Rubicon Advisors Roseville

We hold them in our hearts.

23 years ago today, our nation witnessed unimaginable acts of violence. We remember the innocent lives lost, the families forever changed, and the heroes who ran toward danger. May their memory be a lasting reminder of the strength that unites us in the face of darkness. ️

Solo dining reservations have risen 29% in the U.S. over the last two years.

The surge in solo dining can be attributed to several factors. Remote work has created a desire to change scenery, with many seeking respite from home offices. Additionally, there's been an increase in single-person households, and society has become more accepting of self-care and "me time" activities like dining alone.

How are restaurants adapting to this growing trend?
✅ Redesigning seating arrangements
✅ Offering smaller portion sizes
✅ Creating exceptional solo dining experiences

🗣️ Expert Insight:
"The social norms have changed. People don't look at solo diners anymore and think, 'You must be a loner.'"
Anna Mattila, Professor at Penn State University

👥 vs. 👤: Some high-end restaurants still prefer larger parties, but many see the value in catering to solo diners.
What's your take? Do you enjoy dining alone, or do you prefer company? Share your thoughts below!

Party of one: Restaurants are catering to a growing number of solo diners A growing number of restaurant customers are choosing to eat alone

Rubicon Advisors, announces that it has been named a Finalist in the ThinkAdvisor 2024 Luminaries Awards for Corporate Social Responsibility. Now in its fourth year, ThinkAdvisor’s Luminaries Awards redefine excellence in financial services, shining a spotlight on outstanding contributions from both organizations and individuals.

By setting a new standard for recognition based on remarkable achievements and innovation, the ThinkAdvisor 2024 Luminaries Awards program inspires the industry to reach greater heights of leadership, creativity, and community engagement. A panel of independent judges made up of distinguished industry professionals will determine the 2024 winners, who will be recognized during an awards event at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on December 11-12, 2024.

🏛️ History Comes to Light in Sicily
Archaeologists have made a fascinating discovery on the island of Pantelleria: 27 ancient Roman silver coins dating back to 94-74 B.C.

The Story:
These denarii were found "hidden in a hole in the wall" during restoration work on a historic Acropolis. Spotted after rainfall loosened the soil, this treasure offers a glimpse into life during the Roman Republic.

But why were they hidden?
Dr. Thomas Schäfer suggests a thrilling possibility: "The coins may have been concealed during a pirate invasion and never recovered."

This find isn't just about treasure - it's a window into ancient Mediterranean life, commerce, and the ever-present threat of piracy.

Next time you visit an old building, remember: you might be standing next to a piece of hidden history!

Treasure trove of ancient silver coins found "hidden in a hole in the wall" in Sicily Archaeologists unearthed a collection of 27 silver coins that officials say date back to the ancient Roman Republic.

🌀 It’s hurricane season.

Remember Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall in the Caribbean just a few months ago? It now holds the title of the strongest hurricane on record in July.

In fact, no other storm reached Beryl's level of intensity so early in the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

🌀 Interesting Hurricane Facts for 🌊

🔘 When fully developed, one hurricane can release heat energy equivalent to a 10-megaton nuclear bomb exploding every 20 minutes.
🔘 They are rated on the Saffir-Simpson Scale from 1 to 5 based on wind speed (74-95 MPH for Category 1, 157+ MPH for Category 5).
🔘 And can travel over 60 miles per hour.
🔘 The typical hurricane is about 300 miles wide, affecting large areas.

Our take: The best preparedness comes from community connections. Knowing your neighbors and local resources can be as vital as any emergency kit.

September is National Preparedness Month, and being ready is more crucial than ever. But preparedness isn't just about stockpiling water and batteries.

Some less obvious but impactful prep ideas:
✅ Create a neighborhood group chat for emergencies
✅ Familiarize yourself with your area's evacuation routes
✅ Have a plan for your pets
✅ Consider storing important documents digitally

For more preparedness tips, check out FEMA's interactive prep guide.

