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Hello,  

Everything seems accessible these days with the touch of a button.

Or you hear the phrase, “There’s an app for that!”

And are prompted to “Scan the QR code” for more information.

Sound familiar?

You may have even noticed a new helper in your meetings with Chad, Suzanne, Matt, or Hans. We’ve been using an AI-based program that takes notes, promoting efficiency in our meetings and follow-up procedures.

For any generation, staying connected and embracing digital tools can enhance daily life—from keeping in touch with friends or loved ones to simplifying everyday tasks. Digital tools have become an integral part of modern living.

But living in a world that’s constantly evolving can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially as we get older. And with how quickly technology changes, it can be hard to keep up! New devices, unfamiliar terminology, and ever-updating apps can feel more confusing than helpful. It’s completely normal to feel hesitant or even frustrated when trying to adapt.

If you’re someone who struggles with learning how to use the newest tech or are looking to support an aging parent, grandparent, or relative, you’re not alone. Many families are navigating the same challenges, trying to bridge the gap between generations and help their loved ones feel more confident and empowered digitally. Fortunately, there are countless resources—user-friendly apps and easy-to-follow tutorials—that make learning and using technology more accessible than ever.

Here are five tech tips to help you start navigating our digital world with confidence and ease:

1. Protect your passwords

How many times have you received a message that your password for an account has been detected in a data leak and should be changed immediately?

A password manager is a wonderful tool that can create stronger, more secure passwords and help keep track of them for you. Among the top-rated are 1Password and Bitwarden.¹ 1Password has easy-to-use apps that work on Android devices, iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Windows PCs, as well as the major web browsers. Bitwarden has a free version available, which includes the ability to sync as many passwords as you want on all your devices, and works on any brand of phone, tablet, computer, or browser.

2. Simplify online shopping

We all have our favorite places to shop—whether it’s for necessities or for fun. Shopping is even easier now that we can do it online. Simply create an account for each of your frequently visited websites (and remember to use a password manager to help with the login information). Many of these sites also have an app for easier access. They often allow you to save your favorite products for a quick re-order or set up automatic ordering for essentials like groceries or medications. Doing this can save you a ton of time.

3. Utilize digital assistants

Voice-activated devices like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant or Gemini, and Siri can help you manage tasks hands-free, such as setting reminders, getting quick answers to your questions, or even controlling home devices.

Health/fitness trackers are wearable devices that can remind you to stay active. Among those devices tested by Wirecutter’s fitness guru, the Fitbit Inspire 3, Fitbit Charge 6, and Apple Watch SE (2^nd generation) are the top three picks for tracking your fitness activities and heart rate. ² Please note these devices don’t replace the recommended visits with your doctor.

There are also many apps available that are helpful for health/safety management. Here are just a few: 

• Medisafe is a top-ranked app that assists with monitoring medication doses and has the ability to set reminders for refills and appointments as well as tracking health measurements.³ It can also warn you of potentially harmful interactions between medications. If you need a simple, visual medication reminder, try the Pillboxie app.
• Zocdoc has an app that helps you book and keep track of all different types of medical appointments.⁴ Think of it as a giant medical search engine that helps you find providers in your local area that’s covered by your insurance.
• The Senior Safety App can be configured in seconds and enables caregivers the ability to monitor alerts (such as emergency help requests, falls, low battery, phone inactivity), reports, and location.⁵Life360 is another great option for monitoring location and driving reports.

4. Learn basics of video chats

There are so many video chat options out there today that allow you to stay connected with those you don’t get to visit in person. Here are some quick links to familiarize yourself with a handful of the more popular video chat apps: 

• Facebook Messenger
• FaceTime
• Google Meet
• WhatsApp
• Zoom

5. Embrace user-friendly devices

For older generations, choosing smartphones and tablets that offer formatting in larger text, simplified interfaces, and louder speakers can make their technology experience much more enjoyable. The Lively Jitterbug Smart4 phone is specifically geared toward older adults who want a more simplified smartphone.⁶ Its large size is comparable to the iPhone 16 Plus and offers easier-to-use features and navigation.

