Christmas Is About Family, LFG Daily - December 26, 2025

Dream Bigger, Sleep Better

At Lloyd Financial Group, we’re constantly striving to give you more insight, more clarity, and more confidence when it comes to your money. Our Chief Investment Officer, Colin Symons, now delivers his own daily newsletter, offering deep analysis and a detailed outlook on the ever-changing investment world called Symons Says. Check it out and subscribe if you want a very detailed, daily analysis of the investment world. Colin has amazing content.

Meanwhile, the LFG Daily will continue to bring you quick, actionable summaries — blending market updates with financial planning and tax strategies to help you make smarter decisions every day. Together, they’re the perfect one-two punch: Colin brings the deep dive into Investments, we bring the daily edge.

Luke Lloyd, CEO Lloyd Financial Group

Christmas, Family, and the Real Point of Financial Planning

There’s something about Christmas that slows time down—at least for a moment.

The markets don’t close for your kids opening presents. Your portfolio doesn’t care that your parents are getting older. And your bank account certainly won’t remind you to put your phone down and sit on the floor playing with your kids.

Christmas does that.

It forces perspective.

And that’s why this season is the perfect reminder of what financial planning is actually about—your family, not just you.

Financial Planning Isn’t Selfish—It’s Selfless

Most people think financial planning is about maximizing returns, beating the market, or accumulating the biggest number possible.

That’s backwards.

Real financial planning is about responsibility.

It’s about asking questions like:

• What happens to my spouse if something happens to me?

• Will my kids have opportunities—or obligations—because of my decisions?

• Am I building something that creates options, or stress?

  
  

No one sits around the Christmas tree thinking about their Sharpe ratio.

They think about security, stability, and being present.

Family Is the Only Asset That Actually Matters

In a world obsessed with status, consumption, and optics, family remains the one thing money can’t replace—but can absolutely protect.

You can lose money and make it back.

You can lose time and never get it back.

You can lose family… and realize too late what really mattered.

Financial planning, done correctly, is about protecting the people who rely on you and creating freedom for the people you love.

That’s the real return.

Direction Creates Peace of Mind

Uncertainty is exhausting.

When you don’t know:

• If you’re on track

• If you’re protected

• If you can afford to say “yes” or need to say “no”

  
  

…your mind is never fully present.

Direction—clear direction—creates peace of mind.

And peace of mind is what allows you to:

• Enjoy the moment

• Take the trip

• Leave work early

• Say yes to family time without guilt

• 
  

Wealth Isn’t About Stuff—It’s About Time

Here’s the truth most people miss:

Wealth doesn’t buy happiness.Wealth buys time.

Time to:

• Be at your kid’s game

• Take care of aging parents

• Travel together

• Disconnect without fear

• Live life on your terms

  
  

And time is the one thing your family actually wants from you.

Not a bigger house.Not nicer gifts.Not a more impressive lifestyle.

They want you.

Protection Is an Act of Love

Insurance, estate planning, emergency reserves—none of these are exciting.

But they are loving.

They say:

“If something happens to me, you’ll be okay.”

That’s not fear-driven planning.That’s family-first planning.

Christmas Is the Reminder

Christmas isn’t about what’s under the tree.It’s about who’s around it.

Financial planning is no different.

If your financial life doesn’t serve your family—your values, your time, your peace—then it’s missing the point entirely.

This season is a reminder to zoom out.

Because when it’s all said and done, the greatest wealth you’ll ever build isn’t measured in dollars.

It’s measured in time spent, memories made, and family protected.

And that’s a return worth planning for. 🎄

Don’t leave your financial future up to chance. Let’s build a plan that gives you confidence today and peace of mind for tomorrow. Click here to schedule a meeting — I’m here to help you take the next step toward financial freedom.

Colin Symons, CIO Lloyd Financial Group

The Chicago Fed’s National Financial Conditions Index hit the loosest conditions since Jan. ‘22, while the unadjusted number edged up a bit.

Japan’s unemployment was unchanged at 2.6%, while Retail Sales were 1% Y/Y vs. exp. 0.9%. Industrial Production was -2.1% Y/Y vs. prev. 1.6%.

Precious metals took flight last night but are coming back to earth, with gold up 0.74% to $4,514.

NVDA paid $20B for AI chip startup Groq. No, that’s not the Elon Musk Grok...

What does it all mean? Should be a very slow day but I would note that liquidity continues to improve.

Don’t leave your financial future up to chance. Let’s build a plan that gives you confidence today and peace of mind for tomorrow. Click here to schedule a meeting — I’m here to help you take the next step toward financial freedom.

Disclosures/Regulation:

This content is intended to provide general information about Lloyd Financial. It is not intended to offer or deliver investment advice in any way. Information regarding investment services are provided solely to gain an understanding of our investment philosophy, our strategies and to be able to contact us for further information.

All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information and it should not be relied on as such.

The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward‐looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur.

Past performance is no guarantee of future returns.

Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy will be profitable