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Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Rise with Upbeat News
Stocks rose last week as peace talks picked up while investors cheered better-than-expected economic news and Q1 corporate results. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.33 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 4.51...
Read More90 Days to Give Your Child a Career Edge
With summer here, your college student is probably enjoying some well-earned downtime. That's great—but I want to share something that I believe is more important than any internship or summer job they could land this season. We are...
Read MoreA simple way to get your estate plan organized
Getting your estate plan in place doesn't have to be complicated—but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.That's why I'm sharing this simple, step-by-step checklist with you:📩 Download ChecklistIt walks you through the key...
Read MoreWhat a $5 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 MoreA Moment to Reflect
Late spring tends to bring a little more time for reflection. That means thinking about where we've been, what we're building, and the people we're building it for. For us, it's not just the goals and milestones, but also the lives...
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Artemis 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 MoreDon’t Watch The Markets Too Closely
Warren Buffett has passed along words of wisdom that later sound like common sense you somehow forgot."I would tell [investors], ‘Don't watch the market closely.’" He offered that insight in March 2016, when stock prices were under...
Read MoreGet into the groove this Jazz Appreciation Month
For some, it's an easy listening station. For others, something their grandparents loved. And then there are those who live and breathe it. That's cool. It's all jazz.This April, we invite you to turn on the radio, put on an old record...
Read MoreGoodbye Jerome Powell. Hello Fed Chair Warsh?
Get ready to start seeing the name “Fed Chair Kevin Warsh” when you receive updates about the Federal Reserve on your news feeds.In short order, the Senate Banking Committee is expected to move ahead with the confirmation process for...
Read MoreTax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Tax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You ThinkWe all know that April 15 is the end of tax preparation season and the annual deadline for completing and filing your return. As important as proper tax prep is, some...
Read MoreWhat's Happening in the Markets and What It Means for You
You've likely been following the headlines about the military conflict in the Middle East, and we wanted to reach out directly to share our perspective on what it means for your portfolio.Here's what's happening:The escalation of...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Supreme Court Rules Against White House Tariffs
Stocks ended a choppy four-session run in the green, with tech-led momentum earlier in the week prevailing over news of a slowing economy, sticky inflation, and geopolitical tensions.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.07...
Read MoreHome Refresh: Aligning Your Wealth Strategy
The arrival of spring often brings that strong urge to start fresh. This season of renewal is a great reminder to apply the same focus to your personal finances. After all, your overall strategy should help align your goals with your...
Read MoreMark Your Calendar: Key Deadline for 2026
As the 2026 tax season approaches, it’s helpful to keep contribution timelines in mind.For the 2025 tax year, you can make contributions to your retirement accounts until the federal tax-filing deadline on Wednesday, April 15, 2026...
Read MoreImportant Reminder: Medicare General Enrollment Period Ends March 31st
The Medicare General Enrollment Period is currently underway, but will come to a close on March 31st. If you didn’t enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B when you were first eligible and you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Markets Await Q4 Reports
Markets ended a short but eventful week slightly lower amid geopolitical tensions and fresh tariff threats. However, constructive economic news appeared to buoy spirits as the week progressed.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.35...
Read MoreNavigating the Costs of Senior Care
Seniors turning 65 today have a 70 percent chance of needing extended care as they age. However, extended care comes with a hefty price tag.1Nationally, the median annual cost of a nursing home is over $110,000 for a shared room, and...
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 MoreIRA RMD Reminder
When must you start Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)? If you have IRAs, you must begin taking annual withdrawals after age 73. Withdrawals from traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary...
Read MoreGetting Ready for Tax Season
As tax season approaches, a little early organization may help things feel more manageable. This time of year often brings a steady flow of paperwork, deadlines, and decisions, so this message is simply a supportive reminder to help...
Read MoreA Steady Approach to Market Movements
Market fluctuations can produce headlines that are unnerving. However, the true measure of a sound financial strategy is its ability to weather short-term volatility in support of your long-term goals. When markets become volatile,...
Read More2025 In Review
At times, 2025 felt like an extraordinary year for stock investors. From tariff uncertainty to international tensions to drama at the Fed, 2025 felt like no other year before. But in hindsight, 2025 was pretty ordinary. In fact, from...
Read MoreAI Valuation Concerns
As an investor, should you be more concerned about the value of your groceries or artificial intelligence? It may seem like a silly question, but there’s a serious answer. One way to measure a stock’s valuation is by looking at what’s...
Read MoreA Retirement Strategy for Military Families
Retirement is a life milestone that requires careful strategy and budgeting. For military families, it requires even more knowledge because you need to consider the military's qualifications to take advantage of the available veteran...
Read More2026 Federal Tax Updates Announced
When the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act was passed on July 4, the legislation left several unanswered questions that the IRS is now addressing. The IRS undergoes this process every year, but this time around, the OBBB has added to...
Read More“Revenge Savings” Sweeps the Nation
Have you heard of the concept known as “Revenge Savings”? Gen Z’ers (born 1997 to 2012) have popularized the “vibe-based budgeting” this year. It’s the idea of stockpiling money to prepare for economic uncertainty, including a cooling...
Read MoreThe Fed Cut Rates: What’s in It for Me?
The Fed lowered short-term interest rates at its September 2025 meeting, but the question on most people’s minds is, “What’s in it for me?” That’s a fair question, so here are some ideas to consider. First-wave changes: Any loan...
Read MoreDo You Labubu?
The hottest accessory trend of summer 2025 is the Labubu doll. But if you don’t hang out with Gen Z’ers (13 to 28 years old), you may have missed it. Labubus are plush mini monsters that can be worn on backpacks, purses, or belt loops...
Read MoreAligning Your 401(k) with Your Goals
Many 401(k) plans that are provided with an employer are known as a Self-Directed-Brokerage Account (SDBA). That means you have the ability to oversee and manage your investments within the plan. However, that takes time and can be...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Stocks Rise on Earnings, Despite Tariffs
Stocks rebounded last week as investor optimism for a September rate adjustment and strong Q2 corporate results overcame the rollout of fresh tariffs. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...
Read MoreHow Family Impacts Financial Planning
When it comes to saving for retirement, including your family in your conversations with a financial professional can prove beneficial. Understandably, your first reaction may be negative because you consider the subject personal to...
