Barko Financial

The stock market has a long and storied history, from the Dutch East India Company to Wall St.

From Boats to Brokers From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.

The average expense ratio for US mutual funds has dropped by more than half over the last 20 years. If your fund lineup hasn't been reviewed recently, you might still be paying two or three times the current average. On a $500K portfolio, even half a percent adds up. Some things are worth a second look.

Are You Checking or Reviewing? This checklist shows you the difference.

[Video] Agent Jane Bond wants you to know about the basics of the bond market.

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

Markets continued their upward climb in May, supported by strong technology performance, positive economic data, and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The Nasdaq gained 8.36%, the S&P 500 rose 5.15%, and Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 2.37%, while investors welcomed better-than-expected job growth and upbeat corporate earnings. With the Fed's next meeting scheduled for June, attention is turning to updated economic projections and what they may signal about the broader economy. From \$24 billion spent on Father's Day to the popularity of dining out and special outings, this month's by-the-numbers highlights how families celebrate the dads in their lives.

Monthly Market Insights | June 2026 Stocks pushed higher in May, fueled by big tech names, positive economic news, and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

Small contributions can add up to something big. See how compound interest works over time and what it could mean for your financial future.

How Compound Interest Works Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

With oil prices continuing to fluctuate, many are wondering what’s driving the changes and why energy markets seem to impact so many parts of everyday life. Oil is deeply tied to the global economy, so geopolitical events, supply concerns, and market uncertainty can quickly affect businesses, consumers, and financial markets worldwide. Swipe to learn more.

Research suggests a large share of investors check their portfolio at least once a day. But how many have reviewed the structure behind those numbers recently? There's a difference between monitoring performance and evaluating whether your allocation, fees, and withdrawal strategy still fit your timeline. If retirement is getting closer, that second kind of review is worth doing.

Approaching Retirement? Start Here The years around retirement are when alignment matters.

May delivered a familiar tension. The U.S. economy expanded, driven by resilient consumer spending and surging AI investment, while rising energy prices tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict stoked inflation and left the Federal Reserve in a holding pattern. Swipe through to learn more.

Know that we are closely tracking these complex markets for you. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions or needs. We are here as a resource for you.

Should you focus on paying off debt or put your extra dollars to work? This calculator helps you compare both paths and think through what makes sense for you.

Debt vs. Investment Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.