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Majestic Financial employees – especially the advisors – have unusual job complications. While we are all tasked with helping clients achieve their financial goals, we are often at the mercy of the chaos of our clients’ lives. We spend every day investing money for clients, freeing up invested money for clients, and sending the money back to the clients to spend. Sometimes we even get to do the job that we really want to do – creating, adjusting, and achieving financial security for clients.
New employees often wonder why it is so hard to get hold of clients or get them to commit to doing what they claim to want to do. After all, it’s the client’s money and their goals, right? I try not to get frustrated with this incongruence. I view it through the lens of a car owner. Let me explain. Back in my day (Max thinks I’m 110 years old), I couldn’t wait to get my license and start driving. I didn’t care that the car I had available was a manual transmission VW Rabbit with over 100,000 miles on it before my parents bought it for me and my siblings. It was freedom. That feeling of freedom would continue my entire life, to this day and I expect it to play a major role when I retire in 20 years. While the car was freedom to a 16-year-old, it was also a means to work a job without needing family/friends to provide a ride. It created the ability for me to earn money, which enabled me to help pay for school and leisure activities. The car was left behind when I went to college 2 ½ hours away, so I bought a used vehicle from a fraternity brother in my sophomore year. A little newer (still 10 years old), a little nicer car. But that Chevy gave me the freedom to take Laurie and I to dinner, drive to concerts, and go home for weekends. Fast forward to 5 years after marriage. I was driving a company car that would change every other year for the next 20 years. Laurie had driven sporty cars like a Mitsubishi Eclipse and practical cars like a Toyota Camry. But now we had Josh. Three years later, Jessica came along and I had forgotten what it was like to not be driving either a minivan or a sedan packed for work. The vehicles were not really freedom anymore, they were a way to keep my family moving to doctor appointments, grocery stores, school activities and sporting events. Passing a car down to Josh and Jess was its own form of stress. The freedom it gave me from not having to drive them around was offset by the worry of the freedom it gave them to get lost or injured in an accident. As they became better drivers, I was able to choose my vehicles based on personal preference (my company cars were long in the past). Laurie and I became a Jeep couple. Now both kids live out of state. Jessica needs a smaller car that she can park in Boston but still be able to transport a doodle (which is really just a furry human). Josh needs a car that can handle both the Denver traffic and the mountain climbs and weather. Me? I enjoy a Dodge Durango Hemi. I don’t need the space (except for bringing 5 other people to Lions’ games) but I love the power and comfort. Why am I going through all of this? Anyone who knows me understands that I can’t even change the oil in a single one of these vehicles. I am not a car guy – I don’t know anything about engines and couldn’t tell you the specifications of a single vehicle I’ve ever owned. The point is that 43 years ago, a car was freedom. Over the last 43 years, the make, model and style of cars have changed because my life has changed. Sometimes the car didn’t feel like freedom to me…but it was – it allowed me to live life with my family. Heading into my future, I can see me driving a (luxury) pick up, a Porche, or a Jeep. It all depends on my needs and mentality at the time. Because as long as I’m driving, I’m enjoying life. I’m sure everyone reading this has made the connection to Majestic Financial, but just in case, let me spell it out. The reason that clients can be difficult to get hold of, or don’t seem to follow our advice is that life gets in the way. They want to save more money, but they have 3 kids under the age of 10 or 2 in college. They want to retire early, but they have changed jobs at age 50 and they aren’t sure if they will have the money. They read a blog or watched a Tik Tok video where some idiot told everyone that you can’t retire until you have $2,000,000 and please pay to subscribe, but they don’t have $2,000,000 and don’t think they ever will. Rest assured that our job at Majestic Financial is to keep our eyes on your financial goals even when you lose sight of them. We look past the chaos and focus on your goals and the pathway to achieving them. And when life changes, we will help you change the strategies so that you don’t fail. In other words, the cars (investments) change, but the freedom (retirement) is always there. *Disclosures: Any opinions are those of Sean Budlong and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Every investor's situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Most of us have heard the familiar story about a frog sitting in water that gradually becomes warmer until the frog boils in the pot. Whether or not the story is scientifically accurate, its message is useful: Slow changes can be easy to overlook.