Read More3 moves high earners should consider right now
If you’re earning low to mid six figures but feel your assets don’t reflect your earning power, here are three ideas to help you build your wealth: • Invest beyond your 401(k). Consider an individual retirement account (IRA) or...
Read MoreIs It Smarter to Buy or Rent a Second Home?
As summer approaches, your thoughts may drift toward escaping your daily routine. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a pristine beach, fishing in a mountain lake, or playing the back nine between pickleball matches,...
Read MoreBig Change: No More Pennies
No more passing them by when you see one on the sidewalk. Forget about wasting a couple by putting them in your loafers. And don’t even consider throwing them into a wishing well. The Treasury Department has announced that it is...
Read MoreCEOs Are Talking Tariffs. Here’s What They’re Saying
During the most recent round of shareholder calls, CEOs had one big question to answer: “What’s going on with tariffs?” In earlier quarters of 2024, the focus was on inflation and artificial intelligence. But this time, the spotlight...
Read MoreBuffett on Retirement, Investing
“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful,” are the words of wisdom from Warren Buffett. There’s just one small catch—it may be the most difficult thing for an investor to do. Over six decades, Warren has...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Market Slips as Q1 Reports Arrive
U.S. stocks slipped over the shortened trading week as Q1 corporate reports started to roll in. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index dropped 1.50 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 2.62 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreFearful Markets, Strategic Minds
One of Warren Buffett's famous investing quotes is, "Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful." This wisdom aligns well with his principle: "Rule no. 1: never lose money. Rule no. 2: never forget rule no. 1...
Read MoreChecklist to Adjust Your Withholding
When was the last time you thought about or adjusted your withholding? Most people set it and forget it, but reviewing your withholding limits can be beneficial. Adjusting your withholding is a good regular practice. The benefits...
Read MoreAre You Making the Most of Super Catch-Up Contributions?
The SECURE Act 2.0 has introduced catch-up contribution choices for those aged 50+, designed to help boost your retirement savings. These enhanced catch-up provisions are available if you're participating in workplace retirement plans...
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 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 MoreWeekly Market Insights | Shifted Policy Gears Rev Markets
Stocks rallied last week as investors reacted positively to a handful of better-than-expected corporate earnings reports and developments out of Washington, D.C. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.74 percent, while the Nasdaq...
Read MoreInvest with a Strategy to Pursue Your Dreams
“A goal without a plan is just a wish,” wrote French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in the 1942 classic, “The Little Prince.” In financial services, we like to say, “Investing without a strategy is just a dream.” At its core, an...
Read MoreWhat will 2025 hold?
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 opportunities for investors—and...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Mixed Data, Mixed Results.
Stocks finished the week mixed, bookending losses around midweek gains as investors digested fresh inflation data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.64 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index ticked up 0.34 percent. The Dow...
Read MoreDirty Jobs: Fed Sees Through Murky Economic Data
There are some jobs that I just don’t want. The home plate umpire in the 9th inning of a major league baseball game. Fishing in the Bering Sea during an ice storm. Or a Fed Governor who must decide what to do with short-term interest...
Read MoreElection Update: What's Next for Taxes?
Hold everything; stop the presses! There is talk that the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 may get extended. With Republicans in control of the legislative and executive branches, most agree that tax reform will be part of the...
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 MoreElection 2024: Choppy Markets Ahead?
In the playground, when all the kids jumped on one side of the teeter-totter, it rarely ended well. In investing, when all the investors move to one side of a trade, it can suggest that an uptick in market volatility is on the horizon...
Read MoreHow You Can Help Asheville & The Gulf Coast
During this terrible and destructive hurricane season, our hearts are with Asheville, the Gulf Coast, and other impacted communities. If you’re like me, your mind might go to this famous quote by Fred Rogers from television’s Mister...
Read MoreElection 2024 and The Bottom Line
Election years, particularly presidential elections, traditionally come into focus after Labor Day. This is when many American voters become fully engaged with the process. With that in mind, I often get the question: “Politics aside,...
Read MoreCountdown to the Fed’s September Meeting
Anticipation is growing for the Fed’s next two-day policy meeting, which ends on September 18, 2024. And with good reason! If the Fed decides to cut short-term interest rates, it would be the first adjustment to be lower in more than...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Powell: Fed is Ready for Rate Cut
Stocks notched a solid gain as dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials boosted the market’s recovery from early August lows. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.45 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite added 1.40 percent. The...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Stage Comeback After Heavy Monday
Stocks ended last week with modest losses, masking a volatile five-day trading period that saw investors embrace recession concerns and then dismiss the slow-down talk as speculation as the week progressed. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Down Corporate Reports Shake Investors
Stocks had a mixed, see-saw week as disappointing corporate reports unsettled investors who appeared to rotate away from some leading groups in favor of other names. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.75 percent. Meanwhile,...
Read MoreFactoring health care into your retirement strategy.
Most Americans want to age in place and spend their retirement years comfortably. According to Forbes, 77% of people 50 and over said aging in place was their preference. However, statistics show over half of people aged 65 will...
Read MoreDon’t Be Fooled by Low Volatility
Investors know that the stock market moves in cycles, but the cycle has seen no daily drops of more than 2 percent for over a year. As the accompanying chart shows, the 2023-2024 stretch of low volatility ranks 9th since 1966. Is that...
Read MoreDoes Newton’s Law of Inertia Apply to Economics?
The challenge with managing inflation is that there are no brakes. Nothing can make inflation “stop on a dime” and then resume at a nice, predictable two-percent annual rate. Policymakers can only guide inflation to pursue a desired...
Read MoreInflation Buzzword: “Spaving”
Have you seen the grocery store signs that say, “Buy one, get one,” or “Buy one at $4.99, or get four for $2.99 each?” It’s a concept called “spaving,” a time-tested marketing strategy designed to get consumers to spend more–perhaps...
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 MoreHow Much Do You Need to Retire?
I don’t know about you, but every time I see headlines that say, “Top 10 Reasons” or “How Much Do You Need,” I click on it. So when I saw the CNBC article, “You’ll need at least $1 million to retire comfortably in these 10 U.S. States...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed and Middle East Conflict Diminish Stocks
Stocks fell for a third straight week, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell's mixed but upbeat message could not offset the anxiety caused by the Middle East conflict. Stocks Retreat Markets began the week rattled by further escalation in the...
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 MoreGoodbye to Real Estate Commissions
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 1.5 million real estate agents, has...
