Well it seems as though Summer is wrapping up in record speed and the calmness (or chaos, for some) is settling in nicely.  The smells of freshly sharpened pencils and new shoes is floating through the air if you have littles in your circle.  Or maybe you're looking forward to our local traffic mellowing out as we approach the last hoorah that Labor day brings.  Regardless, you have an expectation of what your final days of Summer look like and we are making sense of the unexpectedness of the markets while preparing for our end of year planning duties as your personal financial experts.   Our very own Mark Nehra shares his thoughts on the unexpected below.

Our growing group posed for a new photo and enjoyed lunch at Mariachi's a few weeks ago!

Every month, we host live, in-person or virtual educational workshops throughout the local community. We welcome you to attend these events and share them with those in your circle who may benefit from these no-cost seminars and workshops! Click the registration link for more details.  Feel free to send us any topics of interest at communications@bdfsmail.com.

September 24, 2025 at 1:00pm

at Lewes Public Library & via Zoom | No Cost

Navigating Medicare and managing health care expenses in retirement can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Join us for “Navigating Medicare and Health Care Expenses in Retirement,” a practical workshop designed to empower you with the tools and strategies to confidently manage your health care costs in retirement.

In-Person Registration | Zoom Webinar Registration 

October 22, 2025 at 10:00am

at Lewes Public Library & via Zoom | No Cost

Every two seconds, someone becomes a victim of identity theft. Don’t let it be you! Join us for “Stay Safe Online: Avoiding Identity Theft and Online Fraud,” a practical workshop designed to empower you with the tools and knowledge to protect yourself and your family from the growing threat of cybercrime.

In-Person Registration | Zoom Webinar Registration 

About the Presenters:

Join Kenneth Reese, MSFS, CPWA®, CFP®, CIMA®, CLU®, ChFC®, EA, Partner and Financial Advisor at Black Diamond Financial Solutions, for a valuable educational experience.

Instructor with Delaware's The Money School, Kenneth  brings a wealth of expertise to his presentations.

Kenneth, a Penn State graduate with over a decade in wealth management, specializes in tax-centered financial strategies that empower clients.

Ken offers practical insights to help you navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence.

We have made it through the first half of 2025. What a roller coaster ride that was. From a strong market start through February, followed by an almost 19% drop in the S&P through mid-April, to the market's rally since then. But what has prompted all of these events can be summed up in one word – Uncertainty.

Uncertainty about the full impact of tariffs as they are slated to take hold in August. Rising prices resulting from the tariffs may continue to stoke inflation. Exports from the United States may very well be impacted by retaliatory tariffs from those countries with whom we do not have agreements in place. Uncertainty leads to caution by individuals and businesses that may derail the economy’s performance.

Uncertainty regarding the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The resources and attention being devoted to these conflicts can slow growth, boost inflation, and raise the risk of a recession.

The most obvious sign of uncertainty is the Federal Reserve's policy on interest rates. The Federal Reserve is walking the fine line between taming inflation while not stunting growth. The result has been many months of the Federal Reserve holding interest rates steady.

None of us knows for sure what the impact of all this uncertainty will be. But we are ready to help you develop a portfolio to meet these challenges.

Mark A. Nehra, CFP®

Chief Compliance Officer

Financial Advisor

Black Diamond is sponsoring the 14th Annual Dewey Goes Pink run on October 4th, 2025.  Help us reach our goal of donating $2,500 to the  Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Donate or join our team here 

Joe, Wes, Cam and Derrick met up at the BMW Golf Championship and had a ball of a time. 

Meet two of our newest advisors in training...well they still have a few years until they graduate from the program.  These two calculator cuties are Ken's daughters and we love their Friday visits!

Derrick, Joe, and Jeff contributed to the success of Delmarva Christian's Golf Classic at Heritage Shores Golf Club.

Joe and Wes's Podcast is gaining tremendous traction in the community - subscribe so you don't miss an episode! 

Want to hear a specific topic?  Send an email to Joe@bdfsmail.com.

Rose snapped this photo of a Pelican searching for dinner near Port Mahon.

Chances are, you've met Rosalie "Rose" Whitehouse if you've visited Black Diamond Financial Solutions before.  In addition to excelling as our Senior Account Representative and Office Manager, she is an excellent photographer.  While some of our clients are her biggest fans, we love supporting her hobby by sharing some of her photos from time to time.  Enjoy!

Rosalie M. Whitehouse

Office Manager & Senior Account Representative