January 2026 - At(In)tention(al) | |
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An Intentional Start to a Purpose-Built Year | January often arrives with noise. New predictions, bold resolutions, and pressure to “get it right” from day one. But meaningful progress rarely starts with intensity. It starts with intention.
What we give our attention to shapes our decisions. And over time, those decisions shape outcomes. Not because they were perfect, but because they were repeated.
The challenge isn’t knowing what to do. It’s staying focused on what actually matters:
Where is your attention going today? What’s pulling you away from long-term priorities? And what deserves a little more intention this year?
Progress doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul. It requires the first simple step taken on purpose. Small, consistent actions done with clarity will always outperform big plans that never get traction.
This is the foundation of our Purpose-Built Planning process. We don’t believe great planning is about reacting to headlines or chasing flawless strategies. It’s about building systems that support good decisions, even when life gets busy or markets get noisy.
As the year begins, don’t aim for perfect. Aim for intentional. Choose where your attention goes, take the first simple step, and let progress do the compounding.
Visit lecontewealth.com to learn how Purpose-Built Planning helps turn intention into lasting progress. | | | |
| | Good News for College-Bound Students | Some of the largest financial decisions we make aren’t optional; they’re part of life. From buying cars and homes to paying for education and planning for major life events, these expenses tend to show up whether we’re ready or not.
In this post, we outline the five areas most households spend the most on over a lifetime and how inflation continues to shape those costs. | | | | | |
| | Part 2: The Anatomy of an Annuity | Annuities often leave investors unsure of what they actually own - not because they made a bad decision, but because these products are built in layers.
By viewing an annuity as a complete system, the tradeoffs become clearer: guarantees come with costs, flexibility comes with penalties, and growth is often more limited than expected. Understanding where those constraints live - and who ultimately controls them - can make a meaningful difference in how well an annuity fits into a broader financial plan.
If you or someone you know owns an annuity (or is considering one), this is a must-read before moving forward.
Read the full post here to see what’s really inside an annuity and why clarity matters. | | | | | |
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Recently Published On Financial Friction | Alex Willard Promoted to Partner at LeConte Wealth
Alex’s journey at Leconte Wealth started as a tax intern and has grown into leading our Purpose-Built Planning process - touching every part of how we serve clients. As a Client Adviser, Enrolled Agent (EA), and aspiring CFP® professional, he brings clarity, creativity, and a deep commitment to helping clients make confident financial decisions.
As Kevin Painter shared, "Alex has earned this through his passion for clients, his team-first mindset, and his leadership within both our firm and the Blount County community."
This promotion reflects our long-term commitment to developing leaders from within and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead. | | | |
| | Economy In Focus | The Data: - 11.9% – S&P 500 blended Q4 growth rate
- 3.50-3.75% – Fed keeps policy rate unchanged January 2026
- 7,000 – S&P 500 briefly crosses milestone
Commentary: January 2026 offered a clear picture of where the U.S. economy stands: resilient, driven by earnings, and still working through uncertainty.
Corporate America kicked off the year on solid footing. Even with only about one-third of S&P 500 companies reporting so far, fourth-quarter earnings growth is approaching 12%. That marks the fifth straight quarter of double-digit growth and highlights how strong profitability was coming out of 2025. Technology and industrial companies are leading the way, while overall revenue growth remains healthy.
Markets took notice. The S&P 500 briefly crossed the 7,000 mark - a meaningful milestone that reflects continued investor confidence, particularly around AI-driven growth and improving earnings expectations.
At the same time, the Federal Reserve struck a familiar tone. In its first meeting of the year, the Fed left interest rates unchanged in the 3.50%–3.75% range. Policymakers signaled that current policy is appropriately balanced, given inflation remains above target while economic growth stays firm. Two officials voted for a rate cut, showing there’s still debate inside the Fed, but the broader message was patience as they wait for clearer signals from inflation and the labor market.
Taken together, these data points tell a consistent story. Strong earnings are providing support for markets, even as monetary policy remains cautious. Investors are weighing optimism about corporate fundamentals against ongoing inflation risks and Fed decisions.
For long-term investors, the takeaway is familiar but important: focus on fundamentals, not headlines. Markets will ebb and flow, but earnings, economic growth, and disciplined planning are what matter most over time. | | | |
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| LeConte In The News | We’re proud to share that LeConte Wealth was named a Top 10 Most Generous Workplace in United Way of Blount County’s 2025 campaign.
This recognition reflects the philanthropic contributions made during the previous fiscal year and a shared commitment to investing where it matters most - health, education, and self-sufficiency right here in our community.
We’re honored to stand alongside other generous organizations helping create lasting impact across Blount County, and we’re especially thankful for our team, clients, and leadership who make this kind of giving possible. | | |
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| | Copyright 2026 LeConte Wealth Management, LLC. All Rights reserved. Advisory services offered through LeConte Wealth Management, LLC. an SEC registered investment adviser. |
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