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 MoreGen Z, Millennial Couples Prefer Financial Autonomy
Over the years, I've come to believe that learning to navigate financial discussions and events in a relationship is a "must" that transcends generations. However, recent data shows that Gen Z and Millennial couples are forging their...
Read MoreWhat Happened to the Recession?
Sir John Templeton once said, "The four most expensive words in investing are: ‘This time it’s different."1 And normally, I would agree. But it seems like the phrase, "This time it’s different," may actually apply to...
Read MoreThe Valentine's Day Boost
As Valentine's Day approaches and Spring draws ever nearer, I thought it might be fun to look at the financial side of February 14. Shockingly, the day many consider the most romantic is also a sweet boost to our nation's economy....
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Investors Begin to See the Light in Upbeat Week.
Stocks pushed higher last week, led by big tech names and boosted by December inflation reports that were mixed but positive enough to shore up investor confidence in Fed rate cuts this year. Stocks Rock and Roll It was a rocky week...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: S&P Ends 2023 Up 26%
Stocks posted a slight gain last week amid a shortage of news and light holiday trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.49%. The Nasdaq Composite index advanced 0.32% for...
Read MoreIRS Releases 2024 Tax Brackets, Retirement Contribution Limits
The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start...
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 MoreYear-End Donations and #GivingTuesday
A list of things to consider as you think about year-end charitable donations With its family traditions and festive celebrations, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. And according to GivingTuesday.org, the...
Read MoreThe Great Wealth Transfer: Women, Are You Ready?
A great wealth transfer is coming as the Baby Boomer generation moves on, and women are likely to be the largest beneficiaries of passed-down wealth. Women are also building their own wealth despite continuing gender wage discrepancies...
Read MoreHelpful Tax Tips Before Year End
Tax planning can be more advantageous when done during the year and well in advance of year’s end. Opportunities may exist for you to minimize tax liability, which could leave more income for you and/or your family. Generally,...
Read MoreSmart Savings: 5 Tax Breaks for College Students and Parents
With the cost of college expensive for many, receiving a tax break from the IRS for college-related expenses may be appealing. 529 Plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) offer tax-advantaged withdrawals when used for qualifie
Read MoreTiming Your Earnings in Retirement to Optimize Your Social Security Retirement Benefit
What is this strategy? If you work after you begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits, all or part of your retirement benefit may be withheld if your earnings exceed the retirement earnings test exempt amount. However,...
Read MoreRegain Confidence and Restore Your Retirement
Sectors hit include air travel, insurance, oil production and entertainment The path to retirement can often seem daunting, with the end goal appearing distant and difficult to reach. This sentiment has only grown in recent years, as...
Read MoreEstate Planning and Asset Protection: Are They The Same?
You may sometimes hear the terms "estate planning" and "asset protection" used interchangeably. They actually have different meanings, and it's important to incorporate both strategies into future financial plans. Below, we discuss key...
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Female Entrepreneurs
Women own nearly 20% of the businesses that employ people in the United States, and countless more women run their businesses without employees. There are over one million women-owned firms. They employ over 10 million people and...
Read More10 Easy Financial Planning Steps for Beginners
If you've never engaged in financial planning and are unsure how to get started, this article is for you. A financial plan starts by evaluating your current financial situation and future expectations and can be created independently...
Read MoreSaving for Retirement and a Child's Education at the Same Time
You want to retire comfortably when the time comes. You also want to help your child go to college. So how do you juggle the two? The truth is, saving for your retirement and your child's education at the same time can be a challenge....
Read More3 Ways for Women to Achieve Financial Independence
For many women, working toward financial independence is more difficult. Obstacles women face include having a longer life expectancy than men which will require more savings for retirement, spending fewer years in the workforce than...
Read MoreA Guide to Student Loan Repayment Plans: 9 Options for Consideration
In a 6 to 3 vote, the Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness plan denying a chance for at least 43 million eligible participants to eliminate up to $20,000 of their debt. Despite new actions...
Read MoreReading, Writing, and…Education Planning
The earlier you start saving, the easier it will be to send your kids to college The month of August is when many parents are preparing to send children back to school this fall. While the checklists grow and the kids soak in the last...
Read MoreFundamental Concepts for New Investors
Investing involves setting goals for the future and weighing the risks and potential rewards associated with a wide variety of investment opportunities. If you are a new investor, this might seem like an overwhelming task. But take...
Read MoreMid-Year Outlook: The Path Towards Stability
Our 2023 investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy. Considering 2022’s market volatility and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the idea of finding balance was certainly a welcomed change. It’s a theme...
Read MoreThe Importance of Financial Independence for Adults with Disabilities
Disabilities may make it challenging to secure a job or stay financially stable. Luckily, there are now more ways than ever for adults with disabilities to gain their financial independence. Here are some important reasons adults with...
Read MoreBudgeting for Teachers: A Learning Curve
If you are an educator, you know how important budgeting is. Whether you take a summer job to have a year-round income or rely on your school year to pay for bills, budgeting your money properly may help you to stay on track with your...
Read MoreSaving for Retirement Through 403(b) Plans
Ways that not-for-profits can help their employees save for retirementFor all employers, offering retirement benefits can play a fundamental role in recruiting and retaining qualified employees. Yet, despite the obvious advantages that...
Read MoreRetirement Planning for Teacher and Public School Workers
Many public school workers in different positions devote their lives to furthering the education of young people. The ability to enjoy a secure retirement is an objective that many teachers and their colleagues pursue years before they...
Read MoreAcquaint Grown Children with Your Financial Affairs
Many parents may feel it is unnecessary to inform their adult children about their personal, financial affairs. However, as your children grow older, it can work to your advantage—and that of your entire family— to share...
Read MoreLast Minute Considerations for the FAFSA Deadline
For many, the expenses of college or technical school can be overwhelming. But, with financial aid programs, tuition, room and board, books, and other college-related costs can become more affordable.
Read MoreMoney Mistakes that Young Professionals Make
As you enter the workforce and start to earn a regular income, it's easy to get carried away with newfound financial freedom. However, this can often lead to costly money mistakes that can have long-lasting consequences.
Read MoreAre You Retirement Ready? 5 Ways to Help Your Parents Prepare for Retirement
The sandwich generation is a term commonly used to describe those between the ages of 40 and 59 who are responsible for raising their family and are also often helping their aging parents manage their ongoing needs.
