Fi Plan Partners

Fi Plan Partners

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Fi Plan Partners episodes

  • Closing Out 2025

    Closing Out 2025: Setting the Stage for 2026

    As 2025 comes to a close, the economic landscape offers both reassurance and reason for vigilance as we look ahead to 2026. Inflation has been the defining theme of the year, and recent data suggests meaningful progress. The latest CPI reading for November showed inflation at 2.7% year-over-year, below expectations of 3.1%. While this data should be interpreted cautiously due to missing October inflation and unemployment figures, the broader takeaway is clear: inflation remains below 3% and is not rebounding aggressively, even amid ongoing tariff concerns. This marks a productive year in the fight against inflation. However, history suggests the story may not be over. Inflation has often moved in waves, with pauses followed by renewed surges. Current trends indicate we may be in one of those pause periods. Previous inflationary eras, such as those beginning in 1910, 1939, and 1972, saw inflation reaccelerate after similar lulls. One underappreciated factor bears close watching: money supply growth. Currently expanding at roughly 4.6%, money supply has historically been a leading indicator of renewed inflationary pressure. Should inflation move higher in 2026, it would likely remain a central driver of market behavior and Federal Reserve policy uncertainty. This is a dynamic that will continue to shape economic headlines and investment decision-making in the year ahead.

    Lower Gas Prices and a Tailwind for Holiday Travel

    One encouraging contributor to easing inflation is the recent decline in gas prices, welcome news during the busiest travel season of the year. AAA estimates that approximately 122.4 million Americans will drive more than 50 miles from home between now and year-end. On a typical day, the U.S. consumes about 376 million gallons of gasoline, a figure expected to rise significantly during this peak travel period. Even small changes in gas prices have an outsized economic impact. A 10-cent decrease at the pump translates into roughly $40 million in daily savings for the U.S. economy. Over the past year, gas prices have fallen about 10%, while oil has dropped more than 30%. This gap suggests gas prices may have further room to decline as they catch up with oil’s sustained downward trend. Lower fuel costs provide a dual benefit: easing inflationary pressure heading into 2026 and giving consumers a financial tailwind during the holiday shopping season. For households and the broader economy alike, this trend is a timely and positive development.

    Market Rotation and the Santa Claus Rally

    As the year winds down, attention often turns to the so-called “Santa Claus rally,” a seasonal market pattern that spans the final five trading days of the year and the first two trading days of the next. This rally does not begin until Christmas Eve, meaning expectations should remain measured until that window arrives. Historically, markets have tended to post gains during this short period, though outcomes are never guaranteed. Still, performance during these days is often viewed as an indicator heading into the new year. Beyond seasonal trends, market rotation has been a notable feature of recent months. While headline indexes may appear to have stalled in November and December, the underlying story is more constructive. The top-performing 10% of stocks from January through October, leaders for much of the year, have recently underperformed, while previously lagging segments have begun to outperform. This broadening of leadership is a hallmark of a healthier market. Recent milestones underscore this rotation. Bank of America reached an all-time high for the first time since 2006, and Cisco achieved a new high for the first time since 2000, nearly 25 years. These examples are not about individual stock recommendations and are about illustrating how leadership is spreading across sectors and styles, reinforcing the durability of the broader market environment.

    Greg Powell, CIMA®

    President and CEO
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Greg Powell here

    Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®

    Managing Director
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Bobby Norman here

    Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF®

    Chief Investment Officer
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Trey Booth here

    Ty Miller, AIF®

    Vice President
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Ty Miller here

     

    Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.

    The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

    Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.

    No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.

    Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.

    The post Closing Out 2025 first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.

    5 min
  • 529 Plans – Overview and Important Changes

    On this week’s episode of Educational Insights, Robert Moody breaks down the latest updates to 529 plans, including new tax benefits, scholarship withdrawal flexibility, and even the ability to roll unused funds into a beneficiary’s Roth IRA. These changes give families more control than ever over education and retirement planning, with several little-known rules that could make a major financial difference. Don’t miss this quick breakdown of what’s new, what’s changing, and how to make the most of your 529.

    Watch to learn more.

    Robert Moody, CFP®, CEPA®

    Senior Vice President
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Robert Moody here

    Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.

