News from the Home Team

Spring Cleaning for Your Financial Life: Simple Steps That Make a Big Difference

Spring is a natural time to reset. While most people think about cleaning out closets or garages, it’s also one of the best times to get your financial life organized. A few hours of focus now can save your family significant stress—and potentially money—down the road.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity, accessibility, and making sure the right things are in place if they’re ever needed.

Start by clearing out what you no longer need. Old utility bills, outdated statements, and tax documents beyond the standard retention period can be securely shredded. Reducing paper clutter makes it easier to identify what actually matters.

Next, take a look at your banking setup—specifically your checking account. If you were to pass away unexpectedly, would someone be able to access funds to pay immediate expenses like mortgages, utilities, or funeral costs? Adding a Transfer on Death (TOD) designation or ensuring a trusted individual has appropriate access can make a meaningful difference during a difficult time.

From there, review your core legal and financial documents. Confirm that your will, trust documents, health care proxy, and any power of attorney documents are up to date and reflect your current wishes. Just as important—make sure your family knows these documents exist and where to find them.

Create a single, organized list of your key accounts and policies. This should include bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement plans, and life insurance policies, along with relevant contact information and how to access these accounts. Beneficiary designations should be clearly documented and periodically reviewed. Make sure your IRA beneficiaries are up to date—these designations override your will and are a common oversight.

Finally, don’t limit “spring cleaning” to paperwork alone. This is also a good time to invest in yourself—consider taking a local class, joining a club, or getting involved in something new. Growth isn’t just financial; staying engaged and connected is just as important.

None of these steps are complicated, but they often tend to fall to the wayside as we deal with day-to-day. Taking the time to get organized now is one of the most practical ways to protect your family and ensure your intentions are carried out smoothly.

If you have questions or want help thinking through any of these items, we’re here as a resource.

Market Insights

Week in Review

This week’s macro releases pointed to a still-resilient economy with pockets of persistent inflation, particularly at the producer level, alongside continued softness in housing activity. The March Producer Price Index (PPI) surprised to the upside, with headline PPI rising 0.5% month-over-month and 4.0% year-over-year, while the core measure (excluding food, energy, and trade services) increased 0.2% on the month and 3.6% year-over-year. The strength was largely driven by a sharp rebound in goods prices, particularly energy, where gasoline prices surged. From a policy perspective, this reinforces the view that inflation risks, especially from commodities, have not fully dissipated. While core trends remain more contained, the headline acceleration complicates the disinflation narrative and is unlikely to shift the Federal Reserve toward a more accommodative stance in the near term.

In energy markets, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) crude oil inventories report showed a draw of 0.9 million barrels, with total inventories remaining slightly above seasonal norms. Gasoline inventories declined more materially, suggesting steady end-user demand. The combination of modest crude draws and tighter refined product inventories points to a balanced, but not overly tight, supply-demand backdrop. For markets, this dynamic is neutral to mildly supportive of oil prices and suggests that energy will remain a variable, but not dominant, driver of inflation expectations in the near term.

The housing sector continues to reflect the impact of elevated mortgage rates. Existing home sales declined 3.6% in March to an annualized pace of 3.98 million, marking another month of subdued transaction activity. While inventory has gradually improved, it remains constrained by the “lock-in” effect, as homeowners with lower-rate mortgages are reluctant to sell. At the same time, home prices continue to show modest year-over-year gains, underscoring the imbalance between supply and demand. From a macro standpoint, housing remains a drag on growth rather than a source of incremental momentum.

Overall, the week’s data reinforces a “stable but constrained” macro environment: inflation pressures are not fully resolved, energy remains a swing factor, and interest-rate-sensitive sectors continue to underperform.

Economic and Capital Markets Dashboard

Week Ahead

In the week ahead, market attention will turn to key indicators of consumer demand and business activity, which will help shape expectations around the durability of economic growth. On Tuesday, retail sales will provide a critical read on the health of the U.S. consumer. A firm print would suggest that spending remains resilient despite elevated borrowing costs, supporting the case for continued economic expansion and potentially delaying expectations for policy easing. Conversely, a softer outcome would indicate that higher rates are beginning to weigh more meaningfully on household demand, reinforcing a more cautious growth outlook.