Read More529 Plans and Alternatives: Making an Educated Decision about Education Savings Options
Those that choose to invest in the education of a family member, friend or acquaintance are investing not only in that individual’s future, but also the future of society. It is an act of generosity, forward-thinking, and love.
Read MoreAs Volatility Increases, So Does Retirement Worry
Tips to combat banking failures, inflation, rate hikes and market corrections.Getting ready for retirement involves more than just calculating how much you will need and the rate you can draw down your savings. The years before you...
Read MoreWhat To Know Before Drafting A Will
A will is an important document most people don’t want to think about, but it’s crucial to have in place to protect your assets and ensure your loved ones receive what you want them to.It can be wise to have a lawyer write...
Read MoreA Tough Times Survival Guide for Small Businesses
Small businesses may often find themselves struggling, and there are many situations in which business owners may find themselves weathering a storm and hoping to make it through. While the strength and fortitude of those who run small...
Read MoreInvestor Sentiment Tested
Spring is often thought of as an uplifting time, marked by growth and renewed hope as we emerge from the long months of winter and look ahead to the rest of year. Investors saw signs of such renewed hope in recent weeks, especially on...
Read MoreReading and Understanding Your Life Insurance Policy
Most people hate the thought of reading a life insurance policy (or any insurance policy, for that matter). However, if you can find the time and muster the patience, it's probably a good idea to read through your policy. If you do,...
Read MoreMedicare Will Not Cover All Health Care Costs
There are out-of-pockets, limitations and gaps that Medicare doesn’t cover Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 or older and certain younger people with disabilities.And despite being a widely...
Read MoreFrom Riches To Rags In Three Generations: Managing Generational Wealth Checklist
When discussing multigenerational wealth it is common to come across proverbs that acknowledge the fact that generational wealth typically won’t make it past the third generation. In the United States the saying goes, “from...
Read MoreMinimizing Taxation of Your Social Security Retirement Benefit
Your Social Security retirement benefit may be taxableDid you know that you might have to pay federal income tax on your Social Security retirement benefit? If the only income you had during the year was Social Security income, then...
Read MoreA Resilient March
The financial markets’ resilient performance during March was striking, despite pockets of uncertainty surrounding the strength of the economy—and not to mention concerns over the durability of the banking system. The...
Read MoreStocks and Bonds Before and After Taxes
Managing Investment Returns with Tax-Efficient Strategies Investing in U.S. stocks and bonds is a popular way for individuals and institutions to grow their wealth and generate income. However, it is important to consider the impact of...
Read MoreSpring Clean Your Finances
As temperatures warm up, trees begin budding, and the days get longer, you probably throw open your windows and think about spring cleaning your home. As you tackle washing windows, cleaning carpets, and sorting out the garage,...
Read MoreFinancial Mistakes to Avoid in 2023
Could you be losing money because of simple monetary mistakes? Avoid these money-wasting habits in 2023 to have more cash when you need it—or save it for a rainy day. Failing to budgetConventional wisdom says to follow the...
Read MoreSilicon Valley Bank Is the 2nd Largest Bank Failure
It will take some time, but the FDIC was designed for moments like thisThe FDIC-seizure of Silicon Valley Bank is the second-largest US bank failure in history as it held $209 billion in assets at the time of its collapse. Even after...
Read MoreSVB Collapse
Financial markets were shaken last week as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the California bank subsidiary of SVB Financial Group (SIVB), fell into FDIC receivership. SVB is the first FDIC-insured institution to fail since 2020 and the...
Read MoreAll About Credit Scores
Every consumer is entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies:ExperianTransUnionEquifaxBesides the annual report, you may be entitled to an additional free report under...
Read MoreWaiting for New Highs
Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months. We started the year hopeful that stocks would benefit from a better economic and monetary policy environment by the spring, but recent...
Read MoreA Beginner’s Guide to Investing
When you start to consider if investing is an appropriate option for you, you may have questions. You might want to ask:How do I invest money, and where?How much money will I need?What are some common strategies for someone that has...
Read MoreWealth Due to Inheritance
What is it?IntroductionIf you're the beneficiary of a large inheritance, you may find yourself suddenly wealthy. Even if you expected the inheritance, you may be surprised by the size of the bequest or the diverse assets you've...
Read MoreIndependent and Thriving: What to Consider In Your Later Years
While you never know your needs as you age, the first step is thinking about your financial situation and health today so you can plan for your later years. With a one in four chance of making it to our 90th birthday, being independent...
Read MoreThe Facts of LIFE (Living Independently For Elders): Financial Planning and Senior Independence
Navigating elder care and elder care finances in the U.S. can be a challenge even for the most well-prepared households. So what, exactly, is involved in senior financial planning? What steps can you take now to help you be prepared...
Read MoreDebt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: The Cold Hard Facts
What would you do if you didn't have a single monthly payment each month on debt? No car, credit card bills, student loans, or even a house payment! Living a debt-free life with no monthly payments is possible for everyone, regardless...
Read MoreUnderstanding Capital Gains Tax as an Investor
As an investor, you may be impacted by capital gains if you sell your investment – whether at a gain or loss. Understanding capital gains may help with your overall investment strategy and the potential to preserve your wealth....
Read MoreDon't Miss Out on These 5 Commonly Overlooked Tax Deductions
When you own a business, you get to deduct business expenses from your business income. This general rule applies, subject to certain limitations, whether you are a sole proprietor with employees or a self-employed freelancer...
Read MoreReasons for Optimism
We wish you a happy New Year and hope you were able to close out 2022 with friends and family. The beginning of a calendar year is often the time when the previous year’s reflections transition to a new year’s hopes. Given...
Read MoreAre You Fiscally Fit? 5 Ways to Check the Health of Your Wealth
Just as it is important to be physically and mentally fit, it is also important to be fiscally fit. Fiscal fitness is not only about how much money you earn or the balance in your savings or retirement accounts. Instead, it is...
Read MoreA Path to Setting and Reaching Your 2023 Goals
What if you focused on your system instead of just your goals? Setting goals for a new year can feel overwhelming. We all know that resolutions don’t last, but we also feel the energy that comes with a new year of...
Read MoreKey Numbers 2023
Start preparing for the upcoming tax season by reviewing Key Numbers 2023 which provides tax reference numbers at a glance.
Read MoreTop Year-End Investment Tips
Just what you need, right? One more time-consuming task to be taken care of between now and the end of the year. But taking a little time out from the holiday chores to make some strategic saving and investing decisions before December...
