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Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Let's start this email with the conclusion: Stick with your investment strategy, and don’t let outside influences like the Fed get in your way. Following the Fed these days is like watching an endless point in a tennis match. The...

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Stocks fell last week as investors sorted through conflicting inflation reports and assessed geopolitical tensions. Inflation Spooks Markets On Wednesday, the March Consumer Price Index (CPI) report rattled markets, revealing that...

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

WHAT IS RETIREMENT? FANTASY VS. REALITY Source: Ed Slott But what is the end game? Why do we wade through the morass of IRS rules and complicated legislation and oftentimes fantastically dry data? It is an overall effort to help people...

Friday, April 12, 2024

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...

Friday, April 12, 2024

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...

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Friday, April 12, 2024

WHAT IS RETIREMENT? FANTASY VS. REALITY Source: Ed Slott But what is the end game? Why do we wade through the morass of IRS rules and complicated legislation and oftentimes fantastically dry data? It is an overall effort to help people...

Monday, April 8, 2024

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...

Monday, April 8, 2024

Stocks dropped last week as investors focused on “what's next” for interest rates after mixed comments from multiple Fed officials. Fed Officials Weigh In Stocks struggled out of the gate again last week, ending Monday and Tuesday in...

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

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...

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Stocks were narrowly higher for the week as investors digested mixed economic news about consumer confidence. All three of the major averages posted gains for Q1 2024. Stocks Finish Strong Markets slipped for the first half of the...

Monday, March 25, 2024

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...

Monday, March 25, 2024

Stocks posted their best week of the year, sparked by news that the dovish Fed decided to keep rates steady and signaled three rate cuts were still possible this year. Stocks Bounce Back As widely expected, the Fed left rates...

Friday, March 22, 2024

HOW SECURE 2.0 IMPACTS COMPANY PLAN IN-SERVICE WITHDRAWALS Retirement plan funds are designed for retirement, but Congress continues to make it easier for employees to pull out those funds while still working. The SECURE 2.0 law adds...

Friday, March 22, 2024

The Last 5 Years Before You Retire Are Critical: Everything You Should Do Before Time Runs Out Why the last five years before you retire are critical. Retirement can seem like a faraway goal until all of a sudden, it’s not. When you...

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Stocks fell for the second straight week on inflation concerns despite a report on consumer prices that was initially well received by investors. Stocks Slide Tuesday was the only bright spot during the week as stock prices rose after...

Thursday, March 14, 2024

I recently read that 47 percent of parents provide their adult children with financial support. Termed "parental patronage" by many, some parents even contribute more to their adult children than they do to their retirement accounts....

Wednesday, March 13, 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....

Sunday, March 10, 2024

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...

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Stocks were down for the week as investors appeared to take some profits and traders parsed Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Congressional testimony. Markets Wobble  Stocks had a rough start to the week, with the Dow, S&P 500, and...

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR By Marvin Rotenberg, IRA Technical Expert As is our custom at the end of each year, here are 10 questions you MUST ask your financial advisor. This list is a great starting point...

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

What is a Member of Ed Slott's Elite IRA Advisor Group℠?  Please follow the link to view an important video from Ed Slott. https://bit.ly/48N7mgx  Copyright © 2024, Ed Slott and Company, LLC Reprinted from The...

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Owe the IRS Money? Here’s How to Pay If you owe federal taxes, you must pay by the April deadline. Remember, if you get an extension to file your taxes, payment is still due by the April deadline. If you can’t pay the total...

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Stocks extended their tech-led advance last week as signs of a resilient and still-enthusiastic consumer boosted momentum. Nasdaq Sets New High Stocks traded in a narrow band early in the week but ended the five-trading sessions with a...

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Tax season is upon us when we reconcile our dues with Uncle Sam. However, it's also a period when some unscrupulous individuals exploit this necessity, conducting scams to defraud unsuspecting taxpayers. In this digital age, tax scams...

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

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,...

