Blog
Whats the Cost of Keeping the Bank of Mom and Dad Open?
Graduation season is a milestone worth celebrating. But once the caps are thrown and the family photos are taken, there's a financial inflection point that most families never talk about: what happens to all the money you've been...
Read MoreMake Time After Tax Time
Taxes can be a snapshot of our money, and tax season can make most of us feel like we have a clear view of that photo. That's because filing taxes is both a look at the past and a chance to create a roadmap for the future.Did you end...
Read MoreArtemis Moon Mission
Something remarkable is happening right now—and it’s too good to miss.NASA's Artemis II mission has sent four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the far side of the Moon—the first lunar mission with a crew in over 50 years.This is a...
Read MoreWhat a 5 Dollars Frappuccino Can Teach Teens About Building Wealth
April is National Financial Literacy Month, and if you're looking for one conversation that could change how the teens and young adults in your life think about money, start with their coffee order.The $5 That Could Be Worth Half a...
Read MoreSpecial Report: Middle East Conflict
As the troubling and fluid events unfold in the Middle East, more investors are asking, “Should we do anything?”Here are a couple of areas to keep an eye on in the weeks ahead.The Fed’s next two-day meeting ends on March 18....
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Are People Leaving Low-Cost Mortgages?
Is the “lock in” breaking, or are homeowners going to double down on their low-cost mortgages?The most recent stats show that 20 percent of home borrowers now have mortgages with an interest rate over 6 percent, indicating they have...
Read MoreA Quick Note on Market Volatility
Markets have been choppy in recent days, driven in part by renewed trade-related headlines and the uncertainty they can spark. That uncertainty can show up quickly in stock prices and other financial markets, even when the long-term...
Read More2026 Forecasts for the S&P 500
When you see the word “forecast,” it should be closely followed by, “Forecasts are based on assumptions and are subject to revisions over time. Financial, economic, political, and regulatory issues may cause the actual results to...
Read MoreWhat Are the Projected Retirement Contribution Limits for 2026 and How Can You Prepare?
Explore the projected 2026 retirement contribution limits and how to prepare. Stay informed on potential changes to 401(k)s, IRAs, and more.
Read MoreWhat's the Outlook for Interest Rates?
The business of making forecasts can be a slippery slope. But some investors are willing to “put their money where their mouth is” when it comes to making predictions about what’s next for short-term interest rates, so it can be...
Read MoreIs a 401(k) Plan the Right Move for Your Financial Future as a Firefighter?
Explore how a 401(k) plan is crucial for firefighters' retirement, with tax benefits and employer matches tailored to your unique needs.
Read MoreWhat's the Purpose of a Retirement Strategy?
“What’s the purpose of a retirement strategy?” It’s a simple question, but most get the answer wrong. Artificial intelligence got it wrong. AI Gemini says, “The purpose of creating a retirement strategy is to act as a comprehensive,...
Read MoreHow Can We Scam-Proof the Families We Serve?
We've seen a sharp rise in scams over the past year, many of them more convincing, personalized, and sophisticated than ever. While older adults remain a top target, the tactics are evolving to exploit just about anyone. Today's scams...
Read More3 Critical Words: Adjusted for Inflation
“Adjusted for inflation” is a phrase you may think isn’t important. But when you see it in action, you might change your mind. Let’s examine how “adjusted for inflation” has affected a couple of tax rules and their impact on Social...
Read MoreBreaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
You've likely heard about the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which was signed into law on July 4, making many of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions permanent. Given the bill's length (887 pages) and complexity, we wanted to help...
Read MoreA 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud
We've seen a sharp rise in scams over the past year, many of them more convincing, personalized, and sophisticated than ever. While older adults remain a top target, the tactics are evolving to exploit just about anyone. Today's scams...
Read MoreWill the One Big Beautiful Bill Spark Car Buying?
There are a lot of tax-law changes tucked in the nooks and crannies of the 800+ page One Big Beautiful Bill. One that you may have heard about created a $10,000 tax deduction when you finance a new car. But as you can see, in June,...
