Frank Talk 1st Quarter Newsletter 2026
Greetings, Clients and Friends!
I hope you and your family are well and enjoying life as we begin the annual transition from winter to spring. Like many of life’s transitions, this one can be messy and chaotic, with snow still clinging to the ground even as emerging buds begin to flower, while competing fronts bring instability and dramatic temperature shifts. It’s been my experience that weathering any transition, whether it’s a seasonal event or one of life’s milestones, such as a career change, retirement, or the sale of a business, requires forethought, preparation, and planning.
Finding ways to help clients replace chaos and complexity with greater clarity and confidence, especially during periods of transition, is an ongoing focus for each of your experienced team members at Return on Life Wealth Partners. It’s among the many reasons I’m proud of the team we have built and the recognition we continue to receive for our efforts to help families implement strategies that support what brings meaning and purpose to their lives.
I’m also pleased to share that in the first quarter of 2026, your team was named a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team for the third consecutive year, and Wealth Advisor Cynthia Yang, CFA®, CAIA®, CIPM , was named to the Forbes Best-In-State Top Women Wealth Advisors list for the fifth consecutive year. I invite you to read more about these prestigious awards in this issue of Frank Talk.
We’ve also added a new section to Frank Talk: Get to Know Your Team. Each quarter we will feature a different member of our team who works collaboratively to help our clients pursue the wealth planning goals that are important to their families.
This quarter, in recognition of tax season, we’re putting the spotlight on Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) Tom Reynolds, CPA, EA, MBA. As Tax Services Manager, Tom brings a wealth of experience to individuals and business owners seeking tax-smart strategies aligned with their life goals.
You can learn more about working with Tom below, or by reaching out to him at Tom@ReturnOnLifeWealth.com.
This issue of Frank Talk also includes access to some of our latest planning tools, including our new Legacy Planning Checklist, Plan of Care Guide, 2026 Federal Tax Rates At-a-Glance, and 2025-2026 Tax Planning Guide. You can access links to download these planning tools and more below.
Finally, don’t miss our Market Commentary where we share our thoughts on how developments in Iran may impact energy markets. I also invite you to register to join us for our upcoming webinar Market Noise Live: Market Update & Portfolio Positioning, which will take place via Zoom on .
As you and your family continue to pursue your Return on Life®, we encourage you to reach out to your dedicated team whenever questions arise or when circumstances in your life change.
If you need additional support—or if someone you know could benefit from our guidance—remember, we’re only a phone call away at 440.740.0130.
What’s In It for You?
At-a-glance guide to your 1st Quarter 2026 Frank Talk newsletter:
- News & Events
- Awards & Recognition
- Return on Life Wealth Partners Named a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team
- Cynthia Yang Recognized Among Forbes’ Top Women Wealth Advisors
- Get to Know Your Team – Featuring Tom Reynolds
- Upcoming Events
- Market Noise Live – April 23
- Smart Business Dealmakers Conference – May 13
- 18th Annual Cleveland Economic Summit – September 30
- Recent Events
- – Cybersecurity Webinar (Nov 6, 2025)
- Awards & Recognition
- Resources
- Legacy Planning Checklist
- Plan of Care Guide
- 2026 Federal Tax Rates At-a-Glance
- 2025–2026 Tax Planning Guide
- Complimentary, No-Obligation Second Opinion Service
- Blog & Podcast
- Market & Economic Update
News & Events
Awards & Recognition
Return On Life® Wealth Partners Named a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team for 3rd Consecutive Year
Return on Life® Wealth Partners is pleased to announce that it has been named to the annual Forbes list of Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams for 2026*, marking the third consecutive year the firm has received this prestigious recognition. The team was ranked 114 out of 148 for the state of Ohio.
President and Founder Frank Fantozzi, CPA, MST, PFS, CDFA, AIF®, CEPA and Wealth Advisor Cynthia Yang, CFA®, CAIA®, CIPM attended the 2026 Forbes/ SHOOK Top Teams Summit in Miami Beach, Florida in February.
