Blog
What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or common themes that arise from our conversations with clients, you can read about it here. We’re glad to have you reading along and hope you will keep checking in.
Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Rise with Upbeat News
Stocks rose last week as peace talks picked up while investors cheered better-than-expected economic news and Q1 corporate results. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.33 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 4.51...
Read MorePreparing For Retirement as an Empty Nester
For many people, retirement is framed as an escape—an endpoint where work stops and freedom begins. But in my experience advising clients, the most successful and satisfied retirees don’t retire from something; they retire to something.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | S&P, Nasdaq Have Best Month in 5 Years
Stocks advanced last week as investors moved past stalled progress in Middle East peace talks and refocused on corporate earnings. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 1.12...
Read MoreDownsizing as an Empty Nester
Through the process of creating a financial plan, many of our pre-retiree clients list buying a new home as one of their long-term goals. Today I would like to share my thoughts on downsizing.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Mixed Week After Ceasefire
Stocks were mixed last week as investors gauged potential outcomes of the Middle East conflict amid an ongoing ceasefire.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.55 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.50 percent. By...
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Traveling as an Empty Nester
For many, the transition to an empty nest marks a significant life milestone— it also presents an opportunity: the chance to reallocate time and money to travel!
Read MoreLifestyle Changes as an Empty Nester
“Keeping yourself busy” may sound like a chore, but it shouldn’t. To set yourself up for an enjoyable retirement, your empty nester years are a great time to explore your interests and develop new ones.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Records Fall as S&P 500 Tops 7,100
Stocks rallied last week as investor enthusiasm built for an end to the war in the Middle East and hopes of a resumption of normal global trade. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 4.54 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked...
Read MoreFinance Tips for Empty Nesters
Emotionally, becoming an empty nester can be unpredictable from feeling sad and lonely to having fun and feeling carefree. Today, however, I am going to talk about a more predictable impact of becoming an empty nester: the financial changes
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Ceasefire News Cheers Wall Street.
Hope won out over fear last week as investors set their sights on a Middle East ceasefire holding and optimistic prospects for the Strait of Hormuz reopening.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.56 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Stocks Rise on Hopes of Middle East Calm
Stocks rose over the short trading week on fresh hopes for a quick end to the Middle East conflict, while March job growth was unexpectedly strong.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 3.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Women Nearing Retirement
Financial Planning for Women Nearing Retirement: Women nearing retirement often face a set of challenges that are distinct from those experienced by men. Understanding these realities is the first step toward long-term financial security.
Read MoreMandatory Roth Catch-Up Contributions Begin in 2026
For nearly a quarter century, employers have been able to offer their retirement savings plan participants age 50 and older a valuable opportunity — the chance to make additional catch-up contributions to their plan.1 Thanks to the...
Read MoreOutlook 2026
2026 Outlook: The Policy EngineBy LPL ResearchIn 2025, we observed a market environment where fiscal and monetary policy decisions, rather thantraditional business fundamentals, were the primary drivers of market direction. This shift...
Read MoreYear-end Financial Moves
Smart Year-End Financial Moves for Your 50s and 60s It is hard to believe 2025 is coming to a close. As the year winds down, it’s an ideal time to take stock of your financial picture and make some strategic moves that can strengthen...
Read MoreNovember is Long-term Care Awareness Month
As a financial planner, one of the most common topics my clients bring up—often with a mix of concern and uncertainty—is long-term care. It’s an area few people enjoy thinking about, yet it’s one of the most important aspects of a...
Read MoreGenerational Wealth Planning
Building Generational Wealth: Planning for Your Legacy When we think about generational wealth, what names come to mind? Generational wealth refers to assets passed down from one generation to the next. This can include savings, investment
Read MoreSummertime: Time for Back Yard BBQ's and Long Term Care
Ahhh, Summertime! Time for vacations, get togethers, the beach, BBQs and long-term care discussions with family. Wait, say what??? OK – that last one doesn’t quite fit the typical summertime experience but let me explain! For most of...
Read MoreTrade Tensions Intensify
Stocks tumbled again today as China retaliated to the tariffs the Trump administration announced on Wednesday. Markets were already struggling with prospects for slower growth, which has now shifted to increasing concerns about...