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Outlook 2023: Finding Balance
Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. Whether it’s about the markets...
Read MoreIRS Increases 401(k) Limit By Record Amounts
As inflation soars, you can now save a lot more for your retirement. On October 21st, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up...
Read More5 Key Steps To Help Women Strengthen Their Business and Their Retirement
As a female entrepreneur, you may face different challenges than your male counterparts. For example, women were disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic. 1 They also tend to earn less than their male peers—largely in...
Read MoreCaring for Your Aging Parents
What is it?Caring for your aging parents is something you hope you can handle when the time comes, but something you probably hope you never have to do. Caring for your aging parents means helping them plan for the future, and this can...
Read MoreAppropriate Checklists for Year-End Tax Planning
What are appropriate checklists for year-end tax planning?Tax planners often develop checklists to guide taxpayers toward year-end strategies that might help reduce taxes. Typically, suggestions are grouped into several different...
Read MoreLooking Ahead
October is now behind us and it has delivered on its track record as a historically favorable month for stocks, offering some respite for investors as major equity indices rose for the month. The downside pressure on equities had...
Read MoreYour Long Term Care Action Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Those turning 65 this year have a 7 in 10 chance of needing long-term care (LTC) at some point.1 With the cost of a private room in a nursing home now topping $100,000 per year, the thought of paying this — or for a loved...
Read MoreHow to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Threats
In addition to visiting the SBA cybersecurity website, business owners might want to review "Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business" and "Start with Security: A Guide for Business," both available on the FTC...
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know About Medicare Savings Programs
The terms Medicare and Medicaid are similar sounding names; however, these programs serve very different needs. Medicare is a health insurance benefit program for those aged 65 and older and others with certain disabilities. Medicare...
Read MoreBetter Times Ahead
In the last several weeks, we have continued to face elevated uncertainty in financial markets due to high inflation and rising interest rates, and we thought it was an important time to take stock with the final quarter of 2022 just...
Read MoreThe Ultimate Juggling Act: 4 Ways to Save for College and Retirement
With the average price for private college tuition and fees hitting $43,750 for the 2021-2022 school year and public college attendees paying more than $28,000 per year, many parents are nervously anticipating what will happen after...
Read MoreMaking Decisions About Medicare
This is a general overview of Medicare coverage. For more information, visit medicare.gov.You can also get free, personalized help from a trained counselor by contacting your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Your...
Read MoreAll You Need To Know About Eldercare Arrangements
It’s never too early to think about how and where you want to live when you’re older.How far in advance do you plan vacations? A month at the very least, right? You’ve booked the flights and hotels, taken time off of...
Read MoreThe Best and Worst of Times
When it comes to stock market performance, August was “the best of times, and the worst of times.” The strong market rally that peaked in mid-August was viewed by many analysts as a transition from a bear to bull market,...
Read MoreLife Insurance at Various Life Stages
Your need for life insurance changes as your life changes. When you're young, you typically have less need for life insurance, but that changes as you take on more responsibility and your family grows. Then, as your responsibilities...
Read MoreWomen and Money: Taking Control of Your Finances
It's important to have a clear understanding of your overall financial position.As a woman, you have financial needs that are unique to your situation in life. Perhaps you would like to buy your first home. Maybe you need to start...
Read MoreSeniors and Debt: Getting Back on Track after a Post-Retirement Financial Setback
You may have envisioned retirement as a second childhood—a time to relax, enjoy yourself, and devote your time to your favorite hobbies. Unfortunately, worry-free retirement is not the reality for some. Challenges from stock...
Read MoreThe Different Stages of Financial Freedom
If you're living paycheck-to-paycheck or stuck in a job you don't love just to pay the bills, it can be easy to feel as though you're financially trapped. But financial freedom doesn't need to be elusive—with some focused and...
Read MoreSome Things Investors Need to Know About Booms and Busts
Economies and markets are cyclical. They may include periods of wealth creation and times of bursting bubbles that bankrupt companies in a major downturn."Boom and bust" cycles may last anywhere from a few months to a few years or...
Read MoreTips to Avoid Common Estate Planning Mistakes
With a few simple actions, you can ensure your estate planning is effective.Whether your estate plan is simple or complex, there are many details, which are often overlooked, that can undermine your plan’s effectiveness. Are you...
Read MoreWhat Causes Inflation and What to Do About It
A huge challenge is planning for your retirement savings to outpace inflation Some of us may remember the “good old days,” when gasoline prices were as low as 25¢ per gallon. Others may recall when a can of soda cost...
Read MoreA Financial Planning Guide for Families with Disabilities
About 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a disability. Many of these disabilities are serious enough to impact a person’s daily life.1 There may be financial benefits available to those whose disabilities leave them unable...
Read MoreInterest Rates on Federal Student Loans to Increase for 2022-2023
Interest Rates on Federal Student Loans to Increase for 2022-2023Every May, interest rates on federal student loans are recalculated for the upcoming school year. The rates are calculated by combining the yield on the 10-year U.S....
Read MoreTop 5 Things Millennials Should Consider When Retirement Planning
Planning for retirement can seem premature when you have only been in the workforce for a decade or so. But as the oldest Millennials begin to hit middle age, retirement suddenly does not seem so far away. From record-busting market...
Read MoreLooking Forward
As the calendar has turned to July, investors would certainly like to forget the first six months of 2022. However, the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday does bring with it a reason for celebration. Not only is it the 246th...
Read More5 Life Events That Impact Your Life Insurance Needs
A life insurance policy is part of financial planning. Life insurance is there to help ease the financial trauma that comes with the loss of a spouse, parent, or partner. As you encounter different events in your life, you may need to...
Read More3 Tips for Staying Calm While Navigating a Volatile Market
When market volatility takes investors on a wild ride, fear and panic are common responses to this stock market roller coaster. Acknowledging these emotions may be a good first step, but acting upon them could result in impulsive,...
Read MoreCharitable Gifting
What constitutes a gift to charity?A gift to charity is simply a gratuitous transfer of property to a charitable organization. The key is that your gift must be some kind of property--your time or personal services do not count. There...
Read MoreA Bear Market is Officially Here
A bear market is officially here thanks largely to stubbornly high inflation. For many of us, it has probably felt like a bear market for a while now, but the S&P 500 Index didn’t close more than 20% below its January 3 record...