*The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of each team’s best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and team and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Neither Return on Life Wealth Partners nor any of its financial advisors or RIA firm pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. To view the full list, please visit https://www.forbes.com/lists/wealth-management-teams-best-in-state/ . For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
Cynthia Yang Is Recognized Among Forbes’ 2026 Best-In-State Top Women Wealth Advisors for 5th Consecutive Year
Wealth Advisor Cynthia Yang, CFA®, CAIA®, CIPM, has been named to the Forbes | SHOOK Best-in-State Top Women Wealth Advisors list* for 2026. According to Forbes | SHOOK, the annual ranking highlights women advisors with demonstrated experience and commitment to serving clients, representing a select group nationwide. Ranked 69 out of 84 in Ohio, this recognition marks the fifth consecutive year Cynthia has been named to the prestigious list. The annual list is compiled by Forbes with insights from SHOOK Research, and advisors are selected based on both quantitative and qualitative data, including in-person interviews, industry experience, compliance records, and assets under management.
The Forbes Best-In-State Top Women Wealth Advisors ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes client impact, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. All advisors have a minimum of seven years of experience. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee in exchange for rankings. To view the full list, please visit https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-women-advisors/. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. Shook is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
Frank Fantozzi Provides Insights on Long-Term Care Planning in USA Today
Frank shared his thoughts on the importance of planning for long-term healthcare expenses in retirement in a January 5th article by Madeline Mitchell in USA Today. Click on this link to read the full article: “A new AI tool predicts when you'll be in a nursing home. Here's what it told me.”
Get to Know Your Team
Featuring: Tax Services Manager Tom Reynolds
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) Tom Reynolds, CPA, EA, MBA works closely with our wealth advisors in support of the comprehensive tax planning and analysis we seek to provide to high-net-worth families and business owners. Before joining our team in 2025, Tom owned and operated T. Reynolds Tax & Accounting Services, where he provided tax preparation and consulting services to individuals and businesses and has held numerous leadership positions in higher education and municipal services. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, a Master of Public Administration from The University of Akron, and a Bachelor of Science from The University of Akron.
Upcoming Events
Register Now! Market Noise Live: Market Update & Portfolio Positioning – April 23rd
Plan to join wealth advisors Frank Fantozzi, CPA, MST, PFS, CDFA, AIF®, CEPA , Cynthia Yang, CFA®, CAIA®, CIPM, and Chelsea Hussey, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP® via Zoom for a live webinar discussion examining:
- The current economic and market backdrop, including inflation, labor, interest rates, and policy developments
- Key factors our advisors are monitoring over the next 6–12 months
- Broader market themes and potential opportunities developing beneath the surface
- Practical portfolio considerations for today's environment
You’ll also have an opportunity to learn about our new ROL AI & Technology Thematic Strategy, which focuses on long-term innovation and technology-driven growth trends.
Register now to join us for this exciting live presentation and Q&A session:
Market Noise Live: Market Update & Portfolio PositioningSmart Business Dealmaker’s Conference/Cleveland – May 13th
The Smart Business Dealmaker’s Conference will take place on May 13th at Hotel Cleveland. Return on Life Wealth Partners is an event sponsor, and Frank is a member of the host committee once again for this year’s middle-market dealmakers conference. The conference connects hundreds of Northeast Ohio business leaders — from middle-market CEOs to top investors and lenders to leading M&A advisers — with sessions ranging from raising capital to buying and selling companies and planning for liquidity events.
18th Annual Cleveland Economic Summit – September 30th
We’re pleased to share that our 18th Annual Cleveland Economic Summit will once again take place at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – Stillwater Place on September 30th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This annual event brings together business owners, professionals, and community leaders for thoughtful discussion on the economic landscape shaping our region. Watch for additional details in the coming months, including this year’s speaker lineup and registration information.
Recent Events
Live Webinar - Cybersecurity: A Team Sport
Thank you to all who joined us for our live educational webinar on November 6, 2025, where we explored practical ways individuals and organizations can enhance awareness and reduce cybersecurity risk. Wealth Advisor and host Chelsea Hussey, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP® was joined by Fred Franks, Chief Strategy Officer at FIT Technologies and Jarrod Long, SVP & Director of Treasury Management Services at Westfield Bank, to share insights and practical tips on:
- Emerging cybersecurity threats, including AI-driven phishing, social engineering, and ransomware
- Why human behavior is critical and traditional defenses alone aren’t enough
- Financial impacts of data breaches and practical ways to protect your business
- Five actionable steps to strengthen security protocols and secure your devices
Click here to access the recording - Cybersecurity: A Team Sport
To learn more about protecting your digital footprint, download:
Best Practices for Safeguarding Your Online Presence and Digital FootprintResources
NEW! Legacy Planning Checklist
An enduring legacy is much more than an estate plan — it’s the story your wealth tells about your life, its impact on other people, and the values you would like to see carried forward. How will your values, decisions, and priorities shape your story? Our new Legacy Planning Checklist may help you clarify what you want to be remembered for by the people who matter most to you.