Read MoreWhere Your Tax Dollars Go
With all the talk around the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, understanding where our tax dollars go can help put the bigger economic picture into perspective—and this month's chart offers a breakdown of how the federal government...
Read MoreShipping Traffic to US Nears an All-Time High
Sometimes unconventional indicators can shed some light on what’s happening with the economy. As you can see, traffic from 20-foot ocean containers is at its highest level since January 2022. That’s a solid rebound from earlier in the...
Read MoreHow Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes?
The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite have dominated headlines this year, with point swings often used to underscore the volatility that’s made many investors uneasy. While these indexes are widely recognized as shorthand for the...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Conflict Fears Rattle Markets; Fed Holds Steady
Stocks were mixed during the holiday-shortened trading week as uncertainty over conflict in the Middle East weighed on investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped by 0.15 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose by 0.21...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Trade Tension Down, Economic Data Up
Stocks rallied last week as investors responded to upbeat economic data and easing trade tensions. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 1.50 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.18 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreWhat's Next for Interest Rates, Inflation?
#The Fed’s May meeting was pretty much a humdrum event. Even Fed Chair Powell's post-meeting press conference was uneventful. “We are always going to do the same thing,” he said. “We are going to use our tools to foster maximum...
Read MoreNo Early-Warning Signs of a Recession
Have you heard the expression, “Watch what people do, not what they say?” That’s important these days when it comes to the economic outlook. Some people are “saying” the word recession like it’s a foregone conclusion. But let’s take a...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Rally Caps Volatile Week
Stocks ended the week with a strong gain as traders continued to focus on tariff talks while appearing to overlook upbeat news on inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5.70 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 7...
Read More“The four most dangerous words in investing are: ‘This time it’s different.’” – Sir John Templeton
We know recent headlines and the significant market drop may feel unsettling, and it's understandable to wonder if this time truly is different. In moments like these, Sir John Templeton's famous insight becomes particularly valuable:...
Read MoreYour Home: Asset or Liability?
Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s a buyer’s market?” That phrase describes what’s happening with today’s residential real estate: homes are selling for under their asking price and are taking longer to sell. Good news for...
Read MoreRainy Days & Mondays (& Fridays) Gets Stocks Down
The price action in this year’s stock market has me humming the 1970s tune by The Carpenters called “Rainy Days and Mondays.” As the chart shows, Mondays and Fridays have been awful for investors, while the mid-week days have...
Read MoreWhy So Bearish?
“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful” is one of my favorite quotes by Warren Buffett. His words of wisdom encourage investors to be contrarian. He challenges investors to “go against the grain” when...
Read MoreSuper Bowl LIX: The Big Game is Big Money
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles are set for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9. Over the years, the Super Bowl has gone from a mere championship game to a cultural event, earning both national and international...
Read MoreNews that a Chinese AI firm created an AI model at a fraction of the cost rattled the markets.
Stock prices were jolted lower in late January on concerns that a “black swan” event may lead to some restructuring in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. A Chinese AI firm appears to have developed a competitive AI model that...
Read MoreForgotten Retirement Accounts: Don’t Leave Money Behind
Did you know that as of May 2023, there were over 29 million forgotten retirement accounts in the U.S., holding nearly 1.65 trillion dollars in assets?1 This situation is more common than you might think. According to the Bureau of...
Read MoreBe On the Lookout: Criminals Filing Tax Returns in Your Name
Here’s a scary fact: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that individuals lost over 10 billion dollars to fraud in 2023—a 14% increase from the previous year—with over 2.6 million consumers falling victim.1 Furthermore,...
Read MoreLos Angeles Fires
As of today, major wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles County. To all those affected, whether directly or through friends and family, we offer our support, thoughts, and prayers. Disasters of this magnitude are often hard to...
Read MoreWhat will 2025 hold?
