Blog

"The only things certain in life are death and taxes." Benjamin Franklin Though we don't like to think about it, all of us will make an exit sometime. Are you prepared? September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. Click here to find...

Are you looking to expand your investment knowledge? Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have revolutionized how people invest, offering simplicity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness all in one package. Let's break down what ETFs are, how...

The famous saying from Poor Richard’s Almanack is frequently misquoted. It was published by founder Benjamin Franklin in 1737: “A penny saved is two pence clear.” Finding ways to manage expenses is one of the cornerstones of a sound...

Many Americans, through circumstances beyond their control, find themselves needing to retire earlier than anticipated. Whatever the circumstances, it’s difficult not to feel wrongfooted and hurried by the situation. However, it’s...

When you lose a spouse, partner, or parent, the grief can be overwhelming. In the midst of that grief, life goes on. There are arrangements to be made, things to be taken care of – and in recognition of this reality, click here for a...

The adage "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is" has never been more true. Scammers are using every possible communication platform to try to trick unsuspecting investors out of their hard-earned assets. Phone calls, text...

If you ask a homeowner, replacing a roof is probably the least satisfying expense they will ever face. While the value of such an investment is obvious, it doesn't quite provide the satisfaction of new landscaping. Yet, when a heavy...

This guide will explore how tax filing may look different this tax year and what you can do to prepare. Remember that this guide is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice, so consult your tax,...

Pete Martinez is celebrating 30 years in the investment industry this year, and he has won the 2025 Five Star Wealth Manager award for the 14th straight year! Five Star Professional has recognized the 2025 winners in Kansas City...

Inflation is a very personal experience. How it affects you largely depends on the products and services you consistently buy. Over the years, you may have developed different ways to measure how inflation impacts your daily lives. One...

New Year's Resolutions are just around the corner. Being healthy for its own sake isn't easy—especially when you're facing down temptation or battling procrastination. It may help to consider how it may also help you financially. Read...

One of the most well-known investors of the 20th Century, Benjamin Graham, said that "the investor's chief problem—and even his worst enemy—is likely to be himself." What Graham understood—and modern research is catching up to—is the...

Many scams start with something unexpected. An unexpected credit card charge. An unexpected text from someone claiming to be a loved one. An unexpected phone call from a company or a government agency. A recent article published on the...

Life insurance is a key risk-management tool that can help you pursue your financial dreams while protecting the ones you love. It also can be pretty complicated. See where you fall on your understanding of life insurance by taking...

Wedding season is winding down, and now the real work of marriage begins for recent newlyweds. One survey found that 35% of couples attribute stress in their relationship to financial issues. This could explain why money tips for newlyweds

Did you know that the most common birthday months in the United States are in July, August, and September? We're celebrating birthday season by looking at important birthday financial milestones starting at age 50. Stay informed and...

Only one-third of adults have an estate document like a will, but a will is an instrument of power. A will gives you control over the distribution of your assets so the state does not decide.

Find time to experience America's natural beauty in retirement near or far at one of our over 400 National Parks! Read more about visiting America's National Parks

One of the most basic steps you can take to protect your online identity is to use effective passwords.  

We are pleased to announce that Pete Martinez has won the 2024 Five Star Wealth Manager award! By earning this honor, Pete has demonstrated a commitment to clients. Please offer Pete your congratulations. Five Star Professional has...

In this guide, we will explore where your tax dollars go, some of the ways tax filing may look different this tax year, and what you can do to prepare.

UNDERSTANDING WHERE YOUR FEDERAL TAX DOLLARS GO. This Tax Planning whitepaper can be a valuable resource when preparing for the upcoming tax season. In this guide, we will explore where your tax dollars go, some of the ways...

The word autumn comes from the Latin word autumnus, which means “the passing of the year.” It’s a time to slow down and reflect on the months behind us, while appreciating the bounty of the season.If...

Summer is here, which means the weather will be perfect for outdoor activities and family togetherness. We’ve pulled together some resources for you to enjoy, hopefully from your hammock. While you’re getting outdoor...

Blossom by blossom, spring begins. As the earth awakens and sprouts, so we too emerge from the cold of winter’s embrace, welcoming the imminent return of bluer skies and warmer days. Spring is a great time to break out your home...

UNDERSTANDING WHERE YOUR FEDERAL TAX DOLLARS GO This Tax Planning whitepaper can be a valuable resource when preparing for the upcoming tax season. In this guide, we will explore where your tax dollars go, some of the ways tax...

On October 13, 2021, the Social Security Aministration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2022, the largest increase in four decades. This...

Autumn is a time when we pause and reap the fruits of our labor. In this edition, we welcome fall with open arms. Whether you prefer drinking a mug of hot cider or eating an apple fresh off the tree, we’llexplore the history of...

The Autumnal Equinox approaching on September 22 is a day with 12 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of darkness. This balance of day and night serves as a reminder of the change of seasons, and heralds the coming of fall colors and...

