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MONTH-2-MONTH
FEBRUARY 2026
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MONTH-2-MONTH is intended to provide you with updates on AFP and timely financial planning and investment information on a variety of topics.
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| | February arrives with lengthening light and lingering frost. Hearts soften toward connection and valentines rest on mantels, while winter holds its final breath through frosted windows. With each new day unfolding, we're reminded to nurture warmth within, honor quiet devotion, and trust in love's persistence. | | |
WE'VE LAUNCHED! - After what feels like forever in the making, our brand new website is officially live! We're so excited for you to explore everything we've been working on. Take a look around and let us know what you think! Please note that you may have to refresh on the site to see the updated version.
SNOWPLOW MAYHEM - Earlier this month, a snowplow had an unfortunate run in with a telephone pole that fell on our roof! Luckily everyone was okay, except our internet connection, which took a few days to get fixed.
NEW FILE SHARING - We've recently switched our file sharing platform from ShareFile to Dropbox. If you use any of our file upload links, things may look a little different going forward — but the process is just as easy. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need help navigating the change.
PARAPLANNER CHANGE - We wanted to let you know that we have a new paraplanner! Through our paraplanning service FSOS, we have transitioned from working with Stephanie and Pavla to working with Stephanie and Haleigh.
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+ Teri's Treks
We have had quite the winter this last month. The snow was pretty to look at first, but with the bitter cold, it made dog walking very challenging. Tucker loved it, and Rubi, not so much. Then we had a snowplow rip the wires off a utility pole outside our office on that snowy Friday morning, February 6th. The live wires landed on our roof, and our whole complex needed to evacuate. They fixed the electrical wires by the end of that day, but we were without internet until the following Tuesday. A mini crisis was averted, and we are very appreciative of everyone's fast action to get things up and running again.
I will also say, it is so nice to see grass again, even if it is a little brown and temporary. Choir practices have continued to prepare for Easter and the other choir’s gala event on March 7th - Capriccio Gala with the Tony Hagood Trio. We are almost sold out! This week, I have been able to get outside and run for the first time this year. Nice!
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+ Nathan's Notes
Even with all the snow and cold temperatures over the past few weeks, yesterday I saw our daffodils and crocuses pushing through the soil where a big pile of snow had just been hours before. While I enjoy having a wintery winter, I always look forward to those first signs of spring. Maybe having the reassurance that winter won’t last forever is helpful.
We also look forward to winter activities coming to an end – even (and especially) basketball. Ellie has had a great season, averaging around 8 points per game. Her coach turned her into more of a post player, and her shooting has really improved a lot. I’ve coached Ainsley’s team this year, and like prior years, I’m always amazed at the girls' improvement over just a few months. Things that used to take so much concentration and effort, like dribbling and shooting, almost become second nature to them. Of course, once I get my Saturdays back, it’s on to home projects – a bathroom remodel being at the top of the list.
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+ Tracey's Time
February has been uneventful aside from Andy starting a new job. The new environment provides some challenges, and he’s been working extra hours to get operations under control. At home, we’ve been glued to the Winter Olympic Games every evening and enjoy watching skiing, hockey, figure skating, and the sled competitions as long as we can stay awake.
It’s also Girl Scout Cookie Sale month and we purchased several boxes from a local troop hosting a booth sale. The girls were developing great sales skills, although they were only 5-6 year-old Daisy scouts. I gave them a Cookie Sale Banner that was collecting dust in our basement. It’s gone to a good home, and I hope to see it again at a future cookie sale. Girl Scout Cookie Booth sales run mid-February through March. Look for them outside local businesses if you’re interested in supporting Girl Scouts.
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+ Morgan's Moments
February brought a little bit of everything — celebrations, quality time and more wedding planning.
Valentine's Day kicked things off in the best way. It's one of my favorite holiday's. I love the concept that we all take a day to celebrate the love we have for one another, whether that be romantic or platonic love. My fiancé and I kept it close to home with a delicious steak dinner we made together. He also finally convinced me to start watching Star Wars, so apparently love really does make you do things you never expected.
To close out the month, my birthday celebrations stretched across two days. The office took me to lunch the day before (see picture of me with my birthday Tiramisu), and on my actual birthday I spent the day doing all the things I enjoy on a day off like going to a Pilates class and getting a massage, before ending it with a birthday dinner at Lindey's.
