ClearGuide Wealth - Andrew Erickson

The Treasury Department in January said more than a million people have signed up for Trump accounts. Are you eligible?

AI bubble?

Recent worries about AI capital expenditures have generated increased volatility in the stock market. The increased anxiety coincides with Mag 7 companies increasingly funding projects with debt in lieu of cash flow.

This type of rapid investment cycle can cut two ways.

On the risk side, heavy borrowing to fund long horizon AI infrastructure can create pressure if revenue growth slows, if adoption takes longer than expected, or if the cost of capital rises. Debt financed build outs that depend on unproven monetization can unwind quickly if sentiment shifts. Markets have seen this pattern before across multiple industries when credit outpaced real earnings. If expectations reset, investors could see a meaningful correction as firms are forced to scale back spending or refinance at higher rates.

On the opportunity side, the scale and speed of today’s investment wave could produce significant long term gains if the underlying technologies deliver on their promise. Expanding compute power, smarter automation, and new enterprise tools can create durable new profit pools. Firms that invest aggressively and successfully may widen their competitive advantage and compound returns over time. What feels like overspending today could later look like early positioning for a multi decade transformation.

As with any period of rapid innovation, the truth will likely fall somewhere between excessive caution and runaway optimism. Monitoring the balance between real earnings, sustainable financing, and tangible adoption will be critical for navigating both the risks and the potential rewards.

If you are wondering whether your portfolio is taking the right amount of risk in this environment, now is the time to review it before the market does it for you.

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act, signed in 2025, introduces several new provisions that may shape charitable giving in the years ahead:
▪️Beginning in 2026, non-itemizers may deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for couples) for cash donations to qualified charities.

Some limits apply, so it may be a good time to discuss the changes with your tax, legal, or accounting professional.

Policy Giving Impact

Charitable giving has ripple effects across communities. Nearly 1 in 3 donors say they'd give more if their employer offered a match, and 84% say they're more likely to give when matching is available. Awareness can make all the difference.

Impact Gifts Support

Giving doesn't just come from institutions. In 2023, individuals accounted for 67% of all charitable contributions—over $374 billion. Small acts of generosity may add up to something much larger.

Impact Back

Corporate giving plays a major role. About 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer matching gift programs, yet between $6–$10 billion in eligible matching funds go unclaimed each year. That means donor generosity may go further than many realize.

Giving Gifts Giving

5 Creative Ways to Teach Children Money Most parents can relate to the challenges of teaching their children about money—whether it’s explaining the difference between wants and needs, encouraging them to save, or helping them...

Delicious Ways to Teach Kids About Money

When the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act was passed on July 4, the legislation left several unanswered questions that the IRS is now addressing. The IRS goes through this process every year. This time around, the OBBB has added to the uncertainty. Here’s what the 2026 Federal income tax brackets will look like.

Charitable giving continues to be a major force for good. In 2024, donations in the U.S. reached $592.5 billion, reflecting the impact of strong financial markets. From individuals to corporations, generosity remains a key part of the economy.

Giving Impact

Pencils ✏️ Notebooks 📓 Backpacks 🎒 But what about your child's financial education?

A 2013 Cambridge University study found money habits formed by age seven! Add money smarts to your checklist this back-to-school season with these age-appropriate financial lessons. Turn everyday activities into learning experiences that will set them up for success. Which of these steps have you already taken with your kids?

The BBB Act increases estate and gift tax exemptions to $15 million for single filers and $30 million for those filing jointly. Plus, charitable contributions up to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for those filing jointly can now be deducted without itemizing.

Let's chat if you want more information before you meet with your tax professional.

Source: IRS.Gov, July 14, 2025