Any other tips? Share below!

This is a good time for a reminder to reflect on our financial futures. With the rising cost of living and lack of savings, the retirement crisis is real.

1️⃣ The Retirement Savings Gap: Many Americans believe they have not saved enough for retirement, with a portion having set aside less than $10,000.

2️⃣ Rising Costs: Healthcare and living expenses continue to climb, making retirement preparation crucial.

3️⃣ Social Security Uncertainty: The future of Social Security is uncertain, and relying solely on it is risky.

💡 My Take:
It is crucial to focus NOW on your financial future.
It's never too early or too late to start preparing for retirement.

As financial professionals, we specialize in creating personalized financial strategies that help address these challenges. Our proactive approach is designed to show clients how to take control of their financial future and work towards retirement.

If you know someone who isn't working with a financial professional, feel free to share this information. We welcome the opportunity to work together.

Stocks notched modest gains in August, helping investors forget a volatile month of trading, punctuated by upbeat comments by Fed officials about interest rates.

Monthly Market Insights | September 2024 Monthly Market Insights | September 2024 U.S. Markets Stocks notched modest gains in August, helping investors forget a volatile month of trading, punctuated by upbeat comments by Fed officials about interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.76 percent, while the S&P 500 Index tacked o...

🎾🏓 Is tennis facing an unexpected rival?

The rise of pickleball has caught the attention of tennis officials. Participation in the paddle sport has been booming by 223% in just three years! Pickleball now boasts 13.6 million U.S. players, closing in on tennis' 23.8 million.

The USTA is responding with "red ball tennis" programs to make tennis more accessible. Red ball tennis is an easier-to-play version that uses a larger, low-compression ball on a smaller court. It is designed to make the sport more accessible to beginners of all ages.

Both sports have their merits, with pickleball offering quick enjoyment and tennis providing a rich, nuanced experience.

What's your take? Are you team tennis, team pickleball, or do you think there's room for both on the court? 🤔

Does American tennis have a pickleball problem? Pickleball has quickly soared from nearly nothing to 13.6 million U.S. players in just a few years, leading tennis purists to fear a day when it could surpass tennis’ 23.8 million players.

🌊🔬 Exciting news from the deep blue!
Scientists have uncovered a pristine underwater ecosystem off the coast of Chile, revealing at least 20 new marine species. This discovery on the Nazca Ridge, a massive underwater mountain, is like finding a hidden world beneath the waves.
Imagine coral gardens as big as tennis courts and sponge forests teeming with life, all nearly 2 miles below the surface.
Each discovery opens a new chapter in our understanding of ocean biodiversity, from mysterious squids to potential ancient whale fossils.
The best part? This ecosystem is so remote it's virtually untouched by pollution. It's a rare glimpse into a pristine marine world, reminding us of the wonders that still await discovery in our oceans.
What hidden marvels do you think are still waiting to be found in our vast oceans? 🤔

At least 20 new species identified in recently discovered underwater ecosystem Scientists have identified several new marine species in a pristine underwater ecosystem recently discovered in international waters.

📚 Attention college-bound families!

The FAFSA rollout for the 2025-2026 school year is changing, and it's important to understand how this might affect you.

The Department of Education is implementing a staggered release with the following schedule:
💻 A limited rollout begins on October 1, 2024.
💻 Public access opens on December 1, 2024.

This delay is intended to prevent the technical issues we saw last year. While it pushes back the timeline, it shouldn't cause major disruptions for most applicants.

Here's what you need to know:
🔹 FAFSA is crucial for accessing federal aid, grants, and scholarships.
🔹 Even with the delay, most colleges' financial aid deadlines should still be met.
🔹 Submitting early can maximize your chances for financial support.
🔹 It's worth applying even if you think you might not qualify.

