Quarter in Review The first quarter of 2026 began with pressure building on the U.S. economy from global tariffs, stubborn inflation and weakening employment. The U.S. economy decelerated to just 0.7% growth in the fourth quarter, due in large partREAD MORE
Author: Rick Brooks
Rick Brooks, CFA®, CFP® is a partner of Blankinship & Foster LLC and is the firm’s Chief Investment Officer. He is a lead advisor, counseling clients on all aspects of personal financial management. Rick serves on several boards. He is the Chairman of the Board of Girl Scouts San Diego, and also chairs the San Diego Foundation’s Professional Advisor Council. Rick and his family live in Mission Hills. Rick enjoys spending time with his family, theater, cooking, skiing, gaming and reading.
Key Takeaways: As children grow up and move away, newly “empty nesters” may wonder how their finances, priorities, and goals may change. Some may even consider whether expenses like life insurance are still necessary or could be reduced. We oftenREAD MORE
U.S. stock market indices finished the year at or near record highs, capping a year of solid gains for investors. Consumer spending grew steadily during the year, driven largely by higher income households. Some analysts refer to this as aREAD MORE
Why Rich People Rarely “Act Rich” — And What They Do Instead A friend recently told me his ex-wife needed some money. When he asked her why, she said it was because her credit cards were maxed out and sheREAD MORE
Key Insights: When we build financial plans for clients, we often hear how the process has uncovered other areas they hadn’t yet considered. It’s why financial planning isn’t a one-time task like drafting a will or buying a car butREAD MORE