I wanted to take a moment and review a couple of things with you in this month's market update. I'm providing some news about the Charles Schwab transition, the state of the country's inflation, the economic repercussions that the Middle East tragic conflict will bring, and much more.

In comparison to a year ago, households' expectations for the future and their current financial status are less favorable, as per the August 2023 Survey of Consumer Expectations from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Center for Microeconomic Data.

Professionals in the oil and gas business have been vocal about their displeasure with the state of the industry for the past several years. Oil and gas consumption has decreased, and prices have become more unstable as a result of the COVID-19-induced global slowdown.

In the past, at least, federal government shutdowns haven't always been particularly negative for equities. The market detests the possibility of a federal government shutdown, which becomes more likely starting on October 1, but the S&P 500 has done very well when there have been shutdowns in the past.

It is normal to meet someone who feels all their assets, including their retirement savings, should be in equities. The logic is that, over time, stocks are one of the best venues for growth, which is correct.

Investing to achieve financial independence is rarely a get-rich-quick endeavor for people who seek it. Although it's not common, some people have made a fortune from a single, significant cryptocurrency sale. The majority of prosperous investors draft a long-term strategy and tweak it as time passes and new possibilities present themselves.

Although it can be exciting to talk about a bull market, you might want to temper that a little. This is the reason why: Investment returns are not guaranteed, even in the event that the market's overall value surges.

We've learned a few things about managing money as a pair from our experience assisting hundreds of couples with their retirement and our recent celebration of five years of marriage. In a relationship, money can be very personal and can lead to tension if the two of you are not able to come to an agreement on it.

The time between retiring and when your required minimum distributions (RMDs) and Social Security income streams start to rise again is known as the "valley." The sooner you retire and the longer you postpone receiving Social Security benefits, the more money you may live off of.

As we're edging the second half of this month, I wanted to give you this month's market update. I want to provide you an update on the Charles Schwab / Ameritrade merger, tell you about two indicators that are generating a buzz in our economy, some exciting news about the annuity market, and a little bit more about two investment products that might be the right fit for you. So click the button below to know more.