Recently, oil and global markets have been nervous as a major military operation against Iran continues.  We expect markets to continue to be volatile for the foreseeable future.  Inflation also continues to be a problem.    Geopolitical events happen frequently in today’s world, usually with minimal disruptions to US equities and we don’t expect a major negative effect on the US economic outlook.  The effect of Middle East disruption on the US economy is not what it once was

Smart Retirement Planning Tips for Utah Families Planning for retirement can feel like a big task—but with the right strategy, it becomes a roadmap rather than a mystery. Whether you're in your 30s and just starting to plan, or in your 60s and preparing to retire, here are essential steps every Utah family can take to build a secure future. 1. Know Your Retirement Number Before you can retire comfortably, you need to understand how much you’ll need to support your desired lif

One month in, the outlook remains encouraging .  The U.S. economy continues to demonstrate steady expansion, supported by resilient consumer spending even amid a cooling labor market, moderate inflation levels, and evolving Federal Reserve policy adjustments. Despite ongoing tariff pressures, overall fiscal measures, global trade dynamics, and economic momentum have outperformed many earlier forecasts. Consumers are holding firm, maintaining robust spending patterns despite s

How Much Does a Financial Planner Cost in Lehi? If you're thinking about hiring a financial advisor, one of your first questions is likely: “How much is this going to cost me?”  That’s a smart question—and one that deserves a clear answer. Unfortunately, many advisory firms make it hard to get a straight one. At ROI Wealth Management, we believe cost transparency is essential to trust. So let’s break it down. Understanding Different Pricing Models Not all financial planners c

As we move into the final two months of 2025, you could excuse the equity markets if they got a little spooked during Halloween.  The lifeblood for any market analyst is data, and it has been hard to come by lately.  The government shutdown, in its 35 th day as we go to press, is fast approaching the longest on record.    But the markets for the most part have stood tall.  The S&P 500 is near its all-time high despite the data blackout.  We’ll do our best here to read betwee

Financial Planner vs. Financial Advisor: What’s the Difference? If you're confused about whether you need a financial planner or a financial advisor—you’re not alone. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not identical. Understanding the difference can help you make a smarter choice for your financial future. What Is a Financial Advisor? "Financial advisor" is a broad term. It can apply to professionals who help you manage money in various ways—investment br

Fee-Only Financial Advisors If you're exploring financial planning options, you've likely heard the term "fee-only financial advisor."  But what does that really mean—and why does it matter for your financial future? Simply put, a fee-only advisor is compensated directly by you  for their advice and services. They don’t receive commissions or kickbacks from insurance companies or investment providers. That means their only financial incentive is to give you advice that serves

In November, domestic stock markets were unusually volatile.  Market action in the short period between November 12 and the month-end is a perfect example, with the S&P 500 index declining from 6,851 to 6,539 and then back again.  A major reason for the herky-jerky price patter was the lack of economic data caused by the recent government shutdown.  As we said last month, reports on jobs, inflation, and consumer spending are the lifeblood for investors, especially the profess

If you’re searching for a financial advisor in Utah County , chances are you’re not just looking for someone to manage your money—you’re looking for someone you can trust with your future. And with so many options out there, how do you separate the advisors who just want to sell you something... from the ones who will actually walk with you to and through retirement ? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose a financial advisor in Utah County that aligns with your goals

Government Shutdown Ending? As we move into the final two months of 2025, you could excuse the equity markets if they got a little spooked during Halloween.  The lifeblood for any market analyst is data, and it has been hard to come by lately.  The government shutdown, in its 35 th day as we go to press, is fast approaching the longest on record.    But the markets for the most part have stood tall.  The S&P 500 is near its all-time high despite the data blackout.  We’ll do