With 2024 coming to a close, I want to share my thoughts on America's current fiscal policy, geopolitical elements, and other factors that may help shape 2025's financial landscape. This transition period offers both challenges and...
Read MoreMedicare Part B Increases for 2025
No Medicare surprises for 2025. As expected, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $185, up $10.30 from 2024. The annual deductible—the amount paid before insurance begins to pay for health services—will...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies to Maximize Your Impact
As we approach the end of the year, it’s an opportune time to consider your charitable giving ideas and how they align with your overall financial strategy. America’s generosity continues to shine, with an estimated $557.16 billion...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Mixed Ahead of Election
Stocks were mixed last week as fresh economic data points and election-related uncertainty slowed market momentum. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.96 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.16 percent. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreElection 2024: Patience With the Process
People have told me, “I can’t wait until the election is over.” That tells me there’s a lot of emotion connected to Tuesday, November 5th! But I’m quick to remind people it may take some time to resolve all of the issues after...
Read MoreIRS Releases 2025 Tax Brackets
The Internal Revenue Service released the updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2025 tax year. While these changes won’t impact you for some time, it may benefit you to start...
Read MoreThe Fed’s Bold 0.50% Rate Cut
Wall Street knew a change was coming, but the Fed Chair hid the details until the end. At its September meeting, the Fed cut short-term interest rates by 0.50%, which unsettled some who thought Fed officials would be more cautious...
Read MoreJackson Hole: The Time Has Come for Policy to Adjust
Now the only question is, “How much will short-term interest rates drop in September?” At his annual speech to global central bankers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Fed Chair Powell laid out a strategy to cut short-term interest rates, but...
Read MoreAugust: A Month Full of Surprises
August is the month when many families take their final summer vacation. It’s also the month when back-to-school preparations start and football season comes into focus. But August has a more unsettling side for investors. It’s a...
Read MoreRainy-day Money
When I meet with people, one of the first topics we discuss is "emergency fund" money. I ask a few questions, such as, “Do you have any funds set aside?”, “Where is it located?”, and, most importantly, “What would trigger you to tap...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets Rise Thanks to Upbeat Indicators
Stocks posted solid gains last week, buoyed by robust economic data and constructive comments from Fed officials. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.93 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 5.29 percent. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreHow to Manage Market Volatility
The trader's adage goes, “The stock market takes the stairs up and the elevator down.” The saying helps illustrate the speed at which stock prices can move, especially over the last few days. Here's how the recent stock market drop...
Read MoreCrowdStrike Outage Touches Many Clients
My office was busy on Friday. Many of you were concerned about the computer outage that affected everything from travel to doctor’s offices to bank and investment accounts and reached out to share your concerns. It was a bit of a...
Read MoreUS Companies Are the Innovation Leaders
I watch many economic trends and business issues evolve as a financial professional. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) during the past year has been remarkable, and it has spotlighted the fast-paced decision-making in the...
Read MoreIs Social Security Going to Run Out in Your Lifetime?
We get regular updates on the Social Security trust fund. In early May, the Social Security Board of Trustees announced that the trust funds had revenue to pay full benefits until 2035. Generally speaking, the headline's tone is very...
Read MoreThree Reasons Why I’m Optimistic
As we inch closer to the second half of 2024, I’ll give you three reasons to be optimistic about the outlook for the financial markets. We have an election on the horizon, so you’ll likely hear mixed messages about the economy’s...
Read MoreIs Household Spending Poised to Surge?
You’ve heard the expression, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” The same can be true for the financial markets. “A market rally creates wealth (and may help manage debt, too).” As you can see in the first chart, U.S. households have...
Read MoreA (Golden) Nugget of Wisdom
This week, I've seen more than a few outlets covering gold's increase in value. Although it's true that the commodity recently reached a record high, it's essential to understand what factors are driving the most recent rally that...
Read MoreHoly Sweet Tooth, Batman! Cocoa Prices Soar
As a rule, I avoid drawing attention to market anomalies unless I believe there’s a good investing lesson for everyone. The unusual price action in the cocoa market is giving me that opportunity. So today’s lesson is, “hindsight is...