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Current Economic and Investment Information | | |
HOUSING RESET BEGINS - National home price growth slowed to just 0.9% annually in December—one of the softest rates since the Great Recession—as the market enters a "definitive rebalancing phase" after years of double-digit surges. (Source: Business Wire)
JOBS SURPRISE MARKETS - January nonfarm payrolls showed 130,000 jobs added (vs. 55,000 expected) with unemployment at 4.3%, marking the strongest job gains in over a year despite economic uncertainty. (Source: Yahoo Finance)
BUY-NOW-PAY-LATER MAINSTREAMS - Over half of consumers reported
unexpected expenses of $400+ in the prior year, driving BNPL usage across income levels as a budget management tool rather than a sign of financial distress. (Source: PYMNTS)
FED LEADERSHIP TRANSITION - Chair Jerome Powell held rates steady at 3.5-3.75% in his final FOMC meetings, with markets pricing in roughly two cuts through end-2026 under incoming Chair Kevin Warsh, who takes over in May. (Source: Fortune)
| | A CFP Board survey of American Gen Xers reveals some sobering truths about retirement readiness. Less than 2 in 5 Gen Xers feel they've achieved their financial goals, and only 37% are satisfied with their retirement savings. Their biggest financial misconception when younger? Thinking they had more time to save for retirement. Gen Xers say their financial regrets have cost them a median of nearly $100,000, increased their stress and anxiety, and left them with a reduced sense of financial security. Gen Xers' top financial recommendation to younger Americans: start saving for retirement now. It's advice worth taking seriously — no matter where you are in your financial journey. | |
Source: CFP Board, "Lessons Learned: A Survey of American Gen Xers" CFP Board
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The High Cost of Sunshine: How Insurance and Housing Are Reshaping Snowbird Living
By Chonce Maddox
Source: Kiplinger
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The snowbird dream isn't dead — but it's getting expensive. Rising insurance premiums, property taxes and maintenance costs are forcing retirees to rethink whether a seasonal second home still makes financial sense. Some are heading to new, more affordable destinations. Others are ditching ownership altogether.
Here's what's changing, and what to consider before you buy.
Click here to read this article.
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Flying After 65? These Are the 11 Best Travel Hacks for Active Retirees
By Kathryn Pomroy
Source: Kiplinger
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Retirement is prime time for adventure — but with 45% of seniors citing cost as their biggest travel barrier, smart planning matters. From timing trips during the off-season to packing light and skipping checked bag fees, there are more ways to stretch your travel budget than most retirees realize. Some of the best hacks might surprise you. Here are 11 ways to see the world without draining your savings.
Click here to read this article.
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Do you know someone who can benefit from FINANCIAL PLANNING?
At Alexander Financial Planning, we are passionate about financial life planning. We also know that it is not just about the numbers. While numbers are important, they are there to support your hopes, dreams, and desires. When we can put all the components of financial planning together, (cash flow, insurance, investing, taxation, and estate planning) your unique picture of a path forward comes into view. For 28+ years, we have been helping individuals and families develop their plan and navigate the twists and turns each year.
Whether you’re planning for retirement, becoming an empty nester, or navigating how to take retirement distributions, we are your thinking partner. We are here to make sense of it all, one step at a time. If now is the time for you or someone you know to get serious about your financial future, contact us. We’d love to be of service.
WHAT SETS US APART
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"Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference."
- Helen James
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Alexander Financial Planning | |
3600 Olentangy River Rd, Ste. C2
Columbus, OH 43214
614-538-1600
Office Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Registered Investment Advisor
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This material is distributed by Alexander Financial Planning, Inc., (AFPI) and is for information purposes only. Although information has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy. It is provided with the understanding that no fiduciary relationship exists because of this report. Opinions expressed in this report are not necessarily the opinions of AFPI and are subject to change without notice. AFPI assumes no liability for the interpretation or use of this report. Financial planning, investment conclusions, and strategies suggested in this report may not be suitable for all investors and consultation with a qualified advisor is recommended prior to executing any investment strategy. No portion of this writing should be construed as legal or accounting advice. All rights reserved. | | |
© Alexander Financial Planning, Inc. | |
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