$treet-¢ents – Making ¢ents out of the senseless Capital Markets

Social Security COLA adjust 3.6% … Warnings on Meta Muse AI … Friday …

Picture of a Social Security Card

J.K. Financial, Inc. Social Cola 3.6% - Watching Meta Muse

John Kvale CFA, CFP
October 16, 2026

Interesting Life Expectancy by State from our buds at Visual Capitalist, of course!

A map infographic titled "Life Expectancy by State" produced by Visual Capitalist using 2022 CDC data released in March 2026. Key Statistics: The overall U.S. average life expectancy is 77.5 years, with a 7.8-year gap between the highest state (Hawaii at 80.0 years) and the lowest (West Virginia at 72.2 years). Top Ranked States: Hawaii (1st, 80.0 years), Massachusetts (2nd, 79.8 years), and New Jersey (3rd, 79.6 years). Lowest Ranked States: West Virginia (72.2 years), Mississippi (72.6 years), and Kentucky (73.6 years). Gender Disparity Note: States with lower life expectancy generally have wider gender gaps, ranging from New Mexico with the largest female-male gap (6.9 years) to Utah with the smallest (3.6 years).

J.K. Financial, Inc. Life Expectancy Analysis by state and smoking popularity

John Kvale CFA, CFP
October 14, 2026

Bank, Government, Bond Market Closed Monday … Cyber reminder, keep updates updated … Friday …

Reminder- Monday Holiday This coming Monday is a Holiday for many banks and half of the Capital Markets – Bond Guys have a Holiday, but…

John Kvale CFA, CFP
October 9, 2026

Q3 2026 Review – Interest Rate Dogs out … Different than lockdown rate increases … Invert … Old is new again-AI … 30th Annual Holiday Party, just a good start …

J.K. Financial, Inc. Q3 2026 Review

John Kvale CFA, CFP
October 7, 2026

Bridging Health Insurance Coverage – Unique ideas, Tips and Techniques …

semi-serious editorial cartoon infographic titled "Navigating Your Health Insurance Bridge." On the left, a footbridge spans a steep canyon representing "The Health Coverage Gap," showing risk icons for broken bones and hospital stays over clouds labeled "Even one day risks financial ruin." People of various ages—a young adult aging off a parent's policy and a couple approaching age 65 for Medicare eligibility—walk across the bridge. The right side illustrates four potential bridge coverage solutions: using a General Agency search with ZIP code filters, COBRA coverage, Legacy company benefits for 10+ year employees, and professional Membership group benefits unlocking covered health options. Bottom banner reads, "Avoid the gap. Plan ahead for health coverage."

From young adults aging off parents policies or pre-retirees waiting for Medicare in most cases at age 65 … there are various reasons we find…

John Kvale CFA, CFP
October 5, 2026

D Magazine Honors “Copy” Explanation … Travels next week … Friday ….

Jen Hill (Standing, Left) John Kvale, CFA®, CFP® (Seated, Center) – Designated as Best Financial Planner Donald Capone, CFA® (Standing, Right) Photo Credit: Ethan Good (labeled vertically along the bottom right margin of the image)

J.K. Financial, Inc. D Magazine Honors

John Kvale CFA, CFP
October 2, 2026

September 2026 Financial Planning and Capital Market Audio Video Podcast format Review … BREAK IN: Honored as D Magazines Best Wealth Managers and Financial Planner … Reviewing the 4% theory/rule … Retirement contribution reminder … Plans that did not work, Twist, Yen, being forceful … By John Kvale CFA, CFP

September 2026 Review by John Kvale

John Kvale CFA, CFP
September 30, 2026

FOMC’s Kevin Warsh forced to raises rates … Bond Vigilantes push back on Scott Bessent … Longer term comparables getting closer …

Late 2025 (October–December):Starting Level: Began October 2025 around 4.09%–4.10%. First Major Drop: In late October/early November 2025, dropped sharply to approximately 3.87%. Second Major Drop: In mid-December 2025, plummeted down to roughly 3.64%. Early-to-Mid 2026 (January–August):Extended Holding Pattern: Remained nearly flat near 3.64% through April 2026. Slight Dips: Ticked slightly lower to around 3.62% during May–July 2026. Recent Spike (September 2026):Current Shift: Bounced back up sharply in mid-September 2026, reaching 3.88%.

J.K. Financial, Inc. Warsh raises, Rates rise, Relief via Comparables in the Spring of 27

John Kvale CFA, CFP
September 28, 2026

Markets push back on Bessent, review preview … Greek clarity and second factor … Friday ..

Koyfin line chart comparing US Treasury yields across a 1-year horizon ending in late September:10-Year Treasury Yield (US10Y): Orange line, trading at 5.147% (+0.61%). 2-Year Treasury Yield (US2Y): Blue line, trading at 4.899% (-0.08%). Trend & Structure: Both yields trend upwards throughout the spring and summer months, experiencing a steep upward acceleration through August and September. The 10-Year yield trades consistently above the 2-Year yield, illustrating a classic un-inverted, upward-sloping yield curve environment as long-term rates hit 5.147%.

J.K. Financial, Inc. Rate preview, Greek Update pending

John Kvale CFA, CFP
September 25, 2026

Retirement contribution run rate check up time … Catch up Roth/Payroll reminders …

Illustrated Q4 retirement check-up infographic featuring a woman with glasses and a small French bulldog at a desk. Key visual and text elements include: 2026 Contribution Maximums Board:Elective Deferrals: $24,500. Catch-Up (Ages 50–59 and 64+): $8,000. Catch-Up (Ages 60–63): $11,250. Quick Retirement Plan Check Notepad:Review YTD contributions. Check your paystub (Roth section?). Confirm you're on track to hit the max. Look for new investment options or plan changes. Sticky Notes & Prompts:Q4 Calendar: "Time to check your retirement contributions!" Roth Reminder Note: "2026 is the first year companies must defer catch-up contributions into a Roth for those with prior year income of $150k+." Yellow Sticky: "Small check now = big benefits later! :)"

J.K. Financial, Inc. Retirement Contribution Reminder and Maximums

John Kvale CFA, CFP
September 23, 2026