Read MoreWhat is Bitcoin "Halving?"
Bitcoin tends to pop in and out of the headlines. Few financial topics in recent memory have sparked as much imagination and criticism. Unsurprisingly, the latest development with Bitcoin has provoked much discussion and curiosity:...
Read MoreUse Doubt to Defeat Scammers
I recently read an article in which a financial columnist for a major publication was the victim of an elaborate and expensive scam. The con transpired over several hours, but it began with a phone call from a "trusted" retailer's...
Read MoreWhat's Happening with the U.S. Money Supply (and What Does it Mean)?
When financial professionals like me start digging into the tools we use to assess financial market valuations, one thing that catches our eye is the U.S. money supply. We look closely at measures like M1 and M2— basically the rock...
Read MoreGoodbye to Real Estate Commissions
'; lpt [pot[ otioti ;tl pr[p [oyi[oy Last week, I was shocked to read about a change to the real estate industry that may have far-reaching implications for future home buyers. The National Association of Realtors, representing over 1...
Read More2024 Outlook: Fed Stays the Course
When you see hypothetical examples of stock market performance, the illustrations often use average annual returns of between 8% and 10%. But how often does the stock market return between 8% and 10%? Only four times in the past 76...
Read MoreHoly Sweet Tooth, Batman! Cocoa Prices Soar
As a rule, I avoid drawing attention to market anomalies unless I believe there’s a good investing lesson for everyone. The unusual price action in the cocoa market is giving me that opportunity. So today’s lesson is, “hindsight is...
Read MoreIt’s Feeling Like a Goldilocks Moment
Economists describe a Goldilocks economy as one that’s not too hot and not too cold; it’s just right. And 2024 is starting to feel just right. When the Fed started to raise short-term interest rates in early 2022 to rein...
Read More401(k) Millionaires Are on the Rise
As we continue through 2024, I wanted to share some data that many may find positive. Fidelity Investments just announced that 440,000 retirement savers reached an incredible milestone in 2023: $1 million in their 401(k).1 That's...
Read MorePotential changes to federal estate tax exemption amounts
At the end of 2025, portions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire. Many changes will come with the sunsetting of many rules, including the possibility that federal estate and gift tax exemption levels will revert to...
Read MoreSEC Approves Bitcoin ETFs
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in early January made it easier to own Bitcoin, putting a smile on some faces but causing furrowed eyebrows on others.1 Mainstream investors have long wanted a way to buy and sell Bitcoin...
Read MoreQ1 Earnings; The Devil Is in the Details
On financial websites, you may read, "First-quarter corporate reports were better than expected.” And that’s true. So far, 73% of Standard & Poor’s 500 companies have reported actual Q4 earnings per share above...
Read MoreWill the Fed Cut Rates in 2024?
When does the phrase “no hurry” turn into “not in 2024?” During a recent testimony to Congress, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated that he expects short-term interest rates to trend lower in 2024....
Read MoreWill the Fed Cut Rates in 2024?
When does the phrase “no hurry” turn into “not in 2024?” During a recent testimony to Congress, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated that he expects short-term interest rates to trend lower in 2024....
Read MoreThe Fed’s Drive to 2% Inflation
Wall Street keeps asking, “When will the Fed start cutting interest rates?” But perhaps the better question is, “What is the Fed looking for before it would consider cutting interest rates?” As you may recall,...
Read MoreSpring Break 2024
America is emerging from winter, and many will be ready for sun and fun. Spring Break is an important date in the nation’s leisure calendar: Morning Consult says that 30% of Americans had springtime travel plans last year,...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: S&P Hits Record High
The stock market experienced solid gains last week, concluding the trading week on a positive note, thanks to robust corporate reports and favorable inflation news; this propelled the S&P 500 Index to achieve a new record high at the...
Read MoreWhat’s Driving Gold Prices?
