The Crouch Connection - December 2025

Aspen Grove Asset Management

Taking Stock - And Setting the Stage for What's Next

As the year draws to a close, the pace naturally slows and the focus begins to shift. The holiday season invites reflection — not just on markets and portfolios, but on family, milestones, challenges faced, and progress made. It’s a moment to step back from the constant flow of information and consider the bigger picture.

This past year, like most before it, did not unfold in a straight line. Headlines shifted, expectations evolved, and markets tested patience at times. Yet that uneven path is not a sign of failure or fragility — it’s simply how progress works. In both investing and life, lasting outcomes are built through discipline, perspective, and consistency.

Markets, Investing, and the Value of Staying Grounded

Markets are forward-looking by nature, but emotions are often anchored in the present. Short-term volatility can feel uncomfortable, especially when news cycles amplify uncertainty. Still, these periods are a normal part of long-term investing and not an indication that a plan is off track.

Our approach remains grounded in fundamentals, diversification, and maintaining alignment with long-term objectives. Rather than reacting to each new development, we focus on maintaining structure through changing conditions. History has repeatedly shown that investors who stay patient and disciplined are better positioned than those who try to sidestep every period of uncertainty.

Year-End Investing: Reinforcing the Framework

Year-end serves as a natural checkpoint for investment strategy. It’s less about making bold changes and more about confirming that portfolios continue to reflect goals, time horizon, and comfort with risk after a year of market movement.

These reviews allow us to ensure that gains, shifts, or changes over the year haven’t unintentionally altered the balance of a portfolio. Reinforcing structure at moments like this helps keep long-term plans intentional rather than reactive — especially after a year that may not have unfolded exactly as expected.

Retirement Savings and Contributions: A Moment to Revisit

As the calendar turns, many clients revisit retirement savings decisions. For some, this means confirming IRA contributions for the year. For others, it’s a reminder that catch-up contributions may be available, or an opportunity to look ahead and plan contributions for the coming year.

While the specifics depend on individual circumstances — and are often best coordinated with your CPA — these year-end reminders play an important role. Over time, consistent contributions, made thoughtfully and reviewed periodically, tend to matter far more than any single investment decision.

The Holiday Season: Giving, Gratitude, and Perspective

The holidays often bring generosity and gratitude into sharper focus. Many families think about charitable giving, year-end donations, or ways to support loved ones. Others reflect on how financial resources can be used to create meaningful experiences or provide long-term support for children and grandchildren.

These choices are rarely just financial. They reflect values, priorities, and a desire to make an impact beyond numbers on a page. When giving and generosity are approached intentionally, they often become one of the most meaningful aspects of a financial plan.

Looking Ahead: A New Year, New Opportunities

As reflection gives way to preparation, the start of a new year offers an opportunity to reset. In the coming weeks, we will begin scheduling annual review meetings — a chance to revisit goals, priorities, and any life changes that may warrant adjustments.

The new year is also when many families think about organization and preparedness. Confirming beneficiaries, reviewing estate documents, and ensuring important information is accessible can bring clarity and peace of mind. These steps don’t need to be complex to be effective, but they can make a meaningful difference when it matters most.

By reviewing what matters most and taking practical steps now, you and your family can enter the new year with confidence and clarity, prepared to navigate whatever comes next.

A Note from Our Team

Dave, Ann Marie, and I are incredibly grateful for this past year and this season, and we hope you feel the same. Our team has grown and evolved, and that change has proven to be a true blessing. We often talk about how fortunate we are to work with such an exceptional group of clients and their families, and how much we value the trust you place in us.

We recognize that the holidays can be a joyful time for some and a more difficult time for others, and we hope you find moments of peace and comfort in the season. It is a privilege to walk alongside you and help guide you in your endeavors. We look forward to all that lies ahead.

Happy Holidays and God bless,

Ethan Pflug

Financial Advisor & Director of Business Development

Aspen Grove Asset Management

Disclosure:

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."

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.