February 13, 2026

More than Money Newsletter – February 2026


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Gene Dickison – Snow, Ice and (Very) Cold

Gene Dickison

You may very well be reading this newsletter on your veranda enjoying a sunny morning with warmth all around you. We do now have clients and audience members in more than thirty (30) states.

If you are anywhere near the MtM World Headquarters in the Holy Lands between Bethlehem and Nazareth you’ve seen, felt, and battled the snow, ice, and cold this winter. And it’s not behind us yet. Challenges indeed. Some flee to the South to ‘escape’. Those of us who stay wear our willingness to brave these weather challenges as a badge of honor – of sorts.

To all who have faced these weather challenges on any level rest assured – after every winter comes spring. Some winters are quite mild and spring follows. Some winters are quite challenging and spring follows. Most winters are quite average and – not shockingly – spring follows. Every single winter followed by spring.

Pretty cool. Well designed. Intelligently designed. Automatic and very welcome. Think warm thoughts of spring. It’s coming.

Mark Belcak – Capitalizing on Economic Momentum

Q1 2026 Market Update

Happy New Year! I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Mark Belcak, and I’m the President and Senior Family Wealth Advisor with MtM Financial.

I began my career in 1994, and over the past three decades, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside families like yours to navigate markets, build wealth, and plan for what matters most. I had missed the inaugural MtM newsletter and couldn’t miss this second opportunity to make a first impression.

As we start 2026, I want to share some perspective on where we stand and what the data is telling us about the road ahead. I’ve learned to focus on fundamentals rather than headlines—and right now, those fundamentals are telling an encouraging story.

Sustained Earnings Growth Continues

As earnings season kicks off this month, we’re seeing continued strength in corporate America. Fourth quarter 2025 results are projected to show 8.3% year-over-year earnings growth—marking the 10th consecutive quarter of growth for the S&P 500. More importantly, full-year 2025 earnings came in at 12.4% growth, demonstrating the resilience of American businesses despite an evolving economic landscape.

What makes this particularly meaningful is both the breadth and the durability of the strength. Eight of eleven sectors are reporting year-over-year earnings growth this quarter, led by Information Technology with projected growth over 25%, Materials at 9%, and Financials at 6.4%. Revenue growth of 7.7% marks the 21st consecutive quarter of revenue expansion—the second-strongest figure in three years. This isn’t a story of a few companies carrying the market; this is broad-based business execution.

Perhaps most encouraging: analysts are projecting 2026 earnings growth to accelerate to 14.9%, with quarterly growth rates ranging from 12-18% throughout the year. That suggests we’re not at the end of this expansion cycle—we may be entering an even stronger phase.

The Dealmaking Renaissance

One of the most significant developments in Q4 2025 was the revival of Wall Street dealmaking. Global M&A volume hit approximately $5 trillion in 2025—a massive 40%+ jump from the previous year. We tracked 473 M&A announcements and 481 IPO announcements in 2025, both hitting four-year highs.

This surge in capital markets activity signals something important: confidence. Companies don’t make major acquisitions or go public unless they believe in their growth prospects and the stability of the environment. The fact that dealmaking has thawed after years of caution tells us that corporate America sees opportunity ahead.

Looking Ahead: The Setup for 2026

Here’s where it gets even more interesting. Third quarter 2025 GDP just came in at 4.4% annualized growth—the strongest performance in two years—driven by resilient consumer spending (3.5%), robust exports, and AI-related equipment investment. When you combine this momentum with projected 15% earnings growth for 2026, over $18 trillion in committed U.S. investment, the Federal Reserve having cut rates to the 3.50-3.75% range in late 2025, and policy frameworks supporting expansion, you start to see why there’s cautious optimism about our economic trajectory.

The investment commitments from earlier continue to materialize and expand. Major corporations are following through on their plans with remarkable scale:

Technology & AI Infrastructure: Nvidia has committed $500 billion over four years to U.S.-based AI infrastructure and manufacturing. Apple’s investment pledge stands at $600 billion for U.S. manufacturing and workforce training. Meta committed $600 billion for AI infrastructure expansion through 2028. These aren’t just promises—facilities are being built, manufacturing is ramping up, and American workers are being hired. The AI arms race continues to drive unprecedented capital investment, with major tech firms having invested over $300 billion in infrastructure in 2025 alone.

