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 April 20th, 2026
The Bullet Points for May are:
1. Stay committed to your investment plan. As the Iran war continues, volatility in the market and with oil prices has been persistent. Conditions with the conflict have changed quickly (i.e. Strait of Hormuz fully open one day, then closed a day later), and the market has responded like a roller coaster. In times like these, we are called to trust in the Lord and yield to the most frequent command in the Bible: Do not be afraid. Continue to resist the temptation to react to market events, and stay committed to your disciplined investment plan.
2. Revised tax forms. Although tax season is over, there is the possibility that Schwab issues revised 1099 tax forms. While this can be frustrating, the revision may be minor. If you receive notification of a revised tax form, simply provide your tax advisor with the updated form for their review.
3. Are your bank instructions updated? To ensure your contributions and withdrawals occur smoothly, it is important to keep your banking information up to date. If you have recently changed banks, or do not have any bank on file with us, please reach out to us promptly so we can ensure everything is updated.
4. Stagnant real estate market. We are now halfway through the spring/summer real estate season, and the average 30 year fixed mortgage rate is approximately 0.25% higher since early February. Home prices remain largely unchanged and the supply of homes has increased over the past couple of months. Mortgage applications have trended low for the majority of the season, further proof that the housing market is in a ‘stand-still’.
5. Continuing Education & Scriptures. This month’s schedule for Christian Financial Perspectives is listed below, along with our Scripture for the month:
- Ep 245 – The Biblical Worldview of Taxes and Government – 05/12/2026
- Ep 246 – The Biblical Worldview of Honesty and Integrity – 05/26/2026
- Proverbs 19:21 – “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
While the markets may fluctuate and world events may feel unsettling, we can rest in the truth that God’s purpose always prevails. Trust His plan, stay the course, and remember that He holds your future far more securely than any investment strategy ever could.
Bob Barber, CWS®, CKA®
Senior Wealth Advisor & President
Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®, CKA®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor
Christian Financial Advisors®