A biweekly newsletter from our Founder & Portfolio Manager, Ryan A. Hughes. Straight talk on markets, taxes, and money. Read by 2,700+ people who value clear thinking.
Twice a year, in January and July, we record a portfolio update that walks through the markets, how we build portfolios, and where we think things are headed. This is the mid-year 2026 edition. The economy: good, not great The U.S. economy is still expanding. Growth ran about 2.1% in the first quarter, and the...
Key Takeaways: If you are approaching 60 with $4M saved, you have built a strong foundation. For many households, that level of savings creates the opportunity to step away from work and start using the wealth you have spent decades building. However, the real question is not simply whether $4M is enough. The better question...
Key Takeaways: San Diego offers much of what people look for in retirement: great weather, outdoor activities, access to the coast, strong communities, and a lifestyle many want to enjoy after years of working. However, enjoying retirement here also comes with higher costs. Housing, insurance, healthcare, taxes, and everyday expenses can add up quickly, especially...
Key Takeaways: Can you retire at 55 in San Diego with $3 million? In many cases, yes. But the answer depends on far more than the portfolio balance. Housing costs, healthcare, taxes, spending habits, and how many years your money needs to last all play a role. Retiring at 55 is vastly different from retiring...
Key Takeaways: Can you retire early in San Diego with $3 million to $5 million? Perhaps. Though in many cases, the answer is yes. A portfolio of that size may feel like enough, but the answer depends on more than the balance itself. Housing costs, taxes, healthcare, spending habits, and the number of years your...
The upcoming SpaceX IPO has a ton of red flags. I am really, really wary of this deal, and so should you. If all goes according to plan, SpaceX (ticker: SPCX) will be the largest IPO in history. By a wide margin. The company is hoping to raise $75B, which would give the company a...
Stocks have been on a tear lately, which, of course, everyone seems to hate. Pick your poison: a slowing labor market, the Strait of Hormuz closure, a new Fed Chairman, midterm elections, $39T in national debt, etc. There’s plenty to be worried about. On paper, things should be worse off than they actually are. So,...
If California were a country, it would instantly be a global force. It is the largest economy in the U.S. It has the largest military population. It is also a global tech leader in Silicon Valley, and the largest producer of agricultural products in the U.S. As the most productive and one of the most...
Finding a good financial advisor can be daunting. You’re being asked to entrust your entire financial future to this person. Get it right, and it can mean financial freedom for you and your family. Get it wrong, and it can set you back years. The problem is that there are a lot of pretenders out...
Where should you save your next dollar? Should you prioritize an emergency fund or pay off high-interest debt? Max out your 401(k) or fund a Health Savings Account first? These are not trivial questions. The order in which you save and invest your money has a direct impact on your long-term wealth and tax efficiency....
A few weeks ago, when I first wrote about the Iranian War, I discussed the Strait of Hormuz blockade and its potential impact on oil prices and, by extension, inflation. At the time, the Strait had been closed for only a few days. It has now been closed for three weeks, and there is little...
Every year, the IRS and Social Security Administration adjust key financial planning numbers for inflation. These changes affect how much you can save, how much you’ll owe, and how you should be thinking about your money. Here are the most numbers for 2026. Retirement Account Contribution Limits 401(k), 403(b), and 457 Plans The employee deferral...
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