International Partnerships: The UAE committed $1.4 trillion, Japan is approaching $1 trillion in investments across semiconductors, shipbuilding, energy, and pharmaceuticals, Qatar pledged $1.2 trillion in economic exchange, and Saudi Arabia committed $600 billion. These partnerships represent genuine confidence in America’s economic future.

Pharmaceutical Renaissance: Perhaps one of the most significant developments has been the transformation in pharmaceutical manufacturing and pricing. Fourteen of the seventeen largest pharmaceutical companies have now committed to Most Favored Nation pricing—meaning Americans will no longer subsidize drug costs for the rest of the world.

Companies including Eli Lilly ($27 billion), Pfizer ($70 billion), Johnson & Johnson ($55 billion), Roche ($50 billion), Bristol Myers Squibb ($40 billion), AstraZeneca ($50 billion), Merck ($70 billion), Gilead ($11 billion), and Novo Nordisk ($10 billion) have committed over $370 billion in combined U.S. manufacturing and R&D investments. More importantly, they’ve agreed to slash prices on essential medications for Medicaid patients and provide discounted direct-to-consumer pricing through the TrumpRx platform that launched in January.

This isn’t just about lower drug prices—it’s about national security, domestic manufacturing capability, and ensuring Americans aren’t paying three times what other countries pay for the same medications.

The Challenge: Participation with Protection

So here’s the question that keeps coming up in my conversations with clients: How do we stay positioned for this potential expansion while managing the inevitable uncertainty that comes with any market environment?

This is exactly where the evolution in investment tools becomes so valuable. The combination of buffered ETFs and structured notes allows us to pursue growth opportunities while building in defined protection parameters. It’s not about predicting every market move—it’s about creating a structure that can benefit from positive momentum while managing downside risk.

With the Fed having completed its rate-cutting cycle and market dynamics continuing to evolve, having flexibility in how we pursue returns becomes increasingly important. Traditional approaches of choosing between “safe” and “growth” don’t have to be the only options anymore.

Market Breadth: A Healthy Foundation

One of the most encouraging aspects of the current environment is how earnings growth is broadening across sectors. While Technology leads with over 25% projected growth, we’re seeing Materials at 9%, Financials at 6.4%, and most other sectors participating in the expansion. This broad-based strength suggests we’re seeing a more sustainable bull market, not one dependent on just a handful of mega-cap technology names.

The good news is that we have tools and strategies designed specifically for this environment:

– Structures that can participate in upside potential with built-in guardrails

– Income strategies that can adapt as conditions evolve

– Approaches that don’t require you to choose between protection and participation

The Foundation is There

When you step back and look at the full picture—ten consecutive quarters of earnings growth, substantial capital commitments to U.S. growth, policy frameworks supporting expansion, a thawed M&A market, and improving economic indicators—the foundation for continued momentum appears exceptionally solid.

Does that mean there won’t be challenges? Of course not. The S&P 500 is trading near record highs with valuations above long-term averages. Markets never move in straight lines, and there will always be periods of volatility. But having a strategic approach designed to navigate both the opportunities and the challenges is exactly what allows clients to move forward with confidence.

Your Positioning Matters Now

Here’s what I know from three decades of experience: The best time to refine your strategy is before you need to, not after. Whether you’re looking to ensure your current approach is positioned for potential expansion, exploring ways to generate more effective income, or reconsidering how you balance growth and protection, now is the time to have that conversation.

With the economic setup we’re seeing heading into 2026—projected 15% earnings growth, unprecedented investment commitments, a revival in dealmaking, and broadening market participation—being strategically positioned isn’t just about protection. It’s about making sure you’re not leaving opportunity on the table.

Let’s Talk About Your Strategy

Our team of Family Wealth Advisors at MtM Financial would welcome the opportunity to walk you through how we’re approaching this environment and explore whether there are adjustments that might better serve your goals. Sometimes a fresh perspective on your current positioning can reveal opportunities you hadn’t considered.

