Blog
What’s on our mind? Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.
Market Flash - Military Action in Iran
In the latest Money with Murphy video, Kara Murphy, CFA, Chief Investment Officer at Kestra Investment Management, addresses the recent U.S. strikes in Iran and the geopolitical tension now influencing market sentiment.
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Market Outlook 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, growth appears steadier and inflation pressures have eased. While global tensions and market volatility remain, supportive policy, business investment, and innovation continue to create opportunity.
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Reading the Past, Living the Future: Insights from My Childhood Journals
What childhood journals revealed about purpose, success, and building a meaningful career in wealth management rooted in helping others.
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How Much Can I Safely Spend in Retirement Without Running Out of Money?
One of the biggest challenges in retirement isn't saving, it's knowing how to spend without second-guessing every decision. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a better way to think about retirement income.
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A Steady Finish to 2025
Markets are closing the year strong, with the S&P 500 up nearly 17% as investors eye a Fed rate cut. Cooling inflation and year-end optimism could bring a “Santa Claus rally.” Wishing you peace and confidence this holiday season!
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Medicare Mistakes to Avoid at 65
The rules and regulations governing Medicare coverage can be difficult to understand. As a result, people often—and inadvertently—make costly mistakes when they reach age 65 and become eligible for federal health insurance. Most...
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Is Your Portfolio Creating More Taxable Income Than You’d Like?
Your investments shouldn’t give you a tax hangover every April. 😅 Let’s review your portfolio now to uncover ways to invest more tax-efficiently — before year-end opportunities pass you by. 📞 Message us to schedule a quick review.
Read MoreWhat Are Structured Notes — and Do They Belong in Your Portfolio?
Looking for more predictable returns in an unpredictable market? 📉📈 Structured notes may offer a balance between growth and protection — allowing investors to better define potential outcomes before they invest.
Read MoreA Rising Tide: Third Quarter Market Review and Outlook
A Rising Tide: Third Quarter Market Review and Outlook Key Takeaways · The broad U.S. stock market climbed to new highs fueled by strong corporate earnings, especially among technology companies. Broad-based gains pushed all S&P 500...
Read MoreA Fresh Perspective on Today’s Market
It’s easy to feel uncertain about what the future holds, and it can feel like we’re always surrounded by negative news. We’re here to help you stay informed, confident, and aligned with your financial plan, no matter what the headlines say.
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No Place Like Home: Pain Points in the Housing Market and the Path Ahead
If you’ve driven past half-finished subdivisions or watched apartment buildings rise in your neighborhood, you might assume that the housing market is on a roll....
Read More2025 Tax Changes
Last month, Congress passed the Big Beautiful Bill Act, introducing some significant tax law changes. While some of these may work in your favor, others may require you to adjust your strategy.
Read MoreThe Loong in Parts: Five Myths, Five Realities
Much like the legendary “Loong” (Chinese for dragon)—seen only in fragments and misunderstood in full—China’s economy is often perceived through incomplete or misleading lenses. Is it collapsing, slowing, dominating, or transforming?
Read MoreIs It Smarter to Buy or Rent a Second Home?
As summer approaches, your thoughts may drift toward escaping your daily routine. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a pristine beach, fishing in a mountain lake, or playing the back nine between pickleball matches,...
Read MoreMarkets in a Minute: Tensions Rise, Oil Surges
Tensions in the Middle East flared last week as Israel launched strikes on Iranian targets. While oil prices surged over 7%, the response in equity markets was more muted.
Read MoreMarkets in a Minute: The Debate of Dollar Dominance
Despite recent weakness, the U.S. dollar retains key structural strengths—such as deep capital markets, global trade dominance, and institutional trust—that continue to support its role as the world’s reserve currency.
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Reading the Tariff Tea Leaves: First Signs of Economic Impact
Markets in a Minute Reading the Tariff Tea Leaves: First Signs of Economic Impact May 13, 2025 After weeks of market speculation and mixed messaging, we’re starting to see clearer signals around the economic impact of newly imposed tariffs
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6 Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Divorce Financial Affidavit
How to protect yourself from financial misrepresentation during divorce. When going through a divorce, emotions run high - but so do the financial stakes. Here are SIX critical mistakes that deserve close attention.
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US-UK Trade Deal - What You Need to Know
On Thursday, May 8th, the US and the UK unveiled a new trade deal, marking the first bilateral trade agreement since the April 2 tariffs were established.
