The first half of 2026 has flown by, and July offers the perfect opportunity to check in on your financial goals before the year gets away from us. In this edition, we're highlighting the importance of a mid-year financial review, introducing the new Trump Accounts, and sharing insights to help you make informed decisions for the months ahead.
A Mid-Year Financial Checkup
We're officially halfway through the year, making now the perfect time to pause, reflect, and make sure your financial plan is still aligned with your goals. As we move into the second half of the year, this is usually a good time to stop and ask a simple question:
If nothing changed from today forward, would I feel good about where I am financially?
Most financial mistakes are not caused by one big decision. More often, they happen because important items get pushed off for another month, another quarter, or another year.
Here are six questions worth asking before summer gets away from us.
1. If something happened to me tomorrow, is everything organized?
Most people spend decades building wealth. Far fewer spend time making sure everything is organized for the people they care about.
Are your beneficiaries up to date? Do your loved ones know where important documents are located? Have your estate planning documents been reviewed recently?
The best estate plan is not necessarily the most complex one. It is the one your family can actually find and use when they need it.
U-Vest® Update: U-Vest® is now contracted with Wealth.com to help clients create and maintain estate planning documents. Talk to your advisor about participating in our estate planning pilot program.
2. Has my life changed more than my financial plan?
A financial plan that was perfect three years ago may not be perfect today.
Maybe you've retired. Maybe you've changed jobs. Maybe you've welcomed grandchildren, purchased property, sold a business, or simply found that your priorities have changed.
Your financial plan should evolve as your life evolves.
U-Vest® Update: We generally recommend updating a comprehensive financial plan every 3 to 5 years, or sooner following a major life event.
3. Am I taking the right amount of investment risk?
When markets are strong, it's easy to feel comfortable with risk.
The better question is this:
Would I still feel comfortable if the market declined 20% tomorrow?
The goal is not to avoid risk entirely. The goal is to make sure the level of risk you are taking is appropriate for your goals, timeline, and comfort level.
U-Vest® Update: In 2026, U-Vest® added a dedicated Chief Investment Officer team through LPL Financial. Continually evaluating risk and reward remains one of the most important parts of a successful investment plan.
4. Have I started tax planning before tax season?
Many of the best tax strategies happen long before December.
Too often, people wait until tax season to review what already happened. By then, many planning opportunities have passed.
Mid-year is one of the best times to review where things stand and determine whether adjustments should be made before year-end.
U-Vest® Update: If there were any surprises in your 2025 tax return, now is a great time to meet with both your accountant and advisor to evaluate where 2026 stands today.
5. Do I have the right amount of cash?
Too little cash can create stress.
Too much cash can quietly reduce long-term growth.
Finding the right balance helps create flexibility for opportunities while still keeping your money working toward your goals.
U-Vest® Update: Interest rates remain significantly higher than they were just a few years ago. If you are holding substantial cash reserves, talk with your advisor about options that may help put that cash to work.
6. Am I spending my money in a way that reflects what matters most?
This question has nothing to do with investment returns.
Financial success is not simply about building larger account balances. It is about creating opportunities for your family, supporting causes you care about, and making memories with the people who matter most.
At the end of the day, money is simply a tool. The goal is to use that tool in a way that reflects your values.
U-Vest® Update: We work incredibly hard to help our clients build financial success. It is equally important to make sure that success reflects who you are, what you value, and the legacy you want to leave behind.
As always, if any of these questions sparked a thought, concern, or conversation, please reach out to your advisor. We are always happy to help.
Trump Accounts Are Here: What Families Should Know
A new type of savings account, called a Trump Account, became available on July 4, 2026. If you have children or grandchildren, this new option may be worth exploring.
Children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, may qualify for a one-time $1,000 federal contribution to help start their account. Parents or guardians can claim the contribution by filing a simple IRS form. A few key things to know:
Family members, friends, and employers may also be able to contribute, subject to annual limits.
Children born before 2025 can still open a Trump Account but won't qualify for the $1,000 government contribution.
If you're already saving with a 529 plan, a Trump Account may complement your strategy depending on your family's goals.
As with any financial decision, it's important to understand how this type of account fits into your overall financial plan. If you have a child or grandchild who could benefit, or you simply want to make sense of how this fits into what you already have in place, let’s talk!
*Trump Accounts offer tax deferred growth on earnings. Family contributions are made with after tax dollars, and eligible employer contributions may be excluded from the employee’s taxable income. A one time $1,000 federal contribution may be available for eligible children born between 2025 and 2028. Distributions are generally prohibited during the child's growth period and, once permitted, are taxable as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10% IRS early distribution penalty if taken before age 59½. Contribution limits and other restrictions apply, and some rules remain subject to future Treasury and IRS guidance. Consult a qualified tax advisor or financial professional before making decisions.
Here's to the Second Half of the Year
There's something about the weeks after the Fourth of July that reminds us how quickly the year moves. We hope you're finding time to enjoy what's left of summer while also looking ahead to what the rest of the year has in store. Whatever your goals may be, we're here to help “U” stay on track.
Special Dates Coming Up in August:
August 14 — Financial Awareness Day
August 17 — Nonprofit Day
August 21 — Senior Citizens Day
August 26 — Women’s Equality Day
August is Make-a-Will Month
August is Back to School Month
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
Sources:
1. Investor.gov, April 2026.
2. BrooklynFi.com, February 20, 2026.
3. GovInfo.gov (Federal Register), March 9, 2026.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-03-09/pdf/2026-04533.pdf
4. BusinessWire.com, January 29, 2026.
5. APNews.com, December 2, 2025.
6. IRS.gov, December 2, 2025.
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-25-68.pdf
7. PKFOD.com, April 2026.
https://www.pkfod.com/insights/section-530a-trump-accounts-what-families-need-to-know/