No Expiration Date on Service
A Cause Worth Knowing About This Veterans Day Season
On September 11, I had the privilege of meeting Paul Chapa and learning firsthand about the incredible work he’s doing through Friends In Service of Heroes (FISH).
FISH is built on a simple belief: many veterans who need help will never ask for it. So Paul and his team go to them. Whether it’s a mobility chair, a service dog, or assistance with rent, FISH steps in to support the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Helping raise money for such a meaningful cause was incredibly rewarding. After 22 years in the Air Force, I know there’s no expiration date on service. Paul and his team live that belief every day, and I’m grateful to support their mission.
This Veterans Day, I encourage you to learn more about FISH and the difference they’re making for veterans and their families.
Make the Final Quarter Count
A lot of tax planning decisions are tied to the calendar year, which means October is the right time to have the conversation — not December. A job change, a business event, an investment sale, or a giving goal can all shift your tax picture. A quick check-in now gives you time to actually act on what we find.
A Look Across the Market
September 2026 Market Snapshot
Market leadership narrowed. The S&P 500 slipped 0.3% in September, held up by strength in large technology companies. The equal-weight S&P 500 fell 4.8%, and small caps had their softest month since March 2025.
Inflation and rates moved higher. Headline CPI reached 3.4% year over year in August. The 10-year Treasury yield ended September at 5.28%, and the 30-year topped 5.6%. Both are the highest levels since 2002.
The Fed raised rates. On September 16, the Fed raised its target by a quarter point to a range of 3.75% to 4.00%. This was its first increase since 2023. Fed projections point to one more hike before year-end.
Oil prices climbed. Drone strikes in early September shut down Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline. Brent crude briefly neared $110 per barrel and settled near $100 by month-end.
Looking ahead: Investors will be watching the Fed’s October meeting and third-quarter earnings season. As always, we’re here to talk through how these shifts fit into your long-term plan.
For a deeper look at market performance, economic trends, and what we’re watching in the months ahead, view our latest market update.
What We're Watching Right Now
Income Investors Have New Options.
Higher yields have made fixed income a more useful source of income than it has been in years. If you’re in retirement or focused on income, this is worth a conversation. Our team breaks down what it could mean for your bonds, cash, and overall mix.
Earnings Season Kicks Off.
Third-quarter earnings season is underway, with companies across every sector reporting throughout October. The S&P 500 entered the final quarter up about 12% for the year, and analysts at Goldman Sachs are projecting around 27% earnings growth year over year.
A salesman told an older couple they needed a new annuity. They didn’t. They deserved someone who’d actually sit down and listen.
Kane and I made two house calls. We put everything on the table and found what actually fit their situation, not what was easiest to sell.
That’s what doing the right thing in this business looks like. I’m proud Kane got to see it early.
If that’s the kind of advisor you’ve been looking for, let’s talk.
Joe Harrish
