In You Can’t Touch This, M.C. Hammer delivers a bold, unmistakable message that something is off-limits and protected. In many ways, that same idea applies to cybersecurity. As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, protecting personal information, accounts, and financial data is more important than ever. Strong cybersecurity practices help create barriers that keep sensitive information safe from unauthorized access.
In a world where emails, texts, and online accounts are part of everyday life, cybersecurity has become an essential part of protecting your financial life. At Prosperity Wealth Planning, we take that responsibility seriously — and we also want to help our clients recognize the warning signs of scams before they become a problem.
The reality is that cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and many scams are designed to look completely ordinary at first glance. Whether it is a fake email, a text message pretending to be from a financial institution, or an urgent request that pressures someone to act quickly, scammers rely on speed and confusion. That is why awareness is one of the most powerful defenses we have.
Carolanne’s Corner
Over the past few months, we have heard from some clients wanting to check in on our protocol for safely securing personal information to confirm we are taking the responsibility seriously. When requested, we’ve provided additional information about our IT security partner and detailed reporting we use for internal checks and balances. As a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), we must adhere to strict regulatory guidelines on cybersecurity, which we do. If you would like to receive this information, just let us know, and we’ll send it to you. Transparency is one of our firm’s values, and we adhere to and believe in what it represents.
Why Cybersecurity Matters
Cybersecurity is no longer just about passwords and firewalls. It's about protecting personal information, financial data, and the systems that keep your accounts secure. A single click on the wrong link or a rushed response to a suspicious message can create serious risks.
For clients, the best protection starts with good digital habits including -
- Using a password manager to create strong, unique passwords
- Turning on multi-factor authentication whenever possible
- Verifying unusual requests through a known and trusted contact method
- Never sharing one-time passcodes, passwords, or verification codes
- Keeping your phone and computer software updated
These simple steps can make a meaningful difference in reducing fraud and identity theft. Common scams often rely on impersonation, urgency, and fear, which is why slowing down may be one of the best cybersecurity tools available.
Scams to Watch For
Some of the most common scams today are also the most effective because they feel familiar. Phishing emails may look like messages from a bank, custodian, delivery service, or even a family member. Smishing — scam text messages — often creates urgency and asks the recipient to click a link, confirm information, or take immediate action.
A few red flags to watch for include -
- A message that creates panic or urgency
- Links or email addresses that look shortened, misspelled, or unfamiliar
- A demand for immediate payment or other immediate action
- Threats to cut off benefits or services
- A request for account credentials, passwords, or one-time codes
- Unusual sender addresses or phone numbers
- Messages that ask you to bypass normal procedures
Regarding phone calls, if you do not know the phone number, don’t pick up. When something feels off, trust your instincts and verify before responding. If the request is legitimate, the sender should not mind a second confirmation through a known phone number or email address.
How to Protect Yourself
A few simple precautions can help reduce your risk of fraud -
- Use a generic voicemail message, since scammers have been known to record voicemails and use voice clips for bank verification
- Never provide access codes, account numbers, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive information to someone who calls you. Legitimate organizations should not request this information to verify your identity
- Always call the number on the back of your credit or debit card before responding to notifications about suspicious activity
- Don’t click links in unexpected emails or texts; go directly to the company’s website or app instead
- Set up account alerts for withdrawals, transfers, logins, and password changes
- Review your accounts regularly for unfamiliar activity
- Freeze your credit if you are not actively applying for new credit
- Be cautious with public Wi-Fi when accessing financial accounts
- Slow down before responding to anything urgent
How We Protect You
Just as we encourage clients to protect themselves, we also maintain safeguards designed to protect your information. Our cybersecurity and privacy practices are built to support confidentiality, integrity, and security across our client relationships.
This includes -
- Access controls and authentication measures
- Secure handling of client documents and communications
- Ongoing monitoring of cybersecurity risks
- Employee training around phishing, scams, and data protection
- Vendor oversight and due diligence for third-party service providers
We also continue to evaluate our policies and procedures considering evolving regulatory expectations. The SEC’s amended Regulation S-P emphasizes incident response, safeguards, and vendor oversight, and firms are expected to maintain documented processes that support client information protection.
Additionally, to ensure the highest level of protection for our clients' data, we partner with InhouseCIO, a dedicated technology support and cybersecurity firm that provides advanced security solutions including multi-factor authentication, threat protection, cloud security, and comprehensive data governance.
Lately, artificial intelligence has created new opportunities, but it is also creating new risks. Fraudsters are using AI to make scams more convincing, and firms are also being asked to think carefully about how AI tools are governed, supervised, and secured. FINRA’s 2026 guidance continues to emphasize AI governance alongside cybersecurity risk management. For our firm, that means using clear protocols in deciding when AI tools may be used, how outputs are reviewed, and how sensitive information is handled. In practice, the goal is simple: use technology responsibly, supervise it carefully, and never let convenience replace judgment.
Cybersecurity does not stop at our own systems. Any third-party vendor we use that stores, processes, or transmits client information must also be evaluated carefully. Strong vendor due diligence helps ensure that security standards remain consistent across the tools and platforms supporting our work. That process can include reviewing a vendor’s security controls, privacy practices, incident response procedures, and contractual obligations. It also means monitoring vendors over time, because security is an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time checklist item.
For additional insight on cybersecurity facts and best practices, we invite you to view a helpful resource from the CFP Board.
