FDS Newsletter: Third Quarter, 2026

Each quarter, we share our most recent or most timely content to keep you informed . . . at your leisure. You shouldn’t have to stay up late searching for answers or tracking the latest financial changes—that’s our job. This quarterly newsletter is one more way we help our clients stay confident in their financial plan, without adding extra work to their plate.

Scroll to the bottom (or click here!) to download the full PDF that we mail to our clients.

A Note from Michelle:

“This summer I finally made the leap to play more golf than I ever have. That’s right; I went from playing once or twice per summer to playing once per week! It’s not exactly enough to get me on the pro golf tour but I’ll settle for our local park district league circuit.

Now, our league played at 7am on Monday mornings so by the time I finished, a typical work day was ready to start.  As I left the golf course I felt like one part of my day had finished and I was now going to another part of my life for work and family. Many of the women in our league also talked about how they were going to go to their next activity with another group of women or a few other golf leagues they had the rest of the week. I admit that I was probably the youngest person in our league. 

But it got me thinking how these women are living life fully! They’re getting out and about, involved with many different groups of people, and a variety of activities in their days. The oldest women in our league were in their nineties! I was honestly impressed at how well some of them still golfed! 

I’m sharing about my summer golf league to encourage you to keep living life to the fullest. Not only does this bring meaning and relationships to your life but it’s also encouraging to someone, like me, who sees you out there, involved and active. And it doesn’t just have to be golf. Some of you take regular trips or meet with prison inmates. 

Keep inspiring others by your continued involvement and activity! Others are watching…well at least I am! “

— Michelle Smalenberger, CFP® and CEO

What’s in the Third Quarter, 2026:

• Article: The AI Capital Spending Boom: Historical Parallels and Market Risks
• Article: How to Choose Open Enrollment Benefits
• Podcast: What it Takes to Make an Impact on Beneficiaries
• Newsletter Exclusive: How Robert Stoll Spent the Summer

Full FDS Newsletter: Third Quarter, 2026