Thompson Team Homes LLC | BLOG

How to Start Investing in 2026: A Realistic Path to Building Wealth & Retiring Early The start of a new year has a way of making people pause and reflect. Goals feel clearer. Motivation feels stronger. And for many people heading into 2026, one question keeps coming up: “How do I actually start building wealth — and could I retire earlier than I ever thought possible?” The good news? Building wealth and working toward early retirement isn’t reserved for high earners, finance experts, or people who started decades ago. For many, it begins with intentional investing decisions made one year at a time — and 2026 is an excellent year to start. This guide breaks down what investing for early retirement really looks like, why real estate plays such a powerful role, and how everyday people can start building long-term wealth without chasing risky shortcuts. Why 2026 Is a Smart Year to Start Investing A common mistake people make is waiting for the “perfect” time to invest. Perfect interest...

  Is Winter a Good Time to Buy a Home in Joplin, Missouri? Many home buyers assume spring and summer are the best times to buy a house, but that belief often causes people to overlook valuable opportunities. If you’re asking, “Is winter a good time to buy a home in Joplin, Missouri?” the short answer is yes—winter can be one of the smartest times to buy , especially for prepared buyers. Joplin’s real estate market behaves differently during winter. Fewer buyers, motivated sellers, and flexible timelines often create conditions that favor buyers. While inventory may be slightly lower, the homes that are available are often priced more competitively, and sellers are more willing to negotiate. Let’s explore why winter may actually give you the upper hand when buying a home in Joplin. 1. Less Competition From Other Buyers One of the biggest advantages of buying a home in winter is reduced competition. Many buyers pause their search during the holidays or wait until warmer weathe...

  🎄 10 Cozy Christmas Traditions to Start This Year That Make Your Home Feel Like Magic A Heartfelt Holiday Guide for Families in Joplin & Southwest Missouri 🎁 1. A Christmas Eve Breakfast-for-Dinner There’s something nostalgic about flipping pancakes or making cinnamon rolls while the tree lights glow and a Christmas movie is on in the background. Kids love it, adults love it, and it becomes your signature tradition. ✨ 2. Write Letters to Your Future Self Put them in your stockings and read them next Christmas. Reflect, dream, laugh — it’s a beautiful ritual for couples, families, or even solo. 🌲 3. Drive Around to Look at Christmas Lights The Joplin, Webb City, and Carthage areas go all out every year. Create a route, grab hot cocoa, and rate the neighborhoods 1–10 on “holiday cheer.” ☕ 4. Make a Signature Holiday Drink Peppermint hot cocoa, churro coffee, peppermint cream cold brew — whatever your vibe is. Bonus points if you name it something adorable ...

Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to List Your Home in December: The Hidden Power of Winter Real Estate When most people think about selling their home, they imagine sunny spring weekends, green lawns, and warm weather showings. Because of that, many homeowners assume winter — especially December — is the worst time to list. But the truth? Winter is one of the most underrated, high-opportunity seasons in real estate. If you’re willing to list when everyone else is waiting for spring, the market can work in your favor in a big way. Here’s why you shouldn’t be scared to sell your home in December or the winter months: 1. Winter Buyers Are Serious Buyers In spring and summer, you get a mix of casual lookers, dreamers, and people “just seeing what’s out there.” But winter? That’s when the real contenders show up. People who are house-hunting in December are usually: Relocating for work Motivated by life changes (marriage, growing family, downsizing) Investors ready to close ...