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Mid-Year Market Check-In: Navigating Volatility Without Losing Focus
Peter Lynch once said, “If you spend more than 13 minutes analyzing forecasts, you’ve wasted 10.” His advice: ignore the noise and focus on your strategy. Mid-2025 returns show the S&P 500 up 8.1%, Nasdaq up 9.1%, Dow up 5%, Russell up 2.3%, and MSCI EAFE up 20%. Tech leaders like Nvidia and Microsoft boosted gains, while Apple and Tesla lagged. Diversification remains key. Stay the course—volatility is the cost of strong long-term returns.

Jake Buckwalter
3 days ago2 min read


The U.S. National Debt - Can it be fixed?
The U.S. faces a $36 trillion national debt and a $1.8 trillion deficit. With most revenue tied up in mandatory spending, there’s little left for other needs. Cutting discretionary spending alone won’t balance the budget—economic growth, increased tax revenue, or reduced defense spending are needed. Efforts like DOGE help reduce waste, but long-term discipline and smart policy are essential. Like personal finance, fixing national debt requires focus and tough choices.

Jake Buckwalter
May 193 min read


Generational Wealth Transfer
Over the next 20 years, an estimated $84 trillion will transfer from baby boomers to their heirs—marking the largest wealth shift in U.S. history. This transition, driven by 401(k)s, rising home values, and disciplined savers, will reshape the economy and widen the wealth gap. For those expecting an inheritance, now is the time to meet with a financial advisor to plan wisely, maximize tax efficiency, and set long-term goals. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers can help you prepare

Jake Buckwalter
Feb 32 min read


The Bond Market Simplified
From conversations I’ve had, most investors have a firm grasp of why stocks move up and down (because of market trends, economy, or...

Jake Buckwalter
Oct 7, 20243 min read


What Portfolio Rebalancing is, and its importance
What does “Portfolio Rebalancing” mean? There are many terms used in the finance world. You may have heard your financial advisor or...

Jake Buckwalter
Aug 12, 20243 min read


What is a Password Manager?
If you are anything like me, you have probably registered for hundreds, and what feels like maybe even thousands, of accounts online that...

Jake Buckwalter
Jun 24, 20242 min read


Roth Conversions and if they are a good option for you
As the calendar turns over, it is an excellent time to review your current tax situation and see if there are tax strategies that you can...

Jake Buckwalter
Feb 15, 20243 min read


What successful retirees do
Being in the industry of helping everyday people save and plan for retirement has provided insight into what it takes to be successful...

Jake Buckwalter
Nov 30, 20233 min read


What Ohio’s EdChoice program can mean for you, and what scholarship money could be available
Ohio recently expanded the EdChoice program to allow families of all income levels to apply for some scholarships to be used in grades...

Jake Buckwalter
Sep 20, 20232 min read


RISK ASSETS
Worrying can be okay “The market climbs a wall of worry” and “This time is different” are two of my favorite quotes regarding investing....

Jake Buckwalter
Aug 2, 20232 min read


MY EXTRA CASH AND WHERE IT SHOULD GO
Let's review some options to get the most out of your hard-earned money.

Jake Buckwalter
Mar 22, 20233 min read


WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE DEBT CEILING YOU KEEP HEARING ABOUT
With the debt ceiling coming up, I decided it would be a good time to revisit this subject since it pops up from time to time.

Jake Buckwalter
Jan 27, 20232 min read
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