The momentum is there. The question is whether your portfolio is structured to take advantage of it while still giving you the peace of mind you deserve.

Ready to explore your options? Reach out to any of our Family Wealth Advisors to find a time that works with your schedule. Let’s make sure you’re positioned for what could be an exceptional period ahead.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Economic projections and estimates are subject to change and may not materialize as anticipated. All investments carry risk, including potential loss of principal. Structured notes and buffered ETFs involve unique risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Please consult with your financial advisor to determine strategies appropriate for your specific situation and risk tolerance.

Sources:

Q4 2025 earnings data and projections sourced from FactSet Earnings Insight (January 16, 2026), Wall Street Horizon (January 2026), and LSEG I/B/E/S consensus estimates. M&A and IPO data from Wall Street Horizon 2025 full-year analysis. Q3 2025 GDP final estimate (4.4% annualized) from U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) updated estimate released January 22, 2026. Investment commitment figures sourced from White House official announcements and documentation (whitehouse.gov, 2025), company press releases and investor relations announcements. Pharmaceutical data from FiercePharma industry reporting (December 2025), CNBC business coverage (December 2025), company SEC filings and press releases, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services GENEROUS model documentation (November 2025), Rand Corporation drug pricing study (2024). Federal Reserve rate data from Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announcements (December 2025). S&P 500 index data from S&P Dow Jones Indices. GDP projections represent select economic forecasts from EY-Parthenon, Goldman Sachs, and other institutions and are not guarantees of future performance.

Mark’s son, Nico, also making his “new and improved” newsletter debut!

Alyssa Young – Be a Blessing via QCDs

Alyssa Young Potrait

If you’re a loyal listener of “More than Money” on Saturday mornings, you’ve heard Gene and I say, “We are blessed to be a blessing.” I’m feeling doubly blessed lately, because I’m enjoying the privilege of supporting my clients’ generosity. 

Many of my clients take advantage of the opportunity to use qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) to send money tax-free from their IRA directly to charities they already were supporting. You must be older than 70 1/2 to do this. Instead of writing checks, they use QCDs to make their monthly church donations or annual pledges to the organizations MtM Financial Group supports with telethons, for example. It’s smart.  

But one woman I’m proud to call my client has stepped up her QCD game by giving large, impactful gifts that are making a real difference in people’s lives. She was the beneficiary of a sizable retirement account she is required to empty within 10 years but, frankly, she doesn’t need.

After a successful career and decades of wise decisions about money, she already had a strong financial foundation with adequate guaranteed income and a surplus of retirement savings. As a matter of fact, her income is high enough that withdrawing the money from her inherited IRA would trigger higher Medicare premiums (the dreaded IRMAA).

Yes, she’s in a favorable situation not everyone enjoys. But, to her credit, she is maximizing her opportunity to dole out all of the money in the inherited IRA in the form of significant gifts to organizations that are important to her–and to her loved ones.

In the meantime, I’m doing my best to grow the money by using smart investment management, so she’ll be able to help even more people.

In 2025, my client gave away $80,000! Eight nonprofits each received $10,000 thanks to her thoughtfulness and generosity. Among them were the small Catholic school she attended as a child, a sport club her nephews enjoy in their home state, libraries, Animals in Distress, a local food pantry and the school music program in which her neighbors’ children participate.

At our most recent quarterly review, she told me some of the ways the recipients of these donations have thanked her.

She received handmade thank-you cards from the Catholic school students, along with an invitation to attend one of their events following Sunday Mass.

The high school music students surprised her by arriving at her home one evening to sing Christmas carols as their expression of gratitude. Her gift allowed them to buy new sheet music and instruments, and this year, the booster club hopes to provide scholarships for students who intend to study music after graduation.

“Those high school kids had me crying when they showed up and started singing,” she said, then joked, “And that was not good, as it was very, very cold out!”

She said it makes her feel good to bless others with financial support, especially when she hears how difficult it is for them to raise money to accomplish their goals. Also, she knows her loved one from whom she inherited the IRA would be pleased with how she’s using the money. She’s hopeful that sharing her story will encourage others to use QCDs to make a difference in their communities.

And, if that isn’t sweet enough, here’s one of my favorite recipes for a sweet treat.

