This monthly communication, “Financial Bullet Points,” will quickly and easily cover the main financial issues we see affecting the markets without being bogged down with a lot of details.
Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter
Prepared on June 17th, 2026
The Bullet Points for July are:
1. Estate Planning: With summer vacations, many think about estate planning in case something tragic were to happen while traveling, but Estate Planning should actually be done regardless of what time of year it is. It is prudent to have it reviewed every five years by your attorney, and more frequently if life events dictate a change to your plan. Don’t procrastinate any longer! Get your estate plan in order or updated. Please let us know if you need help finding an estate planning attorney near you.
2. Interest Rates: As inflation continues to raise its ugly head, rates are expected to stay up and possibly even rise more. This continues to haunt real estate prices, where in many areas prices are down 25-30% since the peaks of 2022, when interest rates were at their lowest levels in many years.
3. Bull Markets, Bear Markets: According to Yahoo Finance, the average S&P 500 bull market lasts 2.7-4.4 years. The average bear market lasts 9-14 months resulting in a ~35% decline. The current U.S. bull market is approximately 3 years and 8 months old. The continued surge in markets has stretched valuations, pushing them far from their historic trend lines to levels not seen in decades. Six of the seven times in the last 76 years when the overall markets went this far from the historic trend line, a correction occurred. But, in saying this, we know the markets can be irrational for a lot longer than they can be rational, in either direction, up or down, so it may be months before this happens. In the meantime, we are still offensive but are placing greater emphasis on being defensive. When the correction occurs and the bear shows its face, we will be ready to buy at discounted prices.
4. Financial Procrastination: Did you know the number one reason for financial failure is procrastinating to make wise, long-term financial decisions? The longer you wait, the more dangerous it becomes. Some of these financial decisions include: Saving, investing, paying off debt, monthly budgeting, properly insuring assets and income, getting a sound financial plan in place, and estate planning. We can help you and your family with all these decisions using wisdom and sound biblical principles that work.
5. Continuing Education & Scriptures: This month’s schedule for Christian Financial Perspectives is listed below as we finish up our 6-month-long series called “A Biblical Worldview of Money and Wealth” that will now turn into a book, along with our Scripture for the month:
- Ep 249 – The Biblical Worldview of Inheritance – 07-14-2026
- Ep 250 – The Biblical Worldview of Counsel – 07-28-2026
Proverbs 1:2-5: “For gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
We all hope you continue to enjoy the summer; stay cool in the air conditioning and be careful of the heat!
Bob Barber, CWS®, CKA®
Senior Wealth Advisor & President
Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®, CKA®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor
Christian Financial Advisors®