JULIE'S JOURNAL
Latest Blogs and News
Welcome to Julie’s Journal, where Julie Graney, a financial advisor from North Dakota, shares insights on topics like retirement planning, monthly economic updates, and more. Julie’s goal is to simplify complex financial concepts, empowering readers to make confident decisions for their future. Join her as she navigates the financial landscape, ensuring your financial well-being every step of the way.
August 2026 | Monthly Economic Update
ECONOMIC UPDATE Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Source: FactSetGlobal markets delivered mixed results in July as investors broadened their focus beyond some of the year's strongest-performing AI-related stocks toward more cyclical and value-oriented areas of the market. While the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady as expected,
July 2026 | Monthly Economic Update
ECONOMIC UPDATE Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Source: FactSet The first half of 2026 tested investors with
June 2026 | Monthly Economic Update
ECONOMIC UPDATE Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Source: FactSet Global markets delivered positive returns in May as
May 2026 | Monthly Economic Update
ECONOMIC UPDATE Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Source: FactSetGlobal markets delivered strong returns in April, led by
April 2026 | Monthly Economic Update
ECONOMIC UPDATE Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Source: FactSetThe first quarter marked a sharp shift from a
March 2026 | Monthly Economic Update
ECONOMIC UPDATE Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Source: FactSetGlobal markets were mixed in February, with U.S. large
February 2026 | Monthly Economic Update
ECONOMIC UPDATE Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Source: FactSetGlobal equities are off to a strong start in
January 2026 | Monthly Economic Update
ECONOMIC UPDATE Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Source: FactSetDiversification paid off in 2025. A balanced global 60/40
December 2025 | Monthly Economic Update
ECONOMIC UPDATE Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Source: FactSetGlobal stock markets were volatile in November, with major
November 2025 | Monthly Economic Update
ECONOMIC UPDATE Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Source: FactSetGlobal markets closed the month of October with mixed
October 2025 | Monthly Economic Update
ECONOMIC UPDATE Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Source: FactSetGlobal markets continued to march ahead in September 2025,
September 2025 | Monthly Economic Update
ECONOMIC UPDATE Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Source: FactSetA slowing job market shifted the Federal Reserve's stance
August 2025 | Monthly Economic Update
ECONOMIC UPDATE Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Source: FactSetIn July, markets gained clarity on U.S. trade and
About the Author
Meet Julie
When I was growing up, money was tight. My dad was a mechanic and my mom was a social worker in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Dad worked 12-hour days to give me and my sister a good life. We basically only saw him at supper before he fell asleep on the living room floor. I’ve dedicated my career to making sure your money works as hard for your family as you do.
In those formative years, I learned the importance of hard work, scrimping and saving, and using money wisely. I also learned that working for a living shouldn’t rob you of having a life. I help families in coal country navigate the challenges of saving, investing, and managing their money. I have a head for numbers and a heart for helping people (that I got from my mom). I became a financial advisor because I love connecting with people and using my gifts to help them with one of the most important aspects of their lives.
My husband Jeff and I moved to Coal Country in 2001 and made our home in Beulah. This was the smallest town I’d ever lived in, and it took some adjustment. By the time our kids were born, I was hooked. Small towns offer so much that we value: a great place to raise kids, neighbors helping neighbors, the opportunity to be involved in the community, and growing relationships with my clients and their families. More than 20 years later, I wouldn’t dream of living anywhere else. Our kids are teenagers now and when we’re not cheering them on at hockey, dance, volleyball, or golf, we enjoy spending time at the lake, fishing, golfing, and skiing as a family. I am passionate about volleyball, hockey, and dance.
I am a graduate of the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs and began my career in finance in 2005 when I joined Investment Centers of America, Inc. located at Union State Bank. I currently hold Series 7 and Series 66 registrations through LPL Financial, as well as Annuity, Life, and Long-Term Care insurance licenses. I earned my Certified Financial Planner designation in 2013. All of that simply means that I am poised to take care of you.
I specialize in retirement planning, navigating pension plan options, tax-efficient solutions, and early retirement. I am a good listener who presents customized solutions in language that’s easy to understand—no jargon! As your LPL Financial Advisor, I am your guide. I take the time to listen to your goals, understand where you want to go, and help you create and navigate the path to get there. I can decipher, interpret, and demystify all things financial, and communicate with you in a way that’s clear and transparent and leaves you feeling confident. I can provide all your financial solutions right here at home while providing all the privacy and confidentiality you deserve. I respect and know who you are and what you do and would love the opportunity to help you turn your lifetime of hard work into your goals achieved, and a paycheck that lasts the rest of your life and beyond.