On Thursday, the preliminary Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) and Services PMI releases will offer timely insight into business conditions across the goods-producing and services sectors. The manufacturing survey will be closely watched for signs of stabilization following a prolonged period of weakness, while the services index will serve as a key gauge of underlying domestic demand and inflation persistence. Strength across both measures would reinforce the narrative of economic resilience, while any broad-based softening could signal emerging cracks in activity and support a shift toward a more dovish policy outlook.

Taken together, next week’s data will be central in assessing whether the economy continues to exhibit resilience under restrictive financial conditions or is beginning to transition toward a slower growth trajectory.

Disclosures and Definitions

Economic Indicators:

1. CPI: Consumer Price Index measures the average change in prices paid by consumers for goods and services over time. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2. Core CPI: Core Consumer Price Index excludes food and energy prices to provide a clearer picture of long-term inflation trends. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3. PPI: Producer Price Index measures the average change in selling prices received by domestic producers for their output. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
4. Core PPI: Core Producer Price Index excludes food and energy prices to provide a clearer picture of long-term inflation trends. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
5. PCE: Personal Consumption Expenditures measure the average change in prices paid by consumers for goods and services. Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis.
6. Core PCE: Core Personal Consumption Expenditures exclude food and energy prices to provide a clearer picture of long-term inflation trends. Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis.
7. Industrial Production: Measures the output of the industrial sector, including manufacturing, mining, and utilities. Source: Federal Reserve.
8. Mfg New Orders: Measures the value of new orders placed with manufacturers for durable and non-durable goods. Source: Census Bureau.
9. Durable New Orders: Measures the value of new orders placed with manufacturers of durable goods. Source: Census Bureau.
10. Durable Inventories: Measures the value of inventories held by manufacturers for durable goods. Source: Census Bureau.
11. Consumer Confidence (CB, 1985=100): Measures the degree of optimism that consumers feel about the overall state of the economy and their personal financial situation. Source: Conference Board.
12. ISM Manufacturing Report: Measures the economic health of the manufacturing sector based on surveys of purchasing managers. Source: Institute for Supply Management.
13. ISM Non-Manufacturing Report: Measures the economic health of the non-manufacturing sector based on surveys of purchasing managers. Source: Institute for Supply Management.
14. Leading Economic Index: Measures overall economic activity and predicts future economic trends. Source: Conference Board.
15. Building Permits (Mil. of Units, saar): Measures the number of new residential building permits issued. Source: Census Bureau.
16. Housing Starts (Mil. of Units, saar): Measures the number of new residential construction projects that have begun. Source: Census Bureau.
17. New Home Sales (Mil. of Units, saar): Measures the number of newly constructed homes sold. Source: Census Bureau.
18. SA: Seasonally adjusted.
19. SAAR: Seasonally adjusted annual rate.

Market Indices & Indicators:

1. S&P 500: A market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 leading publicly traded companies in the U.S., widely regarded as one of the best gauges of large U.S. stocks and the stock market overall.
2. Dow Jones 30: Also known as the Dow Jones Industrial Average, it tracks the share price performance of 30 large, publicly traded U.S. companies, serving as a barometer of the stock market and economy.
3. NASDAQ: The world's first electronic stock exchange, primarily listing technology giants and operating 29 markets globally.
4. Russell 1000 Growth: Measures the performance of large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe, including companies with higher price-to-book ratios and growth metrics.
5. Russell 1000 Value: Measures the performance of large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe, including companies with lower price-to-book ratios and growth metrics.
6. Russell 2000: A market index composed of 2,000 small-cap companies, widely used as a benchmark for small-cap mutual funds.
7. Wilshire 5000: A market-capitalization-weighted index capturing the performance of all American stocks actively traded in the U.S., representing the broadest measure of the U.S. stock market.
8. MSCI EAFE Index: An equity index capturing large and mid-cap representation across developed markets countries around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada.
9. MSCI Emerging Market Index: Captures large and mid-cap representation across emerging markets countries, covering approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.
10. VIX: The CBOE Volatility Index measures the market’s expectations for volatility over the coming 30 days, often referred to as the "fear gauge."
11. FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs: Measures the performance of all publicly traded equity real estate investment trusts (REITs) listed in the U.S., excluding mortgage REITs.
12. S&P U.S. Aggregate Bond Index: Represents the performance of the U.S. investment-grade bond market, including government, corporate, mortgage-backed, and asset-backed securities.
13. 3-Month T-bill Yield (%): The yield on U.S. Treasury bills with a maturity of three months, reflecting short-term interest rates.
14. 10-Year Treasury Yield (%): The yield on U.S. Treasury bonds with a maturity of ten years, reflecting long-term interest rates.
15. 10Y-2Y Treasury Spread (%): The difference between the yields on 10-year and 2-year U.S. Treasury bonds, often used as an indicator of economic expectations.
16. WTI Crude ($/bl): The price per barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude oil, a benchmark for U.S. oil prices.
17. Gold ($/Troy Oz): The price per troy ounce of gold, a standard measure for gold prices.
18. Bitcoin: A decentralized digital currency without a central bank or single administrator, which can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network.