    The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

    Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.

    No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.

    Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.

    The post 529 Plans – Overview and Important Changes first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.

    5 min
  • We’ve Never Seen…

    Corporate Earnings and a Broadening Market

    One of the most compelling themes as we transition from 2025 into 2026 is the continued strength of corporate earnings. Estimated 12-month S&P 500 operating margins have climbed to historically impressive levels, reinforcing the idea that Corporate America remains on solid financial footing. As has been noted, a recession accompanied by positive earnings growth would be unprecedented, and that matters. Strong earnings not only support near-term market stability but also create a longer runway for continued performance. Beyond earnings strength alone, another encouraging development is the broadening of market participation. Over the last several years, market returns have been dominated by a small group of large-cap technology stocks. That concentration has been a frequent concern for investors. Encouragingly, earnings growth among the remaining 493 companies in the S&P 500 is now expected to converge with that of the so-called “Magnificent Seven.” This shift suggests that market leadership may become more balanced in 2026. If that trend continues, it could represent one of the most important investment narratives of the coming year and a meaningful opportunity as portfolios are positioned for the future.

    The Federal Reserve and the Flow-Through to the Economy

    While earnings and market breadth tell one part of the story, monetary policy remains a critical variable. The Federal Reserve recently concluded its final meeting of the year with a 25-basis-point rate cut, placing the federal funds rate in a range of 3.5% to 3.75%. More significant than the cut itself was the language used by the Fed, signaling that rates are now within a plausible estimate of neutral. In practical terms, this suggests a likely pause in rate cuts in the near term. From our perspective, that pause is a positive development. It allows time for previously implemented cuts to work their way through the economy. Short-term rates affect savers, but long-term rates, where businesses and individuals borrow, are what truly drive economic activity. One area we are watching particularly closely is the spread between the 10-year Treasury and the 30-year mortgage rate. While the U.S. government may borrow near 4%, many individuals are still borrowing at rates above 6%, creating a wider-than-average spread. Historically, that spread averages closer to 1.77%. Even without dramatic declines in Treasury yields, a return to historical norms could significantly lower mortgage rates and materially improve affordability for borrowers. A stable Fed, combined with time for rate cuts to flow through to long-term borrowing costs, could provide meaningful relief to households and businesses alike. Importantly, if the economy remains strong, with healthy earnings and resilient markets, the Fed does not need to act aggressively. In that context, a pause becomes a signal of confidence rather than concern.

    Greg Powell, CIMA®

    President and CEO
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Greg Powell here

    Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®

    Managing Director
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Bobby Norman here

    Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF®

    Chief Investment Officer
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Trey Booth here

    Ty Miller, AIF®

    Vice President
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Ty Miller here

     

    Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.

    The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

    Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.

    No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.

    Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.

    The post We’ve Never Seen… first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.

    5 min
  • Fed Up with the Fed and AI

    The Fed’s Crucial Role and What Comes Next

    The Federal Reserve continues to dominate market conversations, and for good reason. Each decision the Fed makes, particularly regarding interest rates, carries direct implications for markets, borrowing, saving, and overall economic momentum. This week’s meeting is no exception. The Fed is widely expected to cut interest rates by another 25 basis points, but the real story lies beyond the short-term benchmark rate. While the Fed controls the front end of the yield curve, long-term rates move largely on market forces. That distinction matters: savers benefit from high short-term yields, but it’s borrowers who depend on lower long-term rates. Recently, even as the Fed has cut rates, long-term yields have plateaued or drifted higher, reducing the intended impact of monetary easing. Whether long-term rates follow this next cut will be a critical signal for what comes next. This meeting also arrives at a transitional moment. It is likely the final meeting before a new Federal Reserve Chair is announced, with expectations centered around Kevin Hassett, though, as always, presidential decisions remain unpredictable. By the next meeting in late January, Chair Powell will be operating as a lame-duck leader, with his successor already named. Additionally, the Fed has recently halted its balance-sheet reduction, introducing more uncertainty into how they approach liquidity and money supply management going forward. With so many moving parts, rate cuts, balance sheet policy, and leadership changes, this week’s meeting is likely to spark notable market reaction.

