional, legal or tax advisor for specific information pertaining to your situation.

06/17/2026

Saving for retirement gets a lot of attention. Spending those savings can be just as important.

A recent survey found that only 31% of Americans know what “decumulation” means — the process of drawing down retirement assets over time.

That uncertainty may help explain why some retirees spend far less than they could. One report found that about one-third of retirees still had 100% or more of their initial retirement assets by their mid-80s.

For many people, the concern is not just having enough saved. It is knowing how to use those savings while accounting for healthcare costs, inflation, taxes, market changes, and longevity.

Common withdrawal guidelines, such as the 4% rule, may provide a starting point, but they do not account for every personal circumstance.

The transition from saving to spending can be both emotional and financial. After decades of building retirement assets, using them thoughtfully can take a different kind of confidence.

Many Americans spend decades saving for retirement, but lack a plan for using that money once they stop working, a new survey finds. Here's what to know.

06/17/2026

How literate are you when it comes to your finances? Brush up with these five basics.

06/15/2026

Inflation moved higher in May, with energy costs playing a major role in the increase.

Consumer prices rose 4.2% from a year earlier, up from 3.8% in April. On a monthly basis, prices increased 0.5%.

Gas prices were a key driver. Higher energy costs accounted for more than 60% of the monthly increase, while gasoline prices were up sharply from a year earlier.

The impact extends beyond the pump. Higher fuel and energy costs can affect transportation, shipping, airfares, electricity, business expenses, and household budgets.

Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, rose at a more modest pace. That suggests some price pressures remain concentrated in energy-related categories, though consumers and businesses are still feeling the strain.

For households, inflation can affect everyday spending decisions. For businesses, higher costs may influence pricing, hiring, margins, and customer behavior.

Rising gas prices pushed inflation to its highest level in three years last month, a headache for the Federal Reserve and a potential political challenge for the Trump administration as midterm elections near.

06/15/2026

You can start Social Security benefits as soon as you reach 62. Know the rules before deciding.