Jordan’s Journal
Markets have had a genuinely strong year, even if it hasn't always felt smooth. The S&P 500 is up roughly 11% year-to-date after rallying nearly 19% off its late-March low, but the bigger story is what's underneath the index: U.S. small caps (+23.6%) and value stocks (+19%) have actually outpaced the mega-cap names that usually grab headlines, and emerging markets and international stocks have each added over 8%, helped by AI-driven demand spilling into Asia and a softer dollar. Bonds have been the quiet, steady performer, with high yield and municipal bonds both delivering modest gains. Alternatives told two different stories: liquid alt strategies provided a ballast on down weeks (gaining 8–11%), while bitcoin slid nearly 18%. In short, this has been a year when staying diversified and staying invested both paid off.
Looking ahead, two storylines are worth watching. First, geopolitics and the Fed: the Middle East ceasefire pushed oil prices down 16% in June, which is good news for inflation, but Federal Reserve Chair Warsh struck a notably hawkish tone at the last Fed meeting, and markets are now pricing in the possibility of a rate hike rather than a cut, a real reversal from where expectations sat just a few months ago. That's worth watching, given that core inflation is still running at 3.3%, above the Fed's 2% target. Second, the AI/tech trade: earnings remain genuinely strong (S&P 500 earnings are growing 29% year-over-year, well above the 9.5% historical average), but June brought a bout of volatility as investors took profits in a crowded trade — a reminder that even durable growth periods can see bumpy stretches along the way. The underlying economy still looks resilient (unemployment steady at 4.3%), but with sticky inflation and index performance continually more dependent on a handful of stocks, this is a good moment to make sure portfolios are built for more than one outcome. As always, the best course of action is to stay diligent and diversified, with your eyes focused on long-term goals, while maintaining enough liquidity and low-risk assets for your short-term spending needs.
News & Upcoming Events
Legacy Planning Program 
Prosperity Wealth Planning's Legacy Planning Program is designed to help families communicate their estate plans, wishes, values, and financial legacy across generations. We are excited to announce enhancements to the program that provide even greater value to you and your loved ones -
Family Legacy Planning Sessions
These 90-minute meetings bring together you, your trustees, and your heirs to:
- Foster meaningful family discussions
- Review wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations
- Clarify roles, responsibilities, and asset structures
- Identify potential gaps to discuss with your estate planning attorney or tax professional
We've updated our offering to provide these sessions on a complimentary basis for clients with at least $2 million invested with us. As we will be limiting the number of Family Legacy Planning Sessions offered each year, we encourage you to reach out early to reserve your spot.
Next Generation Preparation Program (Previously Investment Guidance Program)
Designed for the adult children of our clients who have at least $2 million invested with Prosperity Wealth Planning, this program helps your children build a strong financial foundation for the future.
For qualifying adult children, we provide:
- A complimentary 60-minute planning meeting with a CFP® professional
- Annual check-in meetings
- Assistance with investment account opening, portfolio recommendations, and trading
- Access to financial education resources
Contact jenny@prosperitywealthplanning.com to schedule a Family Legacy Planning Session or learn whether your adult children qualify for the Next Generation Preparation Program.
Carolanne’s Care Day
Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of hosting Carolanne’s Care Day, a special spa and wellness event dedicated to relaxation, connection, and self-care. It was a wonderful opportunity to step away from the daily routine, unwind, and spend meaningful time together in a peaceful setting.
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We truly enjoyed sharing this experience with everyone who attended and are grateful for the opportunity to create special memories. Thank you to all who joined and helped make the day a success. We look forward to creating more unique experiences in the future!
Sports Day
This June, clients and guests joined us at Angel Stadium for an evening of baseball, good food and great conversation. It was a nice opportunity to connect outside of our regular meetings while enjoying America's favorite pastime.
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The game did not disappoint, as the Los Angeles Angels came away with a win, adding to an already enjoyable day. We appreciate everyone who attended and helped to make the event such a success, and we look forward to sharing more memorable experiences together in the future.
aMAYZing Kids Golf Tournament
We are pleased to once again support the aMAYZing Kids Golf Tournament on Friday, September 18th and we would love for you to join us! You can register using the link below -
One of the most exciting events during the tournament is the Helicopter Ball Drop. If you’re interested in learning more or would like a chance to win, click here.
Fall Prosperity Planning Session
Fall Prosperity Planning Sessions will be held from September through November, and we look forward to reconnecting with you this fall to review your progress and help you close out the year with confidence.
Official invitations and scheduling links will be sent next week, so keep an eye on your inbox for an opportunity to reserve a time that works best for you.
During your session, we'll cover:
- Your Priorities – Tell us what's top of mind and where we can be most helpful.
- Your Portfolio – Review your investment strategy, portfolio performance, and current allocation.
- Your Tax Plan – Discuss year-end tax planning opportunities and strategies.
- Your Legacy – Review your estate plan, beneficiary designations, and legacy planning considerations.
We look forward to continuing the conversation and helping you finish the year strong.
Coming Soon! Our Annual Client Appreciation Events
Save the dates! We're excited to share that our Client Appreciation Events are returning this fall in both Texas and California.
Join us in Texas on October 7th and in California on November 5th as we come together to connect, celebrate, and express our gratitude for the relationships that make our work so rewarding. These events are always a highlight of our year, and we look forward to spending time with you.
Additional details and invitations will be coming soon. We hope you'll join us!
Sincerely,
The Prosperity Wealth Planning Team