The idea that smaller mobile phones are better is a thing of the past. Luckily, you have plenty of options to find the best mobile device that suits you and your needs.

“The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don't really even notice it, so it's part of everyday life.” ~ Bill Gates

In the end, technology should serve people—not the other way around. And with the right approach, it can truly enhance quality of life, no matter your age.

Sincerely,

Your Eagle Wealth Team

Stay Safe This Summer With These Open Water Safety Tips

Summer is the perfect time to spend at the beach, lake, or river. But unfortunately, these natural bodies of water can also be hazardous if you don’t know how to stay safe.

Here are some tips to help you and your family stay safe in the water this summer:

• Only swim in the designated swimming area. Take note of flags and buoys that mark where you can and can’t swim.

⁷

• When in doubt, get out! If something doesn’t feel suitable, such as a current picking up, it’s better to use caution and get out.

• Know the conditions before you swim. The more you know about water levels, temperature, and current, the better.

• Never swim alone when in open water. Always swim with a buddy who can look out for you, and you can look out for them.

Tip adapted from National Drowning Prevention Alliance⁸

The Week on Wall Street

Stocks were mixed last week, battling through tariff talk while responding to upbeat quarterly corporate reports and a trove of updates on the economy.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased 0.07 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, skidded 0.46 percent.^{9, 10}

Economic News

All three major market averages posted modest gains to start the week as investors appeared to shrug off tough talk on trade from the White House over the weekend.¹¹

Stocks mostly fell after news that inflation warmed up a bit last month, albeit in line with economists’ expectations. A narrow, chip-led rally developed after a megacap chipmaker said it received assurances from the White House of its ability to sell products in China, pushing the Nasdaq modestly higher.¹²

Stocks continued their climb over the next session following news that consumer spending rebounded last month as trade talk slowed. The S&P 500 posted another record close amid several companies beating expectations as they reported quarterly financials.^{13, 14}

Markets went slightly lower on Friday despite news that consumer sentiment rose last month. The consumer sentiment report also showed a drop in concerns about tariff-induced inflation.¹⁵

Splitting the Difference

Two themes developed with fresh economic data released last week: inflation and consumers.

First, June inflation data painted a mixed picture. While consumer prices rose at a 2.7 percent annual clip last month (faster than May’s 2.4 percent rate), wholesale inflation was flat. So while retail prices were a concern, wholesale prices currently suggest a muted effect from tariffs.^{16, 17}

The second theme revolved around consumers, who continued to be a source of strength for the economy. Retail sales recovered in June, and while they were still lower than at year-end, consumer sentiment rose to its highest level since February.¹⁸

<sup>1. The New York Times, February 28, 2025 [https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-password-managers/]
2. The New York Times, April 4, 2025 [https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-fitness-trackers/]
3. Medisafe [https://medisafeapp.com/features/]
4. Zocdoc [https://www.zocdoc.com/]
5. Senior Safety App [https://www.seniorsafetyapp.com/]
6. The New York Times, February 10, 2025 [https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cell-phones-for-older-adults/]
7. United States Lifesaving Association [https://www.usla.org/page/beach-warning-flags]
8. NDPA.org, December 12, 2024
9. WSJ.com, July 18, 2025
10. Investing.com, July 18, 2025
11. CNBC.com, July 14, 2025
12. WSJ.com, July 15, 2025
13. CNBC.com, July 16, 2025
14. CNBC.com, July 17, 2025
15. CNBC.com, July 18, 2025
16. WSJ.com, July 15, 2025
17. MarketWatch.com, July 16, 2025
18. MarketWatch.com, July 17, 2025</sup>

^{Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost.}

^{The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice.}

^{The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results.}

^{The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general.}

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^{International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risks unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility.}

^{Please consult your financial professional for additional information.}

^{This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG is not affiliated with the named representative, financial professional, Registered Investment Advisor, Broker-Dealer, nor state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and they should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.  Copyright 2025 FMG Suite.}