    Global Equity Trends Strengthen the Outlook

    Alongside improving U.S. economic fundamentals, such as strong corporate earnings, moderating rates, and steady consumer resilience, global equity markets have been quietly building positive momentum. Nearly every major global index has shifted into a positive trend, a significant development after years of mixed or uneven global performance. Most global markets made this turn in 2025, signaling that equity strength is no longer isolated to the U.S. but is broadening worldwide. This synchronized uptrend is a constructive sign for investors and supports a healthier market environment heading into 2026. With global momentum now aligning with domestic fundamentals, the market backdrop continues to strengthen on multiple fronts.

    The Truth Behind Today’s AI Bubble Fears

    Concerns about a potential AI-driven market bubble have become increasingly common, both in financial news and in client conversations. However, current data suggests the sector’s growth is not speculative in the way many fear. Technology stocks have indeed rallied, but importantly, their valuations have not expanded beyond what earnings justify. Year-to-date, there has been no multiple expansion in the technology sector, meaning prices have risen because profits have risen, not because investors are blindly paying more for the same fundamentals. A comparison of current valuations to those seen during the dot-com bubble further underscores the difference. In March 2000, many companies traded at 100–150 times forward earnings. Today, nearly all major technology companies remain under 50 times earnings. While not “cheap,” these valuations are grounded in real profitability and genuine business strength. The landscape is nowhere near the speculative extremes of 2000. In short, while AI is a powerful long-term theme, the data does not support the idea that markets have entered an AI bubble, at least not yet.

    Greg Powell, CIMA®

    President and CEO
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Greg Powell here

    Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®

    Managing Director
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Bobby Norman here

    Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF®

    Chief Investment Officer
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Trey Booth here

    Ty Miller, AIF®

    Vice President
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Ty Miller here

     

    Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.

    The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

    Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.

    No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.

    Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.

    The post Fed Up with the Fed and AI first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.

    5 min
  • Manufacturing and the US GDP

    On this week’s episode of Educational Insights, Ashley Page breaks down why America’s manufacturing sector has slipped from 25% of the GDP in the 1950s to just 9.7% today and why restoring it could be transformative. He highlights how boosting manufacturing back to even 15% could strengthen the middle class, enhance national security, fuel innovation, and revitalize communities across the country. Tune in to discover why a manufacturing revival could reshape our economy and create new opportunities for communities nationwide.

    Watch to learn more.

    Ashley Page, JD, MBA

    Senior Vice President
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Ashley Page here

    Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.

    The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

    Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.

    No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.

    Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.

    The post Manufacturing and the US GDP first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.

    10 min
  • Holiday Market Wishlist

    Market Volatility, Seasonal Strength, and Key Economic Signals

    After an uptick in volatility throughout November, attention is now turning to December to determine whether seasonal strength can help stabilize or lift the markets. Historically, Thanksgiving week has marked the beginning of one of the strongest seasonal periods of the year. Given the market’s uneasiness in recent weeks, this timing is especially significant. One of the most closely watched developments is the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting. Recent labor market weakness has increased the likelihood of a rate cut, with current expectations hovering around an 80% probability. If the Fed moves forward with cuts, small-cap stocks could see renewed momentum. These companies have traditionally benefited the most following rate reductions, and a broadening of market performance beyond large-cap names would be a welcome shift. Higher interest rates have weighed heavily on small-cap companies in recent years, largely because their debt structures tend to be shorter-term and more sensitive to rate fluctuations. In contrast, large-cap companies typically hold longer-dated debt, making interest expense a smaller factor in their overall performance. Additional rate cuts would therefore be a meaningful tailwind for smaller companies, an important item on this year’s holiday market wish list.

    Another key factor being monitored is consumer confidence. Recent readings have fallen short of expectations, reaching their lowest level since the tariff-related declines in early spring. Cost pressures, affordability concerns, and rising layoff announcements have all contributed to weaker sentiment. Surprisingly, however, corporate profitability has held up, with earnings growth continuing to diverge from consumer mood. The central question heading into 2026 is whether strong earnings can continue to support stock prices if consumer spending moderates. December will be a critical month for understanding the financial health of consumers during the holiday season and determining whether earnings expectations should be adjusted as the new year approaches. A variety of indicators, from market performance to rate decisions to consumer behavior, will help shape the outlook for 2026.