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Conversation With an Estate Planning Attorney  What Issues Do Families Face When a Loved Ones Passes Away? It's often brought up that the disbursement is unfair. Discrepancies from the past start to come into play that the estate...

Monday, February 26, 2024

Discover the key considerations in choosing Medicare coverage, including costs, coverage rules, doctor choices, and travel coverage, among others. Plus, learn how to protect yourself from the Medicare COVID Test Scam, which involves...

Monday, February 26, 2024

Stocks vaulted to new heights last week on the back of an artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor company, marking investors’ belief that AI has the potential to transform the U.S. economy. Stocks Rally to Record Highs Stocks...

Friday, February 23, 2024

92% OF VOTERS MORE LIKELY TO SUPPORT CANDIDATES BACKING A COMMISSION TO REDUCE THE NATIONAL DEBT  Source: Peter G. Peterson Foundation  As Congress navigates budget deadlines, new polling shows growing momentum and...

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

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...

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Stocks fell last week as investors reacted to disappointing inflation updates and other economic reports that fell short of estimates. Stocks Snap Winning Streak Markets were quiet Monday but opened lower Tuesday in response to the...

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Ask an Advisor: How Can Tax Rates Be Higher in Retirement Than Your Earning Years?   Written by Steven Jarvis, CPA I recently attended a retirement seminar at a local community college where the instructor talked about...

Monday, February 12, 2024

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...

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

NEW ROTH PROVISIONS EFFECTIVE IN 2024 Source: Ed Slott ira.help.com When the bell dropped in Times Square last Sunday night, a bunch of new provisions from the SECURE 2.0 legislation kicked in. This article will focus on the...

Monday, February 5, 2024

Stocks pushed higher last week as investors cheered mega-cap tech corporate reports and a better-than-expected employment report. Stocks at New Highs At the beginning of the week, stocks surged, anticipating fourth-quarter corporate...

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Don't Overlook These New RMD Rules For 2024  Learn about the 2024 guidelines related to required minimum distributions from qualified retirement accounts. Your required minimum distributions, or RMDs, can impact other aspects of...

Monday, January 29, 2024

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....

Monday, January 29, 2024

Stocks continued their upward climb last week as excitement around big tech continued; positive economic reports stoked investors’ belief that the Federal Reserve has pulled off a soft landing. Stocks Power Ahead Big tech was...

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

By almost any measure, 2023 was a terrific year for stock prices. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index finished up 24%, closing out the year with a nine-week winning streak.1 But throughout January, the naysayers were out in force...

Monday, January 22, 2024

Stocks finished higher last week, with big tech again leading amid lingering uncertainty over how continued economic strength would influence the Fed’s rate decision. Stocks Dip, Then Rally  Stock prices dropped early in...

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

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...

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Your 401k In 2024: New Rules Make It Easier Among the countless headlines last year, little attention was paid to retirement saving. Yet there was some significant news that will make a positive difference going forward. Congress and...

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Congressional Leaders Agree On Spending, Key Step To Averting Shutdown  Congressional leaders said they reached an agreement on overall spending levels for the current fiscal year that could help avoid a partial government...

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Stocks retreated in the first trading week of 2024, struggling a bit after a celebratory end to last year as investors second-guessed Fed signals and fretted over lingering inflation concerns. New Year Blues Stocks got off to a rough...

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably been thinking about your health quite a bit lately — especially if you’re approaching retirement. Trust me, I understand. Anticipating your future medical costs can...

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

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...

Friday, December 29, 2023

Retirement Expert Says Too Many Americans Are Withdrawing From Their 401(K) Accounts: Here’s What To Do Instead  The American dream of a comfortable retirement seems to be slipping away for many as a concerning...

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Investor optimism and fears of missing out on future gains propelled stocks higher in the last full week of trading before year-end. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.22%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.75%. The...

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

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...