Read MoreFinancial Aid Resources for Your Incoming Freshman
College is expensive for many people. The average tuition and fees at a college or university for the 2019 to 2020 academic year at a four-year institution was $9,4001. This may include the cost of tuition, books, and housing. For some...
Read More4 Economic Benefits of Homeownership
Even though housing prices throughout much of the U.S. are at or near all-time highs, there are still many distinct financial advantages to owning a home. 1 From tax benefits to capital gains exclusions and guaranteed rates of return,...
Read MoreBull Market Hangs by a Thread
The bull market that began in March of 2020 came dangerously close to an end. From March 23, 2020 through January 3, 2022, the S&P 500 Index gained 114% (excluding dividends). From that January 3 closing high through the recent low on...
Read More4 Key Investments You Should Consider as a Small-Business Owner
As a small-business owner, you may be looking for the next big thing—an investment that might double your profits within the next year or allow you to maintain your income while working just a few hours a week. However, business...
Read MoreVolatility Continues
2022 has been a challenging year for investors so far. The S&P 500 Index just had one of its worst Aprils in decades, and May is off to a rocky start. Bond investors have not fared much better as rising interest rates have pushed down...
Read MoreMilitary Benefits
What is it? As a current member or veteran of the U.S. armed forces, you may be entitled to a number of military benefits. The term benefits, as used here, includes military pay as well as other programs set up to improve the lives of...
Read MoreApril Showers Bring May Flowers
As we move into spring and leave behind the last signs of a long winter, many worries from a chilly start to the year for markets, unfortunately, are still with us. The S&P 500 Index had its worst April in more than 40 years, leaving...
Read MoreLife Insurance: Back to the Basics
As you consider the wide range of life insurance coverage available, you may wonder what type really fits your needs now, and what will suit your needs in the future. A good, first step is to ask yourself why you are buying insurance,...
Read More7 Retirement Considerations
Thoughts from a financial professional When helping people get ready for retirement, financial professionals find the same issues come up over and over. Thinking ahead can spell the difference between a retirement with enough money and...
Read MoreSocial Security Retirement Benefit Basics
Social Security benefits are a major source of retirement income for most people. Your Social Security retirement benefit is based on the number of years you've been working and the amount you've earned. When you begin taking Social...
Read MoreInvest in Your Financial Education During Financial Literacy Month
April brings more than possible rain showers. It also marks Financial Literacy Month in the U.S. Whether you’re interested in a quick refresher or seeking to learn something new, it may be worth the effort to brush up on some...
Read MoreA Ways to Go
“Bull markets are born on pessimism, grown on skepticism, mature on optimism, and die on euphoria.” - Sir John Templeton According to the guidance of revered investor Sir John Templeton, it appears to us that this market...
Read MoreWhat to Expect on Your 2021 Tax Return
The federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact individual income tax returns, from the suspension of federal student loan interest to expanded child tax credits. For many taxpayers, this may mean your...
Read MoreTips You Can Use for the Credit Card Blues
Credit card debt is a major problem in the United States. According to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, over 175 million Americans have at least one credit card. In addition, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York estimates...
Read MoreProtect Financial Information from Prying Eyes on the Web
As more and more consumers search for financial information on the Internet, they may inadvertently leave themselves open to being “tracked” by certain companies and individuals. Visitors to financial websites have created...
Read MoreNavigating Geopolitical Tensions
The green shoots are hard to see right now as spring approaches, clouded by war in Ukraine. Democracy is under attack and innocent lives are tragically being lost. But while we keep one eye on overseas developments, the other remains...
Read MoreWhat You Should Know About Contributing to an IRA at Every Age
A traditional IRA offers a great way to shield income from taxation while boosting your retirement accounts. Meanwhile, a Roth IRA can let you pay tomorrow's taxes today. But how can workers who are eligible to contribute to either...
Read MoreHome-Health-Care Factors for You to Consider
Are you thinking about home health care as a solution to providing help with daily activities such as bathing, meal preparation, and housekeeping? Many older individuals benefit from receiving assistance in the comfort of their own...
Read MoreThe Origins and Significance of Black History Month
February marks Black History Month and is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of African Americans as well as the crucial role they played throughout U.S. history. What started as a small week-long celebration decades...
Read MoreWhat Can the Best/Worst Stocks of 2021 Tell Us?
Looking for longer-term market trends that might shape the next few years. Let’s be honest for a second: the DJIA, the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and the Russell 2000 all delivered one of the most surprising years in recent history.
Read MoreStocks' Road Ahead
The calendar had barely flipped to 2022 and investors were reminded that even attractive long-term stock returns come with a cost: volatility. The S&P 500 Index fell nearly 10% from January 3 through January 27 amid fears that the...
Read MoreMoving Forward After a Pullback
Stocks have gotten off to a tough start in 2022. Why has the market pulled back and what might we see going forward? We think the most important thing to remember is that periodic stock market volatility is entirely normal....
Read MorePay Down Debt or Save for Retirement?
You can use a variety of strategies to pay off debt, many of which can cut not only the amount of time it will take to pay off the debt but also the total interest paid. But like many people, you may be torn between paying off debt and...
Read MoreFocusing on Your Finances
While most people find the notion of creating a budget about as appealing as cleaning out closets, most would agree that the result—a well-crafted and useful budget—is worth the work.
Read MoreNew Beginnings in 2022
With the New Year comes new beginnings, new goals, new challenges, new friendships, and new opportunities. 2021 was an incredible year for the economy and investors, but to us the future remains bright for 2022 and beyond. Let’s...
Read MoreTax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...
Read MoreFocus on Your Wellness This Holiday Season
The holidays are prime time for eating delicious food, celebrating with loved ones, and creating long-lasting memories. However, all this cheer can be both physically and mentally draining.That’s why it is essential to focus on...
Read MoreWhat To Know About Potential Tax Changes in 2022
Though the final price tag of the Biden administration's infrastructure plan is not absolute, it may increase federal spending by about $3.5 trillion over the next decade.1 President Biden and his administration proposed changes...
Read MoreEnd of Year Financial Planning
For some, it’s easy to put personal finances on the back burner during the last few months of the year. However, before the year comes to an end, it’s essential to review your finances. By doing so now, you can make the most of reviewing
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Outlook 2022: Passing the Baton
LPL Research Outlook 2022: Passing the Baton is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond. While the economy continues to move forward, we’re still feeling some aftershocks of COVID-19
Read MoreHoliday Resilience
We hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. While life has been challenging during the pandemic, we have a lot to be thankful for. At this time, we are especially grateful for COVID-19 vaccines and...