Marketing is a challenge when the amount of money your business can afford to spend on advertising and public relations is limited. But, with a bit of creativity, you may find you do not need a big marketing budget to build your...

Review three basic conversations you should have as you begin to develop your estate plan. #EstatePlanning101 #NationalSmallBusinessWeek Two things people avoid talking about are death and money. Combining the two is estate...

Determining how today's decisions impact future outcomes is an essential function of financial planning. At Insight Financial Services, your team of financial advisers works with you to keep you on the right path toward your goals, ev...

Over the last year, many have seen their lives impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ways in which we work, live, and communicate have drastically changed, to say the least. It’s difficult to predict what other aspects of life...

Advisors Magazine's exclusive interview with Pete Martinez, President and Owner of Insight Financial Services, has recently been published. In this article, Pete explains important things to consider when planning for retirement and...

We are pleased to announce Five Star award winner Pete Martinez’s appearance in Fortune magazine in a special section for June/July 2021. Pete was named a Five Star award winner in 2021. By earning this honor, Pete has shown an...

Keeping it in Perspective

Pete Martinez, MBA

Sunday, June 27, 2021

It’s easy to get excited reading the news. With all of the storm and stress of the last few years, it’s only natural to react to each ping of our phone’s news apps with a deep sigh and a cynical “what...

Teenage Wage-Land

Pete Martinez, MBA

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Summer jobs are a perennial aspect of the American workforce. It’s a time when teenagers are filling out applications and, in many cases, earning wages of their own for the first time. But some of what we’ve become...

The Week on Wall Street Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the Standard &...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard &...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks climbed higher amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and an improving outlook for a fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged all year, gained 0.44%. The Standard & Poor’s 500...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks marched higher last week on an improving outlook for the passage of a fiscal stimulus package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on 1.67%. The Nasdaq...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data, and the easing of political uncertainty.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.21%, while the Standard &...

The Week on Wall StreetDespite news of another COVID-19 vaccine candidate, stocks were mixed amid investor anxiety over an increase in new infections and economic lockdowns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.73%, while the...

The Week on Wall Street News of a COVID-19 vaccine ignited a rally in economically sensitive stocks and a broad retreat in technology companies last week, though enthusiasm was tempered by reports of rising new infections and fresh...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated that a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to changing corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of big technology companies.The Dow Jones...

The Week on Wall Street Stock prices dropped last week as hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill faded and investors focused on rising COVID-19 infections, here and abroad. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 6.47%, while the Standard &...

The Week on Wall Street The failure to reach an agreement on a new fiscal stimulus bill soured investor sentiment and sent stocks modestly lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks treaded water last week amid fading prospects for a stimulus bill, fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, and increasing political and regulatory pressures on Big Tech companies.The Dow Jones...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks staged a powerful rally last week, riding a wave of optimism over the prospect of the passage of a new fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings....

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week as worries that stretched from Washington D.C., where prospects of a new fiscal stimulus bill dimmed, to Europe, which saw an increase of new COVID-19 cases.The Dow Jones Industrial...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped as the technology sector remained under pressure and a mid-week announcement by the Federal Reserve failed to inspire investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.03%, while the Standard...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

The Week on Wall Street A late week sell-off sent stocks broadly lower as investors took some profits after stocks reached all-time highs earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.82%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced relentlessly last week on positive COVID-19 developments, encouraging economic data, and a supportive policy shift in the Fed’s approach to its target inflation rate. The Dow Jones Industrial...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks powered to another week of gains as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite set multiple new record highs along the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially unchanged while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%...

The Week on Wall StreetOverlooking stalled efforts by Congress to pass a new fiscal stimulus bill, stocks marched higher last week with the Dow Jones Industrials leading the way and the NASDAQ Composite setting multiple fresh record...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week amid a busy week of earnings, some troubling economic data, and seemingly little progress on a new fiscal stimulus package.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped in the final days of trading last week on higher jobless claims and rising tensions in the U.S.-China relationship. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor's 500...

The Week on Wall StreetStocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.29%,...

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices notched solid gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.96%, while the...

The Week on Wall StreetIn a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%,...

The Week on Wall StreetA jump in COVID-19 cases dampened investor enthusiasm last week, sending stock prices lower on worries that rising infections could derail the economic recovery. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 3.31%,...

The Week on Wall StreetStocks moved higher last week on news of more Federal Reserve market support and diminished concerns that new COVID-19 cases might lead to another economic shutdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.04%,...

The Week on Wall StreetInvestor sentiment turned negative last week, amid an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in states where reopening has been underway as well as a subdued economic forecast from the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones...

The Week on Wall StreetA positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial...

The Week on Wall StreetThe shortened week, which began with a powerful two-day rally of trading, was enough to drive the markets into another week of solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.75%, while the Standard &...