    Strengthening Communication Through Technology and Social Media

    With the holiday season being one of the busiest times of the year, effective communication becomes especially important. A key objective is to ensure clients and colleagues receive timely, accessible updates in ways that suit their preferences. To support this goal, content is shared across multiple platforms and formats, ranging from social media to email to the firm’s expanding series of podcasts and digital insights. Efforts continue to grow across channels including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. These platforms allow for real-time outreach and make it easy for clients, colleagues, and followers to stay connected. The engagement and feedback received across these channels help guide future topics and ensure the content remains relevant and valuable./span>

    Greg Powell, CIMA®

    President and CEO
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Greg Powell here

    Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®

    Managing Director
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Bobby Norman here

    Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF®

    Chief Investment Officer
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Trey Booth here

    Ty Miller, AIF®

    Vice President
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Ty Miller here

     

    Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.

    The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

    Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.

    No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.

    Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.

    The post Holiday Market Wishlist first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.

    5 min
  • Thanksgiving Table Topics

    The Cost of Thanksgiving Comes Down

    Each year, the American Farm Bureau releases an estimate of what it costs to feed a family of ten for Thanksgiving, a lighthearted but useful snapshot of price trends for holiday staples. The latest estimate projects an average meal cost of $55.18, which is 5% lower than last year and well below the record high of $64.05 set in 2022. After several years of elevated prices, the continued decline offers consumers much-needed relief during the holiday season. However, the price movement isn’t uniform across the Thanksgiving table. Turkey leads the price drop, falling 16% to an average cost of $1.34 per pound. On the other end of the spectrum, weather disruptions have sent sweet potato prices soaring 37%, and even the often-neglected vegetable tray, the one that tends to be forgotten at many gatherings, is up a surprising 61% year-over-year. While this year’s data suggests the holiday feast is becoming more affordable overall, the mix of rising and falling costs highlights how specific factors continue to influence individual food categories. With three consecutive years of declining Thanksgiving costs, this trend reflects encouraging movement in food inflation. For families and friends preparing to celebrate together, the holiday table may look a little less expensive this year, even if it still pays to favor turkey over vegetables.

    Can AI Investments Deliver Real Productivity?

    While conversations around artificial intelligence may not seem like typical Thanksgiving fare, the recent market reaction to NVIDIA’s earnings highlights the broader impact of technology investment across the U.S. economy. One of the most notable developments is the rapid expansion of data center construction, a direct byproduct of the AI boom. Since 2020, data center development has surged dramatically, even as general office construction has sharply declined. In fact, data center spending is on track to surpass traditional office building for the first time. This shift is more than a construction trend; it reflects an open question that will shape corporate strategy and economic growth: Will heavy AI-related spending actually boost productivity? As labor supply tightens and payroll growth is expected to slow into 2025, the economy will rely more heavily on efficiency improvements to support expansion. Yet, recent data shows underwhelming productivity gains, raising concerns about whether technology investments are translating into meaningful output. As the U.S. moves toward 2026, much of the market’s confidence hinges on whether AI-driven advancements begin delivering tangible benefits to businesses. The scale of investment has been substantial; what remains to be seen is whether it will pay off through faster, smarter, more productive operations across corporate America.

    Greg Powell, CIMA®

    President and CEO
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Greg Powell here

    Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®

    Managing Director
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Bobby Norman here

    Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF®

    Chief Investment Officer
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Trey Booth here

    Ty Miller, AIF®

    Vice President
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Ty Miller here

     

    Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.

    The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

    Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.

    No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.

    Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.

    The post Thanksgiving Table Topics first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.

    5 min
  • Innovation Starts with a Bold Mindset: Insights with Jack Hernig

    This week on Innovation Mavericks, we sat down with Jack Hernig, a standout leader known for bold innovation and creative strategy in the entrepreneurial world. From launching a business to future-focused planning and sharpening problem-solving skills, Jack reveals what it really takes to compete differently. His maverick mindset offers business owners and leaders a roadmap to break the mold and set themselves apart.

    Watch to learn more.

    Greg Powell, CIMA®

    President and CEO
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Greg Powell here

     

    Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.

