Markets don’t only rise; they breathe. We walk through why a near-term pullback looks likely, how that can reset valuations in a healthy way, and what we’re doing inside managed portfolios to cushion volatility and prepare to buy quality assets at better prices. Rather than trying to guess exact turning points, we explain our practical approach: raise some cash into strength, keep watchlists tight, and redeploy when risk-reward improves.From there, we shift into a core belief that shapes our planning work: time is the scarce resource and money is the tool. We unpack insurance through that lens, showing how the right coverage converts catastrophic unknowns into predictable costs and gives families room to breathe. Life insurance becomes income replacement and choice preservation, allowing survivors to pay debts, maintain a home, and avoid rushed decisions. The takeaway is simple and powerful—coverage exists to protect time, not just balance sheets.We also dig into the 401k question that everyone asks: should you max it out? The honest answer is it depends on taxes, cash flow, and future liquidity needs. We compare traditional and Roth 401k paths, explore the merits of a blended approach, and highlight scenarios where saving outside the plan might better support a business launch or major life move. The goal is alignment—build retirement security while keeping options open.Finally, we break down the newly announced 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment at 2.8% and the higher wage cap for payroll taxes. We outline who benefits, who pays more, and how to verify your estimates on the my Social Security portal at ssa.gov. Small administrative steps today can prevent big surprises tomorrow.If this conversation helps you think more clearly about markets, insurance, retirement savings, and Social Security, share it with a friend, subscribe for future updates, and leave a quick review so others can find the show. Have a question you want answered next week? Send it our way and join us live on Friday.

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