July 2026 - Aspen Grove Outlook

Looking Ahead

As we move into the second half of the year, it's a natural time to pause, revisit your financial goals, and make sure your financial plan remains aligned with where you want to go.

The headlines have certainly given investors plenty to think about. Inflation remains an important topic, developments in the Middle East continue to evolve, and attention is beginning to shift toward the upcoming election cycle. While these issues deserve our attention, they are only part of a much bigger picture.

Recent institutional research points to an encouraging reality. Despite a dynamic economic backdrop, businesses continue to invest in innovation and productivity, corporate earnings have generally remained resilient, and opportunities continue to emerge across many areas of the economy. Markets will inevitably experience periods of uncertainty, but thoughtful planning and a long-term perspective remain just as valuable in changing environments as they are in stable ones. ¹

At Aspen Grove Asset Management, we believe financial advice is most valuable when it extends beyond investment management. Whether you're building wealth, growing a family, preparing for retirement, or thinking about the legacy you'll one day leave behind, every stage of life brings new financial decisions. Our role is to help you navigate those decisions with confidence.

Mid-Year Planning Checklist

As we look toward the remainder of the year, now is an excellent time to review a few important planning opportunities:

• Are you on pace to maximize your retirement account contributions?

• Have you changed jobs, retired, or have an old 401(k) that should be reviewed?

• Could a Roth conversion or other tax strategy improve your long-term financial picture?

• Have there been meaningful life changes, such as a new job, marriage, a growing family, a home purchase, retirement, or the sale of a business, that should be reflected in your financial plan?

• Are your beneficiary designations and estate planning documents still consistent with your wishes?

  
  

Another topic receiving increased attention is helping families prepare for the future. For some, that means teaching children and grandchildren healthy financial habits. For others, it means updating an estate plan or preparing for the eventual transfer of wealth. Every family's journey is different, but thoughtful planning can make important transitions much smoother.

Research from Cerulli Associates estimates that more than $120 trillion is expected to transfer between generations over the coming decades. ² We believe one of the greatest gifts you can leave your family is preparation. We enjoy meeting with clients' children and grandchildren, answering questions, providing financial education, and serving as a trusted resource for future generations.

While we can't go back and make yesterday's decisions, we can make today's decisions work harder for tomorrow. Whether that means increasing retirement savings, reviewing tax strategies, updating an estate plan, or simply beginning a conversation you've been meaning to have, taking action today can create meaningful opportunities for the future.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for the confidence you've placed in Aspen Grove Asset Management. It is truly a privilege to work with you and your family. If there is anything you'd like to review during the second half of the year, or if a friend, family member, or colleague is looking for financial guidance, we'd be honored to be introduced.

Wishing you and your family all the best,

Ethan Pflug

Financial Advisor & Director of Business Development

Aspen Grove Asset Management

References:

¹ Themes summarized from Deutsche Bank, Q3 Investment Guide (2026).

² Cerulli Associates, as reported by CNBC, The Great Wealth Transfer (2025).

Disclosures:

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor's particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor."

The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur.

AGP Franklin, LLC ("AGP Franklin") is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where AGP Franklin and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.