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

In economics, there are lead indicators and lag indicators. But often, the coincident indicators–stats that show the current state of the U.S. economy–tell the best stories. The Conference Board reports that a record-high...

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

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...

Monday, December 18, 2023

Season's Greetings! With the holidays nearly here, I recently checked that my gifting was squared away. Luckily, I didn't forget anyone (this year), but as I reviewed my list (and checked it twice), it made me curious how others...

Monday, December 18, 2023

Markets reacted positively last week to cooler inflation and the idea of potential rate cuts next year, adding to the gains of the market’s year-end rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.92%, while the Standard &...

Friday, December 15, 2023

Once again, the year has flown by! In these final weeks of the year, our thoughts often turn to the comforts of home and family — of sharing good cheer with neighbors, friends, and loved ones. In that spirit, I would like to...

Monday, December 11, 2023

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...

Monday, December 11, 2023

A late-week, two-day rally left stocks higher, adding to November’s gains as the last month of trading for 2023 began. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (+0.01%), while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.21%. The...

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Prepare for the unexpected – because life happens. Even if you're young or have a modest estate, a trust/will provides a clear roadmap for your wishes. Don't let your loved ones navigate confusion – secure their future with...

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Update your trust, update your peace of mind! If you've already established a trust, make sure it reflects your current wishes and circumstances. Life evolves, and so should your estate plan – guaranteeing that your loved ones...

Monday, December 4, 2023

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...

Monday, December 4, 2023

A Friday rally turned an otherwise mixed week for stocks into a solid performance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 2.42%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.77%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose 0.38% for the...

Friday, December 1, 2023

Investing might sound like something that comes later in life, but did you know that even you can start growing your money at your age? It's like planting seeds that turn into giant trees over time. Let's explore why starting early...

Thursday, November 30, 2023

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...

Monday, November 27, 2023

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...

Monday, November 27, 2023

Investor enthusiasm for stocks remained strong last week, buoyed by declining bond yields in a holiday-abbreviated trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 1.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.00%. The...

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

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...

Monday, November 20, 2023

Stocks extended their November rally last week as investors cheered lower-than-forecast inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.24%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose...

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Please join Carol Schmidlin for live, complimentary webinar. LONG-TERM CARE November is Long Term Care month. I felt this is the opportune time to host a webinar on this very important subject. In this webinar, I'll highlight the...

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

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...

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

A powerful Friday rally left stocks higher last week, extending the market’s early November gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.65%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.31%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Thursday, November 9, 2023

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....

Monday, November 6, 2023

Stocks ripped higher last week on a dramatic retreat in bond yields triggered by easing inflation and a slowing labor market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 5.07%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 surged 5.85%. The...

Saturday, November 4, 2023

Social Security, America’s essential public retirement program, is on a path to depletion in less than 10 years. Please click HERE to read more about this important subject. https://bit.ly/3SojkJf

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

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...

Monday, October 30, 2023

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...

Monday, October 30, 2023

Amid a busy week of corporate earnings reports, stocks slumped on cautious earnings guidance, fears of higher interest rates, and growing anxiety over the increasing amount of Treasury bonds and notes coming to market. The Dow Jones...

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

The Social Security Administration recently announced that over 71 million Americans, including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries, will receive a 3.2% increase in their benefits for 2024.1 However, it is...

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

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...

Monday, October 23, 2023

 Securing tomorrow starts today! 🏛️✨ Having a trust/will in place guarantees your assets are distributed according to your wishes, minimizing family disputes and legal hassles. Provide your loved ones with...

Monday, October 23, 2023

Every Year, Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period Is October 15 - December 7 Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year—things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks....

Monday, October 16, 2023

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...

Monday, October 16, 2023

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...

Monday, October 9, 2023

A Friday rally overcame a shaky week, sending stocks mostly higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.30% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.48%, and the Nasdaq Composite index added 1.60% for...

Friday, October 6, 2023

We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through your phone, computer, or tablet, and a notification pops up. “Update Me!” While that isn’t the exact wording, the meaning is the same. Something wants to be...