Stay informed and plan ahead to make the most of your college funding options. Remember, timing can make a significant difference in the aid you receive. 💡

Another School Year, Another FAFSA Delay. What to Know About Financial Aid Deadlines Timing could mean the difference between qualifying for free money for college and getting stuck with student loans.

Today, we celebrate the contributions of workers everywhere!

In our jobs, we see the heart behind all that hard work. You put in countless hours to build a comfortable life, perhaps save for your children’s education, or create a strategy for your dream retirement.

We help families turn their aspirations into action steps based on their goals, time horizons, and risk tolerance.

So, this Labor Day, as you relax and recharge, take a moment to consider your own future. What does your dream retirement look like? How do you measure whether you are on track?

If these questions linger, we’d be happy to chat and explore ways that we can help you navigate your financial journey.

Happy Labor Day, and here’s to a bright future for all!

kicks off on September 15th, which coincides with the anniversary of the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile follow suit on the 16th and 18th.

This month-long celebration, which began as a week in 1968 and expanded in 1988, honors the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Hispanic Americans have shaped our nation in countless ways, from art to science, cuisine to music.

As the talented Lin-Manuel Miranda reminds us,
"I am the one thing in life I can control. I am inimitable—I am an original."

Here’s to celebrating Hispanic Americans' unique and invaluable contributions to our national tapestry.

Emotions play a significant role in our relationship with money and financial decisions.

For some people, deep-rooted emotional obstacles tied to money can make certain aspects of personal finance more difficult and stressful.

Financial trauma is a real and impactful consequence of experiences like childhood poverty, economic downturns, fraud, and more—and can manifest itself during the personal finance process.

Some examples are:

● Financial inaction: Feeling overwhelmed and unable to take control.
● Decision paralysis: Difficulty making financial choices due to anxiety.
● Scarcity mindset: A pervasive fear of running out of resources.

Recognizing these and other potential roadblocks is crucial for pursuing financial well-being.

Financial professionals can offer a supportive environment to help address some of these challenges. They’re way more common than you might think.

🌙 Time flies, even on the moon!

Did you know a day on the moon lasts 29.5 Earth days? 🕰 International astronomers are calling for a lunar clock to keep time on future moon missions. Due to its lower gravity, the moon's time moves about 58.7 microseconds faster each day than Earth's.

This tiny difference could have big implications for future space exploration and international collaboration, especially as more countries and private companies set their sights on lunar missions.

As we look to the stars for discoveries, accurate timekeeping is crucial. Who knows? Maybe one day we'll all be syncing our watches to "lunar time"!

International astronomy group joins calls for a lunar clock to keep time on the moon An international group of astronomers has joined calls to create a standard for keeping time on the moon, where seconds tick by faster.

🐘🐴 Ever wondered why a donkey and an elephant became the symbols of our two major political parties?

🎨 Political cartoonist Thomas Nast made these symbols popular in the late 1800s. In 1870, Nast satirized the Democratic Party as a donkey, mocking their stubbornness in the face of progress during the Civil War era. The symbol resonated with the public and stuck.

🐴 Over time, Democrats reclaimed the donkey, transforming it into a symbol of their determination, resilience, and tireless work ethic.

🐘 In 1874, Nast struck again, this time depicting the Republican Party as an elephant. Nast chose the elephant to represent the party’s strength, intelligence, and dignified nature, traits the GOP sought to embody.

Today, these mascots continue to embody the spirit of their respective parties as we head into another election season. 🗳️

✈️🐾 Talk about a high-flying hero! Dr. Brian Rambarran, a Buffalo urologist, is taking rescue missions to new heights.

This amazing doctor flies his plane once a month to save dogs from kill shelters, bringing them to Nickel City Canine Rescue in Buffalo. From fostering and adopting to volunteering and donating, people are stepping up to help these furry friends in need.

