Financial Planning & Wellness
Get guidance on budgeting, saving, and building a plan that supports your full life — not just retirement.
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Why are mortgage rates rising and when will they drop?
On February 26, the national average 30-year mortgage rate fell below 6% for the first time since 2022. Since then, war broke out in Iran, causing all kinds of interest rates to lurch higher, from Treasury bond yields to mortgage rates. This has been frustrating to many who are either looking to buy a home ... Read more
Dynamic vs. static portfolios: Adapting to changing market risks
When we talk about investing at Facet, we always start with the same foundation: Your portfolio should be designed to achieve your specific life goals. It sounds simple, but it requires a careful balance. We want to maximize the chance you reach those goals, which means seeking growth. However, we also need to protect your ... Read more
What is a target-date fund and how does it work?
Planning for the future can sometimes feel like you’re trying to hit a moving target, especially when you’re balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s dreams. It’s completely normal to want an investment strategy that feels secure and manageable without requiring you to watch the stock market every single day. We’re here to walk you through how ... Read more
More than money: what does success in retirement actually look like?
Retirement can come with new and unexpected challenges that have nothing to do with your bank balance. Many retirees find themselves feeling unprepared for the next stage of life even after they’ve saved enough to meet every need. It’s completely normal to feel a bit of “now what?” energy as you move from a lifetime ... Read more
Q1 2026 performance review & outlook: Navigating oil shocks, rate cut delays, and AI realities
Stocks fell sharply in the first quarter of 2026, with most of the losses coming after the war began in Iran. The Morningstar Global Markets index fell 2.9% for the quarter, marking the worst quarter for global stocks since 2023. The U.S. was one of the worst performing major world markets, with the S&P 500 ... Read more
Is your portfolio truly ready for retirement? Moving beyond generic rules of thumb.
Transitioning from a steady paycheck to living off your life savings is one of the most significant, and potentially stressful, pivots you’ll ever make. There is a dizzying amount of conflicting “expert” advice out there, but for a lot of people, this just adds to the confusion. Between fluctuating market volatility and the nagging fear ... Read more
How could the Iran conflict affect your money?
The recent breakout of major conflict in Iran has had a significant impact on world politics and the flow of global trade. Beyond the tragic human cost, these events have left investors grappling with how a potential regime change or a wider regional war could impact their portfolios. Here is how Facet approaches geopolitics in ... Read more
Are AI stocks in a bubble? A 2026 market update.
As artificial intelligence continues to dominate headlines, many investors are left wondering if we are witnessing a sustainable technological revolution or a repeat of the late-90s dot-com bubble. While AI infrastructure spending has powered stocks higher over the last couple years, concerns are mounting regarding the sustainability of these capital expenditures and the actual pace ... Read more
Should you hedge against a weak dollar? A guide to 2026 currency risk
The U.S. dollar has struggled lately. According to the ICE U.S. Dollar Index, the American currency was down 9.4% in 2025, which was the worst year for the dollar since 2017. The trend has continued so far in 2026, with the dollar down another 1.5% through February 11. So why is the dollar dropping? How ... Read more