This content was developed by Cambridge from sources believed to be reliable. This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed or acted upon as individualized investment advice. It should not be considered a recommendation or solicitation. Information is subject to change. Any forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice.

Investing involves risk. Depending on the different types of investments there may be varying degrees of risk. Socially responsible investing does not guarantee any amount of success. Clients and prospective clients should be prepared to bear investment loss including loss of original principal. Indices mentioned are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is a price-weighted index composed of 30 widely traded blue-chip U.S. common stocks. The S&P 500 is a market-cap weighted index composed of the common stocks of 500 leading companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy. The NASDAQ Composite Index is a market-value weighted index of all common stocks listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange.

Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Both are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Cambridge Investment Group, Inc.

This Month’s Spotlight

2026 Social Security Update: New Strategies for Your Retirement Map

As we move through 2026, the strategy for Social Security has shifted. It is no longer just about "waiting until 70." Thanks to recent legislative updates—specifically the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)—Social Security has become a sophisticated tool for tax efficiency and wealth preservation.

Here is a look at the key changes impacting your retirement income plan this year:

1. New Tax Advantages: The $6,000 Senior Deduction

The OBBBA introduced a significant benefit: a new $6,000 tax deduction for qualifying seniors.

• The Planning Window: This deduction begins to phase out at $75,000 for individuals ($150,000 for couples).
• The Goal: If you are near these income thresholds, proactive planning can help you stay under the "tax cliff," potentially saving thousands in redirected tax dollars.

2. Modernizing the "Delay" Strategy

While waiting until age 70 to claim benefits often provides the highest monthly check, it isn't the only path to success. New research suggests a more flexible approach may be better if you are:

• Funding Legacies: Using early benefits to fund 529 plans for grandchildren or life insurance premiums.
• Optimizing Roth Conversions: In some cases, claiming at your Full Retirement Age (FRA) allows us to more aggressively convert traditional IRA funds to Roth IRAs, reducing your future tax burden.

3. Avoiding the "Tax Torpedo"

The "Tax Torpedo" occurs when your retirement withdrawals trigger taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits.

• 2026 Strategy: With the current tax environment, we are looking at accelerating Roth conversions before your benefits begin. This keeps your future "provisional income" low, helping to shield your Social Security checks from the IRS entirely.

4. Key 2026 Numbers to Know

• COLA Increase: A 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment is now in effect.
• Earnings Test: If you are working and under Full Retirement Age, the earnings limit has moved to $24,480. Earning above this may result in a temporary withholding of benefits.
• Wage Cap: For those still in the workforce, the taxable wage base has risen to $184,500.

The Bottom Line

Social Security is no longer a "set it and forget it" decision. It is a dynamic part of your portfolio that requires annual calibration.

Did You Know?

72.9 million people received benefits from programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2024.

6 million people were newly awarded Social Security benefits in 2024.

55% of adult Social Security beneficiaries in 2024 were women.

56 was the average age of disabled-worker beneficiaries in 2024.

84% of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients received payments because of disability or blindness in 2024.

How is Social Security financed?

Social Security is financed through a dedicated payroll tax. Employers and employees each pay 6.2 percent of wages up to the taxable maximum of $176,100 (in 2025), while the self-employed pay 12.4 percent.

Total income, including interest, to the combined OASI and DI Trust Funds amounted to $1.351 trillion in 2023 ($1.233 trillion from net payroll tax contributions, $51 billion from taxation of benefits, and $67 billion in interest).

The payroll tax rates are set by law, and for OASI and DI, apply to earnings up to a certain amount. This amount, called the contribution and benefit base, or taxable maximum, rises as average wages increase.

Tech Tips

A valuable tech tip is to verify their earnings history annually through their personal my Social Security account. This simple digital check can have a massive impact on their future retirement income.