Remember, there are many ways to support animal rescue efforts in your community. Every bit helps, whether it's fostering, transporting, or even just spreading the word. 🏠❤️

Buffalo doctor flies his plane to save dogs from kill shelters Dr. Brian Rambarran helps bring the dogs to animal rescue shelters.

🐶 Today is National Dog Day and a time to celebrate the amazing dogs who bring us so much happiness.

It’s hard for dog lovers to imagine life without them. They are such a big part of our families.

Not that every day isn’t a time to appreciate them, but this is an excellent excuse to share pictures on social media and give them a little extra love.

Here’s to all our dogs, best friends, and fur babies. ❤️

Did you know the global AI market is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030?

That's a forecast, and it’s subject to change without notice, but the growth prospects may present exciting opportunities across various sectors.

While we see headlines about a handful of well-known companies, there's a whole network of “Pick-and-Shovel” firms quietly fueling the AI revolution.

Who are the "Pick-and-Shovel" players?

Semiconductor manufacturers, cloud infrastructure providers, and AI chip designers are paving the way for AI adoption. These "Pick-and-Shovel" companies may play a critical role in building and scaling AI technology.

Financial headlines can be distracting, and the fear of missing out on the next big thing can lead to do-it-yourself investors making rash decisions.

We are closely monitoring how AI is changing the economic landscape and determining if AI might play a role in our clients' overall strategies.

What are your thoughts on AI's role in the future of finance?

Baseball history buffs, take note! The Great Bambino's jersey from the famous "Called Shot" game is hitting the auction block on August 23rd. 👀

This isn't just any piece of memorabilia: it's the jersey Babe Ruth wore during Game 3 of the 1932 World Series. Remember the controversial moment when he allegedly pointed to the outfield before hitting a home run? That's the one! 🧢

Experts predict it could fetch up to $30 million, potentially becoming the most valuable sports collectible ever. Last sold for $975,000 over 20 years ago, this jersey's value has certainly knocked it out of the park!

Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or an avid investor, this auction is one to watch. It reminds us that passion and history can create extraordinary value.

A legendary piece of baseball history from Babe Ruth is set to hit the auction block soon — and it could fetch millions A historic Babe Ruth jersey, worn during his legendary "Called Shot" in the 1932 World Series, is expected to become one of the most expensive pieces of sports memorabilia ever as it heads to auction.

Imagine tracking time 12,000 years ago! Scientists may have uncovered humanity's oldest solar calendar in Turkey.

This groundbreaking discovery at Göbekli Tepe reveals:
▪️ Intricate carvings potentially representing days, seasons, and years
▪️ A possible connection to a devastating ancient comet strike
▪️ Evidence of sophisticated astronomical observations millennia before we thought possible

This 12,000-year-old site might push back our understanding of early astronomy and timekeeping by thousands of years! It's a fascinating glimpse into our ancestors' ingenuity and their quest to comprehend the cosmos.

What other ancient mysteries do you think are still waiting to be uncovered? 🤔

Scientists Found a 12,000-Year-Old Monument—Turns Out It May Be Humanity’s Oldest Calendar But just how, exactly, did it track time?

July brought good news: inflation dropped to 2.9%, its lowest since March 2021! This marks the 5th straight month of slowing price increases.

While consumer prices are still up from last year, the pace is slowing. Food and energy saw modest rises of 2.2% and 1.1% respectively. But don't forget, overall prices remain about 20% higher than three years ago.

These trends could influence the Fed's decisions on interest rates, potentially impacting various aspects of the economy. It's a great time to review how these changes might affect your long-term financial strategies.

Inflation cooled in July, reaching lowest level since March 2021 Price increases have slowed significantly, but remain above the Fed's target.

Are you taking full advantage of your workplace benefits? Are health savings accounts (HSAs), 401(k)s, disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) offered by your workplace?

