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Weekly 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 MoreIs the Fed Ready to Pause?
Over the years, the Fed has followed a similar pattern with interest rates. It raises interest rates, then pauses, so it can see how the economy is adjusting to the higher rates. The chart below shows the Fed’s pattern with...
Read MoreOctober CPI: Game Changer or Head Fake?
October's Consumer Price Index (CPI) had some encouraging news for investors, but others asked, "Is this a game changer or another head fake?"While it's a bit early to know the answer, it was great to see that inflation rose at a...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Plenty of Treats for Wall Street This Week
Stocks overcame poor earnings results from some of America’s largest companies to post gains last week as investors cheered positive earnings surprises, easing inflation and a rebound in economic growth.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreHow You Can Purchase I Bonds Direct from the Treasury
With inflation hovering near 40-year highs, some investors are looking for investments that keep pace with rising prices. For many, a Series I Savings Bond is just the ticket. I Bonds give investors a rate of return plus inflation...
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Putting Interest Rates Into Perspective
Traditionally, I’ve been a little cautious when people say, “it’s different this time.” After all, the past few years have seen more financial “firsts” than most.But despite that skepticism, this...
Read More1% Moves in S&P 500
Atlanta, GA - If you’ve felt like stock prices were a little more volatile in 2022 than in recent years, your “spidey senses” are right on the money.
Read MoreImportant Details on Student Loan Relief
The White House recently forgave up to $10,000 to student loan borrowers as part of a larger debt forgiveness program. There are still quite a few questions to be answered, but here are some key points to know.Pell vs. non-Pell: Loan...
Read MoreRecession or Growth Scare? Your Guide
I’m hearing a lot of mixed messages these days about the economy. Some headlines say we’re already in a recession; some say one is looming. Others hint that we’ll avoid a recession and have a soft landing. It makes...
Read MoreThree Ways the Inflation Act Could Impact You
Have you heard? The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on Tuesday, August 16. While the $430 billion package includes many provisions, I thought I’d highlight three key areas where you may benefit the most.Tax credits...
Read MoreAn Everything Bagel of Good News
These days, an encouraging word can feel like a relief. Here are a few positive stories I’ve noticed lately – like an “everything bagel” sprinkled with good news.
Read More3 Shrewd Maneuvers in a Down Market
It’s natural to think “defense” during a bearish market season. But why not mix in some “offense” with your defense? Here are three moves we can discuss together that may be helpful during the current...
Read More1.02 Billion Reasons to Be Prepared
What would you do with a windfall? It’s a question I’ve read or heard a lot lately. Considering the Mega Millions jackpot has now grown to $1.02 billion, it’s safe to say most of us have thought about what it would be...
Read More3 Tips for the Second Half of 2022
With half the year behind us, now is a great time to consider what the remainder of 2022 may hold. However, with inflation and economic uncertainty causing many of us to delay or cancel vacations, large purchases, and more, it can be...
Read MoreHow SECURE 2.0 Might Change Retirement
The SECURE Act of 2019 represented the biggest update to retirement law in over a decade. Now, Congress is deliberating on what “SECURE 2.0” legislation might entail.In March, the House passed the Securing a Strong...
Read MoreDoes It Pay to Buy Travel Insurance for Your Summer Trip?
With summer quickly approaching, you could be asking yourself which expenses are worth the investment when planning ahead for your vacations. Especially when it comes to travel insurance, you want to make sure you're not overpaying for...
Read MoreEstate Planning: Living Trusts
Living trusts are created with a clearly defined objective: to avoid probate. Misconceptions about living trusts have spread to the point where people think trusts can accomplish much more than they are designed to. But if you are...
Read MoreThe 11 Best Quotes about Investing
There's so much to learn about investing. One of the best ways to understand the industry is to study some of the great investors and purveyors of financial knowledge. Here, we share 11 quotes by philosophers, businesspeople, and...
Read More8 Step Summer Financial Checkup
It seems like when summertime hits, time slows down. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over, the taxes are complete and the vacation days are scheduled. If you find yourself with a bit of extra time on your hands in the...
Read MoreWhy Everyone Needs an Inheritance Strategy
Of all the financial strategies that many people have in place, an inheritance strategy is usually not one. Discussing estate planning amongst family members can be uncomfortable even with the best relationships, let alone discussing...
Read MoreAsian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Is Here:
Celebrating Impactful Asian Americans Throughout HistoryMay is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. America owes much to Asian American and Pacific Islander citizens. This year, we would like to recognize the leaders,...