That lesson applies to personal finance as well. Warm-blooded investors don’t let the environment dictate their outcomes; they create their outcomes. Financial conditions rarely change all at once. Interest rates shift. Tax laws are updated. Markets rise and fall. Housing costs change. Retirement strategies evolve. Family needs and personal priorities also change over time. If we are not paying attention, yesterday’s financial assumptions may quietly become outdated. Financial Rules Are Starting Points Personal finance is filled with familiar rules:
These ideas may provide a helpful starting point, but few financial decisions are that simple. A strategy that works well for one person may not fit another person’s goals, income needs, tax situation, family responsibilities, or comfort with investment risk. Even a strategy that was appropriate several years ago may need to be reviewed as circumstances change. The cold-blooded investor simply stays in the same strategy; the warm-blooded investor adjusts to the changes. Adaptation Does Not Mean Constant Activity Being adaptable does not mean reacting to every headline or making frequent investment changes. In many cases, the best decision may be to remain patient and allow a long-term plan to work. The important difference is that patience should be intentional, not the result of inattention. A thoughtful financial strategy should be built around questions such as:
Regularly reviewing these areas can help distinguish between normal short-term market movement and a meaningful change that deserves attention. Stay Focused in Strong and Weak Markets Strong markets can create a sense that everything is working and nothing needs attention. Weak markets can create the opposite reaction, causing investors to question long-term decisions. Neither confidence nor concern should be driven by a few weeks or months of market activity. A better approach is to return to the fundamentals:
These factors provide a more reliable foundation for decisions than short-term market performance. Unlike the frog, we may jump out of the pot even when it feels like a comfortable bath. Keep Checking the Temperature At Majestic Financial, our role is not to react to every market movement. It is to remain attentive. We monitor changing conditions, review the potential effect on your financial strategy, and help determine whether an adjustment may be appropriate. Sometimes that means making a change. Other times, it means confirming that the existing plan remains aligned with your goals. The objective is not constant activity. It is informed, deliberate action. Financial rules can be useful, but your financial life is personal. Your strategy should reflect where you are today, where you want to go, and how conditions may be changing along the way. The most important lesson is simple: Stay aware, remain adaptable, and do not allow gradual changes to go unnoticed. We don’t want any of our clients to be stuck in boiling water simply because they didn’t take the time to jump out or turn off the heat. *Disclosures: Any opinions are those of Sean Budlong and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Every investor's situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. It is June 11, 2026, and investors have no shortage of headlines competing for their attention. Geopolitical tension in the Middle East, Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, volatile oil prices, renewed inflation concerns, the start of the World Cup in North America, and the conclusion of primary elections are all part of the current backdrop.
With so much happening at once, it is fair to ask: what is really driving the major market indexes right now? One of the clearest answers is artificial intelligence. AI is no longer just a futuristic concept or a technology headline. It is influencing how companies invest, how consumers interact with services, how businesses manage costs, and how investors think about future growth. Clients often ask, “Can you find me the next Amazon?” My answer is usually only partially tongue in cheek: finding a company that will not make investors much money for a long stretch is not the hard part. The harder question is identifying when a company has the right combination of innovation, market demand, execution, and patience from investors to begin a sustained growth cycle. Amazon is a useful example. The company went public in 1997 as an online bookseller, and for many years investors had to tolerate volatility, skepticism, and long periods when the stock did not feel rewarding to own. Today, after years of reinvention, Amazon is not only a dominant e-commerce company but also a major cloud-computing provider through Amazon Web Services. The long-term result looks obvious in hindsight, but it was anything but obvious along the way. We may be seeing a similar lesson unfold in parts of the artificial intelligence market. NVIDIA went public in 1999 as a company best known for graphics processors used in personal computers and video games. For years, its stock required patience. The company’s role has since expanded dramatically, and its technology now supports data centers, advanced computing, autonomous systems, and AI infrastructure. The common thread between Amazon and NVIDIA is not that every innovative company becomes a great investment. Most do not. The lesson is that truly meaningful business changes often take longer than expected, and the market rarely rewards them in a straight line. Companies evolve, industries change, and investor expectations move faster than business fundamentals. Prior to 2022, NVIDIA was a relatively unknown stock, and most people probably couldn’t have pronounced the name if you asked them. During parts of 2022, the position was uncomfortable to hold as the stock declined sharply. By mid-2024, some of those same investors were considering buying more. That is the nature of long-term investing: confidence is often tested before results are recognized. None of this is a recommendation to buy or sell Amazon, NVIDIA, or any other individual stock. Every investment decision should be based on each client’s goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and overall allocation. The broader point is that short-term noise does not always reflect long-term opportunity. Amazon changed how people shop. AI is changing how people search, work, communicate, and solve problems. Those changes may create opportunities, but they will also bring disruption and volatility. I do not know exactly what the future holds for NVIDIA, AI companies, or the broader technology sector. I do know that there is a reasonable case for owning carefully selected companies that are helping shape the future, provided those investments fit within a disciplined portfolio