Tax season is upon us!
Returns are already being filed. We’ve provided some resources and are still here to help! Whether you plan to use our tax prep service, file your return yourself, or engage with an outside professional, please reach out if we can be of assistance.
We hope this week’s newsletter is helpful on your journey! As always, hit REPLY if you have comments or suggestions.
COST REDUCTIONS CONTINUE
If you’re reading this, we’ve likely talked about the one thing we can always control: costs. While markets move, we can decide how we participate…and how much we pay to do so.
As of early 2026, one of our investment partners, Vanguard, announced approximately $250M in expense reductions across select mutual funds and ETFs, including several used in many of our portfolios. Combined with prior cuts in 2025–2026, total reductions are now approaching $600M.
What this means for you: even small expenseratio decreases can add up. For example, a 0.02% (2 bps) reduction on a $500,000 position is about $100/year, and savings compound over time. Lower costs without compromising value – that’s what we look for. We’ll continue reviewing your holdings and implementing costeffective options where appropriate.
Keep in mind that expense ratios and portfolio allocations change over time. Actual savings depend on your specific holdings, account size, and timing. This update is informational rather than investment advice.
Here’s a link to the full article.
CUSTODIAN HEADLINES:
OUR PERSPECTIVE & WHY WE USE ALTRUIST
Last week’s headlines on large wealth-management platforms and custodians (e.g., Schwab, LPL, Raymond James, Fidelity) raised good questions about how firms safeguard assets and deliver service. On February 10th, 2026, the coverage focused on fears that lower-cost, tech-forward custodial options pose a threat to the behemoth legacy custodians.
Now that the news is out, it’s clear our decision to partner with Altruist was the right one. A partnership emphasizing transparency, modern technology, and efficient service so we can focus more time on personalized relationships with each client.
Have questions about the news or your accounts? Hit REPLY or call / text us at 865.288.8904. We love talking markets and are here to help.
Here’s an interview for more context: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ADu4RQFhDA
Key takeaway: We’re built for the future of advice; for your future.
Altruist serves as the qualified custodian for our client accounts. We receive no compensation from Altruist, the news outlets referenced, or any other third party.
CHECKBOXES
Do you have any boxes we can help you check?
- Update or refresh your estate plan (beneficiaries, POA, healthcare directives)
- Review last year’s tax return to spot proactive moves for this year (Roth conversions, taxloss harvesting, QCDs)
- Revisit your investment plan to confirm allocation and risk still fit your goals
Whatever’s on your checklist, we’re here to help you feel more confident about your plan. REPLY “Checklist” to this email to get started. We’ll prioritize the top 1–2 items and map next steps.