Chris Perme

Some seasons announce themselves gently. Others arrive with unexpected surprises. So far, 2026 feels like the latter — filled with news that makes us think more carefully about security, stability, and the people we care about most. Surprises can act as a spotlight. They draw our attention to what we...

With Valentine’s Day last weekend, it feels fitting to reflect on our relationship with money—and how it supports the life we want to live. In retirement planning, there’s a common paradox: while money is essential, it is not the same as wealth. True wealth includes health, relationships, purpose, time, and...

Earlier this week, the groundhog saw his shadow — six more weeks of winter, or so tradition says. It’s a familiar ritual that always seems to prompt a moment of reflection: how easily life can settle into patterns that feel repetitive. Same season. Same story. Same headlines. And yet...

A curious inflation story from the past year: the Cost of Living Extremely Well Index—which tracks billionaire spending—rose 5.5% in 2025, roughly twice the inflation most households experienced. Yachts, private jets, designer fashion, and trophy homes—status-heavy purchases—climbed faster than everyday costs. When spending is tied to visibility and signaling success,...

If it feels like every week brings a new plot twist—geopolitical shifts, emerging tech, policy changes, breaking news—you’re not imagining it. The world’s moving fast, and the forecasts keep coming. But the most honest prediction of all? Nobody knows exactly what’s next. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s expected. Uncertainty...

January brings twelve fresh months and a quiet challenge to make them count. And though many resolutions this time of year focus on getting fit, true fitness strengthens every aspect of your life—physical, emotional, and financial—keeping them in balance. To highlight that, a recent Empower survey called “Money on the...

Some gifts don’t come wrapped. They arrive when you surprise a neighbor with food, check in on a friend, or give without expecting anything in return. Those generous moments shape this season, and though all types of giving count, I hope you’re finding time for the kind that matters...

As the days grow shorter and air turns colder, many of us find ourselves slowing down before the full rush of the holidays begins. This quieter season offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and consider where we stand, both personally and financially. Much of the conversation in financial circles lately...

With holiday season ahead of us, thoughts turn to giving —or getting—that perfect gift. The one that earns a big smile or a spark of surprise. But research and real life keep showing the same truth: price doesn’t equal meaning, and thoughtful doesn’t have to mean extravagant. This year, with...

Please pass the pumpkin pie—and that paperwork you’ve been putting off. Thanksgiving is about good food, friends, family, and gratitude. But it’s also a rare pause in our busy year, a moment when everyone finally ends up in the same room. Between the laughter and the leftovers, it might be...

Now that the air’s turning crisp and the days feel shorter, it’s clear that nature has its own way of reminding us to slow down and get ready for what’s ahead. This year’s market activity has had a similar vibe—progress hasn’t moved in a straight line, and there’s been...

With the recent time change, many of us have been resetting clocks and routines for the season ahead. It’s a good reminder that even small shifts can make a real difference—especially in how we think about money. Most financial conversations focus on performance—returns, market swings, retirement timing. Important topics, but...

Halloween may come once a year, but for many people, anxiety around money and the future lasts far longer. Debt, stretched budgets, or savings goals that never seem to stick can feel intimidating—and easy to avoid. This year, many Americans are confronting a tough mix of financial realities: higher living...

Federal government shutdowns tend to sound more alarming than they usually are. While headlines spark anxiety, history shows these episodes rarely leave lasting scars on the economy or markets. Did you know that since 1976, the U.S. has experienced 20 funding gaps, resulting in 10 shutdowns with most only...

Economic headlines and uncertainty can make even the most capable people freeze. Experts call it money paralysis—the feeling that the stakes are so high you’re better off doing nothing at all. But doing nothing has a cost, too. Inaction quietly eats away at progress. This fall, a new idea has...

This month, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by a quarter point. While modest, the move is significant — it marks a turn after a long stretch of holding rates steady at elevated levels. For households and businesses alike, this adjustment is a reminder that financial conditions are always...

How often have you started an important task, only to end up scrolling instead? Experts say our attention spans are shrinking, and economists now view attention as a scarce resource—every bit as valuable as time or capital. We’re only beginning to calculate the real cost of distraction. When focus slips,...

Among last week’s headlines, two very different stories stood out. The first was impossible to miss: a nearly $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot finally found winners in Texas and Missouri. Big lottery wins always dominate attention—after all, who doesn’t like to imagine what they’d do with a billion dollars?  The second...

Labor Day marks a turning point — routines shift, backpacks return, and the first crisp hints of fall are in the air. Change can feel exciting and yet uncertain. The economy is shifting too: The Federal Reserve has suggested the possibility of an interest rate cut, a move that...

In the world of finance, we often talk about numbers, trends, and strategies. But equally important to long-term success is a quality that doesn’t appear on balance sheets: humility. Recognizing what we know and—perhaps more importantly—what we don’t is essential to making sound financial decisions. It is tempting to believe...

Imagine walking out of a restaurant and paying less — just for asking. For some people, saving money is a sport. Maybe it’s the friend who brags about a BOGO that was too good to resist, or the frugal aunt who negotiates everything. But being thoughtful about purchases —...

We all have a unique relationship with time—some of us thrive on precise schedules; others adapt fluidly as life unfolds. This individuality shapes not just our calendars, but how we approach decisions, prioritize responsibilities, and manage change. Our relationship with money is also complex and personal. There are many paths...

Believe it or not, this week marks the midpoint of summer—the sweet spot between the solstice and the autumn equinox. According to the 2025 Farmers’ Almanac, August 7th is our official halfway mark. Hard to believe, isn’t it? Each day, the calendar is quietly telling us: our summer days...

This past weekend, golfer Scottie Scheffler displayed his extraordinary skill and grace under pressure by winning the British Open. Yet, what lingered even more than his win was his humility in recalling the ancient wisdom of King Solomon: “All is fleeting.” Scheffler reminded the world that trophies and glory may...

As headlines shift away from the recent flooding in Texas and elsewhere, the real work for many families is just beginning. Recovery after a tragedy often happens in phases: there’s the immediate response, and then there’s the longer, quieter rebuild. While initial support often quickly fades, the true progress...

A significant new bill was just signed into law, locking in the 2017 tax cuts and introducing new deductions across its 900 pages. While a few new tax breaks could fatten your refund next spring, there are also some belt-tightening measures for federal healthcare, food-aid, and student loan programs...

As we celebrate the spirit of this great nation—one built on vision, determination and resilience—it’s only fitting that we gather under open skies, watching fireworks rise and brighten the landscape. The beauty of this view reminds us not only of America’s promise, but also of the importance of keeping...

Summer is here—a season full of energy, possibilities, plenty of heat, and the potential for storms. The soaring temperatures serve as a reminder that, just like weather forecasts, even our best predictions about the future can change unexpectedly. Life often forces us to pivot. How well can you adapt? So far,...

With summer upon us, many are ready for a well-deserved break or vacation. As you recharge, this season can also be a good time to reflect on your broader financial picture—especially how others’ choices are affecting your own. We often view our financial status as a series of purely personal...

On Father’s Day, many reflect on the value of sound guidance—from fathers, father figures or close mentors who’ve influenced our lives. Steady guidance matters most as our world grows more complex. In the age of AI and chatbots, it’s easier than ever to get answers and advice—yet not all of...