strategy. When volatility appears in technology stocks, it is worth remembering that time can be an investor’s friend when paired with patience, diversification, and a clear plan. As always, we are available to discuss your portfolio, your allocation, and how current market themes may or may not fit your long-term financial plan. In the meantime, enjoy a little soccer, baseball, or—much better—the NHL playoffs. Thank you for being our client. *Disclosures: Any opinions are those of Sean Budlong and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Every investor's situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. As Christians, we often strive to honor God in every area of our lives—our families, our work, our time, and our finances. Yet when it comes to investing, many believers unknowingly separate their faith from their financial decisions. Over the years, we have had many conversations with clients about this very topic, and it has become clear that people want their investments to reflect the same values that guide the rest of their lives.
Faith-based investing—often referred to as Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI)—is an approach that seeks to align investment decisions with Christian principles. Rather than focusing solely on financial returns, this approach also considers how companies operate, what they promote, and how they impact society. For many believers, investing this way simply means asking an important question: Does my money support the same values I believe in? Scripture reminds us that everything ultimately belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 tells us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” And in Luke 16:10 we are reminded that “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” These verses speak to the idea of stewardship. As Christians, we are not the owners of what we have—we are stewards entrusted with managing God’s resources wisely. One reason faith-based investing matters is because traditional investment portfolios often include companies involved in activities that may conflict with Christian convictions. Many broad market funds include businesses connected to areas such as abortion services, pornography, exploitative labor practices, or other industries that many believers would prefer not to support. For some investors, simply becoming aware of this reality is what first prompts them to explore a faith-based investment approach. However, faith-based investing is not only about avoiding certain industries. It can also involve intentionally supporting companies that demonstrate ethical leadership, treat employees fairly, encourage strong communities, and operate with integrity. In that sense, investing becomes about more than financial return—it also becomes a way to promote positive values in the marketplace. There are several ways investors can approach faith-based investing. One common method is called negative screening, which removes companies involved in activities that conflict with biblical principles. Many Christian mutual funds and ETFs apply filters designed to exclude industries such as abortion, pornography, gambling, or other areas considered inconsistent with Christian values. Another approach is positive screening, which looks for companies that actively demonstrate strong ethical practices. These companies may prioritize responsible corporate governance, fair treatment of employees, transparency with shareholders, and respect for human dignity. Rather than simply avoiding certain businesses, this strategy seeks out organizations that are making a constructive impact. Some investors also participate in shareholder engagement. Through proxy voting and shareholder advocacy, investors can encourage companies to adopt policies that support ethical practices, religious liberty protections, and responsible governance. While individual investors may not always see this process directly, many faith-based investment firms participate in these conversations on behalf of their clients. A growing area within this space is what is often called impact or Kingdom investing. This type of investing focuses on opportunities that aim to produce measurable social or community benefits alongside financial returns. Examples might include investments in affordable housing projects, faith-based educational initiatives, or funds designed to support community development. For those interested in exploring this type of strategy, the first step is simply identifying the convictions that matter most to you. For some believers, the sanctity of life is the primary concern. Others may prioritize religious freedom, ethical business conduct, or responsible stewardship of the environment. Clarifying these priorities helps guide how a portfolio may be structured. The next step is often reviewing an existing portfolio. Many investors are surprised to learn what companies they already own through mutual funds or index funds. A values-based portfolio review can help determine whether current investments align with personal convictions or whether adjustments might be appropriate. Working with a financial advisor who understands both portfolio construction and faith-based investing can also be helpful. Aligning investments with values does not mean abandoning sound financial principles. Diversification, risk management, tax efficiency, and long-term discipline still play a critical role in building and maintaining a strong portfolio. A common question people ask is whether faith-based investing sacrifices returns. While results can vary depending on market conditions and the strategies used, many faith-based portfolios have demonstrated competitive long-term performance. Like any investment approach, success depends on thoughtful portfolio construction and disciplined management. Ultimately, Christian financial stewardship extends beyond investing alone. It includes generosity, responsible spending, avoiding unnecessary debt, and thoughtful planning for the future. When our financial strategy reflects our faith, money becomes a tool rather than a master. Faith-based investing allows believers to bring their convictions into an area of life that often feels disconnected from personal values. When guided by Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel, investing can become more than a financial strategy—it can become another way to practice stewardship and live out one’s faith. Written by Brandon Wilkins, CKA®, Chief Operating Officer, Majestic Financial, Financial Consultant, RJFS *Disclosures: Any opinions are those of Brandon Wilkins and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Every investor's situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein Gracias. Merci. Arigatou. Preesh (ask Max). Thank you.
