Welcome to our October Newsletter! October is Financial Planning Month, the perfect time to reflect, reset, and refocus on your financial goals. This month’s newsletter is packed with tools, insights, and a bit of fun to help you stay informed and inspired:
A timely video on Economic Crossroads, exploring the current state of the markets and where they may be headed
An instructional video on how to use encrypted email to keep your information secure
The results are in for our 2024 “Predict the Futures” game—see how your predictions stacked up! (There is still time to submit your picks for 2025—get them in before the deadline!)
The final results of our September Step Challenge, featuring an inspiring spotlight from Larry C. and celebrating our step winner.
October 2025
Capital Markets
Economic Crossroads: Jobs, Construction, and Inflation Trends to Watch
In this episode of the Econ Market Minute, Jeffrey Roach, Chief Economist at LPL Financial, breaks down the current macroeconomic landscape. He highlights three key themes: the rise in long-term unemployment and its implications, the slowdown in both residential and non-residential construction spending, and signs of inflation normalizing.
Did You Know?
Accessing Your Encrypted Emails: What You Need to Know
Curious about one of the ways we keep your personal information safe online? Learn how encrypted emails protect your sensitive data (and why it matters more than ever) with this quick video of step-by-step instructions on how to read encrypted emails sent to you by the PlumTree Financial team.
Protecting your personal information is one of our top priorities. Since emails often contain confidential and personally identifiable information (PII), it is essential that we use encryption to keep your data secure.
Email encryption safeguards your information by converting it into a code that can only be read by someone with the proper authorization. This means your data remains protected while it is stored and while it is being sent. Encryption is a key part of ensuring that your communication with us stays private and secure.
For a How-to Video OR a downloadable step-by-step tutorial, please scroll down and click on respective links.
Note: The instructions are the same whether using your PC or mobile device.
“Predict the Futures” 2024 Game Winners Announced &
Enter Your Predictions for the 2025 Challenge!
In May 2024, during our Client Appreciation Party, we invited guests to test their market savvy by taking part in the "Predict the Futures 2024 Year-End Close" game — and they delivered!
Participants submitted their best predictions on where selected futures indexes would close by the end of 2024. Their guesses showed impressive insight, boldness, and a little bit of luck.
2024 Predict the Futures Winners
ACTUAL
CLOSEST GUESS
DIFFERENCE
WINNER
Dow Jones Industrial Average
42,544.22
41,000
1,544.22
Bob L.
S&P 500
5,881.63
5,650.22
231.41
Bill C.
Gold
2,606.72
2,500
106.72
Mike A., Debbie C., and Bob L.
Consumer Price Index
2.90
2.80
.10
Sam C.
10-Year
Treasury
4.58
4.65
.07
Matt R.
Think you can predict where the markets will land by December 31, 2025?
Our Step Challenge may have wrapped up, but the inspiration it sparked is still going strong. In this special feature, we are highlighting, Larry C., whose motivation and commitment truly impressed us throughout the challenge.
Larry C. won the Step Challenge with a total of 328,690 steps!
As we reflect on a month filled with movement, friendly competition, and personal milestones, we hope his story encourages everyone to keep walking—whether it is for health, mindfulness, or something more personal.
Keep reading to learn what kept him moving, one step at a time.
Larry's Motivation for Walking and to "Keep Moving"
I was motivated for several reasons: 1) Getting in shape for a National Geographic trip to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands in November; 2) Deciding that I was not going to let my age (77) keep me from doing the things I enjoy; and 3) Realizing that if I want to do all the things on my wish list, the number one item on that list should be to take care of Larry, so he can do items 2-20.
One of the best tips I can offer is to keep moving and surround yourself with supportive people. Knowing that others are expecting you to show up can be a powerful motivator—it is much easier to stay consistent when you are part of a group that is counting on you.
I have found that joining walking groups—like Walk with a Doc, as well as neighborhood and senior walking groups—helps me to keep moving. Some of these walks can be up to 3 miles through rugged, wooded trails!
I also enjoy solo early morning walks, and I have made it a habit to park farther away from stores or events just to get in a few extra steps. On rainy days, I head to the local Rec Center and hop on the treadmill. Starting my day with some stretching and light weightlifting helps me feel energized and ready to go.
As a retiree, I typically fit in about two hours of walking or exercise throughout the day, in between other activities. I know it can be hard to find the time, but being retired does give me a bit more flexibility to make it work.
“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
—Lucy Maud Montgomery, novel, Anne of Green Gables
Teacher, Poet, Novelist, Journalist, Diarist, and Children's Writer
Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates.
All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, PlumTree Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
