THOUGHTS ON MONEY [T.O.M.] is a place to find simple truths on money. Everything from budgeting to investing to decision making. A great place to come for answers to your own personal financial questions or to spark thought on how to improve your financial life. Enjoy an easy to read, application focused commentary.

Simple Advice to Start out the New Year

My point of emphasis for 2025 all about what’s going on in the real world of finance and what you can actually do about it.
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The Heart of Financial Advice

Today, we explore the financial advice industry, its contribution to human flourishing, how advisors are similar to safari guides, and the ever-evolving nature of the ...
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Understanding Average Returns 

It's an ideal time to remind ourselves about how averages work and recalibrate our expectations about the future. 
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The Official End of Year Checklist

Personal finance has a lot in common with packing for a trip.  A wide variety of items, all varying in priority, each needing to be organized ...
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Future Stock Returns – Revisited

Current market valuations are indeed above average yet it’s important to understand that high valuations are dangerous, but in and of themselves, they are not damaging.
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The Secret to Financial Serenity

Let's unpack why many investors simply lack confidence, and explore ways to encourage & equip us on our journey towards financial confidence.
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About the Authors

Trevor Cummings

Private Wealth Advisor, Partner

Trevor is a Partner and Director of our Private Wealth Advisor Group.

As the author of TOM [Thoughts On Money], Trevor endeavors to write and speak about financial concepts and principles in a kind of “straight” talk demeanor and posture.

He received his Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Biola University and his MBA from California State University, Fullerton.

Blaine Carver, CFP®, CKA®

Private Wealth Advisor

Desiring to be a financial advisor since high school, Blaine has continued this passion by stewarding client capital for over a decade. A patient educator, he enjoys aligning clients’ financial resources with their values, particularly through creative charitable gifting strategies.

Blaine holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Seattle Pacific University, where he also led the soccer team as captain.