Summer is in full swing across Northern Michigan. For many families, that means lake days, boat rides, time at the cottage, visits from kids and grandkids, and a calendar full of the people and places they’ve worked hard to enjoy.
It’s also a season when planning can feel more tangible. Travel, property expenses, family gatherings, home projects, charitable commitments, and larger lifestyle decisions often bring cash flow and liquidity back into focus.
For many of our clients, liquidity planning is already an important part of the broader financial plan. The question usually isn’t whether cash is available, but whether the right amount is available in the right places, at the right time, and without creating unnecessary tax or investment tradeoffs.
That’s the focus of this month’s featured article, “Summer on the Water: Is Your Wealth as Liquid as You Think?” It uses the season as a simple reminder to review how accessible different parts of your wealth really are, especially for families in or near retirement.
We hope you and your family are enjoying a wonderful, relaxing summer.
~ The Team at Black Walnut Wealth Management
Summer on the Water: Is Your Wealth as Liquid as You Think?
Your wealth may look strong on paper, but how much of it is actually easy to access when you need it?
For families in or near retirement, that question can matter more than it did during the wealth-building years. Real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, private investments, concentrated stock, and family property can all be valuable, but they may not always be simple to turn into cash.
Liquidity is something we regularly review as part of a broader financial plan because accessible wealth can affect flexibility, cash flow, taxes, and long-term planning decisions.
Download this month’s featured article to read more.
WHAT WE'RE WATCHING
Market Momentum Meets Midyear Discipline
The first half of 2026 gave investors plenty to talk about. Major stock indexes moved higher, small-cap stocks posted one of their strongest starts in decades, and the IPO market showed renewed energy as several high-profile companies came public.
As we move through the second half of the year, we’re watching whether market gains continue to broaden, whether smaller companies can sustain their momentum, and whether investor excitement around IPOs stays grounded in fundamentals.
For long-term investors, the goal isn’t to chase every new opportunity. It’s to stay thoughtful, diversified, and aligned with the plan already built around your goals, time horizon, income needs, and risk tolerance.
PLANNING TIP OF THE MONTH
Pay Attention to What Summer Reveals
Summer family time can surface things that don’t always show up on a statement or in a formal planning review.
A visit with adult children may raise questions about future support. Time at the cottage may bring up ownership, maintenance, or succession considerations. A conversation with aging parents may highlight care needs, housing questions, or family responsibilities that could matter down the road.
You don’t need to solve those questions immediately, but it’s helpful to notice them. Some of the most important planning topics start as casual summer observations before they become larger financial decisions.
TAX-SMART STRATEGY
Pause Before Pulling From an Account
It’s common to use the account that feels most convenient when a larger cash need comes up. But depending on the account, that decision may create different tax results.
A withdrawal from a taxable account, traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or appreciated investment can each affect the broader plan in different ways. In some cases, it may also influence capital gains, future required distributions, Medicare premiums, or how much cash should be kept available later in the year.
Before moving money, it can be worth checking in to make sure the source of cash fits the purpose. A brief conversation may help avoid unnecessary tax surprises and keep the rest of the plan working as intended.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
- July 17
- July 18
- Friends of Fishtown 5K – Leland
- July 25
- Crooked Tree Arts Center Art Fair
- August 1
- Suttons Bay Art Festival
- August 9-15
REVIEWS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Help Others Find a Financial Partner They Can Trust
We’re grateful for the feedback we receive from clients. Here’s one that made our day:
"The Black Walnut team is knowledgeable and friendly. Always ready to answer concerns & questions." ~ Margaret R.
This testimonial was provided by a current client of our firm. We did not provide any compensation in exchange for this testimonial. Because the individual is a current client, their experience and opinions may be influenced by their ongoing relationship with our firm. Clients’ experiences may not be representative of all clients, and results are not guaranteed.
