Financial Insights Archives
What Is a Financial Advisor? Turning Goals into Plans for Retirement Savers
A financial advisor is a professional who helps individuals make informed decisions about their money so it can support long-term goals. Most often, a secure and fulfilling retirement. While investments play a role, effective financial advice looks beyond account balances to provide clarity, direction, and confidence over time. For many people saving for retirement, the real challenge isn’t choosing a…
Read MoreWhat Does a Financial Advisor Do? How an Advisor Helps Beyond Investing
When most people picture a financial advisor, they picture charts, accounts, and market commentary. Investing matters, but it’s rarely the part that makes retirement feel stable. A good advisor helps connect money decisions to life decisions, so the financial plan supports what matters most, not just what performs best in a given quarter. At Petersen Hastings, our holistic approach to wealth management and values-first lens is the foundation for building…
Read MoreTrump Accounts for Kids: What Parents Need to Know
Saving for a child’s future is about to get a new option. Starting July 5, 2026, Trump Accounts will join other ways to save for children like 529 plans, UGMA/UTMA accounts, and custodial Roth IRAs. But they come with unique rules and benefits. If you’re wondering what Trump Accounts are, who qualifies, and how they…
Read More5 Questions to Ask Financial Advisors Before Hiring Them
January is when many of us think about what we want to change, what we want to start, what we want to do better. You might even be thinking about contacting a financial advisor for the first time but aren’t sure what to ask. In fact, many people walk into that first meeting with a…
Read MoreMarket Commentary Q4 2025
As the calendar turns on another year, the fourth quarter of 2025 offered a fitting conclusion to a market cycle shaped by patience and progress. While headlines shifted throughout the year, long-term investors were rewarded for staying the course. As we review the fourth quarter and reflect on the year behind us, the markets once…
Read MoreYour Year-End Financial Checklist
As the year wraps up, it’s a natural time to revisit your goals and ensure the important areas of your financial life are on track. Below are several key topics to review as you prepare for the year ahead. Investments Set a goal to review your investments with your financial professional. You’ll want to come…
Read MoreMarket Commentary Q3 2025
As summer came to a close, investors were reminded once again that patience pays off. What began as a cautious quarter, ended with markets breaking new records and renewed confidence in the economy’s strength. The S&P 500 closed above 6,600 for the first time, gaining over 5% during the quarter and pushing year-to-date returns into…
Read MoreMarket Commentary Q2 2025
The second quarter of 2025 brought a mix of challenges and opportunities for investors. Global markets navigated significant volatility, driven by U.S. trade policy shifts, geopolitical tensions, and evolving economic signals. Despite a sharp selloff in April due to new tariff announcements, markets rebounded strongly, with most major indices posting positive returns by quarter-end. This…
Read MoreNew Job? Don’t Forget About Your 401(k)
Starting a new job is a big milestone – one that comes with excitement, and at times, a bit of stress. With so much on your plate, it’s easy to overlook the financial details that come with a career change. However, taking time to review your retirement savings is an important step to ensure your…
Read MoreMarket Commentary: Q1 2025
The first quarter of 2025 started strong for U.S. stocks but ended with a decline, underperforming global markets. Investors faced uncertainty around economic conditions, competition in the AI sector, and potential tariff impacts under the new presidential administration. While the S&P 500 hit record highs early in the quarter, it was down for the year…
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