F.C. Financial Services

Diversification only feels unnecessary right before it matters most

Thanksgiving is always a reminder of what matters most — family, health, and the people who support us along the way.

We're grateful for everyone we’ve had the chance to work with this year, for the relationships that continue to grow, and for a great team that makes it all possible.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the day and the long weekend!

There are just a few hours left in our August stock contest, with Bloom Energy Corp ($BE) looking to wrap up the title. Click the picture to see the full standings.

Our September Contest begins on Tuesday, September 2nd.

Click the link below to sign up now, and have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!

https://form.jotform.com/251005159482150

$25 gift card to the winner!

There are 4 days left in our July stock contest! It's a tight race, and a handful of picks have a chance depending on what happens over the next few days. Click the picture to see the full standings.

Have an idea for August's contest?

Click the link below to sign up now!

https://form.jotform.com/251005159482150

$25 gift card to the winner!

There are only a few hours left in our June stock contest! It's looking like it could come down to the wire, with Rocket Lab holding a slight lead over SoFi Technologies. Click the picture to see the full standings.

Have a winning idea for July's contest?

Click the link below to sign up now!

https://form.jotform.com/251005159482150

$25 gift card to the winner!

Our 50th monthly Stock Competition at FC Financial begins tomorrow, Tuesday, July 1st! Sign up via the link at the bottom, or send me an email. Feel free to invite whoever. $5 minimum stock price for your pick.

$25 gift card prize to the winner!

We welcome all participation.

Sign up: https://conta.cc/4cWiYBO

Our 49th monthly Stock Competition at FC Financial begins Monday, June 2nd! Sign up via the link at the bottom. Feel free to invite whoever. $5 minimum stock price for your pick.

$25 gift card prize to the winner!

We welcome all participation.

Sign up: https://conta.cc/4cWiYBO

Happy 529 Day! Today, we celebrate the power of 529 college savings plans and your commitment to building a bright future for your loved ones’ education.

A 529 plan is more than just a savings account—it’s a step toward turning dreams into reality, whether that’s funding college, trade school, or other educational opportunities.

As college costs continue to outpace inflation, one of the smartest financial gifts you can give your child or grandchild is a head start on their education savings. With today being 529 Day, it’s also the perfect time to revisit how 529 college savings plans work — and why they’re worth considering if you haven't yet.

📘 What’s a 529 Plan?

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged investment account specifically designed to help families save for education expenses, including:

-College tuition & fees
-Room & board
-K–12 private school tuition
-Apprenticeship programs & even student loan repayment (up to certain limits)

💡 Key Benefits:

-Tax-Free Growth: Money grows tax-deferred and comes out tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.
-High Contribution Limits: You can contribute large amounts without annual limits (though gift tax limits apply).
-Parental Control: You stay in control of the account, even when your child reaches college age.
-Flexibility: Funds can be transferred between beneficiaries if one child doesn't use them.
-Estate Planning Perk: Contributions can reduce your taxable estate, and front-loading five years of gifts is allowed.

Roth IRA Conversion Advantage:

Thanks to recent updates under SECURE 2.0, starting last year (2024), you can roll over unused 529 funds to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, tax-free, subject to certain conditions.

-The 529 account must have been open for at least 15 years.
-Funds being rolled over must have been in the account for at least 5 years.
-Rollovers are subject to annual Roth IRA contribution limits ($7,000 for 2025, or $8,000 for those 50 and older).
-There’s a lifetime rollover cap of $35,000 per beneficiary.

This means if your beneficiary doesn’t use all their 529 funds for education, you can jumpstart their retirement savings without tax penalties—giving them a head start on financial independence!

🎯 Why It Matters:

Starting early gives your investment more time to grow and reduces the financial burden later. Whether your child is just starting kindergarten or heading into high school, it’s never too late (or too early) to start.

If you already have a 529 set up — great! If not, we’d be happy to walk you through how to open one and integrate it into your broader financial plan. It's what financial planning is all about — removing financial distractions so you can enjoy the milestones that matter.

Have questions about Roth conversions or your 529 strategy? Reach out today to discuss how we can tailor your plan to your goals.

Lastly, as we celebrate 529 Day, we also want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all recent and upcoming graduates!

📊 Weekly Update from FC Financial Services

Last Week:

S&P 500: -2.6%
NASDAQ: -2.5%
Dow: -2.4%

Markets reacted to new Tariff threats, Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill', and spiking bond yields — and we break it all down for you.

From trends to sector performance, check out our latest insights and what could be ahead.

Read the full update here: 🔗 https://conta.cc/4mAdRvs

There are only 4 days left in our May stock contest! It's looking like it could come down to the wire, with NVIDIA currently holding a slight lead over DexCom, with others close behind as well. Click the picture to see the full standings.

Have a winning idea for June's contest?

Click the link below to sign up.

https://form.jotform.com/251005159482150

$25 gift card to the winner!

Happy Memorial Day! Hope you are enjoying your long weekend while remembering and honoring those who served!