<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Whitaker Myers Wealth Management]]></title><description><![CDATA[A comprehensive wealth management firm you can trust with integrity and seamless, authentic, client interactions.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:17:01 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.whitakerwealth.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[The Power of the Solo 401(k)]]></title><description><![CDATA[For self-employed individuals, a SEP IRA may be the first retirement plan that comes to mind—but it isn’t the only option. Nick Allen explains how a Solo 401(k) can offer higher contribution potential, Roth savings, and added flexibility for sole proprietors, LLC owners, S-corp owners, and 1099 workers.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/the-power-of-the-solo-401-k</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa2cf6d311f760a692aadc0</guid><category><![CDATA[Retirement Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:56:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_c05bed6e31e14bda8dcf91d773e7b313~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_836,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Nick Allen</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The "milk in your coffee" problem: what the IRS pro rata rule means for your backdoor Roth]]></title><description><![CDATA[Thinking about a backdoor Roth IRA contribution? The IRS pro rata rule could create an unexpected tax bill if you have pre-tax money in a Traditional, SEP, or SIMPLE IRA. Ben Allen breaks down how the rule works, why it matters, and what to consider before making a conversion.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/the-milk-in-your-coffee-problem-what-the-irs-pro-rata-rule-means-for-your-backdoor-roth</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa2aa5e7f7369fb3bcffb52</guid><category><![CDATA[Retirement Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Tax Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:03:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_d66a653f82ce4a7f91afaffe4dbdf176~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ben Allen</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[40 Years of Money Management – Focus:  Wealth-Building]]></title><description><![CDATA[After 40 years of marriage, Joe Mains and his wife, Tammi, have learned that building wealth is about more than choosing the right investments—it’s about working together, staying consistent, and being willing to change. In this personal story, Joe shares how discovering Dave Ramsey transformed their marriage and finances and the wealth-building principles that helped them reach their retirement goals.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/40-years-of-money-management-focus-wealth-building</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a99bd7a9a8c0053173b9aeb</guid><category><![CDATA[Financial Coaching]]></category><category><![CDATA[Retirement Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Ramsey Solutions]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><category><![CDATA[Budgeting/Saving]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:43:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_93e8a4888b3f4b15abdfa0da95bd2f95~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_830,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Joe Mains</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Plan for Retirement: 9 Steps for a Secure Outcome]]></title><description><![CDATA[Retirement planning doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require intentionality and consistency. From setting retirement goals and saving 15% of your income to managing debt, preparing for healthcare costs, and creating an estate plan, these nine steps can help you build a stronger financial foundation for the future.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/how-to-plan-for-retirement-9-steps-for-a-secure-outcome</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a997d0140b25387a6ef6402</guid><category><![CDATA[Financial Coaching]]></category><category><![CDATA[Retirement Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><category><![CDATA[Budgeting/Saving]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:17:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_4c1b8086cb714102af3ff1c1bafebfe2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_887,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Matthew Harris</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Bonds Had Their Worst Year in History: A Look Back at 2022]]></title><description><![CDATA[2022 was a historic year for bonds, challenging the long-held assumption that fixed income would always provide a reliable buffer against stock market volatility. Associate Financial Advisor Clay Reynolds examines what caused the bond market's unprecedented decline, how rapidly rising interest rates affected bond prices, and what investors can learn when building a resilient portfolio.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/why-bonds-had-their-worst-year-in-history-a-look-back-at-2022</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a908b832afa3f9814c888e4</guid><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Retirement Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:37:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_1d3d3be742b947378a064e0e92c3efdb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_794,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Clay Reynolds</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top Client Questions: July &#38; August 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Get answers to the top questions our financial advisors received in July and August. Explore expert insights on what July's negative jobs report signals for the economy, why the U.S. intervened to support the Japanese yen, and what is driving recent S&#38;P 500 record highs alongside strong corporate earnings. Gain clarity on changing Federal Reserve rate expectations, shifting valuations, and key macro trends to help you maintain a balanced, long-term perspective for your portfolio.