Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Q2 2026 Lunch & Learn. We covered a range of timely topics, from company updates and market conditions to practical technology tips and strategies to help protect yourself in an increasingly digital world.

If you were unable to attend, or would like a refresher, here is a summary of what we discussed.

Company Updates

We opened the session with updates on upcoming events and ways clients can continue to stay engaged throughout the year.

Next Lunch & Learn

Our next Lunch & Learn is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in the Sheffield Village area. If there is a topic you would like us to cover in a future session, we welcome your input. You can share ideas by reaching out to Maddie at Maddie@WASmithFinancial.com.

Wish Upon a Star: A Night of Hope & Wishes

We also shared a save-the-date for Thursday, August 6, 2026, for our annual Wish Upon a Star: A Night of Hope & Wishes, taking place at Market Square at Crocker Park in Westlake, Ohio. Additional details will be shared as the event approaches.

Long-Term Care Planning Webinar

We highlighted a recent webinar titled “A New Approach to Long-Term Care Planning.” This session focused on alternative strategies beyond traditional long-term care insurance.

Topics included:

• Approaches that provide flexibility if long-term care is never needed
• Strategies designed to allow for potential asset growth
• Opportunities to reposition conservative assets such as CDs, treasuries, and money markets
• Simplified underwriting processes, including options with guaranteed approval

If you missed the webinar and would like access, you can watch the recording here.

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Economic Update & Market Outlook

We reviewed current market conditions and discussed the key factors shaping the economic landscape as we move through 2026.

First Quarter 2026 Recap

The discussion included a look back at the first quarter of the year, including market performance and the factors that contributed to recent volatility.

We also addressed the role of geopolitical developments, noting their potential impact on inflation and broader market sentiment.

Federal Reserve and Interest Rate Outlook

We reviewed potential actions from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) and how interest rate decisions may influence both markets and economic activity in the months ahead.

Earnings and Market Direction

The conversation also covered the corporate earnings outlook for the first quarter of 2026, and how earnings trends can influence market direction over time.

As always, the emphasis remains on maintaining a disciplined, long-term approach, even as short-term conditions evolve.

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Technology Tips for Seniors

A significant portion of the session focused on helping clients better understand and avoid common scams, which continue to evolve in both frequency and sophistication.

Common Types of Scams

We reviewed several types of fraud that are becoming more prevalent, including:

• Phishing (fraudulent emails)
• Smishing (text message scams)
• QR code scams
• Vishing (phone-based scams)
• Cryptocurrency scams
• Romance scams
• Investment fraud
• Business email compromise
• Account takeover attempts
• Social media impersonation
• AI-driven impersonation tactics

Tech Support Scams

One example discussed was tech support scams, where fraudsters pose as legitimate support representatives and claim that a device has been compromised.

In many cases, individuals are prompted by a pop-up message and instructed to call a number, where they are then asked to grant remote access or provide payment.

Best practices include:

• Avoid responding to unsolicited tech support messages
• Never grant remote access to unknown individuals

QR Code Scams

We also discussed QR code scams, where malicious codes redirect users to fraudulent websites designed to capture personal or financial information.

Best practices include:

• Only scan codes from trusted sources
• Verify website URLs before entering information
• Avoid submitting sensitive information after scanning unknown codes

Text Message (Smishing) Scams

Another common tactic is smishing, where fraudulent text messages attempt to create urgency and prompt users to click harmful links.

Best practices include:

• Avoid clicking links from unknown senders
• Do not respond to unsolicited requests for personal information
• Block and report suspicious messages

The key takeaway is that awareness and caution are essential when interacting with unfamiliar communications or requests.

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Practical Uses of AI

We also explored practical ways that artificial intelligence can be used in everyday life, particularly for convenience and efficiency.

Examples included:

• Planning travel or activities (e.g., creating trip itineraries)
• Getting help with technology-related questions
• Drafting emails, messages, or personal notes

Used appropriately, these tools can help simplify routine tasks and save time.

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Want to Talk This Through?

If any of the strategies discussed here raised questions or sparked ideas, our team is happy to help. Whether you attended the event or are reviewing this recap for the first time, your advisor can walk through how these concepts may apply to your personal situation.

You’re always welcome to reach out to schedule a conversation or connect with our office for additional guidance.