Sound Advice

How is the stock market doing? As of late July 2026, the answer depends on exactly how you measure it, but the numbers show a striking difference. S&P 500 (cap-weighted): about +8.5% year to date . S&P 500 Ex-Magnificent 7 Index: about +12.2% year to date (price return as of July 24, 2026). That means the S&P 500 excluding the Magnificent Seven has actually outperformed the traditional S&P 500 by roughly 3.7 percentage points so far this year. This is a notable reversal from 2023–2025, when the Magnificent Seven (Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, and Tesla) were responsible for a disproportionate share of the index's gains. In 2026: Several Magnificent Seven stocks have stumbled or corrected. Healthcare, financials, industrials, and many smaller technology and semiconductor companies have taken over market leadership. The equal-weighted S&P 500 has also outperformed the traditional ...

What's most important when selecting a financial adviser? The most important thing is  trust , backed by competence and a clear fit for your needs. People consistently rank knowledge, trustworthiness, and the ability to understand their goals near the top when choosing an adviser. What matters most Trust and integrity.  You need someone who acts in your interest and is transparent about conflicts and incentives. Relevant experience and credentials.  Look for education, certifications, and experience with clients in situations like yours. Fee clarity.  You should understand exactly how the adviser is paid and what it will cost you. Communication fit.  The adviser should listen well, explain things clearly, and match your style and involvement level. Regulatory standing.  Check registration, disciplinary history, and whether they are subject to strong ethical standards. Practical rule If you have to choose just on...

What are the various kinds of life insurance? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? What is the smartest approach to buying life insurance? Life insurance is best thought of in two broad categories: Term life insurance : Coverage for a specific period (e.g. 10, 20 or 30 years). Permanent life insurance : Coverage that can last your entire life and typically includes a cash value component. The "best" choice depends on what problem you're trying to solve. For most families whose primary goal is replacing income if someone dies unexpectedly, term life is often the most cost-effective solution. Permanent insurance can make sense for specific long-term financial or estate-planning needs. Here's how the major types compare. Type Advantages Disadvantages Best for Term Life Lowest cost, simple, high coverage Expires; no cash value Inc...

Ignore drug commercials that use the word “support” In drug commercials,  support  usually means the drug is being promoted for a condition where it helps manage symptoms or improve daily functioning, not that it cures the disease. In practice, it often means “this medication can support your treatment plan,” while the ad still has to present risks and benefits in a balanced way and stay consistent with the FDA-approved label. If you heard the word in a specific commercial, it can also be used more loosely to mean: “Supports relief” or “supports control” of symptoms. “Supports your body’s natural process,” which is marketing language rather than a precise medical claim. “Supportive care,” meaning the drug is part of overall treatment, not the whole solution. A simple example: a commercial might say a drug “supports healthy sleep” or “supports joint comfort,” which sounds gentle and helpful, but the real question is what the approved indication is and ...