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/top-client-questions-july-august-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a79d8227c5079fa38d7d524</guid><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Current Events]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:24:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9420b8_44d2b8974706466a9a0c12572c84671f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Whitaker Myers</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Monthly Market Update for July 2026: AI Volatility, Rising Yields, and Middle East Tensions]]></title><description><![CDATA[July brought increased market volatility as investors weighed AI infrastructure spending, geopolitical tension in the Middle East, and shifting Fed policy. Despite short-term pullbacks, broad markets remain near all-time highs following strong year-to-date performance. Key drivers—from rising Treasury yields and oil price spikes to new trade tariffs—highlight the ongoing importance of portfolio balance. Discover essential lessons from July's economic shifts to help navigate the rest of the year.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/monthly-market-update-for-july-2026-ai-volatility-rising-yields-and-middle-east-tensions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a79d532feb46c46053134bb</guid><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:52:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9420b8_be1981389a7d41cd8a64c271e86f4bc5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>John-Mark Young</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Elevated Real Yields Shape Investment Decisions]]></title><description><![CDATA[Treasury yields have climbed to their highest levels in years, creating both opportunities and challenges for investors. In this edition of Investment Corner, Co-Chief Investment Officer &#38; Chief Operating Officer Summit Puri explains what rising interest rates and real yields mean for stocks, bonds, inflation, and why maintaining a balanced portfolio is more important than ever.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/how-elevated-real-yields-shape-investment-decisions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a737bc80ed53bd28b896042</guid><category><![CDATA[Retirement Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 18:24:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_3f479f6af2024b20b098378de9d5f814~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Summit Puri</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ohio's 2026 Sales Tax Holiday: What Families Need to Know Before You Shop]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ohio's Sales Tax Holiday returns in 2026, but with significant changes from the expanded program offered in recent years. Financial Advisor Andrew Young explains what qualifies, when the tax-free weekend takes place, and how families can plan ahead to maximize their back-to-school savings.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/ohio-s-2026-sales-tax-holiday-what-families-need-to-know-before-you-shop</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a7365150ed53bd28b892903</guid><category><![CDATA[Financial Coaching]]></category><category><![CDATA[Current Events]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:34:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_a6fbd7aa83e246d284e7b91cbd1af113~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Andrew Young</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The "Perfect" Amount - Retiring Comfortably]]></title><description><![CDATA[Is there a magic number for retirement? Not exactly. In this article, Associate Financial Advisor Ethan Barry explains why a successful retirement is about more than reaching a savings milestone—it's about creating a personalized income strategy that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and long-term financial needs.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/the-perfect-amount-retiring-comfortably</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a68f3b94e0ef2a65f664f09</guid><category><![CDATA[Retirement Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:29:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_d01fab8e9d1b475cb74cd33f4550b252~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_836,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ethan Barry</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New for 2026: How Charitable Cash Contributions Can Help Lower Your Tax Bill]]></title><description><![CDATA[New tax rules for 2026 could create additional opportunities for taxpayers who make charitable cash contributions—even if they take the standard deduction. In this article, Financial Advisor Andrew Young explains how the updated deduction works, who qualifies, and how thoughtful charitable planning can maximize both your generosity and your tax savings.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/new-for-2026-how-charitable-cash-contributions-can-help-lower-your-tax-bill</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a68ce66520f7eb2871252fe</guid><category><![CDATA[Retirement Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Tax Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:53:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_b3c20d8d0be74d1292aab8a01421875d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Andrew Young</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Doing “Nothing” is Sometimes the Smartest Move]]></title><description><![CDATA[Market volatility can make investors feel like they need to act—but sometimes the wisest decision is to stay the course. In this article, Financial Advisor Nick Allen explains why patience, discipline, and a long-term investment strategy can help investors avoid costly emotional decisions during uncertain markets.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/why-doing-nothing-is-sometimes-the-smartest-move-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a68c9caddd3673bc9b753e1</guid><category><![CDATA[Retirement Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:36:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_607023eaf3ae41a681945551500e8fe0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Nick Allen</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Corner: Why Is Oil Back Near $100 a Barrel—and What Does It Mean for Investors?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Oil prices have climbed back toward $100 per barrel, raising questions about inflation, interest rates, and the broader economy. In this edition of Investment Corner, Co-Chief Investment Officer &#38; Chief Operating Officer Summit Puri explains what's driving the recent surge and why long-term investors should focus on strategy rather than short-term headlines.