What’s Going on at GDS – February 2026

As 2026 continues to take shape, markets are adjusting, conversations around retirement are evolving, and our community remains as strong as ever. At GDS Wealth Management, last month reflected what we believe matters most: disciplined perspective, meaningful dialogue, and intentional impact. Here’s a look at what happened in February.

GDS Certified™ as a Great Place To Work®

We’re proud to share that GDS Wealth Management has been Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the third consecutive year, a recognition based entirely on employee feedback. In the 2025 survey, 95% of employees said GDS is a great place to work.

This certification reflects our commitment to a culture rooted in trust, collaboration, professional growth, and shared purpose. As Glen Smith noted, the recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from our team, the people who serve our clients every day. A strong internal culture strengthens everything we do, and we’re grateful for the team that makes it possible. Read more about this recognition here.

In the News: Market Perspective Following Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

Following the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Trump-era tariffs, Glen Smith’s market commentary was featured in Barron’s, Bloomberg, CNN, CNBC, and Financial Advisor Magazine.

In his remarks, Glen noted that the ruling may help reduce a layer of uncertainty that had been weighing on markets and could support a move beyond the narrow trading range seen earlier this year. At the same time, he emphasized that the development did not call for immediate portfolio changes.

As we often remind clients, headlines can shift quickly. Thoughtful, long-term positioning remains far more important than reacting to any single event. Read the full post here.

Community Spotlight: Mahjong for a Mission

In February, we were honored to sponsor the Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas at their “Mahjong for a Mission” event. It was an evening filled with connection, generosity, and shared purpose. It was a reminder that meaningful impact happens when people come together around something bigger than themselves.

Supporting organizations that protect and advocate for children reflects our broader philosophy: wealth is most powerful when it strengthens the lives of others. We are grateful to stand alongside a community committed to making a difference.

Retirement Blueprint: Optimize Your Social Security Strategy

In February, our new series, Retirement Blueprint, focused on a topic we see misunderstood time and again: Social Security strategy. Many retirees leave measurable benefits unclaimed, not because of poor planning, but because they were never shown how to approach the system strategically.

Social Security is far more than “just a check.” Claiming timelines, spousal coordination, tax implications, and longevity planning can meaningfully influence retirement income for decades. When integrated properly into a broader financial plan, these decisions can support greater flexibility and confidence.

In addition to Social Security planning, multiple Retirement Blueprint episodes were released in February covering topics such as Hidden Tax Traps in Retirement, Social Security: Spousal, Survivor & Divorce Benefits Explained, and How to Build a Freedom Plan designed to align income with lifestyle goals.

To watch these episodes and explore more retirement planning insights, visit the GDS Wealth Management YouTube channel.

GDS Unplugged: Two Conversations Worth Having

Financial success is rarely undone by one dramatic mistake. More often, it is eroded quietly, through a lack of structure, clarity, or communication. In February, we released two new podcast episodes of GDS Unplugged focused on exactly that.

In this episode, we outline the missteps we most often see investors make, from reactive decision-making to misaligned risk exposure, and explain how thoughtful planning can help prevent small mistakes from becoming long-term setbacks. The goal is simple: protect both wealth and future optionality.

In this candid discussion, Glen and Robert explored why personal finance is deeply personal, and how understanding the emotional dimensions of money can strengthen relationships, improve communication, and build lasting confidence for couples navigating financial decisions together. Both episodes are available on YouTube and major podcast platforms.

Latest Perspectives from GDS

Ongoing education remains central to our mission. In February, we published new insights focused on healthcare decisions, financial protection, and proactive planning strategies designed to support long-term confidence.

Simplifying Medicare and Health Insurance Decisions with ClearMatch
This blog features a practical look at navigating Medicare and health insurance choices in retirement, and how thoughtful guidance can help reduce complexity and align coverage with your broader financial plan.

Extra Protection for What Matters Most: How EverSafe® Helps Safeguard Your Financial Life
Additionally, this article gives an overview of how EverSafe® is designed to provide an additional layer of monitoring against fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized financial activity, and why financial security extends beyond portfolio management.

Visit our Learning Center to read these articles and explore our growing library of resources designed to help you make informed, confident decisions.

Looking Ahead: Complimentary Community Shred Event

Join us on Saturday, May 2, from 8AM–12PM at our Flower Mound office for a complimentary community shred event. In partnership with Shred America and Paper Shredding Patriots, we will provide secure, on-site document destruction to help safely dispose of old tax returns and sensitive materials. Clients, friends, and family are all welcome.

Closing Thoughts

February was a month defined by perspective. National media attention reinforced the value of steady market discipline. New YouTube content challenged conventional thinking about retirement, Social Security, and financial success. Community partnerships reminded us that impact extends far beyond performance metrics.

As we move further into 2026, our focus remains unchanged: helping clients make sense of what matters now, and what it may mean for the road ahead. Serving our clients remains our highest priority. If you have questions about any of the topics shared, we’re here to help.

GDS Wealth Management (“GDS”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This material is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment, tax, or legal advice, a recommendation to buy or sell any security, or a solicitation for advisory services. Advisory services are provided only pursuant to a written agreement. All investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The Great Place To Work® Certification is based on employee survey responses collected in 2025 and relates solely to workplace culture. It is not indicative of investment performance or the quality of advisory services. Media appearances referenced are informational only, do not constitute endorsements, and reflect opinions at the time expressed. Discussions of retirement planning, Social Security strategies, tax considerations, and fraud monitoring tools are general in nature. Outcomes vary based on individual circumstances, and no strategy or monitoring system can guarantee results or fully eliminate risk. References to third-party providers, including EverSafe®, ClearMatch, Shred America, and Paper Shredding Patriots, are provided for informational purposes only. GDS does not control or assume responsibility for third-party content or services.