By Sean Sparkman Pathfinders’ Wealth Retirement planning has traditionally focused on a familiar set of concerns, including market volatility, inflation, healthcare costs, taxes, and the possibility of outliving your savings. While these risks still matter, another, less-familiar issue is rising to the top of the list for retirees and pre-retirees alike. This risk [...]
By Sean Sparkman Pathfinders Wealth At their core, dividends are distributions of company profits paid to shareholders. These stocks can create a steady income stream, typically paid quarterly, and they can be a valuable part of retirement income. Still, retirees considering dividend stocks, need to understand that dividends are a component of your [...]
by Sean Sparkman Pathfinders Wealth For decades, most retirement planning was built on the simple idea of accumulating as much as possible and then leaving the market to do the rest. But in 2026, things have changed in profound, often confusing ways. Many of my clients aren’t just asking, “How much can I grow my [...]
by Sean Sparkman You’ve probably heard it before: “Just buy the market and you’ll be diversified.” Sounds simple. Sounds safe. But, there’s a problem. That statement isn’t as true today as it used to be. Right now, a small group of companies that some financial pundits call “The Magnificent Seven” is doing most of the [...]
*This article and video are provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a recommendation, solicitation, or endorsement of any particular investment strategy, security, or financial product. The material presented is not intended to provide investment, legal, or tax advice. Individual financial circumstances vary, and readers should consult with a [...]
by Sean Sparkman Pathfinders Wealth Retired and soon-to-retire investors may feel somewhat unsettled by current global instability, especially as the United States has entered a new conflict with Iran. News of conflict, rising tensions, or trade disturbances can prompt concerns about hard-earned savings. After decades of planning, the prospect of global turmoil threatening financial security [...]
by Sean Sparkman Pathfinders Wealth Many of us think of retirement as the season of life when financial pressure eases and we can enjoy the fruits of our hard work and planning. Unfortunately, all it takes is one serious health event to rob you of that peace and disrupt your plans. Years ago, making it [...]
by Sean Sparkman Pathfinders Wealth Many of my clients include annuities in their portfolios. Annuities are a popular tool for securing a reliable retirement stream. However, they are designed for long-term planning, not short-term investments. Surrendering an annuity early—before the end of its contract term may have financial consequences. In this article, I'd like to [...]
Are there gaps in your portfolio? Why portfolio positioning is more important than ever. by Sean Sparkman Pathfinders Wealth In recent years, markets have been full of contradictions. Optimism and anxiety exist side by side, while new warnings about geopolitics, inflation, and government gridlock often make the news. Despite the uncertainty, equity [...]
by Sean Sparkman Pathfinders Wealth by Sean Sparkman Pathfinders Wealth As investors look ahead to 2026, uncertainty remains the only constant. Interest rates are likely to continue to fluctuate, inflation will probably remain at uncomfortable levels, and market volatility is all but guaranteed. In such an environment, dividend-paying stocks can play an important [...]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWp4VGyaBu8 by Sean Sparkman A charitable gift annuity is a financial contract. In exchange for your irrevocable donation — whether it's cash, appreciated securities, or even real estate in some cases — a qualified nonprofit organization agrees to pay you (or someone you name) a fixed income for life. When you die, or any secondary [...]
by Sean Sparkman Pathfinders Wealth Securing the best interest rate for your mortgage can significantly increase your financial well-being. One tool that borrowers often use to achieve this is a mortgage rate lock. In this article, I'll explore what a mortgage rate lock is, how it works, its potential impact on the economy, and the [...]
