February 2026 Financial Bullet Points

Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter
Prepared on January 21st, 2025

The Bullet Points for February are:

1. Tax Document Reminder: Schwab should produce 1099s for tax reporting by the end of February unless there is an unforeseen problem. Paper copies will be mailed, while digital copies can be accessed through the Schwab Alliance portal. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or text at 830.609.6986.

2. AI Market Share: According to consulting company McKinsey, AI has now been adopted by roughly 72% of companies. Studies project that this will continue to increase, boosting productivity and positively impacting GDP. While Nvidia continues to lead the way, technology companies that are in our investment models have gained market share.

3. Cost of Living: While many families continue to navigate a higher cost of living compared to a few years ago, recent data is encouraging. Overall inflation has been within expectations, mortgage rates declined around 1% in 2025, auto loan rates are lower, and oil prices are consistently below $60 a barrel for the first time in almost five years. A new Federal Reserve chairman coming in May 2026 could bring even lower interest rates, but this could and probably will weaken the dollar and cause inflation by printing more money.

4. Misunderstanding CD Interest Rates: There is significant confusion about short-term CDs (less than one year) and the return they are really paying, since interest rates are all advertised on an annual basis. For example, a 3-month CD advertises a 4% annual rate, even though it’s only a 3-month CD. If you take the 4% yearly rate advertised, divide it by 12, and multiply it by the 3 months the CD is for, the CD’s actual return is approximately 1% NOT 4% because it’s not for a whole year. In a declining interest rate environment, investors must look for competitive interest rates on their cash reserves, but be wary of high advertised annual returns on short-term CDs, as they are not held for a year to realize those returns. We are here to help you better understand CD rates with just a text or phone call away.

5. Continuing Education & Scriptures: This month’s schedule for Christian Financial Perspectives is listed below, along with our Scripture for the month:

• Ep 240 – Biblical Worldview of Saving – 02/10/2026
• Ep 241 – Biblical Worldview of Investing – 02/24/2026
• Proverbs 21:5 – “The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless certainly becomes poor.”

As we navigate changing economic conditions and evolving markets this year, remember that biblical wisdom combined with diligent planning remains the foundation for faithful stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us.

If you would like further explanation of any of the bullet points mentioned, please call or text (830) 609-6986 during business hours or email us by clicking here.

Bob Barber, CWS®, CKA®
Senior Wealth Advisor & President

Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®, CKA®
Senior Wealth Advisor

Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor

Christian Financial Advisors^®