Dean, Jacobson Financial Services, LLC

It's hard to believe we're already halfway through the year. Summer often brings vacations, family gatherings, and a welcome change of pace. But it's also one of the best times to take stock of your financial progress.

By now, you probably have a good idea of how the year is unfolding. Maybe you've already hit your savings goals; maybe you’re not even close. Perhaps a promotion has provided additional investment opportunities, or you may have welcomed a new family member and have less money in the budget for savings.

Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and that's perfectly normal. That’s why a financial plan isn't meant to be set in stone—it should be designed to evolve as your life does. A midyear checkup can help you assess your current situation, and it doesn't have to be complicated. Start by asking yourself a few simple questions:

Am I still on track with my financial goals?
Whether you're saving for retirement, planning for college, or building wealth for the future, take a moment to see if you're making the progress you expected. If not, there's still plenty of time to adjust before year-end.

How are summer expenses affecting my budget?
Vacations, home improvement projects, weddings, camps, and back-to-school shopping can all put extra pressure on your finances. Planning ahead for seasonal expenses can help you enjoy them without creating unnecessary stress later.

Have my goals changed?
Life moves quickly. A new job, growing family, upcoming retirement, or even changing priorities may mean it's time to revisit your financial strategy.

Could I benefit from proactive tax planning?
Many people wait until tax season to think about taxes, but some of the most valuable planning opportunities happen well before December. Midyear is a great time to review retirement contributions, charitable giving strategies, estimated taxes, or potential capital gains while there's still time to make adjustments.

Is my investment strategy still aligned with my goals?
Markets naturally move throughout the year, which can shift your portfolio over time. A periodic review helps ensure your investments continue reflecting your long-term objectives rather than short-term headlines.

The second half of the year offers a fresh opportunity to make meaningful progress. Small course corrections today can make year-end feel much less overwhelming. We’re here to help you evaluate where you stand and discuss opportunities for the months ahead.

Small Steps Can Make a Big Difference
The biggest financial improvements often come from consistency rather than dramatic changes. As you move into the second half of the year, consider taking on one or two small tasks that can have an impact over time.

You could increase your retirement contribution by just 1% to save more for the future without a big impact on your current budget. Updating your beneficiaries is a simple yet important step to take if you've experienced a major life event. Review your insurance coverage to make sure it still meets your needs. As the holidays draw nearer, you can begin setting aside money now for upcoming expenses. And getting organized can help you ensure important financial documents are easy to access when needed.

None of these tasks takes much time individually, but together they can help strengthen your overall financial picture and reduce stress down the road.

Recipe Corner: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Summer Vegetables

Light up the grill! This simple dinner is perfect for warm evenings.

Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
2 zucchini, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, cut into wedges
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into a marinade. Pour over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Toss the vegetables with a little olive oil and season lightly. Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Grill the vegetables until tender with light char marks. Serve together and garnish with fresh parsley.

Midyear Financial Checkup Quiz
1. True or False: Waiting until tax season is the best time to look for tax-saving opportunities.

2. Which of the following is considered a good reason to review your financial plan?
A. A new job
B. A major purchase
C. Changes in your family
D. All of the above

3. True or False: Summer spending can affect your ability to meet annual savings goals if it isn't planned.

4. Which financial task is often overlooked until it's too late?
A. Reviewing beneficiary designations
B. Checking retirement contributions
C. Organizing financial documents
D. All of the above

Answers:

1. False. Many tax-saving opportunities are most effective when addressed throughout the year.
2. D. All of these major life events are good times to revisit your financial plan.
3. True. Planning for seasonal expenses helps keep long-term goals on track.
4. D. Each of these items deserves periodic attention.

This time of year can be an ideal time to celebrate your progress, make thoughtful adjustments, and position yourself for a strong finish. If you'd like to review your financial strategy or discuss opportunities before year-end, we'd love to schedule a conversation.

Best regards,

DEAN, JACOBSON FINANCIAL SERVICES

Securities and Retirement Plan Consulting Program advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. Other advisory services and investment advice offered through Dean, Jacobson Financial Services, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, and separate entity from LPL Financial.

*The views expressed are offered through Dean, Jacobson Financial Services, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the firm or its advisors, nor those of LPL Financial. These views should not be construed as investment advice. Please contact advisors at Dean, Jacobson Financial Services for specific questions or explanations on interpreting this information for your personal circumstances. This material was prepared by Carson Coaching. Carson Coaching is not affiliated with the named broker/dealer or firm