Here's a quick breakdown:

HSA: Triple tax-advantaged account for qualified medical expenses. Your contributions are pre-tax and grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. If you spend your HSA funds on non-qualified expenses before age 65, you may be required to pay ordinary income tax and a 20% penalty. After age 65, you may be required to pay ordinary income taxes on HSA funds used for non-qualified expenses. HSA contributions are exempt from federal income tax; however, they are not exempt from state taxes in certain states.

401(k): Retirement savings plan with pre-tax contributions and potential employer matching. We can help individuals determine a contribution amount that fits their situation. Once you turn 73, you must take the required minimum distributions from your 401(k). Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty if taken before age 59½.

Disability Insurance: Income replacement if unable to work due to illness or injury—a safety net designed to help you and your family. Disability obligations are dependent on the issuing company’s ability to make claim payments.

FSA: A way to use pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses. Unlike an HSA account, you may have to spend your FSA funds before year-end, adhering to the “use it or lose it” rule. There are some exceptions.

Don't miss out on these valuable resources! Understanding and maximizing your benefits can help your financial situation.

Need help navigating your workplace benefits? Let's connect. We might be able to offer some insights and help create a personalized strategy aligned with your financial goals. 🤝

The alarming rise in elder financial exploitation (EFE) is reaching new heights, with adults aged 60 and over reporting more than $1.6 billion in losses per year due to scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

What's even more concerning is the increasing sophistication of scams fueled by artificial intelligence (AI). 🤖

Scammers are now using AI-generated voices and deep fake videos to impersonate loved ones, government officials, and even celebrities, making distinguishing reality from fiction more challenging than ever.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) released its Financial Trend Analysis in April 2024. It focused on patterns and trends identified in Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) data linked to Elder Financial Exploitation (“EFE”).

Key findings include:

▪️ Banks filed 72% of all EFE-related filings.
▪️ 80% of EFE-related filings involve transferring money to a stranger for a promised benefit that the older adult does not receive.
▪️ 20% of EFE-related BSA filings involve theft, where a trusted person steals from an older adult. Unfortunately, 40% of elder theft reports named the elder adult’s children as the perpetrators.
▪️ Perpetrators mostly rely on approaches that minimize direct contact with bank employees, including previously compromised usernames and passwords, guessing passwords, or phishing emails that elicit replies containing sensitive information.

We all have a role in helping protect our seniors from financial exploitation.

Be sure to take proactive steps to help educate and protect your loved ones. Let us know if you’d like to discuss ways to potentially safeguard their financial well-being.

Important developments in the housing market:
▪️ The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage decreases to 6.55%
▪️ Rates reached their lowest point in 15 months
▪️ It's the largest weekly reduction observed in two years

What factors are contributing to the rate drop? Two factors: the Federal Reserve indicates that potential interest rate cuts may be soon, and the labor market is showing signs of deceleration.

These changes may present opportunities for more favorable housing costs and refinancing options. However, it's important to note that low housing inventory continues to exert upward pressure on prices in numerous regions.
Staying well-informed is crucial for making sound decisions regarding your home and financial strategy. 💼🏘️

US 30-year mortgage rate drops on weak jobs data, Fed rate-cut signal The interest rate for the most popular U.S. home loan plunged last week to its lowest level in 15 months, after the Federal Reserve signaled it could start cutting its policy rate in September, and a downshift in the job market bolstered financial market bets the cuts would be big.

Did you know? The 2024 Paris Olympics will feature some seriously high-earning athletes:

🥇 LeBron James is set to be the first self-made billionaire to compete in the Summer Games.
🥇 NBA players dominate the earnings list, with 7 of the world's 50 highest-paid athletes on Team USA alone.
🥇 In women's sports, tennis stars like Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff lead the pack in earnings.
🥇 Fun fact: Some countries pay medal bonuses—the USA offers $37,500 for gold!

But remember, for most Olympians, the real challenge is turning that brief moment of glory into lasting financial success.

Who Are the Highest-Paid Athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics? Spanish golfer Jon Rahm is the highest-paid athlete competing at the Paris Olympics with $218 million in earnings in the past year.