Read MoreChristmas Shopping Lessons for Investors
Is that investment an innovation or an improvement on an existing product? As Christmas sales loom, we face an endless array of sparkly, shiny and occasionally innovative items. As an investor, you run into a similar phenomenon that...
Read MoreHow Will the Infrastructure Bill Impact Investors?
In a late-October victory for construction companies, public utilities, and electric vehicle manufacturers alike, Congress passed a trillion-dollar bill designed to preserve, revitalize, and expand the country's infrastructure....
Read More4 Year-End Tax Planning Tips for Small-Business Owners
The past two years presented many small-business owners with unprecedented challenges. This year’s tax planning preparations include necessary measures for small-business owners to satisfy existing, new and modified tax laws that...
Read MoreYour 2022 Homebuying Game Plan
Over the past year, the real estate market has been marked by unpredictability and, at times, overheated competition. This has resulted in some buyers bowing out after one too many disappointments while other potential buyers put off...
Read More10 Best Financial Benefits for Military Families
Members of the military have a lot of special financial challenges that most people don't encounter. However, they have access to many benefits, tax breaks and legal protections that can make a huge difference in their families'...
Read MoreA Helpful Guide to the Affordable Care Act
If you're part of the one in three Americans who are uninsured or don't have access to an employer-sponsored healthcare plan, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may be able to help. The ACA allows you to buy health insurance on a public...
Read MoreData Breaches Are Inevitable – Here’s How to Protect Yourself Anyway
It’s tempting to give up on data security altogether, with all the billions of pieces of personal data – Social Security numbers, credit cards, home addresses, phone numbers, passwords and much more – breached and...
Read MoreEstate Planning for Everyone
Have you every wondered how estate planning might fit into your overall, future plans? Even if you are just starting to build your estate and do not need complex estate planning, here’s a quick look at some steps you should...
Read MorePut Yourself in Front of the Savings Game
Like dieting, budgeting your expenses can benefit from long-term commitment. However, human nature leads many of us to become frustrated when we can’t immediately have the things we need or want. As a result, the best-laid...
Read MoreChange May Bring Opportunities
One constant in life is change. During the past year and a half, we have experienced more change than any of us bargained for. Change is disruptive—but also brings opportunities. For investors right now, there is no shortage of...
Read MoreYear-End Planning
The last quarter of the year goes by quickly. The kids are back to school, pumpkin flavored drinks and apple picking season is in full swing and boom, all of the sudden we are ringing in the New Year. While we are still in the...
Read MoreWellness Trends that are Here to Stay
A lot of trends in the health and wellness space leave you scratching your head, saying “Huh?” but there are some that are worth a deep dive. Bone broth Not everyone wants soup made with heavy cream, meat, and veggies,...
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know about the FAFSA for 2021
One of the most important pieces of the college financing puzzle is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Without the FAFSA, a college student is unlikely to be able to apply for or receive certain types of federal...
Read MoreFall Into a Healthy Routine
Fall is in full swing, and for most families, so is a return to the school year routine. But for some kids, adjusting back to this schedule can be stressful—and can take a little longer than you’d like to find balance. But...
Read MoreFour Financial Planning Essentials to Ease Your Retirement Fears
When it comes to planning for retirement, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Putting together a financial strategy can be complicated at any time of life, with changing regulations, ups and downs in the market, and disagreements –...
Read MoreFour Tips for Gaining Financial Independence
Over the past July 4th, we celebrated our country’s history of declaring independence and guaranteeing basic human freedoms. But true freedom includes financial independence, as well. Self-sufficiency isn’t guaranteed, but...
Read MoreThe Bull Market Continues
The bull market continues, with the S&P 500 Index now up seven months in a row. Stocks have impressively gained 20% year-to-date, with the S&P 500 making 53 new all-time highs before the end of August—another new record. All of...
Read MoreLife Insurance: Protection for All Life’s Stages
As your life changes, your financial needs often change, as well. Regardless of whether you are just starting out in life, are in mid-career, or are at the peak of your earning years, life insurance can help you achieve a variety of...
Read MoreBegin Investing While Young
There’s a simple word that has profound implications for savings and investing: compounding. Like a snowball that grows as it rolls down a hill, compounding provides the potential for your money to grow, reinvesting your...
Read MoreEstate Planning For Your Digital Assets
What will happen to your Facebook account when you die? What about all your photos shared on social media, your texts with loved ones, or documents on cloud-storage systems? In just the two-year period from 2012 to 2014, humans...
Read MoreWhy Invest?
To accumulate wealth, people may choose to invest their money into various types of investments. Investing creates opportunities that otherwise would be difficult to manage due to the consistency of contributing to the investment....
Read MoreThe Importance of Financial Organization
Organization is a key factor for many aspects of one’s life. People like to have their house organized to allow for efficiency in daily tasks and organizing your finances may give one the same satisfaction. A common trend that we...
Read MoreHow to Get Your House Back-to-School Ready
Back-to-school time is notably hectic. From scrambling to buy supplies to adjusting your internal clock, it can feel like you’re being pulled in a hundred different directions. However, if you get your house in order beforehand,...
Read MoreMid-Year Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed
LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond. While the speed can be exhilarating as economic growth accelerates, it can also be...
Read MoreCollege Planning Isn’t Just About How to Pay for College
As college costs keep rising, parents are looking for ways to provide funding for their child’s education and determine what institution will prevent them from taking on substantial debt. One college funding source is utilizing...
Read MoreFive Factors that Impact Your Retirement
Retirement can be a risky business if you don’t consider all the factors that can impact your retirement during your planning process. Although it’s hard to know what will happen in the future to you or your investments,...
Read More2021 is the Year to be Money Savvy
Definition of Savvy: having or showing perception, comprehension, or shrewdness, especially in practical matters. Money Savvy: smart with money, money-wise, financially astute, shrewd. If you started saving for retirement at an early...
Read MoreHelping Young Adults Understand Insurance
Young adults starting out in life, especially newlyweds, need insurance. But what kind? As a start, a good term life policy likely is a smart move. Other types of insurance may not be. And as they age, what other varieties of coverage...
