For over twenty years, I have assisted clients in navigating market fluctuations, tax changes, and life transitions. Recently, I have encountered a new challenge: helping clients who do not have a trusted contact listed. In rare situations, it may be necessary to reach out to someone who can check on you if you are unwell or experiencing difficulties. 

Most financial plans consider two key points in time: when you're fully able to manage your finances and when someone else legally takes over. However, there is often a vulnerable middle ground where your confidence and understanding can begin to diminish well before any formal diagnosis occurs. This gap may not be addressed in your financial plan, potentially putting your wealth at risk. Furthermore, this issue can be more pronounced for individuals who have no children, close family, or friends to support them. 

It may feel like a difficult topic to bring up, but it's a simple fix that can have great impact later. Let's discuss the importance of adding a trusted contact.  

Electricity prices are climbing as tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft build massive data centers to train and run their Artificial Intelligence (AI) models. These facilities are the digital backbone of today’s AI revolution,  but they’re also consuming staggering amounts of power.

What We're Watching in November

November has arrived. The leaves may be falling, but equity markets remain supported by strong underlying forces. While investors continue to understand the Fed’s ongoing rate policy, we're keeping our focus on what matters, including capital flows, consumer strength, and the risks quietly forming below the surface.  

Imagine your good fortune when checking portfolio balances and you notice that the value of a single stock holding in your portfolio has increased in value by more than an entire year of income! ‘Impossible!’ you say? Not so! At Carnegie, we have witnessed this happy situation more than once over the years.

What We're Watching in October

As we move into the final quarter of 2025, the market dynamics remain ripe for analysis filled with both contradiction and opportunity. With recent data revisions, interest rate forecasts, and inflation drivers offering important signals, not just about the economy, but about how to read the headlines. At Carnegie Investment Counsel, we believe staying grounded in facts and context is the key to staying ahead. 

Warren Buffett, the Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is widely known for his tried-and-true investment philosophy. His approach is grounded in simplicity, discipline, and a focus on businesses with durable competitive advantages. 

What We're Watching in September

It may be back-to-school season, but markets never took a summer break. Equities are hovering near all-time highs, inflation progress is uneven but improving, and earnings have topped cautious expectations. The backdrop: a potentially pivotal policy moment after the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, where a September rate cut is now squarely on the table. A well-telegraphed, data-dependent cut would ease financing costs for households (mortgages, autos) and corporates (refinancing, capex, M&A); helpful tailwinds as consumers grapple with housing affordability and companies navigate tariffs and supply chains. 

The rising cost of higher education presents a challenge for many families. The good news: with thoughtful planning and the smart use of available tools, these costs can become much more manageable. For parents and grandparents who want to support education goals, understanding the different savings vehicles and tax benefits is key. 

Stablecoins have been around for a little while now, but they’re back in the spotlight thanks to some new legislation—the GENIUS Act. With all the buzz, it’s worth unpacking what stablecoins are, why they’re gaining traction globally, and whether they really matter for the average U.S. consumer.

Let’s start from the top.

What We're Watching in August

It is August, and that means we are in the middle of the “Dog Days of Summer.” However, the stock market is acting like anything but a dog. Stocks continue to rise while inflation data has held steady, and corporate earnings have generally exceeded expectations. Several factors are affecting the long-term outlook, such as uncertainties regarding future Federal Reserve policies, bond market conditions, and patterns in consumer spending. Here is what our investment team is keeping a keen eye on this month.