market commentary by Patrick Simplins

Sector Performance by Market Cap: Small Caps Lead in 2026

Company size can shape investment returns as much as sector does. Through October 2, 2026, the S&P SmallCap 600 gained 16.30%, ahead of the S&P 500 at 13.79% and the S&P MidCap 400 at 12.08%. Small caps also beat their larger peers in eight of eleven sectors. Patrick Simpkins breaks down what the numbers show and what to watch next.

What Financial Confidence Actually Looks Like

Financial confidence isn’t about having every answer or a perfect plan. It’s about understanding your options and knowing what your money can make possible. Then you can make decisions with clarity as life changes. Learn how small, deliberate steps can help you move forward with intention.
Market Update Proximity Financial Partners

Market Commentary – Not As Many Sharks Flying Around

The storm hasn't passed, but the market has stopped flinching. In our September 2026 market update, we look at the Fed's next move, oil above $100, and rising Japanese bond yields. We also explain why value is beating growth and what it means for diversified portfolios.
couple working on financial planning

You Don’t Have to Have Everything Figured Out Before You Start Planning

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There’s a common misconception about financial planning: before you sit down to make a plan, you’re supposed to already know what you want your financial future to look like.

What Is a Financial Safety Net, and How Much Do You Really Need?

A strong financial plan should do more than help you build wealth. It should also give you enough flexibility to navigate the unexpected without derailing the goals you are working toward. That is the role of a financial safety net.

What Happens to Your Finances When You Become a Caregiver?

Life has a way of changing our priorities when we least expect it. For many families, one of those changes comes when a parent, spouse, or loved one begins to need more help.
couple looking at laptop

Are You Leaving Opportunities Untouched?

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Most people think about their finances in terms of what they need to fix. Pay off the mortgage. Save more. Spend less. Invest more. Prepare for retirement. Those are important goals, but they can also create a very narrow view of financial planning.

When Should You Claim Social Security?

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Social Security can be one of the most reliable sources of income in retirement. But unlike a paycheck, retirees have an important decision to make about when that income begins.
Fiduciary financial advisor Proximity financial partners

What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor? And Why Does It Matter?

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If you have ever searched for a financial advisor, you have probably come across the word fiduciary. It sounds important, but what does it actually mean? In simple terms, a fiduciary is a financial professional who is required to act in their client's best interest when providing fiduciary advisory services.

Cash Reserves Create Flexibility

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When people think about building wealth, investing is usually the first thing that comes to mind, and for good reason. Investing plays an important role in helping your money grow over time. But a strong financial plan isn’t built on investments alone. One of the most valuable tools in your financial toolkit is something much simpler: cash.