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March Insights 2026
Mark your Calendar
- March 8 - Daylight Savings, International Women's Day
- March 14 - Pi Day
- March 17 - St. Patrick's Day
- March 20 - International Day of Happiness
- March 29 - Palm Sunday
Honoring Women’s History Month
Honoring Women’s History Month: Muriel Siebert and Her Lasting Impact on Finance
March is National Women’s History Month—a time to reflect on the remarkable women who have shaped industries, opened doors, and expanded opportunities for future generations. In the world of finance, few names stand out as boldly as Muriel “Mickie” Siebert, a true trailblazer whose determination changed the landscape of Wall Street.
A Breakthrough on Wall Street
In 1967, Muriel Siebert became the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange—a barrier-breaking milestone at a time when the financial industry was overwhelmingly male. Despite facing rejection from multiple firms and having to secure a co-signer simply to be considered, she persisted. Her perseverance not only earned her a seat on the NYSE but also inspired a movement toward greater inclusion in financial professions.
Champion for Consumers and Fair Practices
Beyond her Wall Street achievements, Siebert became known for her advocacy and public service. As the first female Superintendent of Banks for the State of New York, she oversaw a system with more than $500 billion in assets and ensured that not a single bank failed during her tenure. Her leadership emphasized consumer protection, stability, and responsible regulation.
Her Legacy Today
Muriel Siebert’s influence continues to resonate. She demonstrated that resilience, confidence, and expertise can open pathways for women in finance, investment, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the impact of creating opportunities for others.
Why This Matters to Us
At Verus Financial, we recognize the importance of diversity and the voices that strengthen our industry. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the women—past and present—who continue to make financial services more inclusive, innovative, and client-focused.
Their contributions remind us that progress happens when people are empowered to lead, to question barriers, and to forge new paths.
COMMAND YOUR 2026: THE AI-ENHANCED BLUEPRINT
1. THE AUDIT: STOP THE BLEEDING
The AI Advantage: AI excels at pattern recognition. It can spot "stealth" subscriptions that look like one-time charges but repeat every 30 days.
- How to use AI here:
- Download your last 3–6 months of bank activity as a CSV or PDF.
- Upload the file directly to any AI (I use Gemini).
- Use this Prompt:
"I am conducting a 'Stop the Bleeding' audit. Analyze these transactions and: 1) List every recurring subscription by name and monthly cost. 2) Identify 'Ghost Subscriptions' (services I haven't used or variable charges that look automated). 3) Rank them from 'Essential' to 'Luxury' based on my lifestyle goals."
- The Goal: Reduce your "Burn Rate" by at least 15% in one sitting.
2. THE ATTACK: THE DEBT SNOWBALL
The AI Advantage: Mathematical optimization. While you focus on the psychological win (Snowball), the AI can show you the "Cost of Waiting" (Avalanche) so you can make an informed choice.
- How to use AI here:
- Copy your debt list (Balance, Interest Rate, Minimum Payment) into Gemini.
- Use this Prompt:
"Here is my debt profile. Create a 'Debt Attack Plan' using the Snowball Method. Calculate exactly which month I will be debt-free if I add an extra $500/month to the smallest balance. Then, show me how much interest I would save if I switched to the Avalanche Method instead."
- The Goal: See the "End Date." Once you have a date, the sacrifice feels temporary.
3. THE PIVOT: THE "SAVINGS SNOWBALL"
The AI Advantage: Future-casting. AI can visualize the compound interest of your redirected debt payments, turning "extra cash" into a "legacy fund."
- How to use AI here:
- Tell Gemini the amount of the debt payment you just "killed."
- Use this Prompt:
"I just paid off a $450/month car loan. If I redirect that full amount into a stock fund averaging 8% annually, what will that account be worth in 5, 10, and 20 years? Compare this against the 'lifestyle creep' scenario where I simply spend it."
- The Goal: Use the AI-generated numbers as your "Lock Screen" motivation to keep you from spending the raise.
4. THE FORTRESS: BIG TICKET PLANNING
The AI Advantage: Budgeting for the "Unknown." Gemini can research average costs for life events so your "Sinking Funds" aren't based on guesses.
- How to use AI here:
- Identify a goal (e.g., a trip to Japan or a kitchen remodel).
- Use this Prompt:
"I want to save for a 10-day trip to Japan for two in October 2026. Research current mid-range costs for flights, lodging, and food. Create a 'Sinking Fund' schedule for me: how much do I need to save per month starting today to hit that goal by September 2026 and include interest in current money market account"
- The Goal: To have the AI build the "Price Tag" so you only have to build the "Savings Habit."
THE "MASTER PROMPT" FOR YOUR MONTHLY REVIEW
Every 30 days, don't just look at the sheet. Run this "CFO Review" prompt to keep your strategy sharp:
"Review my 2026 Budget Sheet for the month of January. Where did I overspend compared to my targets? Based on my current trajectory, am I on track for my year-end net worth goal? Give me three specific 'Tactical Adjustments' to improve my cash flow for February."
Emergency Savings: Your Foundation for Financial Stability
Unexpected expenses are a part of life—whether it’s a medical bill, car repair, or sudden change in income. That’s why establishing a strong emergency fund is one of the most important steps toward long-term financial stability.
Experts recommend setting aside three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an account that can be accessed quickly. This could be a checking account, high-yield savings account, or money market fund. While these accounts aren’t designed for long-term growth, they are designed for liquidity, ensuring you can reach your money the moment you need it.
By maintaining a dedicated emergency fund, you can handle life’s surprises without derailing your broader financial goals—whether you’re investing, saving for retirement, or planning major life milestones. Building this cushion brings peace of mind, confidence, and resilience in an unpredictable world.
Traditional Irish Stew
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Serving: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 1 parsnip, peeled and cut into large chunks (Optional)
- 4 cups water, or as needed
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (Optional)
- 1 cup coarsely chopped leeks
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Heat oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add lamb pieces and cook, stirring gently, until evenly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in onion and cook for a few minutes. Stir in water and add carrots and parsnips (if using). Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer until lamb is tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Stir in potatoes, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, before adding leeks and rosemary. Continue to simmer uncovered, until potatoes are tender but still whole.
- Serve piping hot in bowls garnished with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy!
Cook’s Note
- If you use a tougher cut of meat, you can leave it to simmer longer before adding the potatoes.
- Parsnips and fresh rosemary are not traditional ingredients in Irish stew but my mom added them for a touch of sweetness and delicious flavor. You can add the parsnips with the potatoes if you prefer.
More information along with nutrition info can be found at All Recipes.
Mason Lee: Real Talk on Mortgages
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