Access your checklist now!
Download: Legacy Planning ChecklistHave You Completed Your Plan of Care Guide Yet?
We recently introduced our new Plan of Care Guide to assist families in navigating the complexities of aging. The interactive guide encourages proactive discussions and planning around four key areas:
- Living Arrangements – Explore options such as aging in place, assisted living, or skilled care facilities.
- Care Providers – Identify potential support from family members, in-home aides, or medical professionals.
- Funding Care – Review possible payment sources, including insurance, personal savings, or family contributions.
- Quality of Life – Address preferences related to independence, dignity, and social engagement.
Access your guide now!
Download: Plan of Care GuideAccess Your Complimentary 2026 Tax Planning Guides
As you plan for the year ahead, take advantage of our complimentary tax guides. These valuable tools make it easy to find information about year-end deadlines for tax-loss harvesting, retirement plan contributions, RMDs, gifting, charitable giving strategies, and more.
These materials, which are available to view or download now, are provided for general informational purposes and do not constitute individualized investment or tax advice.
- NEW! 2026 Federal Tax Rates At-a-Glance Guide – Quickly find the information you need from federal income tax brackets and rates to capital gains and qualified dividend rates, contribution limits for retirement plans, annual gift and estate tax exclusion amounts, and more. View or download your complimentary 2026 Federal Tax Rates Guide now!
- The Return on Life® Wealth Partners 2025-2026 Tax Planning Guide is a more comprehensive guide to key tax provisions and deadlines that can help you reap the full benefits of collaboration with your qualified tax advisor throughout the year. The guide also includes helpful information on key changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that may be helpful for your ongoing tax planning. View or download your 2025-2026 Tax Planning Guide.
Could Someone You Know Benefit from a No-Obligation Second Opinion?
As year-end planning quickly approaches, consider providing the people you care about the opportunity to benefit from the same level of service and attention you have come to expect as a valued client. Our no-obligation Second Opinion Service makes it easy to refer friends, family members, colleagues, or business associates for a complimentary second opinion.
In many cases, a second opinion will simply provide confirmation, and the confidence that those you care about are on track to fulfill their values and achieve their goals with their current financial provider or strategy. However, if needed, we are happy to suggest ways in which we can help, including recommending another provider if we are not a good fit for their needs. Visit us online to learn more, including what to expect from our Second Opinion Service , or contact us to schedule a consultation.
Don’t Miss Out on the Topics that Are Important to You: Visit Our Getting Frank Blog and Frank Wealth Insights Podcast
Be sure to check out our latest Getting Frank Blog and Frank Wealth Insights podcast for information on timely topics impacting your finances and investments. You can now access our podcasts via video as well as audio. Listen where you get your podcasts or watch us on YouTube, and be sure to connect with us via social media on these sites as well: LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. If there’s a topic you would like us to address in an upcoming podcast, please email your request to ROL@ReturnOnLifeWealth.com.
Did you miss a recent podcast episode or blog post? Use the links below to catch up on information and insights on these and other topics you may have missed:
Recent podcasts:
- Wealth Legacy: Building a Meaningful Financial Story
- Health and Wealth: Building Balance in an Unbalanced World
Recent blog posts:
Market & Economic Update*
Assessing the Impact of Developments in Iran: Watch Energy*
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel initiated a coordinated series of missile and drone strikes against Iran, targeting several high-value military installations in an effort to hinder Iran’s nuclear development efforts. These operations resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking a significant escalation and immediately heightening regional tensions. Iran quickly retaliated by launching a broad series of missile attacks directed not only at Israel but also at multiple Gulf states, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. The repercussions were felt across the region.
Several Gulf countries responded by shutting down their airspace and closing their equity markets. The conflict also affected global energy flows. Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply, came to a near standstill as shipping companies diverted vessels away from the area for safety reasons. Plus, Qatar shuttered liquefied natural gas production at the world’s largest export facility after being targeted by an Iranian drone strike. President Donald Trump stated that U.S. strikes on Iran would continue, signaling that tensions are likely to remain elevated for the next few weeks.