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/investment-corner-why-is-oil-back-near-100-a-barrel-and-what-does-it-mean-for-investors</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a6780da65a8c8dd285d4aa5</guid><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><category><![CDATA[Current Events]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:09:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_3f479f6af2024b20b098378de9d5f814~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Summit Puri</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ben Allen Earns the Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) Designation]]></title><description><![CDATA[We're proud to announce that Ben Allen has earned the Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation from The American College of Financial Services. This rigorous, graduate-level program equips advisors with specialized expertise in turning retirement savings into lasting income — from Social Security optimization to tax-efficient withdrawals and healthcare planning. Learn what this achievement means for Ben, and for the clients and families we serve.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/ben-allen-earns-the-retirement-income-certified-professional-ricp-designation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a6373d448a090b99128ba32</guid><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:24:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_6e34371ed21c4e2caaa66ef9e28724c3~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Whitaker Myers</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is Your College Savings Strategy Quietly Hurting Your Child’s FAFSA Eligibility]]></title><description><![CDATA[Saving for college is important—but where you save can make a significant difference when it comes to financial aid eligibility. Associate Financial Advisor Joseph Browning explains how FAFSA evaluates income and assets, and shares strategies that can help families maximize both their savings and potential financial aid opportunities.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/is-your-college-savings-strategy-quietly-hurting-your-child-s-fafsa-eligibility</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5fc0f15514a6e974a53142</guid><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[College Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:22:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_f5994fb3ae33461fb8946b9d35e7ea18~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Joseph Browning</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trump Accounts: New Ways to Support a Child’s Financial Future]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every parent wants to give their children a strong financial foundation. From 529 plans and custodial Roth IRAs to the new 530A "Trump Accounts," understanding today's savings options can help families make informed decisions that support education, retirement, and long-term financial success.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/trump-accounts-new-ways-to-support-a-child-s-financial-future</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5e64386adee9ecb160e7de</guid><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[College Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:05:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_26192accac51416aa11dbd1f6d7cef17~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Whitaker Myers</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mid-Year Outlook 2026: Key Investor Lessons for the Second Half of the Year]]></title><description><![CDATA[The first half of 2026 reminded investors that headlines don't always dictate market performance. Despite inflation, geopolitical tensions, and ongoing uncertainty, diversified portfolios continued to benefit from staying invested and focused on long-term goals.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/mid-year-outlook-2026-key-investor-lessons-for-the-second-half-of-the-year</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5e5cbb6adee9ecb160d26e</guid><category><![CDATA[Retirement Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:57:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_6d4b36788d8a4d6cb0a8c0db6a4ea087~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Whitaker Myers</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What's Going On With Oil Prices Right Now (And Why You Should Care)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Oil prices have been on a roller coaster in 2026, driven by geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, and shrinking global reserves. In this article, Financial Advisor Jake Buckwalter breaks down what's causing the volatility, why it matters beyond the gas pump, and what investors should be watching in the months ahead.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/what-s-going-on-with-oil-prices-right-now-and-why-you-should-care</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a58bb5c181cf041dd44fe8c</guid><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><category><![CDATA[Current Events]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:21:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_b7f7f56c24cd45a1b1bdbb11fb3371e6~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_887,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Jake Buckwalter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Volatility in the Dollar, Gold, and Bitcoin: What's Behind the Moves?]]></title><description><![CDATA[The U.S. dollar has regained strength after a turbulent year, reshaping the outlook for gold, Bitcoin, and global markets. Learn what these shifting trends mean for investors and why maintaining a diversified, long-term portfolio remains the best strategy.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/volatility-in-the-dollar-gold-and-bitcoin-what-s-behind-the-moves</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a57d7bd9c687b0d7a3b3b50</guid><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2026 19:22:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_3f479f6af2024b20b098378de9d5f814~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Summit Puri</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the SECURE Act 2.0]]></title><description><![CDATA[Beginning in 2026, higher-income employees will face new rules for 401(k) catch-up contributions under SECURE Act 2.0. In this article, Associate Financial Advisor Mica Dauch explains who is affected, why the change was made, and what it means for your retirement savings strategy.]]></description><link>https://www.whitakerwealth.com/post/understanding-the-secure-act-2-0</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f12d82ccceabc75b2f950</guid><category><![CDATA[Retirement Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category><category><![CDATA[Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 03:30:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16b3e4_a92e8509f96c4176a54c3aa9bc35a36e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Mica Dauch</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>