Renaissance Financial - Bill Eckert, Senior Financial Advisor

09/01/2026

New Trump Accounts recently launched on July 4, 2026, to help families start saving early for a child’s future.

Children born January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2028, receive a one-time $1,000 government contribution. Parents or legal guardians may open one account per child under age 18 with a valid Social Security number.

Annual contribution limits include up to $5,000 per child which may include contributions from individuals and employers. Employers may contribute up to $2,500 annually. The $1,000 government contribution does not count toward these limits.

Funds may later be used for qualified purposes such as education, job training, starting a business, or purchasing a first home.

As new savings options emerge, it is important to evaluate how they fit into a broader financial plan. Working with a financial professional and CPA can help determine the most effective strategy.

08/27/2026

For many homeowners, the biggest weather risk may no longer be hurricanes.

New research from First Street found that severe convective storms, including tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds, have become the costliest insured natural disasters worldwide.

In 2025, these storms accounted for one-third of global natural disaster economic losses. Insured and uninsured losses totaled $82 billion, with $68 billion concentrated in the U.S.

Hail is the biggest driver of insurance payouts within this category, followed by severe winds.

These storms tend to move quickly, but they can cause widespread damage to homes, cars, businesses, and infrastructure.

For homeowners, the growing cost of severe weather can show up in more than repairs. It may also affect insurance premiums, property maintenance, emergency savings, and long-term housing costs.

As weather risks shift, it can be worth reviewing coverage, deductibles, and how prepared your household is for unexpected property damage.


Source:

Severe "convective" storms account for roughly a third of global natural disaster economic losses, a new study finds.

08/25/2026

U.S. credit card debt is approaching a record high.

Americans’ credit card balances reached $1.26 trillion in the second quarter, rising by $21 billion, according to new data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

That puts credit card debt just below the all-time high of $1.28 trillion set late last year.

Strong consumer spending is one factor behind higher balances. Rising prices for essentials like groceries and gas may also be contributing.

Delinquencies remain a concern. The share of credit card balances more than 90 days delinquent rose from 7.6% to 12.8% from mid-2022 through early 2026.

Total U.S. household debt now stands at $18.8 trillion. Auto loan debt also reached a new high of $1.71 trillion.

For households, rising debt is a reminder that everyday expenses, interest rates, minimum payments, and emergency costs can all affect financial flexibility.


Source:

Americans' credit card debt reached $1.26 trillion, increasing by $21 billion in the second quarter of this year, according to new data.

08/20/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.

A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.

School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.

The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.

Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.

Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.

For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.


Source:

U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.

07/30/2026

Moving to music can be more than just fun—it can also support physical, mental, and social well-being as people age.

Health professionals say dancing may help improve balance, strength, mobility, flexibility, and brain health. Because it combines movement, memory, rhythm, and coordination, it can engage both the body and mind.

Dancing can also create meaningful social connections, whether through line dancing, ballroom, salsa, tap, Zumba, or community groups.

For many older adults, that combination of movement and connection can make staying active feel more joyful and sustainable.

The best part? You do not need to be an expert to benefit. Starting with simple steps, a beginner-friendly class, or a favorite song at home can still be a meaningful way to get moving.


Source:

Medical professionals say that moving to music is a great way for older adults to stay healthier as they age. It doesn't matter what kind of dancing.

07/28/2026

Inflation doesn’t just raise prices - inflation challenges how your entire financial plan works.

One of the easiest ways to adapt? Shift your budget from fixed numbers to flexible ranges. It keeps you realistic without losing control.

Small structural changes like this can help you stay consistent, even when costs aren’t.

07/23/2026

I'm honored to share that I was named a 2026 Honorable Mention recipient in the 20th Annual Invest in Others Awards, which recognizes financial advisors for their charitable impact in their communities. This recognition reflects my involvement with KAMO Adventures, an organization dedicated to creating meaningful hunting, fishing, and outdoor experiences that enrich lives and strengthen the veteran community.

I'm grateful for the acknowledgment, but the real credit belongs to the volunteers, supporters, and leadership who make KAMO Adventures' mission possible. It's a privilege to support an organization doing such important work and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

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Invest in Others Award: Nominees must be currently working as registered representatives, registered investment advisors, or financial advisors with a professional designation. Nominees must be active financial advisors, defined by spending at least 75% of their time providing financial consultation with clients. Nominees must have worked in this capacity for at least three years. Volunteer involvement with the nonprofit organization must be current and ongoing for at least three years. Nominations are evaluated based on an advisor's leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Three finalists are selected in each of the five categories with one winner being chosen for each award. Award finalists and winners receive generous donations from Invest in Others to their designated charities. Listing in this publication and/or award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award.

Please note: The charitable entities and/or fundraising opportunities described herein are not endorsed by, or affiliated with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its affiliates. Our philanthropic interests are personal to us and are not reviewed, sponsored, or approved by Cetera Wealth Services, LLC.

07/23/2026

There are so many reasons to create a will this month, but here are three big ones to consider:

Direct Your Property: Creating a will tells the courts how you want your property distributed. Without a will, state laws will determine how your estate is divided, which may not align with your intentions.

Provide instructions to the probate court: A will can help manage the probate process, providing instructions to the court.

Designate Guardianship for Minor Children: If you have minor children, a will allows you to appoint a guardian to care for them. This crucial step directs that your children are raised by someone you trust, rather than leaving the decision to the courts.

For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera Wealth Services, LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.

07/21/2026

The summer job landscape has dramatically shifted since 1980. Back then, teens and college students flooded the job market during summer break, finding work at theme parks, retail stores, and more. With the minimum wage at $3.10/hr, managers made room for young workers, often allowing them to continue part-time during the school year.

Fast forward to today: Many employers seek full-time availability, with minimum wage at around $7.25/hr. The demand for flexibility is gone, and summer jobs are less economically viable for both businesses and students.

Now, with the rise of unpaid internships, volunteer work, and side hustles, students are building skills and brands rather than just earning money. When you see a young person working this summer, remember they're keeping a vintage tradition alive.

Sources:
Salon, May 26, 2025
Department of Labor, March 2, 2026

07/16/2026

More home sellers are taking listings off the market as housing conditions continue to shift.

In April, 5.8% of home listings nationwide were pulled from the market, tying December for the highest share of delistings since March 2020. Delistings were also up 3.8% from March.

Several factors may be contributing to the trend, including elevated mortgage rates, higher household costs, and softer buyer demand.

Some sellers may be choosing to wait rather than accept lower offers or longer timelines. At the same time, buyers in certain markets may have more negotiating room than they did in recent years.

Inventory has also been rising in some areas, with more listings sitting on the market for longer.

Together, these shifts point to a housing market where expectations between buyers and sellers may take time to reset.


Source:

Frustrated sellers are pulling their homes off the market at an increasingly high pace, as demand weakens and bidding wars wane.