November 2025 Insights Newsletter

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Mark your Calendar

• November 2 - Daylight Savings Ends
• November  11 - Veterans Day (Market is open)
• November 18 - National Entrepreneurs’ Day
• November 27 - Thanksgiving
• November 28 - Black Friday

Non-Profit Spotlight

Join the Movement: Autism Speaks

Empower Walk & 5K Run

We're highlighting the Empower Walk & 5K Run, fueled by Autism Speaks—a signature event dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism.

This event has evolved to include both a community walk and an exciting 5K run, but its mission remains the same: to create a more inclusive world. Every dollar raised provides vital support and drives innovative solutions.

Connect, Impact, and Celebrate

Your participation helps the mission by:

• Connecting individuals with essential community resources.
• Impacting lives by raising critical funds and awareness.
• Celebrating progress toward acceptance and understanding.

Get Involved

Whether you choose to walk (no registration fee) or run (with a registration fee), your steps make a difference. If you can't attend a local event, the "Walk Your Way" option lets you fundraise on your own time.

We encourage you to join this powerful movement and help empower the autism community! The Houston date is TBD but check back for updates on AustismSpeaks.org.

Learn More about Autism Speaks

What to think about as 2025 comes to a close

1. Year-End Financial Checklist: Finish 2025 Strong

As the year winds down, now’s the time to take stock—review your retirement contributions, update beneficiaries, and make sure your portfolio still matches your goals. Check your insurance coverage, charitable giving, and savings strategy to end the year with confidence. A few thoughtful steps now can set you up for a stronger 2026.

2. Smart Tax Moves Before December 31

Before the year ends, consider strategies to help reduce your tax burden. Tactics like tax-loss harvesting, charitable donations, and maxing out 401(k) or HSA contributions can all make a big difference.

3. Maximize Retirement & Tax-Advantaged Contributions

There’s still time to make the most of 2025’s contribution limits. Review your 401(k), IRA, and HSA to ensure you’re saving the maximum amount allowed. For some investors, this is also an ideal time to consider a Roth conversion or rebalancing strategy to optimize for taxes and long-term growth.

Year-End Travel & Holiday Spending: Enjoy the Season Without Starting 2026 in Debt

The holiday season is a time for family, travel, and celebration — but without a plan, it can also lead to overspending and financial stress. As 2025 wraps up, a little foresight can help you enjoy your year-end adventures without derailing your 2026 goals. Whether you’re traveling across the country or staying close to home, here are smart ways to stay on budget this holiday season.

1. Set a Holiday Budget — and Stick to It

Start by deciding what you can realistically afford to spend on travel, gifts, and festivities. Review your current savings and upcoming expenses before allocating funds. Use a simple budgeting rule like 50/30/20 — 50% needs, 30% wants, and 20% savings — to guide your spending decisions. If travel or gift costs exceed your comfort zone, look for ways to scale back without sacrificing meaning — such as homemade gifts or experience-based presents.

2. Plan Early and Compare Prices

The earlier you plan, the better your deals. Flights and hotels tend to climb in price as the holidays approach, so locking in reservations early can make a big difference. Consider flexible travel dates or alternate airports to save even more. For families, booking vacation rentals with kitchens can also help save on dining costs.

3. Use Black Friday & Cyber Monday Wisely

Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be great opportunities to save — but they can also tempt you into overspending. Before the sales begin, make a list of what you actually need or plan to gift, and stick to it. Track prices in advance so you can recognize genuine deals and avoid impulse buys that can eat into your travel budget. Retailers often extend deals throughout November, giving you time to shop strategically.

4. Budget for Gifts and Experiences

If gift-giving is part of your holiday tradition, set a per-person spending limit or consider group gifts for family or friends. Meaningful gifts don’t have to be expensive — personalized items, homemade treats, or shared experiences can often leave a bigger impression. For larger families, consider doing a Secret Santa exchange to reduce the total number of gifts you need to buy.

5. Maximize Credit Card Rewards — but Avoid Carrying a Balance

If you’re using a credit card for travel or shopping, take advantage of cash-back or travel rewards. However, make sure to pay your balance in full to avoid interest charges that can wipe out your savings. Some cards also offer travel insurance or purchase protection, adding extra value during the busy holiday season.

6. Look Ahead to 2026

When the holidays are over, take time to review your spending and savings. If you find that travel or gift costs stretched your budget, start setting aside a small monthly “holiday fund” in 2026. That way, next year’s celebrations will feel more enjoyable — and less stressful — when they arrive.

Bottom line:
A memorable holiday season doesn’t have to mean financial regret. With a clear budget, mindful spending, and a little planning, you can celebrate joyfully today while setting yourself up for a stronger financial start in 2026.

Cheeseburger Soup

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 25 min

Serving: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 3/4 cup shredded carrots
• 3/4 cup diced celery
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1-3/4 pounds (about 4 cups) cubed peeled potatoes
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 8 to 16 ounces Velveeta, cubed
• 1-1/2 cups whole milk
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Optional: Onion rings and thinly sliced green onions

Directions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook and crumble beef until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes; drain and remove from pan. In same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Saute onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add potatoes, broth and beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
2. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Add flour; cook and stir until bubbly, 3-5 minutes. Add to soup; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheese, milk, salt and pepper; cook until cheese melts. Remove from heat; blend in sour cream. If desired, serve with onion rings and green onion.
   

More information along with nutrition info can be found at Taste of Home.

Watch the Full Podcast Episode with Dr. Osborn

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