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Prime Financial Little Rock

January Newsletter

Smart January Check-Ins

  • Retirement savings: Is your 401(k) contribution still right for you? Should you adjust it or consider Roth options?
  • Account cleanup: Old accounts, idle cash, or plans that no longer fit your life may be ready for a refresh.
  • Goals: Life changes. January is a great time to make sure your plan still reflects where you are today — and where you’re headed.

A few thoughtful check-ins now can set the tone for the entire year.

Advisor Spotlight:

Stephen Barns & Travis Mays

We asked advisors Stephen Barns and Travis Mays what they focus on each January.

Stephen:

“The first quarter of the year is the perfect time to connect with clients, reflect on the past year, and prepare for the year ahead. With the holiday season behind us and fewer day-to-day distractions, this is a natural opportunity to step back and take stock of the big picture financial items, like reviewing and establishing a will or a trust, reviewing investment strategy and portfolio performance, and making sure that everything that we are doing is still aligned with our long-term goals. Now is also a good time to discuss any upcoming life events, like big ticket purchases, retirement, or insurance changes, to make sure that we are being proactive and not reactive as things change in our lives.”

Travis:

“The start of a new year is a great time to make sure you’re doing the simple things well.

Are you saving enough to meet your goals? Are you getting all the money your company will match? Is your investment allocation positioned well for the year? Are there large expenses this year you need to plan for?

If you don’t know the answer to these questions, it’s a great time to talk with your advisor to review these things and make a plan.”

If you’ve been wondering what to focus on this time of year, you’re asking the same questions many of our clients ask every January. And we’re always happy to help bring clarity. Schedule a call with your advisor today!

BIRTHDAY SHOUTOUT!

Join us in wishing a very happy birthday (January 23) to Stephen Barns!

Our Medicare guru, river-loving, Halloween-obsessed, bass-playing legend. 🎃🎸🎉

Thanks for bringing the fun (and the music) to our office every day. We are lucky to have you.

Happy birthday!

Financial Planning

Lack of income isn’t the primary reason high earners fail to achieve financial freedom. They fail because fear keeps them from converting income into intention, and intention into action.

“What if I invest at the wrong time?”
“Am I actually on track?”
“What if I choose the wrong strategy and can’t undo it?”
“Have I already waited too long?”

With the new year here, now is an ideal time to take a fresh look at your financial picture. This short video brings financial planning to life through insights and guidance from our National Director of Financial Planning & Client Experience, Mary Lucas, helping clarify what an aligned financial plan should truly accomplish.

We’ve included a simple, thoughtful checklist designed to help you ask the right questions and better assess whether your financial plan reflects your goals, values, and priorities. Together, these resources offer a practical starting point for meaningful conversations and serve as a reminder that financial planning is about more than numbers; it’s about aligning your finances with what matters most.

Key Financial Data 2026

If tax season makes you think of words like “chaos” or “stress”, have we got a resource for you. We’ve made a guide of key financial data to help you navigate this season ahead of filing! Shift from chaos to order and stress to calm by clicking below.

Get Tax Ready with Our Guide Now!

Index Performance 2025 Review and January 2026 Outlook

Recent Market News

It’s time to review last month’s key events and look ahead to what’s coming in the market and economic landscape. Download the latest edition of the Month-in-Review, developed by the Prime Capital Financial Investment Team!

  • Mixed Stock Market. U.S. equity indices were mixed in December as concerns over the state of the AI trade and the labor market dominated the narrative. The S&P 500 was flat while the Nasdaq 100 fell nearly 0.7%. The Dow rose 0.9% and the small-cap heavy Russell 2000 fell 0.6%.
  • Inflation and Interest Rates. The 10Y treasury yield inched higher in December reaching just under 4.2% by month end while the Fed reduced its policy rate by 25 bps. November headline CPI came in at 2.7% while the core figure was 2.6%, both significantly below expectations.
  • Chinese EVs. Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brands took a record share of the European passenger car market in November capturing 12.8% market share. This feat is particularly significant given European tariffs on Chinese cars. European politicians are looking for ways to support their auto industry amid the competitive pressure.
  • Nvidia Sales to China. December saw the Trump administration grant approval to Nvidia to sell its H200 AI accelerators to Chinese customers in exchange for a 25% surcharge. The decision provoked a backlash from congressional Democrats.
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