February 2026 Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER

Over the years, as we take on new clients, I find that topics from the past are well worth repeating for the newer clients. The topic in this month's newsletter especially, is worth everyone seeing again. It's such great advice and it is the tried-and-true thought process that has allowed so many of our clients to weather any storm that comes our way and comfortably retire without the fear of running out of money.

Choosing not to panic about the stock market is one of the wisest and most empowering decisions an investor can make. Markets naturally move in cycles and volatility is not a flaw in the system, but a feature that creates long-term opportunity. Staying calm allows you to see beyond daily headlines and short-term noise, keeping your focus on the bigger picture where growth, innovation, and progress consistently prevail. Patience transforms uncertainty into perspective, and perspective is where confident, intelligent decisions are born.

Not panicking is a powerful expression of trust in history, data, and disciplined strategy. Time and again, markets have demonstrated an extraordinary ability to recover, adapt, and reach new heights after periods of stress. Investors who remain steady during turbulent moments often benefit the most because they avoid locking in losses and remain positioned for eventual rebounds. Calmness preserves optionality, protects rational thinking, and keeps emotions from overriding sound judgment. Above all, resisting panic reflects self-mastery and long-term wisdom. It means understanding that wealth is built not through reaction, but through consistency, resilience, and belief in compounding over time. By staying composed, you give your investments the space they need to work on your behalf. In doing so, you align yourself with optimism, discipline, and confidence, the very qualities that successful investors share across generations.

Thursday was Dad's birthday and he would've been 84 years old. With that in mind, I wanted this particular topic for this month's newsletter. When I joined the business 27 years ago, he preached this type of thinking. He would say we manage people's emotions every bit as much as their money. What a true statement. As long as our clients don't panic, history says you will be fine. I miss him every day, but I still remember all the wisdom he passed on to me. Happy Birthday Dad.

On a personal note, I know for certain Dad would be so proud of the kids. Nick is playing unbelievably and sits first in the nation for goals against and save percentage. The team is in first place and looking to finish the season strong. He loves his new classes this semester and we just had a great conversation about retirement plans. He is learning so much about the business already. He recently started his own business mentoring younger goalies. Lexi is back at school and loving her new classes as well. She has a great group of friends and a great schedule, allowing her to get to the gym, which she is super excited about. She will be home for Valentine’s Day weekend, and I can't wait to see my baby.

This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.