Frequent flyers, this one's for you! 📱

If you have an iPhone, Google has made it super easy to get up-to-the-minute updates on flight status—there is no need to use a flight tracker app or go to the airline’s site.

Just text yourself your flight number (like AA1234), and it will appear in your messages as a hyperlink.

Click on the link and select “flight preview” to get all the info you want.

Thought it was a pretty good hack I hadn’t heard about. Hope it’s helpful. 😎

Oil prices on the rise: What's behind the surge? 🛢️

The energy market is seeing some interesting movements:
-U.S. crude oil prices have climbed above $75 per barrel
-Stock markets are rebounding after recent losses
-Middle East tensions and OPEC+ production cuts are supporting prices

What does this mean for you? While we can't predict the future, these factors often impact our daily lives, from gas prices to overall economic health. Staying informed helps us make better financial decisions.

U.S. crude oil rises more than 2%, bounces back from six-month low as stockpiles fall Oil prices closed higher even as the stock market's rally faltered.

Happy !

Watching my children grow up is one of the greatest joys in life and a source of so much pride (and maybe a little stress, too!). I want nothing more than to see them succeed in life and be prepared for life's challenges.

As a financial professional, I'm passionate about helping families empower their children for a bright future, and I thought I’d share some ideas that can build the foundation for long-term success:

▪️ Consider Opening a Savings Account Together: Make saving a tangible concept by
opening a joint savings account and setting small goals.
▪️ Involve Them in Budgeting: Discuss household expenses in an age-appropriate way and allow them to participate in making budget decisions.
▪️ Lead by Example: Demonstrate healthy financial habits like responsible spending and bill paying. Talk openly about your financial goals.
▪️ Encourage Earning: Earning money, whether through chores, allowances, or a part-time job, teaches valuable lessons about work and responsible spending.
▪️ Start Conversations Early: The earlier you discuss money with your children, the more comfortable they may manage money as adults.

Building a solid financial foundation starts at home! If you're looking for more resources or insights, feel free to message me.

Since August is Golf Month, I have been thinking about how peaceful and beautiful golf courses are and how much I enjoy the quality time they allow me to spend with friends and family.

Golf Month also made me think about what it takes to consistently score well—there are definitely some parallels between the sport and personal finance.

⛳ Like preparing your shots on the course, creating financial strategies requires a defined approach and a long-term vision for your goals.

⛳ Avoiding hazards on a golf course is similar to managing financial risks and navigating market fluctuations.

⛳ Both golf and finance require patience as you pursue your goals.

⛳ The game of golf, like the financial landscape, is constantly evolving. Continuous learning and adaptation are the keys to success in both.

Metaphors aside, what I like most about golf is the opportunity to spend quality time with people I enjoy—whether they are young or old.

Help me add to my bucket list! What golf courses should I visit?

As summer winds down and college move-in day approaches, it's important to think beyond the dorm room essentials.

Here are three key areas you might want to address before your student heads off to campus:

1️⃣ Legal Authorizations: Once your child turns 18, they're legally an adult. Consider establishing a Power of Attorney (POA) if you want to continue to play a role in their healthcare and finances. Also, a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) authorization can help if you want access to their academic records. Having these documents in place may allow you to step in if needed.

2️⃣ Allowance and Financial Responsibility: Have a candid conversation about budgeting and financial responsibility, including credit card use. Determine an appropriate budget, and don’t forget to decide whether they can continue to use your accounts for things like Amazon and Uber.

3️⃣ Out-of-State Insurance Coverage: Review your health insurance plan and check to see if it covers your student's location. Explore renters insurance if they'll be living off-campus. If they're leaving their car at home, you might be eligible for a modified insurance rate.

These are important topics to discuss as your children leave “the nest.” If you have any questions, please reach out. We can work with your legal professional to help your family get the appropriate documents in place.