Satisfy Your Bundt Cake Craving

Loyal listeners of “More than Money” know Alyssa bakes a lot of bundt cakes, and Gene is a fan of desserts that come out of the ring-shaped pan. Here’s a recipe for one of her favorites. She’s been baking this cake for at least 17 years, since she asked her then-toddler son Andrew (you might know him as No. 9) what type of birthday cake he wanted for his birthday. He requested something with chocolate chips, chocolate icing and strawberries.

Alyssa found this sour cream chocolate chip bundt cake recipe, added the chocolate icing and served it with sliced strawberries on the side. It quickly became a family favorite. (By the way, that little boy turns 21 years old next month.)

Sour Cream Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

Ingredients:

  • 1 box yellow butter cake mix
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup oil
  • 1 small box vanilla instant pudding
  • 8 oz sour cream
  • 6 oz chocolate chips
  • 3 eggs

Mix together all but chips, then add chips. Grease and flour bundt pan. Pour in and spread batter. Bake for one hour at 350 degrees. If desired, when the cake is cool, add chocolate icing (homemade or store-bought). Optional: Serve with strawberries.

Jon Weimer – Q1 2026 Market Perspective: Looking Forward Through the Lens of 2025

What Just Happened—And What It Means for Your Family’s Future

As we close the books on 2025 and begin navigating 2026, it’s natural to ask: What should we make of the year behind us, and how should it shape our decisions ahead? The honest answer? Perhaps less than you think.

Jon Weimer

Markets delivered another year of surprises in 2025—some welcome, others unsettling. We witnessed continued volatility as central banks balanced inflation concerns against growth objectives. Technology sectors experienced both remarkable gains and sharp corrections. Geopolitical tensions evolved in unexpected directions. And through it all, the fundamental question remained unchanged: Are we staying focused on what actually matters?

Here’s what we know with confidence as we enter 2026: Your family’s financial objectives haven’t changed simply because the calendar has. The capital your children will need for education in eight years remains the same target. The retirement income required to sustain your lifestyle for three decades hasn’t shifted. The legacy you envision for future generations still demands the same thoughtful planning.

Markets will continue their perpetual dance between optimism and concern—this year, next year, and every year thereafter. Our role isn’t to predict which direction they’ll move next quarter, but to ensure your portfolio remains deliberately constructed to reach your family’s multigenerational goals regardless of short-term market sentiment. Strong planning doesn’t react to headlines; it responds to your evolving needs, your shifting timelines, and your family’s authentic priorities.

As always, we remain focused on the proven sequence: objectives first, strategy second, allocation third. If you’re questioning whether your current approach still serves your family’s vision—or if 2025’s market movements have left you uncertain—we welcome the conversation. Your confidence matters more than any quarterly return.

Jon’s kids, Logan, Blake, Ainsley and Luke enjoying the snow!

Daryl Okken – Trump Accounts

Daryl Okken potrait

Trump Accounts have been getting significant attention in the media over the past few weeks. The concept is easy…..”the government will fund $1,000 for qualifying children.” 

The mechanics of how to apply, who qualifies, and how the rules work is critical…..and, sadly, more complicated. 

At this point the rules are still emerging. IRS Notice 2025-68 is 44 pages of information the IRS intends to use to roll out the final official regulations on these accounts. You can access this at trumpaccounts.gov if you dare.

Here are the basics we know so far about how it affects you and me:

  • The account is a type of traditional IRA account for an eligible individual who becomes the beneficiary owner of the account.
  • An account can be set up for anyone who has not turned 18 years of age by year end. Only one account is allowed per person…..so persons born after December 31, 2008.
  • The “growth period” is the time between account opening and the December 31st of year before the beneficiary turns 18. After that the account is subject to traditional IRA rules.
  • Funds can only be invested in eligible investments in mutual funds or mutual funds that track an index of US companies and has fees of 0.1 percent or less.
  • There is a “pilot program account” which is only available to children born in 2025, 26, 27 and 28. Accounts for these children are the same in every respect except the U.S. Treasury will contribute $1,000 to these accounts….tax free with no obligation. This funding will not be done before July 4, 2026.
  • You must elect to establish a Trump Account and also elect to receive the $1,000 from Uncle Sam if eligible. This is done through your tax return using form 4547 or going to the on-line portal trumpaccounts.gov. 
  • Individuals (family members, friends, the beneficiary, employers or any other person) can contribute the account….up to an aggregate limit of $5,000. There are rules for other organizations which may allow larger contributions (federal and state governments, nonprofits and more)
  • Employers can contribute $2,500 (per employee – not per account) to employee accounts or employees’ children’s accounts. Employees can make pre-tax contributions to their children’s accounts.