From a market perspective, the energy market is the primary way through which this crisis is likely to impact global markets. Any sustained disruption to oil or natural gas flows, especially if both severe and long lasting, have the potential to influence inflation expectations, weigh on business confidence, and elevate volatility across asset classes. In simple terms, the more intense and prolonged the geopolitical shock, the larger the likely market impact.
This pattern was already evident when markets opened on Monday, March 2, 2026. Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil prices, briefly touched $82 per barrel as traders responded to the possibility of tighter supply conditions. A sustained period of elevated prices would place upward pressure on inflation expectations, and that in turn could have broader consequences for both equity and interest rate markets. However, for such a persistent rise in crude prices to materialize, markets would likely need evidence of a more prolonged or even total shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz. A disruption of that scale would represent a meaningful escalation relative to what has occurred so far and would justify a more substantial risk premium in energy markets.
There is also a political dimension tied to Iran’s internal stability, particularly regarding how the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) chooses to respond. Whether it opts to pull back or escalate further will play a major role in determining how much of the current shock reflects elevated risk premiums versus a true disruption to physical supply.
Given how rapidly the situation continues to evolve, closely following movements in energy prices remains one of the most effective ways to assess the level and durability of the underlying geopolitical risk. Oil and natural gas markets tend to adjust quickly to new information, which means they can serve as a real-time barometer of whether tensions are beginning to ease, stabilize, or intensify. Monitoring these markets will therefore be essential for understanding how the conflict may continue to influence global market conditions in the days and weeks ahead.
Closing Remarks
Our team remains committed to keeping you informed on market and economic developments as we continue to monitor portfolios and make adjustments, as appropriate. Please know that you’re always welcome to contact your dedicated team at 440.740.0130 if you have questions or would like to schedule time to meet with us at our office. For those who prefer to meet virtually, we continue to use Zoom meetings and are always available via phone. Just let us know how you prefer to meet, and we’ll make it happen!
Real People. Real Answers.
Health, Happiness, and a Life Well Lived,
Frank Fantozzi
CPA, MST, PFS, CDFA, AIF®, CEPA
President & Founder
Frank@ReturnOnLifeWealth.com
Frank Fantozzi was named a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor. The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee in exchange for rankings.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
*A portion of this research material was provided by LPL Financial, LLC, March 2026. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, neither Return on Life Wealth Partners nor LPL Financial makes any representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, please consult your financial professional prior to investing.
Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk.
Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and does not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.
Asset Class Disclosures
International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors. These risks are often heightened for investments in emerging markets.
Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity.
Municipal bonds are subject and market and interest rate risk and potentially capital gains tax if sold prior to maturity. Interest income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. Municipal bonds are federally tax-free but other state and local taxes may apply.
Preferred stock dividends are paid at the discretion of the issuing company. Preferred stocks are subject to interest rate and credit risk. They may be subject to a call features.
Alternative investments may not be suitable for all investors and involve special risks such as leveraging the investment, potential adverse market forces, regulatory changes and potentially illiquidity. The strategies employed in the management of alternative investments may accelerate the velocity of potential losses.
Mortgage backed securities are subject to credit, default, prepayment, extension, market and interest rate risk.
High yield/junk bonds (grade BB or below) are below investment grade securities, and are subject to higher interest rate, credit, and liquidity risks than those graded BBB and above. They generally should be part of a diversified portfolio for sophisticated investors.
Precious metal investing involves greater fluctuation and potential for losses.
The fast price swings of commodities will result in significant volatility in an investor's holdings.
Not Insured by FDIC/NCUA or Any Other Government Agency | Not Bank/Credit Union Deposits or Obligations | Not Bank/Credit Union Guaranteed | May Lose Value
Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services. Unless otherwise stated, Return on Life® Wealth Partners/Planned Financial Services and the third-party persons and firms mentioned are not affiliates of each other and make no representation with respect to each other.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific issues with a qualified tax advisor.
The Plan of Care Guide is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice.
For additional information about the firm and our services, see our Disclosure Brochure (Form ADV Part 2) and Customer Relationship Summary (Form CRS) Brochure.
Investment advisory services offered through Planned Financial Services, LLC, dba Return on Life Wealth Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser.
Copyright© 2026 Planned Financial Services. All Rights Reserved.
Investment advisory services offered through Planned Financial Services, LLC, dba Return on Life Wealth® Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser (RIA).
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