On April 12, 2021, Majestic Financial became a legal business, with five employees (Sean, Brandon, Laurie, Josh and Kendra) with another (Alyx) starting shortly after. We all worked 12 hour days, 7 days a week – all out of our homes. Within 10 days, we had over 50 clients and within a month we had close to 100 clients. Within 60 days, we had added Becky, Isiah, Leon and Jaime. By the end of 2021, Majestic Financial had over 300 clients and two physical offices – Plainwell and Hastings. Today there are six financial advisors at Majestic Financial – Sean, Brandon, Leon, Kendra, Mark and Max – and eight other staff members all supporting almost 700 client households. Leon added an office in downtown Kalamazoo. It’s been a wild ride for both the Majestic staff and clients. We were not entirely out of the pandemic when we opened our doors, and over the first 36 months in business the S&P 500 was negative for 25 months. In 2026 the major indices broke new records. Sean and Kendra worked hard to gain experience and expertise in various investment strategies while Brandon developed his skills as a discretionary portfolio manager. Today, every Monday there are four of us evaluating client positions and Brandon is rebalancing accounts every month. The staff went from working out of Sean and Laurie’s dining room opening accounts every minute of the day to…opening accounts every minute of the day in Plainwell and Hastings. In 2021, we had our first two golf outings and two open houses – one in each office. Since that time, we have held an annual golf outing for charity, a pickleball outing, cooking classes for Valentine’s, Growlers’ baseball games, a movie event for the kids (Zootopia 2), a wine and canvas evening, an aromatherapy class, and even an afternoon on a tiki boat in South Haven to celebrate women’s month. What a whirlwind over the past 5 years! A lot has changed, but there are a few things that have stayed the same. First, when Brandon, Sean, Kendra, Laurie and Josh discussed what we wanted our new firm to look like, we knew we wanted it to be client centered, using all the technology and financial products available to help achieve goals. We wanted to make sure both staff and clients wanted to be a part of what we are building. Today, Mark and Max are constantly pushing the office to adopt new technology that helps both the staff and clients. Most of the financial products we use daily are still not even available at our old firm. And we are thankful that our wonderful staff helps us add clients from referrals every week of the year. Even the way we communicate with our clients has changed over the past five years. In 2021, I was on the phone with a client almost every minute I was awake. Now, we still are on the phone quite a bit, but when we are not physically meeting with clients, we are writing blogs, newsletters, recording podcasts and hosting zoom calls. All of this is with the intention of making sure clients know what we are doing and why – without having to wait for a phone call at an inconvenient time. So, I will end this where it started. Thank you to all the clients who trusted us in 2021 and all of those who have joined us since then. We know that Majestic Financial will look even more different in 5 and 10 years. We are looking forward to working with you today and in the future. Written by Sean Budlong, CFP®, AAMS, Chief Executive Officer, Majestic Financial, Financial Consultant, RJFS *Disclosures: Any opinions are those of Sean Budlong and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Every investor's situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein |
This blog is a collective effort from the Majestic consultant trio, Sean Budlong, Brandon Wilkins, and Leon Bennett.
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