University Investment Services

The impact of avian flu continues to shape our food market dynamics, with egg prices expected to surge another 20% in 2025. December's average price of $4.15 per dozen marks a striking 160% increase from 2019 levels. ?? What's particularly noteworthy is how businesses are adapting—from local diners absorbing costs to protect customers to grocery stores using strategic pricing to maintain customer relationships. This showcases the ripple effects of supply chain challenges, from farm operations to transportation logistics. ?? What this means for you: These price trends reflect broader economic patterns where even basic commodities can experience significant volatility. Understanding these market dynamics helps put everyday economic decisions into perspective and highlights the importance of staying informed about factors affecting household expenses. Industry experts point to multiple factors beyond just avian flu, including ongoing transportation challenges and labor shortages, suggesting we're seeing fundamental shifts in how our food supply chain operates. #FoodPrices #MarketTrends #SupplyChain #ConsumerGoods #EconomicTrends #Inflation Source: https://lnkd.in/gCq_s36J

?? China's AI landscape is evolving rapidly, with DeepSeek making waves by achieving OpenAI-level performance using fewer resources. Major players like Alibaba, Baidu, and ByteDance are pushing boundaries in AI development, backed by significant government investment, including a recent $8.2 billion fund. ?? What's fascinating is how these companies are optimizing their models for efficiency - achieving more with less computational power. This shift could reshape not just AI development but our entire approach to technological advancement. The race is intensifying as Chinese firms focus on practical applications, from improving search capabilities to enhancing customer experiences across industries while working within established regulatory frameworks. #ArtificialIntelligence #TechInnovation #GlobalMarkets #DeepSeek #TechTrends #DigitalTransformation Source: https://lnkd.in/gNPS89nY

The $500 financial plan No matter where you are on your wealth-building journey, you need a foundation. To get to your Point B goals, you need to know your Point A. My foundations plan covers that Point A. ·????????Earning, saving, spending, and investing lifestyle review ·????????Insurance assessment ·????????Net worth summary ·????????Estate document summary ·????????Define and prioritize goals To create harmony between life and money, this is the starting point. I worked at a big broker where having a personalized advisor meant investing with them, as long as you met their minimums, and only investing in what they offered. This led me to going independent and starting University Investment Services. Over the last few years, prices have risen drastically and value has dropped. I've priced my plans to be affordable, so people wouldn't put off planning, because of the costs and to ensure people were wowed with the value I can provide. I care more about my reputation, than a single transaction. If you're willing to invest in yourself, I am willing to invest in you. I am welcoming new clients, so connect or send a message and we can begin.

Your 401k strategy is losing you money You got a job with a 401k, great! Your employer matches contributions, even better. Odds are your employer automatically enrolled you, put you in a target date fund and set up some auto contribution, maybe 5%. **You may need to opt-in. Don't assume you're in the plan just because they have a plan. And most people will leave it like that until they retire. If it wasn't automatically set up, a lot of people wouldn't invest in them at all. Here's the problem with using the default plan for your retirement. -It's age-based, so it'll likely invest based on you retiring at 65 -It assumes you want to lower your risk routinely up until retirement -It assumes 5% is enough to get you through retirement (it's actually more about compliance rules for the plan) Are you good with those assumptions? Picking the right funds and contribution amount in your 401k based on your goals, timeframe, risk, and preferences is easy. Don't let something so simple derail your retirement goals. If you want more tips on finding harmony between life and money follow or connect!

If you're in your 50's, getting your finances right is critical ^Your workplace 401k, 403b, 457 have special catch up contributions to boost retirement savings. Are you utilizing that? ^You may be eligible to take distributions without penalty before 59 1/2. Do you know if you're eligible? ^Roth contributions / conversions may or may not make sense. Have you run the numbers? ^Should you pay off your home early or downsize? ^That term life policy may be ready to expire (please don't let it lapse!) Have you looked at the conversion options? ^You may be paying for college and weddings. Will you still be on track for retirement or other goals? ^You may be helping care for aging parents. Have you considered preparing for your own long-term care? ^If you're a business owner, it's time to think about succession and exit planning. What would your business be worth to a potential buyer? Is someone prepared to take control in your absence? Don't let this overwhelm you. These are opportunities now, not problems yet. You still have time to get it right, so get a head start. Need some answers? Glad to consult on your situation. Follow or connect for more information on managing life and wealth in harmony.