Read MoreLet's Talk about Generational Wealth Transfer
There is no 'better time' than today than to start thinking about how to use your assets to help those you love, both now and after you pass. You can use your assets to help share your values. A financial plan is great place to start!
Read MoreApril Is Financial Literacy Month
April marks the start of Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized movement to promote and support financial understanding in children and teens. For many, it's a fantastic opportunity to teach and connect with their children...
Read MoreThe Art of Holiday Shopping!
Look at how much money you have to spend during the holiday season and decide your spending limit. It is important to keep your budget realistic, so you don’t overspend. Refer to your gift and holiday expense list you have...
Read MoreLive for Today... Just Make Sure You Can Afford It!
Wanting to enjoy life today while saving for tomorrow can be a juggling act, but it is possible to do both. The key is to keep your finances organized and goal based.
Read MoreWhere to Store Essential Documents
Many of us have our estate documents all signed, notarized, and ready to go… but have we told our loved ones where to find them? It's important to let your executor or successor trustee know where your estate planning documents are located
Read MoreWhat To Do When You Inherit Money
Inheriting money can be both a blessing and a challenge. There are many things you can do with inherited money, but some of them are more beneficial than others.According to some sources1234, some of the best things to do with...
Read MoreProtecting Your Digital Assets
Digital Estate Plan Just the other day, a call came in that we all dread. A client recently passed away and his wife called to ask about what to do with her husband’s accounts. They had created a solid estate plan that would...
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Long Term Care
Financial planning for long-term care is an important topic that many people overlook until it is too late. Long-term care refers to the services and support that help people with their personal care needs such as bathing, dressing,...
Read MoreA Week in the Life of a Financial Advisor
I was doing some reflective work over this past week on conversations had with clients, friends, and prospects. As I started to write these down, I was struck at the breadth and depth of all the different topics. It got me thinking...
Read MoreLET'S CLOSE THE FINANCIAL LITERACY GAP
At Atlas Wealth Strategies, we talk a lot about Knowledge and Empowerment. We want our clients to feel self-assured when discussing their financial goals. Unfortunately, there is a true gender gap that exists when it comes to feeling...
Read MoreEVs - Is now the time?
With both Tesla and Ford slashing the prices of their electric vehicles (EVs), many people are wondering if the time is right to make the change. We are too... so we did a little research. What we found is that if you are in the...
Read MoreSix Months and Counting
August 6, 2021 Dear Valued Investor: Six months and counting. That is the current monthly winning streak for the S&P 500 Index. To take that a step further, this key equity benchmark has posted gains in 13 of the last 16...
Read MoreGearing Up for Summer
As we move toward July, a path to normalcy is coming quickly with stadiums allowing full capacity, restaurants filling up, and summer vacations in full swing. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy continues to recover remarkably quickly and the...
Read MoreOut of the Shadows - May 2021
May 10, 2021 Dear Valued Investor: As the calendar has turned to May, the popular “Sell in May and Go Away” stock market cliché is getting a lot of airtime. This is the idea that the stock market tends to be weakest...
Read MoreSpring Into a Positive Outlook
April 12, 2021 Dear Valued Investor: “The real key to making money in stocks is not to get scared out of them.” Peter Lynch They say April showers bring May flowers. Well, after a lot of showers and storms over the past...
Read MoreThe Return of Normal is Approaching
March 4, 2021 Dear Valued Investor: It’s now been over a year since COVID-19 first hit American shores. While the pandemic has affected everyone to varying degrees, we can all agree that everyone’s life is different today...
Read MoreFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: John Galego receives the Women’s Choice Award®
WomenCertified Inc., home of the Women’s Choice Award identifies Financial Advisors and Firms based on rigorous research focused on 17 points of objective criteria, in addition to references of validation from the...
Read MoreFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: John Galego Receives Five Star Award For Sixth Consecutive Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:John Galego Receives Five Star Award For Fourth Consecutive YearHopkinton, MA February 2021 As seen in Boston Magazine, Five Star Professional has recognized John Galego with the 2021 Five Star Wealth Manager...
Read MoreStay the Course
February 8, 2021 Dear Valued Investor, “In the short-term, the market is a popularity contest. In the long-term, the market is a weighing machine.” Warren Buffett 2021 is under way, as our nation and the rest of the world...