    The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

    Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.

    No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.

    Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.

    The post Innovation Starts with a Bold Mindset: Insights with Jack Hernig first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.

    23 min
  • How High Can It Go?

    Corporate Earnings: A Powerful Undercurrent

    Despite recent worries, rising credit card delinquencies, increases in announced layoffs, and other soft spots across the economy, corporate earnings continue to deliver strong support for equity markets. In the third quarter, 82% of S&P 500 companies surpassed earnings expectations, handily beating the four-year average of 76.3%. Year-over-year earnings growth for the index reached 13.1% as of November 7th, on pace to mark the fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings expansion. With analysts expecting record earnings in the coming quarters, valuation questions naturally follow. The S&P 500’s forward price-to-earnings ratio stood at 23.1 in late October, well above the 10-year average of 18.6. Whether these valuations represent overpricing or simply reflect confidence in consistent earnings growth remains an essential question as investors assess market durability. For now, strong fundamentals continue to underpin equity performance and will remain a critical factor to watch moving into the fourth quarter./span>

    Technical Signals: A Market Building Its Floor

    While earnings paint the fundamental picture, technical analysis helps interpret how investors are reacting in real time. The recent movement of the S&P 500 offers several key insights into short-term market behavior. A central indicator is the 50-day moving average, which represents the average entry point of recent buyers. Throughout the year, the index has repeatedly dipped to this level and bounced higher. These rebounds suggest that investors reaching breakeven levels are choosing to reinvest rather than exit, reinforcing confidence and helping form a “floor” in the market. The primary support level being monitored sits at 6,646 on the S&P 500. Should the index fall below that mark, the next significant support level appears near 6,344. These levels are not meant as day-trading signals, but rather as structural indicators of investor sentiment. When combined with robust earnings growth, these technical patterns suggest that the market is forming a stable foundation heading into year-end—one supported by both improving fundamentals and strengthening investor conviction.

    Government Policy & Business Confidence: Conditions Set for 2026

    With the longest government shutdown in U.S. history now concluded, attention has shifted to broader economic conditions and what lies ahead in 2026. A combination of business and consumer tax cuts is expected to inject roughly $285 billion of additional stimulus into the economy that year. At the same time, a more accommodative Federal Reserve, characterized by rate cuts and an end-to-balance-sheet contraction, adds further tailwinds. Even during the shutdown, third-party surveys provided meaningful insights into executive sentiment. CEO confidence, measured by the Chief Executive Group, rose sharply in early November. Executives reported signs of strengthening demand, renewed capital projects, easing inflation pressures, and more clarity on tariffs. As confidence improves, companies are signaling plans to increase hiring, expand revenue, and pursue strategic growth initiatives in the coming 12 months. Deal-making activity reflects this shift in tone. Mergers and acquisitions are gaining steam, supported by a friendlier regulatory backdrop. Initial public offerings, which nearly disappeared in 2022 and remained sluggish through 2023, are also showing signs of revival as market conditions turn more favorable. These developments suggest a growing willingness among corporate leaders to deploy capital and pursue long-term opportunities, an encouraging sign for economic momentum heading into 2026.

    Greg Powell, CIMA®

    President and CEO
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Greg Powell here

    Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®

    Managing Director
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Bobby Norman here

    Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF®

    Chief Investment Officer
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Trey Booth here

    Ty Miller, AIF®

    Vice President
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Ty Miller here

     

    Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.

    The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

    Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.

    No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.

    Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.

    The post How High Can It Go? first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.

    5 min
  • Innovation Meets Automation: Insights with Elliott Davis

    This week on Innovation Mavericks, we sat down with Elliott Davis, Owner and Operator of Automatic Audio Video, to explore what it really takes to build a business at the cutting edge of audio and video technology. From identifying a simple need, “a guy who can make it all work,” to creating a thriving company that simplifies home tech for everyone, Elliott’s story is all about turning innovation into impact.

    Watch to learn more.

    Greg Powell, CIMA®

    President and CEO
    Wealth Consultant
    Email Greg Powell here

     

    Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.

    The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

    Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.

    No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.

    Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.

    The post Innovation Meets Automation: Insights with Elliott Davis first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.

    17 min

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