If you're looking for financial liposuction and skinny pills, I'm not your guy. If you want to get in the best shape of your life and achieve your potential, you hire a personal trainer. They'll help you: *Customize a plan that works for you at your level *Identify weak points and strengthen them *Make the most out of your time, because you have other things to do *Push hard, but also prevent injury *Connect with pros You could do it on your own, but is that the best path? You'll likely lose a lot of time, money, and energy experimenting until you find something that works for you. At some point, you'll hit a wall or a ceiling. That's when it's time to bring in a pro. If you are looking for transformation rather than transaction, that's what I do. Send a message, connect, or follow to begin your own transformation.

I hand you $100k tomorrow. What would you do with it? There's no right/wrong answer, but your response and thought process speaks volumes about what you value and how you think about money. Pay off debt? Independence and freedom is a priority. Go on vacation? Experiences and memories are important. Save it for a rainy day? You want to be prepared for the unknown. Make a major purchase? Having something to show for your money is important. Start a business / invest in the markets/go back to school? Investment mindset, long-term thinker, looking to multiply what you've been given. Maybe a few of these really spoke to you. So take a look at what you're doing now and ask yourself if your current choices really reflect your values. With the right plan and support in place, it's possible to have it all. If you're not sure if your money and life are working in alignment, you can take small steps to bring harmony between life and money. Follow or connect for more advice on your wealth-building journey.

?? ? Amidst the gifts and sparkling lights this Christmas, let's remember the most profound gift of all: God's unwavering love. Jesus came into this world to bridge the gap between us and the Heavenly Father, offering us salvation and everlasting life. As we celebrate, let's cherish the simple joys and the ultimate gift of love and hope in Christ. ?? ?? I've gotten distracted with hot cocoa (family favorite), driving to see the lights, the pageants, the shows (Is it Cake? Holiday edition) the shopping, even family drama is brewing. I've added the Hallow app and a prayer journal recently to keep my focus. I slow down my schedule to be fully present with my family. What do you or your family do to ensure the reason for the season is properly recognized?

Is your health and wealth plan tailored to you? Or are you stuck in a Y2K plan? This article talks about the importance of modifying your fitness routine as you age, highlighting low impact exercise as opposed to high impact. I can hear you heavy gym lifters scoffing at words like pilates, but I focus on what works, not what others think or is popular. As I near 40, riddled with old injuries and chronic pain, I focus on fitness that works for me. I care about lean muscle, pain management, and mobility more than pure power and speed now. I've also shifted my financial focus. Tracking well for retirement, my shift is toward funding accounts for my kids for college and increasing discretionary spending on memories with my family. 1:1 advising can help You get toward YOUR goals in a way that's designed specifically for you. https://lnkd.in/gvkgiSZ9

Wealth= financial independence + relationships + health, so it's critical to make health investments as well. Over 70% of Americans struggle with their weight. More than 10% struggle with diabetes. Staying physically and mentally fit is critical, so here's some tips: 1) Read- I love my Audible books during my commute, because I struggle focusing on a book 2) Learn- Once school is over, we need to keep learning (not just for work either). Masterclass is a great way to learn about tons of interesting topics 3) Be intentional with your diet. I recently added smoothies to my morning, because I don't typically eat breakfast. 4) Get outside. I have 12 acres of country property to keep up, so that part is easy. Take the dogs for a walk, the kids to the park (just don't jump off the swings again), take a stroll around town, get a bike, or find a hiking trail. Aging is inevitable, but HOW we age is up to us.