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Sharon Bloodworth, CFP® states, “2025 delivered strong market performance, and the outlook for 2026 remains encouraging.” Sharon recaps key takeaways from 2025 and shares what to keep an eye on in the year ahead.”

The post Market Outlook for 2026 appeared first on White Oaks Wealth Advisors.

How a RAT-based attack works:

1. First, the fraudster sends a phishing email with a link or attachment that appears legitimate.
2. Once the victim clicks, the RAT is installed on that device without any notification to the user and automatically connects to a remote server controlled by the attacker.
3. At this point, the attacker can:
   • Steal sensitive data (passwords, financial details, etc.)
   • Monitor user behavior through keylogging and screen recording
   • Gain access to anything the user accesses using the infected device. This online access can let them set up fraudulent trades and/or money movements.
4. This type of attack is difficult to detect for many reasons, including:
   • The fraudulent activity is generated by a device that’s trusted by the user.
   • These attacks may use legitimate applications, so the problem may not show up in antivirus/malware scans.

Example of a RAT Attack

A client receives a text message that appears to be from their financial institution, asking them to verify account information by clicking a link. This phishing text directs the user to a spoofed website, a RAT is downloaded to the device, and then the bad actor uses the remote tool to gain access to the user’s online accounts.

White Oaks recommends the following best practices:

• Close the browser window you use as soon as your session is over.
• Be sure reputable antivirus/anti-malware software is active on each device you use.
• Avoid clicking on unknown or unsolicited links or attachments.
• To avoid landing on spoofed websites, type a website’s full URL into your browser’s address bar, and then add it as a favorite for your convenience later.
• Remove recently downloaded applications that you do not recognize.
• Add unique, strong passwords and consider the use of a password manager.
• Always logout of websites once you are done with your task.
• Take advantage of advanced security features, such as multi-factor authentication, and biometrics.
• Keep devices updated and patched.

Remember: Reach out to any member of the White Oaks team to report any suspicious activity on your accounts or personal devices.

The post RATs (Remote Access Tools): Another Cyber Scam appeared first on White Oaks Wealth Advisors.

Sharon Bloodworth, CFP® states, “As you know, we work hard to help clients relax and invest for the long term and try not to interrupt you with market noise.   However, the markets have been more volatile the last two days and your zen may be being interrupted.”  See White Oaks’ take on the market’s tariff reaction. Short summary: this is short term noise that will get itself resolved. Long version – watch the 6 minute video 🙂

The post Tariffs Update from White Oaks appeared first on White Oaks Wealth Advisors.

The post March 2025 Economic Outlook appeared first on White Oaks Wealth Advisors.

The traditional “lost and found” bin that you are accustomed to seeing at a gym, school or church has made the jump online. As part of the SECURE Act 2.0 that was passed in 2022, the Employee Benefits Security Administration (run by the U.S. Department of Labor) has established a live database. You can search for retirement savings accounts that may have fallen off your radar.

After creating an account and verifying your identity, you will be shown the details of any retirement plans that are linked to your Social Security number. This may include pension plans and private employer 401(k)s. It will not include government-sponsored retirement plans or accounts like IRAs. If you do find an account you had forgotten about, contact the plan administrator. The contact details should be provided in the search results.

Our recommendation is for all of our clients to do a quick search in this database. We are happy to help you with the search process and any follow-up to-dos if lost retirement accounts are found.

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The post November 2024 – Election Special Economic and Market Update appeared first on White Oaks Wealth Advisors.

The post September Economic Update 2024 appeared first on White Oaks Wealth Advisors.

Building credit tips my spouse and I used with our teenage daughter:

• First, open a student youth checking account with an attached debit card.  This allows them to deposit their earnings, save and monitor their account balance. Thus, teaching them how to spend wisely.
• Once they learn how to use a debit card; consider adding them as an authorized user on your adult credit card.  This allows you to set a spending limit (only selected credit cards) and receive message alerts if they have gone above their limit.
• Understanding what credit is: Explain that they are given a specific spending limit.  Also, tell them that using a credit card means they are borrowing the money and must pay it back within a specific time frame.
• Paying on time: Tell them that paying off the full amount of the credit card bill before the due date, helps to build their credit score. Minimum and partial payments will involve added interest to be paid.  Late payments will involve extra penalty fees and have a negative impact on their credit score.
• Monitoring expenses: Teach them to review their expenses regularly.  Don’t forget to educate them on identity theft.  Helping to prevent fraudulent activity in their accounts is very important these days.

Speaking with your teenager about building credit continues the conversation started per Laura Bereiter’s previous article titled, Family Discussions about Money.  By fostering open and honest communications about finance you encourage responsibility and independence. In turn, making good financial decisions will build a strong foundation for their future.

The post Building Credit for Teenagers appeared first on White Oaks Wealth Advisors.

Well, what if I told you there’s a surprising connection between the two? Here’s why your workouts might be more like building wealth than you think:

Consistency is Key:

Just like showing up for that spin or strength class is crucial for seeing results, consistent saving and investing are the bedrock of financial success. Both require a commitment to making those small, regular deposits – sweat or cash – that compound over time. Skipping workouts or neglecting your budget might feel like a small misstep in the moment, but over time, it can derail your progress.

Variety is the Spice of Life (and Gains):

Gyms like Peloton offers a vast library of classes, from high-intensity interval training to scenic outdoor rides. Similarly, a diversified investment portfolio spreads risk and maximizes potential returns. While a steady diet of spin classes will get you fit, incorporating strength training or yoga keeps things interesting and helps you reach your fitness goals faster. Likewise, exploring different investment options, like stocks, bonds, and real estate, can help you weather market fluctuations and reach your financial goals quicker.

The Power of Community:

Peloton’s virtual high-fives and leaderboard might not feel as real as a gym buddy, but that sense of community can be hugely motivating. Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people – whether it’s a Peloton group or a financial advisor – can make a world of difference in staying on track with your goals. Discussing investment strategies with friends or seeking a professional opinion can help you stay focused and make informed decisions.

Investing in Yourself:

Think of your membership or that new gym outfit as an investment in your physical well-being. Just like maintaining your car ensures you get where you need to go, taking care of your health is an investment in your future earning potential and overall happiness. In the same vein, prioritizing your financial education and learning how to invest effectively can pay dividends for years to come.

Delayed Gratification FTW!

Sure, that new pair of shoes might look tempting, but sticking to your budget and saving towards a bigger goal feels pretty darn good too. The delayed gratification of achieving a fitness milestone or reaching a financial goal is a powerful motivator. Remember, the satisfaction of that new car or dream vacation will be so much sweeter knowing you worked hard (and sweated!) for it.

So, the next time you throw on your sweats, remember you’re not just getting a good workout, you’re building wealth – the wealth of a healthy body, a clear mind, and the financial security to live the life you deserve. Now go crush that ride (and your financial goals)! Contact us if you would like help with the latter.

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