This Week’s Blog Is Written By Scott D. Heins, CFP®, IAG Chief Investment Officer
July 8, 2026

Around the Bend

In June, I took some time away from the office to do some traveling with my family and some camping, thinking, and biking by myself.

One of my personal goals is to bike all of Wisconsin’s bicycle-friendly state trails. Most of these trails follow the path of abandoned railroad tracks. As such, changes in grade are usually modest and the bends are long and gradual.

I frequently encounter wildlife along the trails. This summer’s wildlife encounters included plenty of turtles, snakes, indigo buntings, goldfinches, fawns, woodchucks, and even a loon.

However, the one unexpected wildlife encounter came around one of those extended bends.

I was biking south on the northern section of the Wiouwash State Trail between Wittenberg and Tigerton. It was a frustrating trail which was overgrown and had an abundance of fallen trees to hurdle, so I was not in the best of moods.

Coming around one of those long bends I saw something on the trail about 75 yards ahead of me that I could not readily identify. As I got progressively closer, it became quite clear it was the backside of a 300-pound black bear moseying around the bend.

Those who know me know that I love bears (except the Chicago flavor). I have bear pictures hung in my office, bear signs on my desk, and a bear-themed water mug for my hydration.

However, being completely alone in the middle of nowhere with a bear moseying between me and my goal, I turned slightly less enthusiastic about bears for a very brief moment.

I hopped off of my bike and walked it slowly around the bend just enough so that I could monitor the bear’s whereabouts. Eventually, he took a sharp left into the thick woods alongside the trail.

Then I had a decision to make – hop back on my bike and head down the trail hoping the bear went deeper into the woods or abandon my goal to complete that trail.

A goal is a goal, so I proceeded cautiously, listening very carefully for movement in the woods. As I biked by the spot where he had taken his turn into the woods, we made eye contact from about 25 feet away. I continued on my way, and he stayed in the woods.

One never knows what they may encounter around the bend. Whether it is biking, the financial markets, family needs, or health challenges, literal and figurative bears will appear that give you pause, create doubt, or require additional patience and persistence to continue on toward your goals.

If you or someone you care about would appreciate some help in working toward their goals or preparing for bears around the bend, our caring advisors are here to help.

Quote of the week: Saint Francis de Sales: “When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness.”

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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Photo Credit: iStock 1300854402