If that sounds like a lot of rules to digest……I agree but it is only an overview of what the IRS has released to date. I think there will be more clarification as we approach mid year when contributions can commence.

These accounts are something to keep in mind for your grandkids- Daryl does, including for his newest granddaughter who joined the family in September!

Gavin Kirsch

In January, I had the amazing opportunity to attend Advyzon’s annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Advyzon is the Client Relationship Management (CRM) platform MtM uses to centralize customer information/interactions and run reports for our client’s quarterly reviews.

Their team did a fantastic job prioritizing education for new users of the platform like myself, introducing new features that will be rolled out in the coming year, and keeping the audience engaged with market outlooks, insightful panels, and hard-hitting breakout sessions. After reflecting on the experience, I wanted to share some of my main takeaways.

#1: Artificial intelligence and its growing role in financial advising

A focal point of this year’s conference was artificial intelligence and the way it is affecting the financial advising field. Over the past few years, there has been growing concern around the idea of AI “taking over”. The question is often posed: Why work with a financial advisor when AI can create my financial plan?

My view is simple: AI can enhance financial planning, but it cannot replicate the comprehensive guidance of a human advisor. AI may become the blueprint and the tools, but it does not diminish the role of the carpenter.

There’s no way around it—AI is an extremely valuable tool that will eventually underlie almost every aspect of your work. It is being integrated into companies’ tech stacks across the industry, and when used correctly, it can drastically improve efficiency in the workplace. The key is knowing when and where it should be used.

A relationship with a financial advisor should be deeper than the capital you have available to invest. AI may be excellent with rules and data, but financial advisors excel when decisions are nuanced, emotional, or value-driven, and there may not be a “correct” answer on paper. AI can model markets, but it can’t sit across the table from someone who is scared, grieving, or overwhelmed and keep them disciplined when it matters most. Consistency and human connection are pivotal during life changes. AI may be advancing in a rapid manner, but this is still a relationship-driven business.

#2: Our success has everything to do with our clients

To wrap up the second day of the conference, we had the opportunity to listen to one of the world’s top executive coaches and bestselling authors, John Mattone. John worked with Steve Jobs for around a year, until his death in 2011. He recited a quote from Steve that hit very close to home at MtM Financial: “Our success at Apple has nothing to do with our computers. It has everything to do with our clients.”

Of course, there are many moving parts behind the scenes at MtM – from the voices you hear when you call our office to the advisors sitting across from you for your quarterly review. However, the most important piece of it all is our appreciative clients. It is truly a privilege to build and maintain relationships with individuals who have trusted us to be their financial partner throughout the triumphs and tragedies that life brings. We are enriched by these relationships – that is something that AI cannot replicate.

Gavin attending the Advyzon conference in Phoenix with some of his MtM colleagues

Makaila Scarcelle

This past month, I had the opportunity to attend the Advyzon Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. I left with far more than notes, takeaways, or new ideas. I left with a reminder of why this work matters in the first place.

One conversation in particular has stayed with me, centered on something we don’t always associate with finance at first glance: storytelling.

In a world that so often emphasizes performance, tools, and technology; this discussion was a powerful reminder that the most meaningful connections don’t start with numbers, they start with people.

When you take the time to truly know someone, when you listen to their story before ever discussing strategy, trust follows naturally. Not because of advice or recommendations, but because authenticity creates connection. Relationships built this way are deeper and more enduring; rooted in understanding rather than transactions.

It made me reflect on the shift we’re seeing across the financial world. AI and digital platforms are incredible tools, but they work best when they support, not replace, the human element. Technology can help tell a story, but it should never rewrite who you are. The most impactful message isn’t just what you say; it’s how you say it, and that can only come from staying true to yourself.