Why This Matters for 2026

Your Social Security benefit is calculated based on your highest 35 years of indexed earnings. If an employer misreports income or a clerical error occurs, your future monthly check could be permanently lower than it should be.

The "3-Year Window": Clients generally only have 3 years, 3 months, and 15 days from the end of a tax year to request a correction to their earnings record.

High-Earner Impact: With the 2026 taxable wage cap rising to $184,500, ensuring every dollar of covered earnings is credited is more critical than ever for high-earning professionals.

How to Do It

Log In Securely: Use Login.gov or ID.me to access the SSA portal, which now requires multi-factor authentication for enhanced security.

Download the Statement: Review the "Earnings Record" section of the Social Security Statement.

Cross-Check with Tax Returns: Compare the SSA figures against past W-2s or tax filings.

Correct Errors Early: If a discrepancy is found, clients can often begin the correction process online or by scheduling a local office appointment.

Recipe of the Month

Cuban Pork Chops with Mojo

Level: Easy

Total: 1 hour 45 minutes

Prep: 15 minutes

Inactive: 1 hour

Cook: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

1 cup plus 1/4 cup orange juice, divided

1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, divided

1/4 cup white vinegar

4 (1-inch-thick) bone-in pork chops

1 tablespoon black pepper

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon dried oregano

3 tablespoons canola oil

1/4 cup chopped red onion

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1/4 cup white wine

1 cup watercress, for garnish

1 Roma tomato, chopped, for garnish

1/2 avocado, sliced, for garnish

Directions

• In a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag, combine 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup lime juice, and vinegar
• Add pork and let it sit and marinate for about 1 hour in refrigerator
• In a small mixing bowl, combine all dried spices
• Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and rub with the dry spice mixture
• Heat oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. Place the pork chops in the pan and sear on 1 side until brown.  Flip over and turn the heat down to medium-low.
• Add onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Then add the garlic and continue to cook until garlic begins to brown.
• Pour in the remaining 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, and white wine
• Simmer until the liquid is slightly reduced and begins to thicken. The chops should be cooked through.
• Remove the chops from pan and put on a warm plate
• Continue to reduce juices in pan by half. Pour over the chops and serve immediately.

National Parks

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is located in Central California, approximately 80 miles southeast of San Jose and 5 miles east of Soledad. Situated within the Gabilan Mountains, the park lies in San Benito and Monterey counties, characterized by rocky, volcanic spires, talus caves, and oak woodlands. 

Key details about its location include:

Access Entrances: The park has an East Entrance (near Hollister) and a West Entrance (near Soledad).

No Through Road: There is no road connecting the East and West entrances within the park; travelers must drive around, which takes roughly 90 minutes.

Closest Cities: Soledad (West) and Hollister (East) are the primary towns for accessing services.

Geography: The park is east of the Salinas Valley and part of the California Pacific Coast Ranges. 

The east side is known for the visitor center and campground, while the west side offers faster access to the high peaks and talus caves. 

1. Explore Talus Caves 

Unlike limestone caves, these were formed by massive boulders sliding into narrow canyons. You’ll need a flashlight and should be prepared for some scrambling. 

Bear Gulch Cave (East Side): The most popular cave, featuring a seasonal population of Townsend's big-eared bats. It leads directly to the beautiful Bear Gulch Reservoir

Balconies Cave (West Side): Offers a more rugged feel. It is often hiked as part of the Balconies Cliffs-Cave Loop, which provides great views of the park's largest rock formations.

Pro Tip: Check the NPS Cave Status page before you go, as caves often close during "pupping season" (May–July) to protect baby bats.

2. Spot the California Condor

Pinnacles is one of the few places on Earth where you can see these prehistoric-looking birds with 9.5-foot wingspans. 

Best Viewing Spots: The High Peaks area in the early morning or evening is your best bet. You can also spot them from the Condor Gulch Overlook or even from the Bench Trail near the campground.

Identification: Look for a massive black bird that soars without rocking. Adults have a striking white triangle on the underside of their wings. 

3. Iconic Hiking Trails

With over 30 miles of trails, there is something for every fitness level. The "signature" hike that takes you through the heart of the rock spires using steep steps and handrails carved into the stone. A family-favorite that features cool rock tunnels and leads to the reservoir.  Located near the West Entrance, this flat trail offers some of the best panoramic views of the high peaks without a long climb.

Other things to do at Pinnacles National Park include:

• Rock climbing
• Stargazing and camping

High Peaks Trail to Bear Gulch in Pinnacles National Park