Read MoreBuying a Home
There's no doubt about it--owning a home is an exciting prospect. After all, you've always dreamed of having a place that you could truly call your own. But buying a home can be stressful, especially when you're buying one for the...
Read MoreWhat Should Grandparents Know About 529 Savings Accounts?
Grandparents can often find themselves in a better financial position to save for their grandchildren's education than their own children are. The parents of prospective students may still be contending with competing priorities like...
Read More5 Investment Considerations for Small Business Owners
If you're a small business owner, many of the best practices employed by individual investors are also available to you (of course!), but you also have some additional options and factors to weigh while creating your investment plans....
Read MoreA Holistic Approach to Your Retirement
Retirement and financial planning should take on a holistic approach. There are two parts involved, preparing for retirement, and being in retirement stages. Both stages are equally important in your approach to how you view your mind,...
Read MoreMembers of the Military: Personal Financial Planning
Financial planning is the process that can help you pursue your goals by evaluating your whole financial picture, then outlining strategies that are tailored to your individual needs and available resources. Just as the success of a...
Read MoreRetirement Planning: To Roth or Not to Roth?
When saving for retirement, it often makes sense to contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans to take advantage of any available employer match opportunities. However, not everyone has access to an employer-sponsored plan. Even...
Read MoreIRS Provides Needed Flexibility for Health FSAs
On February 18, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service announced greater flexibility to employee benefit plans offering health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) or dependent care assistance programs. Under the COVID-related Taxpayer...
Read MoreCoping with the Loss of a Loved One Checklist
Losing a loved one is one of the most stressful times, even if you've had some time to emotionally prepare for it. And while it can be tough to do more than put one foot in front of the other, losing someone can also bring financial...
Read MoreThe 3 Components of Social Security
Many have heard Social Security retirement benefits referred to as part of the "three-legged stool" of retirement: Social Security, a pension or defined benefit plan, and personal savings.1 The idea is that with these three sources of...
Read MoreSaving for College
There's no denying the benefits of a college education: the ability to compete in today's job market, increased earning power, and expanded horizons. But these advantages come at a price. And yet, year after year, thousands of students...
Read MoreThe New IRS Tax Rates and Deductions for 2021
Amidst all the pandemic news and 2020 election drama, many might have missed that the IRS also quietly published new 2021 tax rates in late October and a there are plenty of changes that will impact taxpayers in 2021. While it’s...
Read MoreThe Nasdaq Moves To A Correction; Why That Could Be Good News
“It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” -Yogi Berra The Nasdaq officially moved into correction territory, down more than 10% from the all-time high. It took only 15 trading days to do this, one...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit that can provide great benefit to families. According to the IRS, in 2019 alone, approximately 25 million workers and families received over $60 billion in EITC payments, with...
Read MoreTreasury Yields Are Rising. Now What?
Treasury yields started moving sharply higher this past month (remember that as yields go up, prices go down). And while the upward march began in earnest last August when the 10-Year Treasury yield bottomed at an all-time low rate of...
Read MoreOptimizing Required Minimum Distributions
Seventy-two is an important age milestone for those in or near retirement, as it marks the time when required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin to be withdrawn annually from IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans (previously,...
Read MoreInvesting for the Future
For years, you’ve diligently invested in your retirement portfolio, accumulating wealth that you hope will sustain you throughout your Golden Years. To help see that your assets are sufficient to help you support your lifestyle...
Read MoreThe Stock Market’s Cost of Admission
“One of the most helpful things that anybody can learn is to give up trying to catch the last eighth—or the first. These two are the most expensive eighths in the world.” –Jesse Livermore Countless stock...
Read MoreInflation Expectations Highest Since 2014
The 10-year breakeven inflation rate, a market-based measure of inflation expectations, hit its highest level last Friday, February 5, since 2014. Still, at 2.21% expected annual inflation over the next 10 years, it remains a...
Read MoreAssessing Your Retirement Resources
How resourceful can you be during your retirement? Determining where your retirement money will come from is an integral part of planning for retirement. Most people draw on three main sources of income: Social Security,...
Read MoreWhen to Begin Collecting Social Security
Deciding when to retire and begin collecting Social Security is an important life decision. For some, savings losses may dictate that you delay your retirement plans and continue working, which means postponing when you begin...
Read MoreHousehold Debt Rising, but Payments Remain Under Control
The surge in global debt has been a hot-button issue, so this week LPL Research will focus on the various segments of global debt, beginning “Debt Week” with Weekly Market Commentary: Markets Shrug Off Debt Levels The US...
Read MoreInterest Rate Reversals Revisited
In LPL Research Outlook 2021: Powering Forward, we noted that large interest rate declines historically have been followed by reversals. With the 10-year Treasury yield continuing to climb, now’s a good time for an update. As...
Read MoreThinking About Social Security Benefits at 62?
Social Security is an asset that is taken for granted by many folks. If you are tempted to take Social Security early, when first eligible at age 62, think again: your check will be lower if you don’t wait until what’s...
Read MoreCredit Spreads Limit Bond Performance Outlook
Investment-grade credit spreads, the extra yield you get from investment-grade corporate bonds compared to similarly dated US Treasuries, have already tightened to a level you usually only see during the middle of the economic...
Read More2020/2021 Tax Season Guide
To ease some of the burdens of tax season, we are providing this helpful guide, which contains all the information you may need to easily address tax issues and questions that you might face. It will assist you in becoming familiar...
Read MoreTreasuries Hit Key Levels
Treasury yields hit two key levels the first week of 2021. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the 10-year Treasury yield moved above 1% for the first time since March 2020, and the 10-year breakeven inflation rate, a measure of...
Read MoreIRS Makes Annual Inflation Adjustments for 2021
The Internal Revenue Service announced annual inflation adjustments for the 2021 tax year for more than 60 tax provisions, including standard deductions and the tax rate schedules. More details can be found at “Revenue Procedure...
Read MoreTwo Tales of 2020 Bond Returns
US investment-grade bonds had a solid 2020 despite a tumultuous year overall. The broad Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index had a total return of 7.5%—not as strong as 2019’s 8.7% but its fifth-best year in the last...
Read MoreCOVID-19 Stimulus, Round Two-What Should You Know
After months of intense debate, the House and Senate voted to pass a second COVID-19 economic stimulus bill and the President has signed it into law.1 At a total cost of $900 billion, this 5,600-page bill[1] contains everything from...
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