Anyone with an interest in financial happenings may have noticed more than a few mentions of “gold" in the news. Sure, some view it as a key asset to hold during periods of market volatility, but that doesn't quite explain the...
Read More"Shaking Off" Economic Downturn: The Taylor Swift Effect
Time's Person of the Year, Taylor Swift, is shaking off economic downturns and hitting high notes not just on stage but in the U.S. economy, too. The pop sensation's impressive impact extends beyond her record-breaking music, reaching...
Read MorePowell's Pivot: Dovish Fed Sees Rate Cuts in ‘24
Fed Chair Powell finally made his much-anticipated “pivot” at the close of the Fed’s two-day December meeting, saying he sees short-term rates heading lower next year. Perhaps much lower. Surprised but excited, the...
Read MoreCongress Set for a Busy January
The Senate and the House have returned to work but are unlikely to get much done before the Christmas break— which means January is going to be busy. To recap, Congress passed a short-term budget package before the Thanksgiving...
Read MoreMedicare Open Enrollment Ends December 7
Medicare Open Enrollment is coming to a close, so if you are considering making a change to your plan, it's time to take action. Changes you make during 2023 open enrollment go into effect on January 1, 2024. Here are a few factors...
Read MoreConsumers Expect Better Days Ahead
Many consider the University of Michigan the gold standard for reporting on consumer sentiment and trends. Among its 50 monthly reports, the most well-known is the "UMich Consumer Sentiment" survey, which measures consumer confidence....
Read MoreConsumers Expect Better Days Ahead
Many consider the University of Michigan the gold standard for reporting on consumer sentiment and trends. Among its 50 monthly reports, the most well-known is the "UMich Consumer Sentiment" survey, which measures consumer confidence....
Read MoreStaying Upbeat in a Down Market
Investors know that the stock market moves in cycles, but few are comfortable when the cycle takes stock prices lower. And since late August, the cycle has been decidedly lower. If you’re looking for reasons to worry, you...
Read MoreGuiding the Boomerang Generation
I've seen the "Boomerang Generation" in more than a few headlines lately. These young adults return, or "boomerang," to their parents' homes as they attempt to navigate the property market. The key culprit is mortgage rates nearing...
Read MoreAll Eyes on Q3 GDP
A lot of number crunching needs to happen before the advanced estimate for Q3 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is released. The Atlanta Fed expects Q3 GDP to check in at over 5 percent. Meanwhile, blue-chip economists are forecasting...
Read MoreFed Presidents: Rates Are High Enough
You may have heard the idea that the Fed is trying to “thread a needle” with the economy by raising interest rates to slow growth but not cause a recession. Well, we’re at crunch time with that plan. We’re at...
Read MoreSocial Security Announces 2024 COLA
The Social Security Administration has announced a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024. This adjustment means the average Social Security retiree beneficiary will see their monthly check increase by about $57 to $1,849,...
Read MoreWill Middle East Tensions Push Rates Higher?
The Fed’s ongoing pledge of “higher interest rates for longer” has rattled financial markets and raised the cost of everything from mortgages to credit cards. Now adding to tensions are the recent events in the...
Read MoreUnwrapping Halloween's Candy Economy
I hope this email finds you in high "spirits" as we approach the spookiest time of the year. As the days creep closer to Halloween, confectioners weave a sweet web in preparation for this enchanting holiday. Did you know that the...
Read MoreWhy Are Investors So Fearful?
If you're a fan of Warren Buffett, you'll recognize this quote: "Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful." In recent weeks, the investing outlook has become a bit murky, which has led some people to let...
Read MoreWarren Buffett Says, "Don't Watch."
Have you ever heard the expression, "If you love sausages, never watch how they're made?" The same is true of stock prices. Warren Buffett once said, "I would tell [investors], don’t watch the market closely." In recent weeks,...
Read MoreFortifying Your Digital Defenses
In light of the recent cyberattack in Las Vegas, I want to address an increasingly critical issue in today's digital age: cybersecurity. Hackers are increasingly using a tactic known as "social engineering," which involves hacking...
