Hello from Orlando!

The summer sun is high, the theme parks are buzzing, and yet beneath all the fun, smart financial planning is quietly powering ahead.

Whether you're navigating higher utility bills, scoping out a softening housing market, or just trying to stretch your salary a little further, this week's issue has you covered.

Let's dig into what’s happening in Central Florida—from local investing trends to money moves that work.

Central Florida Check-In: Jobs Up, Housing Balancing Orlando's job market is heating up with growth in healthcare, hospitality, and tech.

Unemployment sits around 3.4%, and consumer spending has picked up slightly this summer.

Meanwhile, median home prices have steadied near $395,000, down slightly from Q1 highs.

Tip: Inventory is rising in zip codes like 32828 and 32792.

Buyers should get pre-approval to negotiate confidently, while sellers may need to sweeten terms.

Market & Money Briefing Stocks have been range-bound in July as investors await clearer Fed signals.

Treasury yields are hovering around 4.2% for 10-year notes. High-yield savings rates remain attractive near 4.6% APY.

Note: The IRS just issued fresh guidance on Roth 401(k) rollovers. Worth asking your advisor about for late-year planning.

📊 Investment Snapshot Local interest in real estate investing is shifting toward short-term rentals in Kissimmee and Clermont.

However, insurance costs are complicating ROI.

Translation: Make sure your cash flow model includes 20%+ reserves and a solid short-term rental occupancy estimate (50-60% average in the region).

Term of the Week: Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) Imagine you invest $500 monthly in a market-tracking fund, regardless of price.

Some months you buy more shares (when prices drop), other months fewer. Over time, this smooths volatility.

Why it matters now: With market uncertainty and election-year jitters, DCA keeps your strategy steady and emotional decisions at bay.

Money Moves & Tax Tips

• Max Out That HSA: 2025 limits are $4,150 (individual) and $8,300 (family). Contributions are triple tax-advantaged.

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• Time a Charitable Bunching Strategy: Group donations into one tax year to exceed standard deduction and itemize.

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Reminder: This isn’t personal advice. Speak to a licensed advisor about your situation.

High-Earner Insight Thinking beyond the 401(k)? Consider a Mega Backdoor Roth if your employer allows after-tax contributions.

Can supercharge your tax-free retirement bucket with up to $43,500 more in 2025.

Something to ask your advisor about.

This Week: "How Carlos Cut Expenses Without Cutting Joy"

Carlos, a project manager in Lake Nona, reviewed his bank statements and found $300/month in unused subscriptions, impulse orders, and overlapping services.

He swapped to an annual family pass for local attractions ($99 vs. $320 in tickets), paused DoorDash, and shopped groceries with a list and a plan.

Result: $3,000/year freed up for a vacation fund and Roth IRA boost.

Resource of the Week

• IRS Withholding Estimator: Make sure you're not under- or overpaying taxes: www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator

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• Florida 529 Savings Plan Calculator: www.myfloridaprepaid.com

Sally’s Savers – Money Hacks for the Win

• Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) offers rebates on smart thermostats and efficient appliances

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• Referral perks: Spectrum is giving $50 bill credits for friend sign-ups

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• App of the week: "Cozi" – free family calendar and meal planner that reduces duplicate grocery trips

• July 25: Orange County Budget Workshop (learn where your taxes are headed)

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• Aug 8: Lake Nona Tech Meet-Up for small business and startup networking

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• Ongoing: Free Financial Coaching via Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW)

Orlando Wealth Partners

Orlando Wealth Partners, fiduciary advisors helping Central Florida families grow, preserve, and pass on wealth with clarity and care.

📅 www.OrlandoWealthPartners.com | ☎️ 407-555-7130

Final Thought Summer’s not just for slowing down—it’s a great time to realign your financial goals.

Whether you're fine-tuning your portfolio or planning next year’s savings, Smart Wealth Brief is your weekly nudge toward confidence.

Forward this to a friend, or bring your questions for next Friday’s reader Q&A.