Windsor Money Minute

Top 2025 Summer Travel Spots & Average Costs

May 29, 2025 by David Bunker

Summer is officially here—and for many of us, that means travel plans are heating up.

More than 2 in 5 Americans (44%) plan to take a vacation this summer that involves a flight or hotel stay, with an average trip cost of $3,861, according to NerdWallet’s annual summer travel survey.

That’s about 117 million Americans, spending roughly $452 billion on flights and hotels this summer.¹

Where’s everyone going?

Seattle is the top domestic destination for Americans, and Cancun leads internationally, according to travel insurance provider Allianz Partners. Most are staying closer to home, with 71% of itineraries booked for U.S. travel and 29% for international trips.²

Overall, Americans are headed to both big cities and relaxed beach towns.

Top 10 Domestic Locations

Ranked by popularity, the top domestic destinations for summer 2025 are: Seattle; Orlando; New York; Honolulu; Kahului, Hawaii; Boston; Portland, Oregon; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; and Anchorage, Alaska.

Internationally, the top destinations include:

Cancun; San Jose del Cabo, Mexico; London; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Calgary, Canada; Oranjestad, Aruba; Paris; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Dublin, according to Allianz Partners.

It’s always interesting to see the trends.

Remember, before booking, check travel advisories on the CDC Travelers’ Health³, TSA.gov⁴ and U.S. Department of State⁵ websites.

–David Bunker, Financial Advisor & Licensed Fiduciary

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.

This communication was prepared with financial writer Sharron Senter’s assistance, based on interviews with David Bunker, a financial advisor and licensed fiduciary.

Sources:

1: Nerd Wallet: 2025 Summer Travel Report, https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/2025-summer-travel-report

2: Allianz Partners: Beaches and Big Cities Remain the Top Travel Destination for American Summer Travelers, https://www.allianzworldwidepartners.com/usa/media-center/press-releases/Beaches-and-big-cities-remain-the-top-travel-destination-for-American-summer-vacations.html

3: CDC Travelers’ Health: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

4: Transportation Security Administration: https://www.tsa.gov

5: U.S. Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/

Is market news scaring you? Here’s the bigger picture.

April 25, 2025 by David Bunker

Could the financial news headlines be more daunting?

Trade uncertainty and its economic ripple effects are behind most of these headlines. (Read our post for the “real” impact of tariffs.)

However, a crucial point often absent in media coverage is the historical link between market volatility and long-term portfolio growth.

For Example:

The below chart depicts the growth of one dollar from 1926 till 2024. The red lines highlight 20%+ market drops.

As you’ll see, time after time the market bounces back—even higher.

Your Financial Plan

We’ve built your financial plan to navigate market volatility.

Candidly, if you want long-term portfolio growth, then the price you pay is short-term volatility.

Unsurprisingly, we’ve seen this recent volatility before, i.e., during Covid. And, we bounced back from that—even higher!

Uncertainty drives volatility.

No one knows when the volatility will end. Nevertheless, we’re confidently buying valuable companies on sale.

I encourage you to stay the course and maintain your financial plan.

Reach out with any concerns or questions.

–David Bunker, Financial Advisor & Licensed Fiduciary

P.S. Thank you to everyone who requested a copy of Bill Perkins’ “Die With Zero.” I was thrilled by the response following last month’s email, How To Spend Confidently & Without Regret in Retirement, where we discussed the book. I still have a few copies available, so please let me know if you’d like one.

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.

This communication was prepared with financial writer Sharron Senter’s assistance, based on interviews with David Bunker, a financial advisor and licensed fiduciary.

S&P 500 Shifts From Home Runs to Singles and Doubles

February 26, 2025 by David Bunker

For the past few years, the Magnificent 7 have dominated market earnings growth, at one point soaring nearly 60%. (see chart)

However, this pace is unsustainable.

As expected, the Mag 7’s (Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, Tesla, Alphabet and Meta) earnings growth is slowing. It’s now projected around 20%, still a strong gain.

Meanwhile, the rest of the S&P 500 is growing steadily.