Read MoreBudget Bill Next “Headline Risk” for Stocks
;l voweip4oi po ;lf[o p3rtio43ptp 4i4-507 Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s a headline risk for the markets?” Headline risk is the chance that an unsettling news event–anticipated or a...
Read MoreA Pullback for Stock Prices in August
Nobody ever said you have to like a pullback in stock prices. But it's critical to understand 1) why they happen and 2) why they are challenging. A pullback is considered a moderate drop in prices from recent peaks that occur within a...
Read MoreAfter Inflation, Eyes Shift to Q3 GDP
Wall Street is slowly starting to talk about an “expansion economy” and forgetting about any recession fears. July’s consumer inflation report was soft, so attention will soon shift to gross domestic product in the...
Read MoreDollars and Degrees: The Cost of Education
As we approach the back-to-school season, I wanted to discuss an important topic that might be on your mind: the cost of education. Whether you have children or grandchildren preparing for college or considering furthering your...
Read MoreAugust Is Make a Will Month
August is Make a Will Month, a time dedicated to strategizing for the future. You may have seen in the news that Aretha Franklin's loved ones are still caught in a legal battle due to the existence of multiple wills. The lesson from...
Read MoreAugust Is Make a Will Month
August is Make a Will Month, a time dedicated to strategizing for the future. You may have seen in the news that Aretha Franklin's loved ones are still caught in a legal battle due to the existence of multiple wills. The lesson from...
Read MoreWhy the Drop in Inflation Was Such a Big Deal
Sometimes, a picture is worth 1,000 words. So I decided to include an image of the June Consumer Price Index (CPI) report to help put inflation in better perspective:Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose just 0...
Read MoreTug-of-War Between Fed Chair Powell, Investors
Is Fed Chair Powell preparing to change his mind?In late June, he said, “A strong majority of (Fed) committee participants expect that it will be appropriate to raise interest rates two or more times by the end of the year....
Read MoreEveryone Needs an Estate Strategy
Like some of my clients, you may have seen the latest regarding Aretha Franklin's estate.The Queen of Soul passed in 2018, and years later, her loved ones are still caught in legal trials thanks to the existence of multiple wills.As...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Bad News for Bears; Good News Buoys Markets
Better-than-expected updates last week on consumer and wholesale price inflation buoyed investor sentiment, driving stocks higher and lower bond yields. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.29%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Bad News for Bears; Good News Buoys Markets
Better-than-expected updates last week on consumer and wholesale price inflation buoyed investor sentiment, driving stocks higher and lower bond yields. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.29%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreBudgeting for Surprises: Summer Travel Tips
Now that summer is in full swing, it's the perfect time to take a trip. But sometimes, even your best-laid plans go a little off-kilter.Here are a few of the most common travel issues and how to make sure that no matter what happens,...
Read MoreBudgeting for Surprises: Summer Travel Tips
Now that summer is in full swing, it's the perfect time to take a trip. But sometimes, even your best-laid plans go a little off-kilter.Here are a few of the most common travel issues and how to make sure that no matter what happens,...
Read MoreBull Market Leaving Some Behind
p [pa [po t[ptMarket timing is exhausting. And sometimes, it can be expensive. When you time the markets, you have to be right twice – first when getting out and second when getting back in.In the accompanying chart, you can see...
Read MoreFed Hits Pause Button on Rate Hikes
lgk ';l't ';l [t ; f; rl[ ;' grtw][ r';f ;lthk[po][p tpryoehJerome Powell skipped an interest rate hike at the Fed’s June meeting, but the market isn’t buying what the Fed Chair is selling about what’s next with...
Read MoreJune CPI, the Fed, & Interest Rates
Jerome Powell skipped an interest rate hike at the Fed’s June meeting, but the market isn’t buying what the Fed Chair is selling about what’s next with short-term rates.Powell signaled that two more rate increases may...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets March into Positive Territory Continues.