That mindset feels deeply aligned with MtM. One of the things that continues to stand out to me is how intentional our firm is about creating meaningful experiences, not just for our clients, but for the community as a whole. The events MtM hosts each year aren’t just gatherings on a calendar, they’re opportunities to give back, to connect, and to build relationships rooted in trust and care. That commitment comes to life through initiatives like our Folds of Honor radio thon held in memory of 9/11, as well as our annual efforts around the holiday season to raise money for the Children’s Home of Easton. We hope every event reflects the same belief: that authenticity and community are at the heart of everything we do.

As someone who gets to witness these connections up close, I’m always eager to hear ideas from our clients. If there’s an event or cause that feels meaningful to you, I’d truly love to hear about it. Your stories and experiences help shape what we create, and your voices matter here. That same spirit of shared conversation and perspective is something we’re excited to bring to life at our upcoming PBS event on March 5th. Our team will be discussing a wide range of topics that reflect the questions, experiences, and values of the people MtM serves.

Leaving the conference, I felt inspired not by the idea of doing more, but by doing things differently. Being more intentional, listening more closely, showing up more authentically, and remembering that behind every financial plan is a person with a story worth honoring. I’m incredibly grateful to be learning and growing in a place that leads with heart, values people over profit, and never loses sight of the human side of this work. Because when we put people first, everything else falls into place. 

Melissa’s Miscellaneous

Welcome to the part of the newsletter that is going to include this, that, and the kitchen sink! For those of you who don’t know me, if you have ever noticed a cubicle overrun with plants in the Bethlehem branch- that’s me!

This month we are going to talk about a flower that can bloom even during this chilly winter- the orchid. These flowers act a bit differently than other plants, but with the right care you can get a long-lasting bloom that might even grow back to flower again and again. Best part: it’s easier than you may think!

While orchids are native to tropical regions, they can stand a chance in our (indoor) Pennsylvanian climate! The first thing you can do is pick a healthy plant- yellow leaves, wrinkly leaves, black roots, mushy roots, or drenched soil are all indicators that maybe that is not the plant for you- unless you want to play plant-nurse! I also always look for orchids that come within a plastic liner with holes, inside the decorative pot (see the picture showing the roots to see the difference between the plastic liner and the outer pot). That removable, plastic liner is key for watering.

In the wild orchids usually grow on the outside of trees, their roots climb the bark and are exposed to the air. The best way to replicate that inside a pot is having chunky soil filled with bark chips, moss, coconut husk, charcoal, clay, etc. They love soil mix that has plenty of air holes and you can find bags of an “Orchid Mix” at most plant stores.

They should be placed in indirect light and in a room with a steady temperature- drafts are not their friend. The best way to maintain your orchid is only watering it when it actually wants a drink- and the best part is that they will let you know! You can look at their roots by pulling the clear, plastic liner out of the pot. Green roots means that they are still filled with water from their last watering, but if they appear more silvery, that means it is time to water them again. I have found success by soaking them- I fill the pot ¾ full of room temperature water and let the roots soak for 30 minutes. Then pull the plastic liner containing the orchid out of the pot. Pour the excess water out of the pot, and let the orchid drain for 5 minutes, this is why we want a plastic liner with holes. Once everything had a chance to drain, put the liner back into the pot and you are set!

Many orchids come with “care” instructions that state to water the plant by putting ice cubes on their roots- remember, these are tropical plants! They do not like the intense cold, and just like people it can cause the roots to go into shock or even die. No matter how well you care for your orchid, eventually, the flowers will die. But just as the memories of sunshine and warmth may seem very far away during winter, spring will return, and there is still hope. Use rubbing alcohol to clean a pair of scissors, then find the l bump on the spike where the lowest old bloom sprouted. Make a diagonal cut between this old-bloom node and the next new node on the spike. For example, when my orchid’s flowers fall off, I will cut it one the black line in the attached image. For reference, I have blue arrows pointing to other nodes- they are where future flowers can grow. It will need some time to rest, but hopefully in a few months you will have a new set of flowers. Some people will also trim old/mushy roots and replace the soil during this time of rest to help give it the best chance of health.