Read MoreRisk Management: Asset Allocation
Whether your retirement is years away or right around the corner, your investment portfolio should be designed with your financial goals in mind. It needs to be forward-thinking enough to handle the whims of the market but flexible...
Read MoreRisk Management: Dollar-Cost Averaging
Smart investors know that trying to time the market is often a losing game. Instead, you plan ahead and invest in such a way as to minimize risk and maximize your returns. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started,...
Read MoreMay Is Military Appreciation Month: 5 Financial Tips For Every Military Family
In honor of Military Appreciation Month, we recognize those in the military as well as their families. Military members and their families face one-of-a-kind challenges, such as deployment to conflict zones, overseas assignments and...
Read MoreInflation Creeping into Personal Finances
If you have a balance on a credit card or an adjustable rate mortgage, you might be noticing changes in your payments. Higher interest rates are starting to ripple through the personal finance landscape, and it doesn't look like that...
Read MoreHow Your Money Mentality Should Change in Retirement
Reaching retirement can feel like crossing the finish line at the end of a 30-, 40- or even 50-year-long marathon. Therefore, many of us look forward to the endless vacation days and the rest and relaxation of retirement. Although a...
Read MoreWhy More Americans Are Retiring Now Than Ever
They're calling it the Great Resignation. This unprecedented phenomenon is observing numerous Americans leave their jobs—some for greener pastures, others for extended periods, and still others, especially older Americans, for...
Read MoreThe Most Valuable Teams in Major League Baseball
When we think about assets, we usually consider investments, retirement accounts, or real estate. But what about sports teams? Can sports teams be considered assets?In fact, major league sports teams are huge assets for mega investors...
Read MoreWhat Is the Difference Between a Tax Credit and a Tax Deduction?
When it comes to preparing your taxes, the idea of tax credits and tax deductions can be music to any taxpayer's ears. That's because both are used to lower the amount of taxes someone owes to the government. While they're both worth...
Read MoreDealing with Unexpected Expenses in Retirement
As you plan for retirement, it's exciting to think of all the things you'll have time to do, including traveling more, spending time with family, and even picking up a new hobby. However, in planning for retirement, you have to also...
Read MoreYour 2022 Tax Filing Season To-Do List
The tax season is officially here. If you haven't already, now is the time to get prepared. Whether you meet with a tax professional or prepare your taxes yourself, proper planning helps the processes go more smoothly and may reduce...
Read MoreJanuary Is National Financial Wellness Month
January Is National Financial Wellness MonthJanuary is Financial Wellness Month, a time to remind people to plan and update their financial strategy.It's a great time to connect with your financial professional to discuss your...
Read MoreThe Pros and Cons of Early Retirement Plan Rollovers
Did you know you may be able to take your 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan and roll it into another type of retirement account while you are still working? Let's look at how these rollovers can happen and the pros and cons of making them.To...
Read MoreAre You Eligible for Catch-Up Contributions?
A recent survey found that 23% of people were very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years, but 33% were not confident.1 That's a third of the population that is unsure whether or not...
Read MoreYour 2021 Guide to Year-End Charitable Giving
Whatever your reason for giving this year, it's important to know how your charitable contributions can impact your financial plan. In fact, being strategic and intentional in your 2021 contributions can create tax benefits for both...
Read MoreOpen Enrollment Begins November 1st. Consider These 4 Tips for Choosing a Health Insurance Plan
Open enrollment (the annual period when you can enroll in major medical health insurance plans), begins November 1, 2021, and will remain open until January 15, 2022. You will need to enroll by December 15, 2021 for coverage that...
Read MoreAre Capital Gains Taxes Changing?
There are a lot of questions about President Biden’s Build Back Better plan and potential tax law changes, including an adjustment to capital gains taxes.One of the proposals Congress is considering sets the top rate for taxing...
Read MoreLooking to Trim Your Budget? Consider These 9 Ways to Save on Groceries Next Month
If you've found yourself struggling financially recently or worried about spending, one way to start saving right now is by cutting back on reoccurring expenses - like grocery costs.Food is, of course, a necessity. The problem is, it's...
Read More403(b) vs. 457 Plan: Maximizing Your Retirement Savings
If you are employed by certain types of non-private organizations, you may have access to a few different types of retirement plans. The 403(b) plans are typically offered to those who work for public educational institutions, such as...
Read MorePreparing for a Single Retirement? 4 Tips for Women
Women in the United States generally retire around the age of 66.1 And for some women, there can be significant planning challenges involved in preparing for a single retirement - meaning one without a partner or spouse to share the...
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