News from the Control Tower: Our weekly curated list of news stories affecting you and your finances. This week’s reads include: 1. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink says stakeholder capitalism is not ‘woke’, 2. In Quest for Energy Independence, Mexico Is Buying a Texas Oil Refinery, 3. International airlines suspend some US flights over 5G uncertainty, 4. Smart Headlights Are Finally on Their Way, 5. Here’s how rising interest rates may affect your bond portfolio in retirement, Bonus: Try your hand at putting Wikipedia articles in chronological order in this Wikitrivia game.

It may be true that history repeats itself, but future versions tend to get better at disguising themselves from their predecessors. At Propel, we’ve been through the ups and downs of the market roller coaster quite a few times. For that reason, we are good at maintaining a level head when the markets seem awful, but we also know to be skeptical when markets seem too good to be true. Our job is to hang out somewhere in the middle, not overreacting one way or the other. The purpose of this blogpost is two-fold: 1) to remind our more experienced clients of the similarities and differences between the current environment and market cycles of yesteryear, and 2) to cultivate our newer investor generation’s critical eye toward market behavior.

News from the Control Tower: Our weekly curated list of news stories affecting you and your finances. This week’s reads include: 1. How millions of jobless Americans can afford to ditch work, 2. Surging Inflation Has Workers Demanding Bigger Raises. Could It Lead to a Wage-Price Spiral?, 3.The Age of Financial Misinformation, 4. New Study Finds Clients Using Financial Advisors Are Happier, 5. Wind power becomes Spain’s leading energy source for 2021, Bonus: Mapping Folklore: Musée des Beaux Arts

News from the Control Tower: Our weekly curated list of news stories affecting you and your finances. This week’s reads include: 1. Investors Should Care About the Logic Behind the ‘Powell Pivot’, 2. Her Instagram Handle Was ‘Metaverse.’ Last Month, It Vanished, 3. New FDA-approved eye drops could replace reading glasses for millions: "It's definitely a life changer", 4. Rick Steves on the Return of Travel and Why It Matters, 5. Worried About Inflation? Here’s What That May Reveal About You, Bonus: Mapping Folklore: Mythical Creatures of the Baltics and Beyond.

News from the Control Tower: Our weekly curated list of news stories affecting you and your finances. This week’s reads include: 1. The Mutual Fund That Ate Wall Street—Based on an Index Few People Know About 2. How a Cream Cheese Shortage Is Affecting N.Y.C. Bagel Shops 3. A lack of chargers could stall the electric-vehicle revolution 4. The Effects of Major Retailers Raising Their Minimum Wages 5. Peter Lynch Says All-In on Passive Investing Is All Wrong Bonus: Australia Is the Drunkest Country in the World

News from the Control Tower: Our weekly curated list of news stories affecting you and your finances. This week’s reads include: 1. Time, Money and Chicken Fat: A Guide to Inflation-Proof Gift-Giving, 2. Poor conditions and low pay for truckers helped fuel supply chain crisis, 3.Workers Quit Jobs in Droves to Become Their Own Bosses, 4. Banking CEO: Overdrafts fees are 'the biggest pain point', 5. The Rules of Retirement Spending Are Changing, Bonus: How the World’s Foremost Maze-Maker Leads People Astray.

No, a child may not squeal with delight upon opening this gift, but sometimes they don't know what's good for them! The benefits of an education last a lifetime. With a 529 account, the beneficiary enjoys tax-deferred growth and tax-free distributions for qualifying education expenses. One option is to let your friends and family know that your child's 529 plan is open to accepting gifts. Each state offers its own 529 plan, so the how-to of gifting varies depending on the state. For example, New York offers a gift code you can share. Illinois's 529 plan offers instructions here on giving a 529 gift. Another option is to simply open a new account, and name the beneficiary you chose (and keep the potential tax deduction to yourself!*)

News from the Control Tower: Our weekly curated list of news stories affecting you and your finances. This week’s reads include: 1. Lael Brainard’s stance on bank regulation sets up early test for Federal Reserve, 2. $3.5 billion worth of cryptocurrencies seized by IRS CI in fiscal 2021, 3. Wall Street sees first Fed climate change review in 2023, 4. Many Americans Are Overpaying for Their Car Loans, 5. ‘Buy the Constitution’ Aftermath: Everyone Very Mad, Confused, Losing Lots of Money, Fighting, Crying, Etc., Bonus: Asteroid Close Calls.

News from the Control Tower: Our weekly curated list of news stories affecting you and your finances. This week’s reads include: (1) The Electric-Truck Battle To Come: Batteries Versus Hydrogen Fuel Cells, (2) Randal Quarles to resign at year-end, paving way for Biden to further remake the Federal Reserve, (3) The latest jobs report showed strong gains, but a worker shortage still exists. Here’s why, (4) Fed Says U.S. Public Health Among Biggest Near-Term Risks to Financial System, (5) Sales of pregnancy tests are on the rise, (6) Indiana city offers stand-in 'grandparents' to new residents, and a Bonus article - Woman who climbed El Capitan on her 70th birthday says you can do it too.

Saving money is a challenge for most people. In our experience, those with the most success set an intention around their spending. Then they create a plan that automates the savings so you don't have to think about it. Why save? Increased savings provides greater flexibility in your life, reduces stress by providing security for you and your loved ones, and increases your ability to give. Where to start? First, identify your money personality. Understanding your relationship with money can better focus your approach to adjusting your financial behavior. Recognize that changing habits around money takes dedication and time. Be patient with yourself and recognize that things won't change overnight. Savings strategies are never one-size-fits-all. Implement one or two from the list below and see how your life changes. That may provide you with the inspiration to try even more.