A late-week rally sent stocks into positive territory, with the S&P 500 index closing just shy of the 4,300 mark.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.39%. The Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreWall Street Focuses on Debt Ceiling
Would it surprise you to hear that investors have moved past worrying about inflation? They have, at least for now.Wall Street has shifted its attention to Washington’s budget negotiations and how the debt ceiling will be...
Read More“Better” Is the Best Word on Wall Street
;lfk ;lkfkrv;l v 'o lkr j poti p43oiFrom my perspective, we can't hear the word "better" enough in the weeks ahead."Better than expected." "Better than feared." "Better than forecasted."These are winning phrases that can be used...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks show small losses after mixed week
Stocks remained resilient last week amid mixed earnings reports, hawkish Fed-speak, and lingering recession fears, closing out the five trading days with small losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.23%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreCEOs Talk Inflation
;lkf ;l k';f [p [pto][p [pt[ptoOver the next several weeks, we will hear from corporate leaders as they update investors on their first-quarter financials and provide a glimpse into the rest of the year.But this quarter, the actual...
Read MoreCelebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories
March is Women's History Month, a time to recognize the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. This year's theme is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories," We're honored to share a few examples of women who continue to...
Read MoreWords of Wisdom from Warren Buffett
The stock market can provide some head-scratching moments, which is why I like Warren Buffet’s quote, “...don’t watch the market closely.”Stocks have been strong this year, and they rallied sharply before...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Powell: Inflation Heading in the Right Direction
Stocks were mixed last week following better-than-expected corporate reports and increasing optimism over a slowdown in interest rates.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged lower, slipping -0.15%. The Standard & Poor’s 500 rose...
Read MoreThe Biggest Bowl Game of the Year
As the biggest sporting event of the year approaches, football fans all over the nation (including us) are gearing up for the Big Game on Sunday, February 12, at 6:30 PM ET.For many, Sunday means a day of tasty tailgating and...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: An Overview
In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it's a follow-up to...
Read MoreTax Changes: What's In, What's Out?
While it’s still too early to draw any final conclusions, Congress is getting closer to outlining what tax law changes are under consideration to pay for the proposed $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Plan.1For now, it appears...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: COVID-19 Variant Clobbers Markets
News of a new, highly virulent COVID variant triggered a market sell-off on Friday, sending stocks into negative territory for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: COVID-19 Variant Clobbers Markets
News of a new, highly virulent COVID variant triggered a market sell-off on Friday, sending stocks into negative territory for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2...
Read MoreWhen Bad News Is Good News
Financial markets can be challenging to understand. But when markets enter a “bad news is good news” cycle, it becomes even more difficult to follow along.At its November meeting, the Fed outlined its plan to taper monthly...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Mixed on COVID-19, Powell
Stocks were mixed last week in choppy trading as investors battled the crosscurrents of good economic data and a troubling rise in COVID-19 infections globally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.38%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Tap the Brakes
Stocks posted small declines last week as investors digested recent stock market gains and an unexpectedly high inflation read.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.63%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 0.31%. The...
Read MoreWhen Bad News Is Good News
Financial markets can be challenging to understand. But when markets enter a “bad news is good news” cycle, it becomes even more difficult to follow along.At its November meeting, the Fed outlined its plan to taper monthly...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Tap the Brakes
Stocks posted small declines last week as investors digested recent stock market gains and an unexpectedly high inflation read.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.63%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 0.31%. The...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed Says Tapering Ahead
A Federal Reserve announcement on tapering, a fresh batch of corporate profits, and encouraging economic data lifted stocks to another weekly gain.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.42%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreEstate Taxes May Be Amended Soon
To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes.One of the proposals would reduce the estate tax exemption to...
Read MoreAre Your Taxes Going to Change?
Most likely, you’ve heard what’s brewing in Washington, D.C., called by one of these names.The Build Back Better Act. Or the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill. Or the Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan for Working...
Read MoreSeptember Is National Life Insurance Awareness Month
It’s time for your life insurance checkup.September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage.1If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...
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