Now that I am sure you know more about orchids than you ever wanted to, I hope that your new year is off to a happy and healthy start. And maybe you are inspired to give a certain potted plant to your Valentine’s sweetheart this year.

Love, Melissa – the plant lady.

Chad RupprechtRenewal

As we struggle through the (hopefully) last bitter grip of winter, we look forward to the coming of spring with hope and anticipation. And while we most likely are not looking forward to Tax Day, we know that sunshine and the rebirth of God’s world is on its way.

So, as we prepare our 1099’s and other tax forms to complete our 2025 taxes, we can move forward in the new year and plan for the things to come in 2026. The focus of this piece is Renewal.

As humans (and sinners), it is our nature to focus on, quite honestly, all the wrong things – our insecurities; our obsessions; our vices; our past.

And while it may be important to reflect on our previous missteps to learn, it should not define our future, except as a cautionary tale of how to avoid the same bad mistakes. The Apostle Paul writes, ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17). What better words of hope than to be reminded that there is new life. And for those of us who know the story of Paul, what a fitting narrative about rebirth and redemption (from Acts 9:1-19).

Paul, known as Saul, was a persecutor of the followers of Jesus. As he was traveling to Damascus, a light flashed from heaven and Jesus spoke to Paul, telling him to go into the city and find out what he was supposed to do. Paul was blinded by the light and traveled the rest of the way to Damascus without his sight. Upon arriving in Damascus, Paul was met by a disciple of Jesus, Ananias, who told Paul he had been sent by Jesus to help him see again and show him the Holy Spirit. Paul’s sight was restored, and he was baptized.

From then on, Paul became a follower of Jesus and one of the early disciples in the early church.

While we may not be guilty of persecution, we all have actions or decisions from our past that may cause us shame or remorse. For many of us, we may wish we had made better financial choices earlier in life. But there is hope. And whether our needs are served by better budgeting, contributing to an IRA, or processing a Roth conversion, there are ways to make our financial future better. Here’s to a better year, full of hope and financial freedom.

Blessings to you and your loved ones as we look forward to Spring and the celebration of the best renewal story of all time on Easter morning.

Words Are Powerful Tools For American Freedom

Mastery is a fascinating word to me. The thought that someone could devote their life and their talents in such a way to be considered a master of their craft is seriously inspiring.

I could list dozens of famous ‘masters’ from history and today. But when I think of mastery I think of my father. Dad was a carpenter. He built houses for forty (40) years or more. In each home you would find evidence of his dedication to doing the very best job he could – whether the owner saw the details or not. He was devoted to the details and making the details better in each and every home. He spent a lifetime learning, practicing, discovering, and employing new and better tools, ideas, and methods to ‘master’ his craft.

And he did it all with an ever-present smile.

Dad believed (as I do) that taking one’s work seriously is fundamental to the dream of mastering one’s craft. He also believed (and now I have lived a lifetime mastering my craft) that we don’t have to take ourselves seriously at all.

“Over-seriousness is a warning sign for mediocrity and bureaucratic thinking. People who are seriously committed to mastery and high performance are secure enough to lighten up.” – Michael J. Gelb

I can assure you that within my 780 years of mastering my craft I have always taken my commitment to my clients and my craft very seriously. I, however, have rarely (maybe . . . never) taken myself very seriously at all.

And following my Dad’s example has made all the difference.

Please allow us to serve you and those you love,

Your MtM Family Wealth Advisors

It is important to understand that buffered products provide downside protection (how much your investment can drop) in exchange for a limit on your upside participation (you will not receive the full benefit of positive performance above the cap level).

Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and various assumptions concerning future events and circumstances that are subject to change. Actual results and events may ultimately be materially different.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information presented here should be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. This information is not intended to be a substitute for personalized financial planning, tax planning, or legal advice.

Securities offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance Inc. (SFA), Member FINRA, SIPC. Advisory and tax services offered through MtM Financial Group, LLC which is otherwise unaffiliated with SFA. 4505 Hanoverville Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020. SFA does not provide tax or legal advice. Supervising office 888-447-2444.