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July 2026 Insights
Welcome to your July 2026 edition of Verus Insights. This month: National Financial Freedom Day and a fresh look at your financial goals, smart money habits for college students, a mid-year financial checklist, and a festive Red, White & Blue Tiramisu recipe.
Mark your calendar — July
- July 1 — National Financial Freedom Day
- July 4 — Independence Day (stock market and Verus office closed)
- July 15 — National Give Something Away Day
- July 26 — National Disability Independence Day
- July 30 — National Support Public Education Day
National Financial Freedom Day: Taking Time to Evaluate Your Financial Goals
Each year, National Financial Freedom Day provides an opportunity to reflect on your financial goals and the progress you're making toward them.
While financial freedom means something different to everyone, many people share common objectives such as preparing for retirement, building savings, managing debt, funding education, creating a legacy, or maintaining financial flexibility throughout life's transitions.
Achieving meaningful financial goals often requires a thoughtful plan, disciplined decision-making, and regular reviews to ensure your strategy remains aligned with your evolving needs and priorities. Major life events, changing market conditions, and shifts in personal circumstances can all impact your financial picture over time.
As you recognize National Financial Freedom Day, consider asking yourself:
- Have my financial goals changed over the past year?
- Is my retirement strategy still aligned with my long-term objectives?
- Am I saving appropriately for future needs and unexpected expenses?
- Have there been life events that warrant a review of my financial plan?
- Do my investment allocations continue to reflect my goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance?
Periodic reviews can help identify opportunities to make adjustments and ensure that your financial strategy remains focused on what matters most to you.
At Verus Financial Group, we believe that successful financial planning begins with understanding your unique goals, concerns, and priorities. Whether you are preparing for retirement, navigating a major life transition, planning for future generations, or seeking guidance on your overall financial picture, regular conversations can help provide clarity and direction.
National Financial Freedom Day is a timely reminder to take stock of where you are today and where you would like to be in the future.
If you would like to review your current financial strategy or discuss your long-term goals, contact Verus Financial Group to schedule a consultation. We welcome the opportunity to learn more about your needs and help you evaluate the financial planning considerations that may be important to your future.
This material is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Smart Money Habits for College Students: Making the Most of Every Dollar
Starting college is an exciting milestone. Along with new classes, new friends, and greater independence comes something else — learning how to manage your own money.
Whether you're earning a paycheck, living on scholarships, or receiving support from family, developing good financial habits now can help you feel more confident about managing expenses throughout the school year.
If you're working while in school
A part-time job can provide income for everyday expenses while helping you build valuable work experience. It can also be an opportunity to practice balancing spending, saving, and planning ahead.
As you receive each paycheck, consider setting aside a portion for future needs before spending on discretionary purchases. Even small, consistent contributions to a savings account may help prepare you for unexpected expenses, such as vehicle repairs, travel, or school-related costs.
Some practical ways to help manage spending include:
- Preparing meals or snacks instead of purchasing food every day
- Taking advantage of student discounts whenever available
- Buying used or renting textbooks when appropriate
- Waiting a day before making non-essential purchases to avoid impulse spending
If you're living on scholarships or financial aid
Scholarships, grants, and financial assistance can help reduce the cost of higher education, making it important to use those funds thoughtfully.
One approach is to estimate your expected expenses for the semester and create a monthly or weekly spending plan. Tracking your purchases can help you identify where your money is going and determine if adjustments are needed.
You may also be able to stretch your budget by:
- Using campus resources that are already included in your tuition or fees, such as fitness centers, tutoring, or student activities
- Looking for free or low-cost events hosted by your college
- Sharing expenses, such as groceries or household supplies, with roommates when appropriate
- Setting aside any unused funds to help cover future expenses during the semester
Small choices can make a difference
Managing money doesn't always require major sacrifices. Often, it's the small decisions made consistently over time that can have the greatest impact.
For example:
- Bringing coffee from home a few days each week
- Limiting subscription services you rarely use
- Planning purchases instead of buying on impulse
- Comparing prices before making larger purchases
These habits can help students stay within their budget while leaving room to enjoy the college experience.
A realistic goal
Instead of focusing on saving a large amount all at once, consider setting a manageable savings goal that fits your personal situation.
For some students, building an emergency fund — even a modest one — may provide added flexibility when unexpected expenses arise. Others may focus on avoiding unnecessary debt or creating a spending plan they can consistently follow.
Remember, everyone's financial situation is different. The goal isn't perfection — it's making informed decisions that support your financial well-being today while helping build healthy money habits for the future.
Financial wellness starts with good habits
Learning to manage money is a skill that develops over time. By creating a budget, spending intentionally, and saving when possible, college students can build habits that may benefit them long after graduation.
Mid-Year Financial Checklist: Is Your Financial Plan Still on Track?
A mid-year review is a great opportunity to evaluate your financial progress and make adjustments before year-end. Use this checklist as a guide to identify areas you may want to review.
Some examples of items to review:
- Increase retirement contributions if possible
- Review life insurance and beneficiaries
- Plan for upcoming school and activity expenses
- Update estate planning documents if needed
- Evaluate your investment allocation
- Review required distributions, if applicable
- Confirm beneficiaries are current
- Review healthcare and long-term care plans
- Maximize employer retirement benefits
- Review insurance and beneficiary designations
- Coordinate business and personal financial goals
Quick mid-year questions
- Am I on track to meet my financial goals?
- Have my priorities changed this year?
- Do my investments still align with my objectives?
- Have I reviewed my beneficiaries and insurance?
- Should I make any adjustments before year-end?
Schedule your mid-year review
The second half of the year is a great time to make proactive financial decisions. Contact your Verus Financial Group advisor today to schedule your Mid-Year Financial Review. Together, you can discuss your goals, review your current financial strategy, and determine whether any updates may be appropriate based on your individual situation.
This checklist is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment, tax, or legal advice. Every financial situation is unique. Please consult your financial, tax, and legal professionals regarding your individual circumstances before making financial decisions.
Recipe: Red, White & Blue Tiramisu
Prep time: 15 minutes · Total time: 4 hours · Serves: 10–12
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp. confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 4 cups heavy cream, divided
- 16 oz. mascarpone, room temperature
- 2 cups Prosecco or sparkling wine
- 40 to 44 ladyfingers, divided
- 3 cups fresh blueberries, smashed
- 1 (13-oz.) jar wild blueberry preserves or jam
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries
Directions
In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or using a handheld mixer and a large bowl), beat confectioners' sugar, salt, and 3 cups cream on medium speed until medium peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Add mascarpone and beat until stiff peaks form, about 1 minute more.
In a shallow bowl or large liquid measuring cup, stir prosecco and 1 cup cream. Working one at a time, dip 20 to 22 ladyfingers into the prosecco mixture. Arrange in rows parallel to the short side of a 13" x 9" baking dish, breaking if needed to fit. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers in an even layer.
In a medium bowl, combine fresh blueberries and blueberry preserves. Spread the blueberry mixture on top of the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to mix the layers.
Dip and layer the remaining ladyfingers on top of the blueberry mixture, breaking to fit if needed.
Fold fresh strawberries into the remaining mascarpone mixture. Spread over the top of the ladyfingers. Refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to 3 days.
Gently press a star cutter into the top of the tiramisu (you can also use different sizes or multiple star cutters to speed this up). Using a fine-mesh sieve, dust the cutter with freeze-dried strawberries. Repeat, spacing star shapes on top of the tiramisu as desired.
Full recipe and nutrition info at Delish.
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