Penobscot Financial Advisors – Year in Review | 2025

A Year of Clarity Amidst the Noise

For those of you who have been with PFA for a while, you may recall our Year in Review tradition. For those who are new, this annual reflection is our attempt to capture the spirit of the year: markets, milestones, and meaningful moments, all in one online post.

Just last week, Craig popped into my office exasperated that he had once again “blown a ’bow,” a story reminiscent of the infamous 2019 dress-shirt epidemic when we lost 18 shirts to elbow holes in 10 months. We were a small but mighty team of seven then, which made the feat even more impressive. That moment of nostalgia was enough to nudge me to put pen to paper and consider what was significant for PFA in 2025.

2025 was noisy. Politically noisy. Economically noisy. Personally noisy, especially for the parents of the three 2023 PFA Babies, now well into their “terrible twos.” Altogether, there are 11 PFA NextGens contributing to a lot of noise – and a fair share of gray hairs.

And yet, amid the noise, something more powerful emerged: clarity. Clarity about what matters. Clarity about who we serve. Clarity about how we show up for one another and for our community.

As the steward of our charitable gifting campaign, I had the opportunity to meet with several local organizations that made a profound difference during a time when support was needed more than ever. I have seen so many people leaning in, supporting each other through uncertainty, and strengthening local ties.

This year brought into focus our company vision: to create a better tomorrow for our clients, employees, stakeholders, and communities through financial wellness, enduring partnership, and collaboration.

Before diving into team milestones, let’s look at the world we navigated together in 2025.

2025 In the Markets: Headlines Behind the Noise

Our resolve was tested
The April 2 tariff announcement sent the S&P 500 down 12 percent in less than a week. Rather than react to the headlines, we stayed disciplined together, and the market rewarded that steadiness as the index recovered within weeks. Despite tariffs, geopolitical conflicts, and even a record government shutdown, the S&P 500 now sits more than 18 percent higher on the year.

Our patience was rewarded
After years of lagging behind U.S. stocks, international markets led the way in 2025. Diversification that once felt unrewarding became a real advantage, helping many PFA portfolios increase returns while avoiding overconcentration in the U.S. companies and themes that dominated the headlines.

Stability regained its shape
Headlines spent much of the year debating when — or if — rate cuts would arrive. Under the surface, the bigger story was far clearer: interest rates stabilized, and bonds quietly returned to the role investors count on, offering reliable income payments at attractive interest rates.

Big picture?
Calm beneath the noise. It was a year that rewarded the discipline, patience, and long-term perspective we shape together with our clients.

2025 at PFA: Team Highlights & Milestones

In a year where clarity emerged, Team PFA embodied that through professional achievement, renewed traditions, and meaningful contributions to our community. It is my distinct honor to brag upon my teammates.

We’re Back to Podcasting
After a brief hiatus, Tyler Hafford, CFP®, relaunched our podcast Dollars to Dreams with a fresh look and renewed purpose. Tyler brings financial planning, economic insight, and a touch of Maine authenticity to every episode, creating another avenue for us to educate and connect.

Rebecca Schuman Earned Her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Designation
Rebecca reached a major professional milestone this year — the culmination of countless hours of study, practice, and dedication to the craft. With all that studying behind her, Rebecca now volunteers weekly at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.

Sam Chaplin, CFA Promoted to Chief Investment Officer
Sam has been a vital asset to our Investment Committee since he joined PFA in 2018. This year he was promoted to CIO, recognizing his immense efforts in becoming an expert in the industry and the cornerstone of our Investment Committee.

Welcome Tucker Grinnell & Reilly Dwight
Tucker and Reilly joined PFA as Client Service Associates and immediately made their presence felt. Both are pursuing the CFP® designation, bringing curiosity, kindness, and fresh energy to our team.

Jessi Dolmage Hosted PFA’s First Webinar
Jessi led a crash course on Medicare Open Enrollment this fall. To view a recording of that, click HERE. Also, keep your eyes peeled for two additional Medicare webinars coming in 2026.

Julie Willette Earned Her FPQP® (Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™)
Julie expanded her expertise beyond Client Services, earning her FPQP® credential and beginning to dip her toes in financial planning. We look forward to seeing her new skills shine even more in 2026.

A New PFA Baby on the Way
Craig and Nikki Joncas are expecting a baby girl in 2026, bringing joy, anticipation, and continuing to work on that population decline conundrum.

PFA Hosted Westbrook High School Students
We opened our doors to Westbrook High School students for an investing exercise, where eight student teams selected stocks and competed to outperform each other in a market simulation.

Our Commitment to Community Deepened
Our Charitable Giving Campaign supported more organizations than ever — particularly those addressing food insecurity, shelter, education, and essential services in Maine. We pledge 1% of top line revenue to charities, so our impact grows as we grow. In a time when funding for social programs feels uncertain, we are thankful to be part of the solution.

Closing Thoughts

As we reflect on 2025, one theme rises to the surface: clarity — clarity about what matters, who we serve, and how meaningful it is to walk alongside our clients and our community through every season.

Whether markets are noisy or calm, whether life feels chaotic or joyful, your trust allows us to remain steady, thoughtful, and grounded in our mission. We are deeply grateful for the relationships that anchor our work, the conversations, the shared milestones, and the confidence you place in us.

• To our clients: thank you for inviting us into your lives and allowing us to guide you through decisions big and small.
• To our community partners: thank you for the work you do every day to strengthen Maine families and neighborhoods.
• And lastly, to my teammates: thank you for your unwavering commitment, heart, and focus on our mission.

In a year filled with noise, connection was our clearest signal.

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a joyful, prosperous 2026.

— Hannah Tackett and Team PFA