TheLiveBigWay® Digest: Old Lessons, New Chapters

Gold is back in the headlines (though, did it ever really leave?). After hitting record highs in January 2026, we’ve heard the question, “should I buy gold?” more than once. Before catching gold fever, it’s worth understanding what actually drives long-term returns and how gold stacks up against the productive assets that have historically built wealth. This piece digs into the data behind gold’s “safe haven” reputation and shares how we think about it within a disciplined, diversified plan.

Have you ever wondered where the stock market actually came from? The answer takes us back four centuries to a spice trade and a bold idea that would eventually put a share of ownership within reach of everyday people. From ships to spices, the lessons from those early investors still shape smart portfolios today. Set sail with us as we trace this historical journey and see how diversification is a centuries-old, sound investment strategy.

For years, retirement can feel like the ultimate finish line, but reaching it often raises a harder question: who am I now? In this Ask Us Anything feature, Ryan reflects on an article about Serena Williams’s return to tennis and what her story can teach us about redefining ourselves without abandoning who we’ve been. Discover why not having it all figured out can be its own kind of freedom.

It is our pleasure to introduce you to Austin Sanchez, YESKEBUIE’s newest Client Support Specialist. From a Navy post in Japan to the shores of Bahrain before landing in San Francisco, Austin’s path to financial planning has been anything but ordinary. We recently sat down with Austin to learn how his journey shapes the way he shows up for Clients, and why Learn Big is the value he lives every day. Read our full conversation here. Welcome to the team, Austin!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our in-person event in California yesterday! It was wonderful spending time celebrating what matters most – our relationship with you. We’ll be sharing photos soon, and Virginia locals – we can’t wait to see you soon! RSVP here to join us at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens on August 6. We’re looking forward to connecting and making memories together.