Wealth Design Group, LLC

Inflation accelerated in May per the latest data, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising 0.5% for the month and 4.2% over the past 12 months, marking the first time annual inflation has exceeded 4% in three years.

The primary driver was energy costs, which jumped 3.9% in May and are now up 23.5% from a year ago. Energy accounted for more than 60% of the monthly increase in inflation. Food prices rose a modest 0.2% during the month, while shelter costs increased 0.3% and remain up 3.4% year-over-year.

Encouragingly, underlying inflation pressures remained relatively contained. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, increased just 0.2% in May and 2.9% over the past year. Core commodity prices actually declined 0.1%, suggesting that broader price pressures remain muted despite higher energy costs.

Several categories, including transportation services, motor vehicle insurance, and new vehicles, posted declines, while airline fares, medical care, and recreation costs moved higher. The report suggests that while consumers continue to feel the impact of rising energy and everyday living costs, inflation outside of energy remains comparatively stable.

Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/10/cpi-inflation-report-may-2026.html

Drawing money from accounts without a strategy risks depleting savings too soon. A withdrawal plan considers taxes, account types, and sequence of returns risk.

By creating a thoughtful structure, you may help stretch assets and reduce stress. A sustainable withdrawal strategy supports retirement confidence.

𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗿𝗶𝘀
Wealth Design Group
📩 [email protected]
💻 https://www.wealthdesigngroup.net
📲 281.220.2781
📍 Houston, TX

The U.S. labor market remained resilient in May, with employers adding 172,000 jobs - well above expectations of 85,000 - and prior months' figures revised higher. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%, where it has remained within a narrow range for nearly a year.

Hiring was led by leisure and hospitality, health care, and local government, underscoring continued strength in consumer-facing and service-oriented sectors. Labor force participation remained stable at 61.8%, and the number of unemployed workers held near 7.3 million.

While headline employment data points to an economy that remains on solid footing, some underlying trends warrant attention. Long-term unemployment rose by 524,000 over the past year to 2.0 million, representing 27.5% of all unemployed workers, and analysts continue to monitor signs of consumer strain, including lower savings rates and rising delinquencies.

Overall, the May employment report reinforces the view that the U.S. economy continues to expand despite elevated interest rates and lingering concerns about consumer spending.

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Source:https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf

Mixing personal and business accounts vastly complicates taxes and planning. It also makes it harder to value your business accurately.

Separating finances supports better decision-making, risk management, and clarity in both areas. For entrepreneurs, clean financial separation is critical to building lasting wealth.

𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗿𝗶𝘀
Wealth Design Group
📩 [email protected]
💻 https://www.wealthdesigngroup.net
📲 281.220.2781
📍 Houston, TX

The future is uncertain. Your portfolio shouldn’t depend on pretending otherwise.

The most accomplished investors understand a simple truth: forecasts are often wrong, but disciplined portfolio construction endures.

Rather than chasing headlines, predicting interest rates, or trying to time markets, a thoughtful investment strategy focuses on what can be controlled - asset allocation, diversification, risk management, costs, and long-term discipline.

As David Swensen famously noted, the goal of portfolio management isn’t to become a better fortune teller. It’s to build a portfolio resilient enough to navigate a wide range of possible outcomes.

Successful investing is less about predicting the future and more about preparing for it.

The reality is that retiring at 65 may mean funding 25 to 30 years of living expenses.

Without careful planning, you could outlive your savings.

Strategies like diversified income, risk management, and flexible withdrawals help address longevity risk. Planning for a longer life allows you to enjoy retirement with confidence.

-𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗿𝗶𝘀
Wealth Design Group
📩 [email protected]
💻 https://www.wealthdesigngroup.net
📲 281.220.2781
📍 Houston, TX

Not all debt is bad — mortgages or business loans can create opportunity. But carrying high-interest or unplanned debt undermines financial stability.

Therefore, a clear repayment strategy keeps debt from controlling your future. Managing borrowing intentionally ensures debt works for you, not against you.

𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗿𝗶𝘀
Wealth Design Group
📩 [email protected]
💻 https://www.wealthdesigngroup.net
📲 281.220.2781
📍 Houston, TX

The U.S. stock market delivered a historic performance in May 2026, with all three major indexes closing at fresh all-time highs on the final trading day of the month, May 29.

A powerful rally in technology stocks, strong corporate earnings, easing inflation pressures, and positive geopolitical developments helped drive the market’s strongest monthly gains of the year.

For the month, the market’s three major indices performed as follows:
S&P 500 5.2%
The Dow 3.1%
Nasdaq Composite 8.4%

The S&P 500 closed out May at a record 7,580.06. The benchmark index also recorded its ninth consecutive weekly gain, reflecting broad investor confidence and sustained market momentum.

Technology stocks led the market’s advance, particularly companies benefiting from growing demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. So it’s no surprise that the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite finished at a record 26,972.62, significantly outperforming the other major indexes.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average also reached a historic milestone, crossing the 51,000 mark for the first time. The blue-chip index ended May at 51,032.46, posting a gain of approximately 3.1% for the month.

Sources:
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/28/stock-market-today-live-updates.html
https://www.investopedia.com/stock-market-today-dow-jones-s-and-p-500-05292026-11986232

🗓️ June 1st means that summer is almost here, kids will be out of school soon, and many of you are looking to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends. ☀️🏝️

Just a reminder that your finances and long-term goals shouldn't be on vacation, too - so feel free to reach out if you have any questions or proactively schedule our next financial review.

True financial independence rarely comes from one strategy alone.

A strong financial foundation is built through balance, preparation, and long-term discipline — with savings, protection, and investments each playing an important role.