This is a welcome sign, since diversification helps manage risk, (i.e., instead of home runs, the market’s delivering singles and doubles—small, steady gains that add up over time).

Let’s face it, home runs are great.

But, a well-rounded team—built on singles, doubles and solid defense—wins more games.

The same goes for diversification in investing.

What’s causing the shift?

Steady economic growth is helping drive the broader earnings, including a GDP around 2.5-2.7% and low unemployment. AI also remains a key growth driver.

It’s encouraging to see more companies contributing to earnings growth.

Granted, the right side of the chart (gray shaded area) is an estimate, but if these trends hold, we’re likely looking at a more balanced market in the coming months.

PS: If you missed it, we previously shared a detailed update on the economy: The Economy, Tariffs & Consumer Sentiment.

–David Bunker, Financial Advisor & Licensed Fiduciary

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.

This communication was prepared with financial writer Sharron Senter’s assistance, based on interviews with David Bunker, a financial advisor and licensed fiduciary.

Catch-Up Contributions: How $1,000 May Elevate Retirement

January 28, 2025 by David Bunker

Retirement planning is all about maximizing your resources, and for those 50 and older, catch-up contributions offer a meaningful opportunity to do just that.

The following two charts illustrate how adding $1,000 annually to your retirement savings (the catch-up amount) can grow to an additional $21,551 by age 67, assuming a 7% annual return.

Chart A (no catch-up)

Chart B (includes $1,000 catch-up contribution)

Source: Windsor Wealth Management, Chart A: Initial Balance $2,000,000, Annual Limit $7,000 at 7% annual return. Chart B: Initial Balance $2,000,000, Annual Limit $7,000 + $1,000 Catch-Up at 7% annual return.

While $21,551 isn’t necessarily a life-altering sum, think about the possibilities that extra cushion could provide in retirement.

For example, maybe you:

Boost your living experience, (e.g., add a cozy sunroom for year-round enjoyment).

Establish a small scholarship in your family’s name.

Fund an annual vacation for the next decade, (e.g., rent a beachfront home to host family reunions).

Reduce financial stress by covering unexpected health care expenses.

Support family milestones like a grandchild’s education or wedding.

The key takeaway?

Every dollar saved today creates more possibilities for tomorrow.

If you’d like to explore how catch-up contributions fit into your financial strategy, reach out.

PS: In case you missed it, we wrote a detailed post describing 2025 Tax Planning Resources, including a Key Financial Data spreadsheet.

–David Bunker, Financial Advisor & Licensed Fiduciary

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.

This communication was prepared with financial writer Sharron Senter’s assistance, based on interviews with David Bunker, a financial advisor and licensed fiduciary.

What’s the Santa Claus rally phenomenon? 5 Potential Factors

December 30, 2024 by David Bunker

Ho, Ho, Ho.

The year just isn’t complete without mentioning the Santa Claus rally.

Santa Claus Rally

The Santa Claus rally is a stock market seasonal trend; specifically, stocks tend to rise during the last five trading days of December and the first two days of January.

The Santa Claus rally phenomenon is often attributed to several factors, including:

Increased Optimism: Investors are feeling festive.

Vacations: Many institutional investors are on vacation, (i.e., fewer large trades reduce market volatility).

Less Tax Activity: Tax-loss harvesting typically slows down in late December, compared to early December.

Window Dressing: Financial firms may make strategic buys in December to improve the appearance of their portfolios.

Year-End Bonuses: Many individual investors use their year-end bonuses to buy stocks, which can boost market activity and prices.

Will it be a jolly good December for stocks?

Only time will tell!

While we’re waiting, here’s a quick look at the last 26 years:

Related: For more stock market seasonal trends, check out our blog post, Stock Market Seasonality and the September Effect.

Happy Holidays

As the year winds down, I hope you find time to relax and recharge. Reach out anytime.

With gratitude,

–David Bunker, Financial Advisor & Licensed Fiduciary

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.

