Turning Pointe Wealth Management

Have you ever asked ChatGPT a question and gotten an answer that sounded right but wasn’t? 🤔

According to a 2025 article in The Wall Street Journal, AI chatbots like ChatGPT are trained to find conflicting, incorrect or incomplete information about the subject you’re asking about.

That’s why they sometimes “hallucinate” answers, even when they don’t have the facts. ⚠️

The problem? Most AIs aren’t designed to say, “I don’t know.” Instead, they give answers that seem confident—even if they’re wrong.

💡 So, what can you do to help manage the risk of getting inaccurate information?

Here are some tips from the article:
1️⃣ Be specific. Vague questions often lead to vague (and less accurate) answers.
2️⃣ Provide AI with sources. This can help the process.
3️⃣ Double-check anything important. AI can be a great tool for drafts but final copy may need some scrutiny.

As financial professionals, we hear from clients who are experimenting with AI in all sorts of ways—from writing assistance to travel planning.

While these tools can be incredibly helpful, they still require human judgment to be used wisely—which is why we thought this article was worth sharing.

🔥 Did you know that the top 10% of earners account for nearly half of all U.S. consumer spending?

According to a 2025 report in "The Wall Street Journal", high earners (those making $250K+) are keeping the economy afloat, while much of the country tightens its belt.

Here are a few key takeaways:

👀 The top 10% now drive ~50% of consumer spending—up from 36% in the 1990s.

👜 The top 10% spent 10% more on luxury goods abroad compared to the prior year.

⚖️ This creates risk—if wealthy households scale back their spending due to market declines, the effects could ripple through the broader economy.

📊 Spending power is more concentrated than ever—making the economy more vulnerable to the behaviors of a small group.

👉 As this trend continues, it’s worth watching how shifts in markets or inflation might impact consumer spending and economic resilience.

“The four most dangerous words in investing are: ‘This time, it’s different.’”
– Sir John Templeton

It’s normal to feel uneasy during periods of market volatility—especially when uncertainty around policies, the economy, or tariffs adds to the noise.

Nevertheless, history offers some perspectives that are hard to ignore.

Here’s what the data shows:

▪️ Missing just the 10 best days in the market over the last 30 years cuts your return in half.
▪️ Past performance does not guarantee future results.
▪️ Missing the 30 best days in the market cuts your total return by 83%.
▪️ Stocks are represented by the Standard & Poor’s Composite Index. However, index performance does not necessarily reflect the past performance of any particular investment.
▪️ Here’s the kicker: 78% of those “best days” happen during bear markets or within the first two months of a recovery.

Markets move fast. Reacting to short-term headlines might feel like playing defense—but over time, investors with a disciplined approach often come out ahead.

We help clients maintain perspective, manage risk thoughtfully, and focus on what’s within their control. Remember, however, that the return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. Moreover, shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

If you’re wondering whether your investment strategy is built for times like these, let’s talk.

Have you heard of "Swedish Death Cleaning?"

Inspired by the book “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” by Margareta Magnusson, it’s about decluttering with purpose—so that you and your loved ones won’t be left with years of accumulated “stuff.”

A couple in their 50s recently shared how helping a parent downsize led them to an important question: Why wait until it’s absolutely necessary to organize our lives?

Here are some tips for organizing our lives now:
1️⃣ Start with less sentimental items—closets and storage.
2️⃣ Tackle large items first, then smaller ones.
3️⃣ Organize digital files and passwords.
4️⃣ Create a system for organizing keepsakes.
5️⃣ Gather and organize key documents.
6️⃣ Use color stickers (red for items to let go and green for items to keep).
7️⃣ Talk with your family about what matters.

It’s amazing how much lighter life can feel when you clear out what no longer serves you. Sometimes, the simplest step—just getting started—makes the biggest difference.