Posts by Sound Planning Group Team
Top Financial Planning Mistakes Families Should Avoid
Over time, we have seen a few common financial planning mistakes that can create unnecessary stress or delay retirement. Below are the top financial planning mistakes Kirkland families should avoid.
Read MoreHow to Transition from Work to Retirement
For many people, retirement planning focuses heavily on reaching a savings goal, but the most successful transitions happen when retirees prepare for both the financial and lifestyle realities of leaving the workforce.
Read MoreMarket Update – February 23rd, 2026
Stocks advanced last week despite softer fourth quarter GDP, firm inflation data, and a Supreme Court ruling striking down several executive branch-imposed tariffs, with major indexes finishing the week higher.
Read MoreMarket Update – February 17th, 2026
Stocks declined last week as investors rotated out of risk-on sectors and into defensives, with utilities and real estate leading while financials and technology lagged.
Read MoreMarket Update – February 9, 2026
Financial Markets Markets had a risk-off week as investors rotated out of technology and into more defensive sectors, with a partial recovery on Friday. Value stocks outperformed, led by a…
Read MoreMarket Update – January 26th, 2026
Last week’s economic releases showed stable PCE inflation, continued growth in household spending, and a gradual decline in saving rates, while the Leading Economic Index and broader recession indicators shifted toward a more neutral stance.
Read MoreMarket Update – January 20th, 2025
Last week’s market action reflected a balance of cautious optimism and heightened risk awareness. Inflation data remained largely in line with expectations, showing continued progress in disinflation, while retail sales and housing data pointed to stable consumer demand and a quiet real estate market.
Read MoreYear End Report: Q4 & 2025 Recap
2025 was a broadly positive year for financial markets, marked by resilient economic growth, strong corporate earnings, and moderating inflation. Equities rallied, led by technology, communication services, and industrials, while international markets, particularly in Latin America and Europe, outperformed.
Read MoreMarket Update – January 12th, 2025
This week’s economic releases highlighted a moderating yet resilient U.S. economy, supporting equity gains in the first full trading week of the new year.
Read MoreMarket Cycle Update – December 2025
December saw an improvement in market conditions, with our Tactical Market Cycle returning to a bullish posture as cooling inflation, a Fed rate cut, and resilient earnings supported risk-on assets.
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