OUR BLOG
September 2025
Key Perspectives on Jobs and Mixed Economic Signals
Investors often find themselves looking in the rearview mirror even when they know that what lies ahead is most important. Recent reports, which are naturally backward-looking, have some investors and policymakers concerned about the economy, leading some to wonder if there will be [...]
Follow the Bond Market to Better Understand Your Finances
On May 16, 2025, Moody's downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from Aaa to Aa1, citing concerns over the nation's rising debt and interest payment burdens. This move follows similar downgrades by S&P in 2011 and Fitch in 2023, marking the first time [...]
Monthly Market Update for August: Markets Climb on Fed Expectations and Earnings Growth
The stock market climbed to new all-time highs in August, while bonds also contributed positively to portfolios. This occurred despite continued uncertainty around tariffs, Fed independence, and technology stocks. The month began with U.S. tariffs going into effect against most major trading partners [...]
August 2025
“What Can I Do with $100K in Retirement?”
Understanding the Shift from Accumulation to Income As a financial advisor, one of the most common questions I hear, especially from clients entering retirement, is: “What should I actually do with these savings I’ve amassed for retirement?” It’s a great question. And it [...]
How Investors Can Keep Up with Inflation
When it comes to natural disasters, it's important to be prepared for earthquakes and erosion alike. Even though one is immediate and dramatic while the other is slow and gradual, both require careful planning and protective measures. Economic forces are no different - [...]
The Magnificent 7, AI, and Concentration Risk
The challenge facing investors today isn't whether artificial intelligence will transform the economy, but how to maintain portfolio balance as the market climbs to new all-time highs. While it’s tempting to focus exclusively on companies that have performed well recently, investing for long-term [...]
How Estate Planning May Help Reduce Future Tax Burdens for Loved Ones
There’s a well-known saying: “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” But what’s often left out is how closely those two concepts can intersect—especially when it comes to your legacy. Many people spend a lifetime building wealth to leave something meaningful behind. But [...]
How Reliable is Government Data? Creating a Balanced Economic Picture
For investors trying to understand the economy, recent reports have provided mixed signals, even leading President Trump to fire the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner. The latest jobs numbers showed weakness and negative revisions, but there are also signs that GDP growth rebounded [...]
Disclosure: This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the O’Donnell Financial Services, LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by O’Donnell Financial Services, LLC or performance returns of any O’Donnell Financial Services, LLC client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing in this commentary constitutes investment advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. O’Donnell Financial Services, LLC manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.