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Money with Murphy: You Gotta Be In It to Win It
From April 2 to April 8, the S&P 500 declined nearly 13%. A shockingly sharp fall in just six days. But what followed was a rally nearly as sharp such that stocks regained their level before reciprocal tariff rates were announced....
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The Past as a Roadmap for the Future
Each generation faces challenges that often appear both unique and overwhelming, but when viewed through the sobering lens of history, we find that they are neither.
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Watch What People Do, Not What They Say
Some people are “saying” the word recession like it’s a foregone conclusion. But let’s take a step back and look at what people are actually “doing.”
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Social Security Fairness Act Webinar Replay
On March 5th, we had over 70 attendees for our seminar on the Social Security Fairness Act to discuss the elimination of WEP & GPO. Click "continue reading" below to access the replay.
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Tariffs and the Implications to Markets
Market pullbacks are a normal part of investing and often prove temporary. As Professor Jeremy Siegel tells us, “Stocks tend to be the most volatile asset class in the short run, but the most stable over the long run."
Read MoreWhat is a Fiduciary, and why should I care?
Is your financial advisor acting as a fiduciary? At True Alpha, our advisors are Certified Financial Fiduciaries® (CFF®) and Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) professional’s, who are required to adhere to a fiduciary standard.
Read MoreMoney with Murphy: Recent Events in Russia
Over the weekend, Russian president Vladimir Putin faced a rebellion from one of his closest allies, Yevgeny Prigozhin. What does this mean for the global economy and markets? Hear Kara’s view in this week’s Money...
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Markets in a Minute: Is the Banking System At Risk?
On March 10, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporate (FDIC) officially took over Silicon Valley Bank in order to protect depositors.
Read MoreMarkets in a Minute: Market Review and Outlook
Near-record inflation and both stock and bond market declines in 2022. An inverted yield curve and declining manufacturing activity in early 2023. How did we get here, where do we go next and, most importantly - what should investors do?
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About The SECURE Act 2.0
The SECURE Act 2.0, also known as the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2022, was recently passed by Congress as part of the Consolidated Appropriates Act of 2023. The bill builds upon the original SECURE Act, which was signed into law in
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Honoring Veterans Day
On November 11, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who have served America in the armed forces. This federal holiday – Veterans Day – is a time to reflect on their courage.Please take a moment this...
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Election 2020: Managing Your Emotions
It’s a startling statistic.45% of consumers with $100,000 or more investable assets expect to make changes to their investments due to the upcoming 2020 presidential election.1Second-guessing your investment strategy is natural,...
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Our Firm Has Expanded!
True Alpha Wealth Management is pleased to announce that Tyler R. McKean, CEPA, AWMA®, Steven H. Hafner, AIF®, and Kylee O'Neil, formerly of UBS Financial, have joined the firm. The expansion of True Alpha Wealth Management...
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Details on the Tax Deadline Extension
The Internal Revenue Service knows that many taxpayers have had a stressful spring. So, it has reset the federal tax deadline. You now have until July 15 to file your 1040 form. July 15 is also the deadline to pay any federal taxes...
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Market behavior and the economy
As states cautiously begin the process of relaxing their COVID-19 restrictions, some are wondering, “Why is the stock market doing so well when the economy is doing so poorly?”It’s a great question, and fortunately,...
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Pro tip: apply for Medicare early.
If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably been thinking about your health quite a bit lately — especially if you’re approaching retirement. Trust me, I understand. Anticipating your future medical costs can...
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What Savers Need From A Second Stimulus Bill
As Congress receives more pressure to pass a second stimulus, this time savers need some extra protections to ensure their retirement and debt repayments don't come under threat. https://www.forbes...
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The National Housing Market & COVID-19
For many of us, our house is our biggest investment and asset. Consider these facts: According to the National Association of Realtors, the median existing-home price is approximately $280,000. Assuming at least 20% down, that...
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Will American shale oil go bust?
US oil is suffering unprecedented distress, as demonstrated by the benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude price crashing into negative territory. This is a “triple blackswan” of an oversupply of oil driven by Opec...
Read More9 Facts About Social Security
Tip: How Much? Check your Social Security earnings and see an estimate of your benefits on the website, www.ssa.gov. Social Security’s been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how...
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