September 2026

Recently, we helped a 401(k) participant after the sudden loss of her spouse, who had managed all of the family’s finances. He knew where all their assets were held, but his spouse did not. The family had to contact former employers and financial institutions to locate retirement and other accounts.

Losing a loved one is devastating. Having to search for financial assets during such a difficult time can make an already painful experience even harder.

This is also personal to us at Vibrance Wealth Management. Our founder’s family experienced the sudden loss of a working spouse without a financial plan in place. That experience became one of the reasons VWM was founded.

Estate planning is about more than legal documents. It is also about organizing your financial information, keeping beneficiaries up to date, and making sure your family knows where to find important records. We encourage families to maintain a “Life Folder” with recent account statements, insurance policies, estate documents, and information needed to access important financial accounts.

A little preparation today can give your family much-needed clarity when they need it most.

Read more on FINRA

The 30-year U.S. Treasury yield recently rose above 5.3%, the highest level since 2007. Why does this matter?

When yields rise, existing bond prices generally fall. The recent increase in long-term yields reflects several factors, including inflation concerns, government borrowing and Treasury supply, and investors demanding more compensation for holding longer-term debt.

After being inverted for several years, the yield curve has normalized, with longer-term yields once again above shorter-term yields. While a normally shaped yield curve is generally considered healthier than an inverted one, higher long-term rates can increase borrowing costs and put pressure on debt markets, businesses and asset valuation.

For investors, this may be an opportune time to reassess the role that fixed income plays in your overall portfolio. For those seeking retirement income, higher yields on high-quality fixed income may create attractive opportunities. However, investors should also be prepared for price volatility, particularly with longer-term bonds.

Bonds can continue to play an important role in a diversified portfolio, but their diversification benefits can vary depending on the economic environment. Some investors may also consider assets such as gold and other real assets as additional sources of diversification. These investments carry their own risks and should be evaluated in the context of an investor’s overall financial plan. Investors should consider their individual circumstances and consult with their financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Read more on Deloitte

Some workplace retirement plans now offer managed account services. These programs typically use information such as your age, retirement goals, risk tolerance and savings to create a personalized investment strategy using the plan’s available investments.

Managed accounts can be helpful for participants who prefer a professional, hands-off approach to investment management. However, they typically come with an additional fee, so participants should understand the cost and value of the service. In addition, the experience may feel less personal because when you call the managed account service to discuss your portfolio, you may speak with a different representative each time.

If your plan works with a fiduciary Investment Advisor, participants may already have access to a professional who understands the plan and can meet with them periodically to discuss their retirement account and investment questions. Over time, participants can build an ongoing relationship with an advisor who gets to know their circumstances and can put their retirement plan in the context of their broader financial picture.

Participants should understand their options, fees and level of service—and choose the approach that best fits their needs.

Read more on Morningstar