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MONTH-2-MONTH

SEPTEMBER 2026

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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FALL INTO FOCUS

From the first cool morning to the earliest changing leaves, September reminds us that a new season is on its way. It is a chance to return to familiar routines, spend more time outdoors, and enjoy the small changes happening all around us. There is plenty to look forward to as fall comes into focus.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US! - Our Client Appreciation BBQ was a wonderful afternoon filled with delicious food and great conversation. We truly enjoyed catching up and getting to know everyone a little better. 

NAPFA MIDWEST GROUP- AFP will be hosting the NAPFA Midwest Group, a network of similarly sized, fee only financial planning firms. Teri has been part of the group for nearly 15 years. Members meet periodically to connect with their peers, network, collaborate, exchange ideas, and discuss the practice management processes and programs being used at their firms.

OFFICE SIDEWALK REPAIR- The sidewalk replacement project around our office is currently expected to be completed by the end of September or beginning of October. We will continue to share updates if the timeline changes or if the work affects access to our office.

A FRESH LOOK- We recently completed a few renovations to our welcome area, giving the space a refreshed and updated look. We hope the changes make it feel even more comfortable and inviting, and we look forward to sharing the newly updated space with you during your next visit.

WEBSITE UPDATES- Our website recently received a refresh. The updates include new photos, updated team information, and refreshed content throughout the site. We invite you to take a look and learn more about our team and services.

Click below to read our September 2026 Blog edition.

Retirement Beyond the Numbers



We would enjoy receiving your feedback on our Blog. Please share any comments or suggestions for future topics with us via email.

INTEREST RATES - The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 3.75%–4.00%, its first hike since 2023, with the FOMC voting unanimously. The Federal Reserve on Wednesday approved its first interest rate hike in more than three years and indicated another is to come, as part of an effort aimed at combating inflation brought on by spiraling oil prices and other factors. (CNBC) CNBC

HOUSING - Freddie Mac's September 16 report put the weekly 30-year fixed mortgage rate average at 6.76%. Separately, the 30-year fixed dipped slightly to 7.00% Wednesday, while the 15-year fixed edged up to 6.36% and the 5/1 ARM eased to 7.21%, per Zillow data reported by Norada Real Estate. The Mortgage ReportsNorada Real Estate

ENERGY PRICES - As of September 16, WTI crude sits at $104.79/bbl, Brent crude at $107.72/bbl, and Henry Hub natural gas at $2.92/MMBtu. Separately, crude oil fell to around $104 a barrel on Wednesday, retreating after two consecutive sessions of gains as signs of rising US inventories weighed on the market (Trading Economics). ValorTRADING ECONOMICS

INFLATION - The Fed's updated projections put headline PCE inflation at 3.7% and core inflation at 3.4% for this year, both 0.1 percentage point higher than the last update in June, with officials not expecting to hit the 2% target until 2029 (CNBC). CNBC

EMPLOYMENT - Initial jobless claims eased by 1,000 to 206,000 in the first week of September 2026, in line with expectations and holding the trend of low claims since dropping to a near-60-year low of 189,000 in mid-July. Continuing claims eased by 1,000 to 1,774,000 in the last week of August, below expectations. (Trading Economics) TRADING ECONOMICSTRADING ECONOMICS

This chart shows interest rates from 1958 through September 15^th, when yields climbed to their highest level since 2007. As the chart shows, interest rates had been falling over the last 30 years until very recently. Given the increase in government borrowing and the possibility of higher inflation, yields may remain elevated.

3 Super Simple Hacks That Can Save You Thousands Effortlessly, but You Need to Do Them Before September Ends

By Rebecca Payne

Source: MoneyWise

Image by Canva

With most of the year behind us, now is a good time to revisit the financial decisions and routines that may not have received much attention lately. Old accounts, rising insurance premiums, and forgotten subscriptions can quietly affect your overall cash flow. A September review can help you identify what is still working and where a change may be helpful before the final quarter of the year begins. This article offers a few practical places to start as you look ahead to the remainder of 2026.   

Click here to read this article.

The '401(k)-Rich and Cash-Poor' Retirement Trap

By Adam Shell

Source: Kiplinger

Image by Canva

A healthy 401(k) balance can provide confidence heading into retirement, but it does not always mean you have enough accessible cash when a larger expense arises. Having separate, accessible savings, like our capital accounts, can help cover planned purchases and unexpected needs without disrupting long term retirement investments. This article explores the risks of being “401(k) rich” but cash poor and why maintaining accessible savings can provide greater flexibility throughout retirement.

Click here to read this article.

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

In Honor of National Gratitude Day, September 21

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

- John F. Kennedy