Meristead Wealth @Meristead

S&P 500 earnings are projected to grow 29.5% year over year in Q3 2026.* So why are some investors still questioning whether the market is in a bubble? Despite strong earnings, a relatively small group of companies continues to drive much of the market's gains, raising questions about valuations and market concentration. In our latest Q3 2026 Investment Letter, our Investment Committee examines these trends, the influence of AI, and what investors may want to consider heading into 2027. Read the full letter: hubs.li/Q04ChCqH0 *Source: FactSet, "S&P 500 Earnings Season Preview: Q3 2026, 10/2/26.

At Meristead, we always welcome opportunities to connect, learn and share insights! This week, our Deputy CIO, Mario Valente, CFA, joined fellow industry professionals at the Wealth Partnership Fall Retreat in New Orleans to discuss the challenges facing private credit evergreen funds and their resilience in 2026. Thank you, With Intelligence for hosting a great event!

From protecting your wealth before year-end to identifying new potential investment opportunities, some of the most important financial decisions of 2026 may still be ahead.  Join Meristead Wealth’s Ryan Walker, CFP®, CEPA®, and Mario Valente, CFA, at MoneyShow’s Virtual Expo tomorrow, October 20.  Register now for insights to help you prepare for 2027: hubs.li/Q04BB28R0

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We're proud to share that Meristead Wealth has earned Great Place to Work certification for the third consecutive year! 🎉 This recognition is a reflection of the people behind Meristead. Every day, our team brings dedication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to serving our clients and supporting one another. We're grateful for the culture we've built together and, more importantly, for the people who make it possible. Congratulations to our entire team on this well-deserved recognition! #CertificationDay #GreatPlaceToWork

September presented a mixed picture for markets. AI and technology stocks remained a source of strength, while concerns around higher interest rates and economic uncertainty intensified. Our latest Market Brief breaks down the key factors influencing markets and what to watch as we enter Q4. Read the full commentary: hubs.li/Q04B8L4f0

The market appears strong. But the performance of major indexes doesn't tell the whole story. Despite the broader market's strength, about 60% of S&P 500 companies were trading more than 20% below their respective all-time highs.* That disconnect is worth a closer look. That’s why next week, our Investment Committee is going live to discuss the four forces we believe are shaping the market right now: inflation, interest rates, valuations, and AI. 📅 Oct. 21 | 4 PM ET Register to watch live: hubs.ly/Q04zWxSf0   *Source: Morningstar, September 21, 2

What does “time horizon” mean in investing? ⏳ An investment time horizon is how long you expect your money to remain invested before you need to use it. But it’s not always the number of years until retirement. If you retire in 15 years, some assets may be needed then, while others could remain invested for decades. Different financial goals can have different time horizons, which may influence how your money is invested and how much risk is appropriate. Does your portfolio reflect your time horizon, risk tolerance, and long-term goals? At Meristead Wealth, we can help you take a closer look at how your portfolio aligns with the goals you’re investing toward. Schedule a complimentary portfolio review with our team: hubs.li/Q04znwyf0

Food for thought on this World Financial Planning Day:  Your investment portfolio is only one piece of your financial life.  A comprehensive financial plan can connect your investments with retirement income, tax planning, estate considerations, charitable giving, and the goals you want your wealth to support.  Your portfolio helps answer: How can my wealth support my financial goals?   Your financial plan takes a broader view: How do all the pieces of my financial life work together to support the life I want to live and the people and causes that matter most to me?

If your parents are approaching retirement or are already retired, there’s one conversation worth having sooner rather than later: their finances.  You don’t need to know every detail. But knowing where important documents are kept, who their trusted professionals are, and what plans are in place can make it easier to help if the need arises. Because the best time to have this conversation is when everyone is healthy and there’s time to plan, not in the middle of an emergency.  Here’s how to start the conversation and create a simple “financial map” for your family:   hubs.li/Q04z9v6C0

We had great time at the Stansberry Research & Alliance Conference! CIO Austin Root shared what makes a portfolio durable, Kimberley Threadgill hosted “Her Perspective” on preparing for life’s unexpected transitions, and we had a great time with our clients at our cocktail hour. Thanks for a great week, Stansberry Research!

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If you’d like to explore all 10 of our keys, you can download “A Decade of Growth: Our Top 10 Takeaways” here: meristead.com/2026/01/13/10-…

In celebration of our 10-year anniversary, each month we're sharing one key lesson our firm has learned along the way. This month's key: Prepare the Next Generation Early. Financial clarity can be one of the most meaningful gifts you give your family. You don’t have to share every financial detail, but starting conversations early can help younger or future heirs better understand your intentions and the responsibilities they may one day inherit. Learn more below ⬇️

Have you ever seen a market headline that made you question your investment strategy? 🤔 From market volatility and interest rates to geopolitical uncertainty, investors have faced no shortage of alarming headlines this year. With a constant stream of breaking news and market predictions, it can be difficult to separate developments that matter from the noise of the daily news cycle. The danger comes when every headline starts to feel like a reason to act. Short-term reactions can pull your attention away from the goals, time horizon, and strategy your wealth plan is built around. That doesn’t mean tuning out the news. The key is determining if a headline could have a lasting impact on the markets and potentially on your investment portfolio. At Meristead, our investment team continually evaluates market developments and current events to assess their potential impact on our investment strategies and whether adjustments may be appropriate.

Gold has spent plenty of time in the headlines this year. But what about its often-overlooked sibling, silver? Meristead Deputy CIO Michael Joseph, CFA, explores what sets silver apart, the forces shaping it in the market and why its recent pullback may be worth a closer look. Read more: Silver Has Lost Its Shine — and That's Why I'm Interested | Meristead Wealth (hubs.li/Q04xZJQL0)

Markets evolve. Your investment portfolio should be designed to evolve with them. Seasonal investing has guided our approach from the beginning. In our recent webinar, Austin Root and Michael Joseph, CFA, explain what that philosophy looks like in practice. Watch the full video, “Evergreen Investing: Building Wealth That Endures”: hubs.li/Q04xZHC20

Will you be in Las Vegas next week for the 2026 Stansberry Research Conference? We’re excited to join @Stansberry Research as a Gold Sponsor and connect with investors in person. CIO Austin Root and Senior Wealth Manager Kimberley Threadgill will be presenting at the conference. See below for their session titles and times. We’ll also be hosting a Meristead cocktail hour on night two. Leave a comment if you’d like the details!

As we begin our journey as Meristead Wealth, a closer look at the meaning behind our name. Meristead brings together meristem - the growth center that helps a tree adapt and thrive - and steadfast, meaning loyal and dependable. For us, this reflects how we approach wealth: pursuing growth with discipline, and anchoring it in stability so it endures. That balance shows up in how we help clients navigate retirement, legacy planning, charitable giving, and other key decisions. You can learn more here: Wealth Management & Financial Planning | Meristead Wealth (hubs.li/Q04xHd_80)

We’re wrapping up a great week of events in California!

Why Meristead? The answer starts with how our firm has evolved over the past 10 years. Over time, our role in our clients’ financial lives has expanded well beyond asset management. What hasn’t changed is the active, research-driven investment approach at the core of our firm or the team and philosophy behind it. Meristead Wealth reflects both where we came from and the firm we’ve grown into. In this short video, our CIO Austin Root shares more about that evolution, the meaning behind Meristead, and what this next chapter means for our clients. Rooted in Growth. Steadfast in Purpose. Watch here: Stansberry Asset Management Launches as Meristead Wealth (hubs.li/Q04xnDM00)