This communication was prepared with financial writer Sharron Senter’s assistance, based on interviews with David Bunker, a financial advisor and licensed fiduciary.

Average Holiday Spending and Shopping Destinations

November 26, 2024 by David Bunker

‘Tis the season for spending.

Despite inflation concerns, consumers plan to spend more this year than last holiday season.

Average Holiday Spending

The average person is expected to spend $902 on winter holiday items this year, according to a recent National Retail Federation (NRF) survey.

The spending increase (up from $875 in 2023) is mostly attributed to gifts for family members.

Of the $902 shoppers plan to spend, approximately $641 is on gifts for family, friends and co-workers. The remaining $261 will be spent on seasonal items (e.g., food, decorations, cards), according to NRF.

Shopping Destinations:

Overview: Holiday Shopping Destinations & Trends

Online shopping is the most popular location for the holidays, followed by traditional retailers.

Gift cards are the most popular gift request.

Also, younger consumers (ages 18 to 24) are increasingly turning to thrift stores and resale shops for sustainable and budget-friendly options, according to NRF.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season.

Sincerely,

–David Bunker, Financial Advisor & Licensed Fiduciary

PS: If you missed our earlier post discussing current money moves, find it here.

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.

Elections and Your Investments, Stay the Course

October 28, 2024 by David Bunker

The presidential election is fast approaching.

Generally, elections create uncertainty and market volatility both before and after voting—no matter who wins. They also can cause investing anxiety.

Therefore, as a friendly reminder…

Stay the course, and remember our two key investing principles:

#1—Have a Plan, Play Your Plan

#2—Control What You Can Control

While short-term market fluctuations can be unpredictable (and uncomfortable), maintaining a long-term investment strategy has historically outperformed other approaches.

For example, let’s consider the following two charts:

CHART 1

Stocks have had a positive return in 83% of presidential election years, according to Hartford Funds research.

See Hartford Funds full analysis.

CHART 2

What happens after the next administration takes power?

The following chart created by Russell Investments, analyzes three scenarios to show how a $100,000 investment might perform in the first year and three years after an election.

Spoiler Alert: Remaining invested pays off.

While the future is uncertain, historically, staying invested has proven to pay off in the long run.

Election & Investing News (Be Skeptical)

There’s an amazing amount of election and investing news misinformation.

Therefore, we’re encouraging you to question the legitimacy of all news.

Consider the Source: Be aware of news outlets’ biases and agendas.

Check Multiple Sources: Verify what you’re being told.

Use Fact-Checking Resources: For example, Snopes is a fact-checking website that debunks rumors and hoaxes, and FactCheck.org fact checks politics.

Be Skeptical: Approach news with a critical eye; question everything you read.

Related: Speaking of being skeptical, in a recent client letter we discussed 12 Steps to Help Protect Yourself From Data Breaches. Being skeptical of all-things-digital ranks at the top to help protect your personal information.

Finally, if you’re experiencing increased anxiety due to the elections, taking a break from news and social media can often help settle you.

–David Bunker, Financial Advisor & Licensed Fiduciary

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.

Capitalizing on Market Peaks, Investing in High Markets

September 23, 2024 by David Bunker

As of 9/4/24, the S&P 500 has hit 33 new all-time highs this year, which may leave some wondering if it’s too late to invest.

While the market may seem overvalued, historical data tells a different story…

Consider this chart showing the S&P 500’s rising highs over time:

While the chart reflects periods of volatility and temporary downturns, the long-term trend is characterized by a series of higher highs.

Recent upward trends have been fueled by economic growth, technological advancements—especially in AI—rising corporate profits and strong consumer spending.

Remember, if we wait for the market to decline before investing, we’d be engaging in market timing, which we avoid since it’s nearly impossible to consistently predict short-term market movements.

Related: Understand the stock market’s seasonality, read last month’s client letter: Stock Market Seasonality and the September Effect.

Before You Go

Get help optimizing your retirement income. Download our FREE “Prolonging Retirement Income” checklist.

Also, receive help retiring to the life you want, schedule a complimentary financial planning consultation.