BDA Financial Services

09/19/2026

09/18/2026

📉 September has a bit of a reputation on Wall Street.

Historically, September has been one of the weakest months of the year for the stock market.

But does that mean investors should sell every August and come back in October?

Not so fast.

Seasonal trends are interesting, but they aren't predictions. Markets don't look at the calendar before deciding which direction to move. Economic growth, corporate earnings, interest rates, inflation, and investor expectations can matter far more than the month we're in.

In fact, this is a good reminder of why we don't build long-term investment plans around short-term market patterns.

Markets will have good months and bad months. They will also have periods of volatility that we can't predict in advance.

The goal isn't to avoid every decline.

It's to have an investment strategy designed with enough time, diversification, and discipline to weather them.

So if September brings a little more market turbulence, remember: one month is a very small part of a long-term investment plan.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

09/17/2026

📈 The Fed raised interest rates. What does that actually mean for your money?

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25% this week. While that may sound like a small change, interest rates can work their way into many parts of your financial life.

For borrowers, higher rates can mean higher costs on variable-rate debt, including credit cards, home equity lines of credit, and some other loans.

For savers, higher rates can be a positive. Savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, and other short-term investments may offer more attractive yields.

For homebuyers, remember that the Fed does not directly set mortgage rates. Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors and don't always move in lockstep with the Fed.

And for investors, one Fed decision usually isn't a reason to overhaul a long-term investment strategy. Markets are constantly adjusting to expectations about inflation, economic growth, and future interest rates.

The bigger question isn't simply, What did the Fed do?

It's , What does this mean for my financial plan?

Changes in interest rates can create both challenges and opportunities. This may be a good time to review your cash, debt, investments, and longer-term financial goals.

09/16/2026

What would you do if your beloved dog caused some damage where a mere apology wasn’t enough?

Reviewing coverage options is just one thing responsible pet parents can do to help look out for their dogs.

09/15/2026

Most days, the bond market doesn't make headlines. It quietly does its job while stocks get most of the attention. But every so often, the bond market reminds everyone why it matters. And that's exactly what's happening right now....

Why are Treasury yields rising? Learn what higher bond yields can mean for stocks, mortgage rates, borrowing costs, and your long-term financial plan.

09/14/2026

U.S. Service Members should consider taking advantage of programs that are available.

09/11/2026

⚠️ Starting Social Security? Don’t Forget About Tax Withholding

When you turn on your Social Security benefits, there’s an important step that can easily get overlooked: Check your federal tax withholding.

Depending on your overall income, a portion of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. But taxes are not necessarily withheld from your benefit automatically.

That means you could receive your Social Security payments throughout the year and then be surprised by a larger-than-expected tax bill when you file your return.

The good news? You can elect to have federal income taxes withheld directly from your Social Security benefit. The IRS currently allows withholding at 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22%.

Before turning on Social Security, it’s worth looking at the entire retirement income picture—including pensions, IRA withdrawals, investment income and other sources of income—to determine whether withholding makes sense and how much.

A little tax planning upfront can help prevent an unwelcome surprise in April.

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as tax advice. Your individual tax situation may vary. Consult with your tax and financial professionals regarding your specific circumstances.*

09/10/2026

💡What Is Cost Basis — and Why Does a “Step-Up” Matter?

When you own an investment, your cost basis is generally what you paid for it. It’s an important number because it helps determine how much of a gain—or loss—you may have when the investment is eventually sold.

But what happens when an investment is inherited?

Under current federal tax rules, inherited assets generally receive a step-up in cost basis to their fair market value as of the original owner’s date of death (with some exceptions).

Here’s a simple example:

You purchased an investment for $50,000.
Over the years, it grows to $150,000.

If you sell it during your lifetime, you could have a $100,000 capital gain to report.

But if the investment is still worth $150,000 when it passes to your heirs and qualifies for a step-up in basis, their new cost basis would generally become $150,000.

If they later sold it for $155,000, their capital gain could be just $5,000 rather than $105,000.

This is one reason tax planning and estate planning should work together. Sometimes the decision to sell, hold, gift, or inherit an appreciated asset can have very different tax consequences.

Before making decisions with highly appreciated investments, consider the tax impact today AND the potential impact on the next generation.**

*This is a simplified example for educational purposes. Tax rules vary based on the type of asset and individual circumstances. Consult with your tax and financial professionals regarding your specific situation.*

09/09/2026

There are thousands of Exchange Traded Funds available. Should you invest in them?

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09/09/2026

In mid-August, the S&P 500 closed at a new all-time high.1 Yet the record arrived quietly. There was no flood of breaking-news alerts. No sense that everyone needed to stop what they were doing and pay attention. A record high isn't a...

Market drops make headlines, but long-term progress often happens quietly. Learn why patience, perspective, and financial planning matter for investors.