This Week’s Blog Is Written By Jacob Martin, IAG Marketing Specialist
August 12, 2026

A Little Room for Fun

This week, I attended the Wisconsin State Fair, and as always, it delivered. The food was incredible, the music was great, and the crowd made for a fun atmosphere.

For me, one of the best parts of the State Fair is trying foods I would probably never eat in everyday life. This year, my top two were pickle pizza and deep-fried Uncrustables. Neither one is making its way into my regular meal rotation, but at the State Fair, trying something a little over the top is part of the experience.

And in a strange way, that made me think about financial planning.

A good financial plan should not be about eliminating every indulgence or feeling guilty every time you spend money on something that is not strictly necessary. It is about creating a structure that allows you to enjoy those moments while still making progress toward the things that matter most.

If you are saving appropriately, investing for the future, managing your debt, and preparing for your long-term goals, there should also be room in the plan for some fun.

Maybe your version of a deep-fried Uncrustable is a great vacation, tickets to a concert, a new hobby, or a memorable dinner with family and friends. Those purchases may not look particularly impressive on a spreadsheet, but that does not mean they do not have value.

The key is being intentional.

At the State Fair, I know I am going to spend a little more, eat a little worse, and enjoy things I would not normally choose. It is an occasional experience, not my everyday routine. The same principle can apply to our finances.

Financial planning is not simply about accumulating the largest possible number. It is about using your money to build the life you want—both in the future and today.

So, save for retirement. Invest consistently. Have an emergency fund. Make thoughtful financial decisions.

And with the year moving quickly, now may be a great time to schedule a meeting with your financial advisor to make sure your plan still reflects your goals—and leaves a little room for the pickle pizza.

Quote of the week: Henry David Thoreau: “Above all, we cannot afford not to live in the present.”

Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through IAG Wealth Partners, LLC, (IAG) a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial. Jason Ganiere is solely an investment advisor representative of IAG Wealth Partners LLC, and not affiliated with LPL Financial.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

Any opinions are those of IAG and not necessarily those of LPL Financial. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Investing involves risk including loss of principle.

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