Read MoreDecember 14, 2020 - Cases Rise, Stocks Retreat
The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreElection Clarity For the Markets
Former Vice President Joe Biden has been elected the 46th President of the United States, defeating President Donald Trump in a tight race and bringing an end to the highly contested 2020 election. The new president-elect benefited...
Read MoreWhy Market Timing Doesn't Work
Today’s market conditions may feel a bit uncertain. Between international trade tensions, changes from the Federal Reserve, and increased volatility, some investors react emotionally and may want to make changes to their...
Read MoreWomen Facing Poverty
Check out this article: This is Why so Many Women Face Poverty in their Old Age
Read MoreBack to School in a New Way
Back to school this year will be different. On the one hand, like other years, it marks the end of summer, the arrival of cooler weather, kids hitting the books again, and Labor Day gatherings. But unlike other years, going back to...
Read MoreHow Can Women Prepare for Retirement?
When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration estimates that today's average 65-year-old woman will live to age...
Read MoreTalking to Your Children about Money
As I sit in my home office (aka the kitchen) during the unprecedented times, my teenage twins have finished their daily school work and are Zooming (a new verb!) their friends. I hear them talking not only about how much they miss each...
Read MoreQuestions About Your 529 Plan You Were Afraid to Ask
This fall I have had many friends drop their oldest child off at college for the first time. Some have shared the excitement of this next step, others the chaos of setting up the dorm room, and for others the loneliness of coming home...
Read MoreSummertime: Time for the Beach, Back Yard BBQ’s and Long Term Care!
Ahhh, Summertime! Time for vacations, get togethers, the beach, BBQs and long-term care discussions with family. Wait, say what??? OK – that last one doesn’t quite fit the typical summertime experience but let me explain!...
Read MoreLOOKING FOR A GIFT IDEA FOR YOUR FAMILY: HOW ABOUT AN ESTATE PLAN?
When the words “Estate Plan” are mentioned, many people conjure up images of a stodgy attorney reading a letter to a group of formally dressed relatives in the library of a mansion… just waiting to see who will get...
Read More10 Benefits of Working with a Financial Planner
10 Benefits of Working with Financial Planner Research shows that people who have financial plans – and who work with financial advisors – save and invest far more and are more likely to feel on track or ahead of...
Read MoreALIGN YOUR INVESTMENTS WITH YOUR VALUES
Consider the following… An energy company fails to uphold sound health and safety standards… In 2010, while in the Gulf of Mexico, one of the company’s oil rigs suffers a massive explosion. Shareholders lose 50% of...
Read MoreWOMEN AND INVESTING: A PLAN OF HER OWN MAKING
What role do women play in the world of investment? An ever increasing one. That being said, recent research shows that there remains a gap between men and women when it comes to taking part in long-term financial planning and investment.
Read MoreHOW CARING FOR A PARENT OR SPOUSE CAN UPEND YOUR RETIREMENT
The more conversations I have with family, friends, neighbors and clients, the more the topic of caring for an aging parent or spouse comes up. I am continually surprised just how many families are affected by this (my own included)....
Read MoreWHY YOU SHOULD PLAN FOR AN EARLIER RETIREMENT
Do you know when you will retire? If you have an age in mind for retirement, and a financial plan to back it up, you are ahead of many Americans who have little or no retirement plan to speak of. That said, recent data suggests that the
Read MoreESTATE PLANNING AND PROBATE
I am often asked by my clients, as a financial planner, should I have a will or trust? The short answer is YES! If you own assets and want to make sure at death they go to whom you intend them to go, a simple will or trust is a great...
Read MoreWHY FINANCIAL PLANNING IS ESSENTIAL FOR WOMEN
There are many reasons why financial planning is especially important for women, but the following article focuses on three important ones: 1. Longevity; 2. The Wage Gap; 3. Providing Care For Others. Like many factors that impact...
Read More4 REASONS WHY LONG-TERM CARE IS A WOMEN'S ISSUE
Understanding the need to plan for long-term care is important for everyone, especially women. Although many of us don't want to talk about it, the majority of us will have to confront a long-term care event at some point in our lives....
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