Friday, October 6, 2023

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...

Monday, October 2, 2023

After a sharp increase in short-term interest rates, many market participants expected a slowdown in economic growth. In this edition of Economic Outlook, Christian Chan, CFA, Chief Investment Officer of AssetMark, examines growth...

Monday, October 2, 2023

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...

Monday, October 2, 2023

Rising bond yields and government shutdown fears left stocks in mostly negative territory for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.74%. The Nasdaq Composite index was...

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Many retirees plan to earn extra income to supplement their retirement spending. But how much can a retired person earn without paying taxes? The answer to this question varies based on your situation. Understanding the tax...

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Sometimes it makes sense to keep your mortgage in retirement, sometimes it doesn't. Find out what strategy works best for you. Some 44% of homeowners ages 60 to 70 carry a mortgage with them into retirement, according to mortgage...

Monday, September 18, 2023

Sometimes it makes sense to keep your mortgage in retirement, sometimes it doesn't. Find out what strategy works best for you. Some 44% of homeowners ages 60 to 70 carry a mortgage with them into retirement, according to mortgage...

Thursday, September 14, 2023

📢 Attention 📢 Get ready for some market reaction in September due to "headline risk," referring to the possibility of unsettling news events causing volatility in the financial markets. Congress is working on passing a...

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Are you already planning for the end of the year? Where did the time go? In this edition, we’ll be looking into navigating Medicare for the first time, particularly if you are under the age of 65. Don’t forget Medicare...

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Concerns that the Fed may raise interest rates soured investor sentiment, sending stocks lower in a holiday-shortened trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.29%....

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Falling bond yields–spurred by weak economic data–helped lift stocks to weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.43%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 2.50%. The Nasdaq Composite index increased...

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

In the past ten years, the amount of money held in retail money market funds ebb and flowed. But looking at the chart below, you see something interesting that happened in the last two years. Cash being held in retail money market...

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

  MRFC - International Association of Registered Financial Consultants                                           ...

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Baby boomers born from 1960 to 1965 are in big trouble when it comes to retirement savings. The so-called late boomers, nearing retirement, have less wealth than earlier boomer cohorts, according to a new brief published by...

Thursday, August 17, 2023

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...

Thursday, August 10, 2023

Don’t be surprised to see a few more volatile days this month as we get updates on inflation and the jobs market–two key economic numbers tracked by the Fed. Also, don’t be surprised to see some market volatility when...

Thursday, August 10, 2023

The current market rally has lasted roughly nine months, about the length of the market's downtrend in 2022. While the Standard & Poor's 500 remains well below the high, the downtrend and the uptrend are starting to look similar. The...

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Retirement income from defined benefit plans catches a break in these states. | Retirement income comes in all forms, and pension payouts are just one of them. To the federal government, most pension payouts are fully taxable as income...

Friday, August 4, 2023

You could live several decades or longer in retirement; how can you provide for income far into the future? Possible tactics:  Buy an immediate annuity. You can buy such annuities in several forms. They can cover your life...

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

A Friday surge pushed stocks solidly into positive territory last week, ignited by cooling in an inflation gauge closely tracked by the Federal Reserve.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.66%, while the Standard &...

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Here are some key insights into the June Consumer Price Index (CPI):    Core CPI, excluding volatile food and energy prices, rose by only 0.16% for the month. This is the lowest reading in over two years, marking a...

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Roughly every six weeks Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell delivers a report card that rates the economy’s future performance. This comes along with each decision the central bank makes on interest rates. The latest move —...

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Like some of my clients, you may have seen the latest regarding Aretha Franklin's estate. The Queen of Soul passed away in 2018, and years later, her loved ones are still caught in legal trials thanks to the existence of multiple wills...

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

The accompanying table shows that 98% of investors believe the Fed will raise short-term interest rates from 0.25% to between 5.25% and 5.5% at its July meeting. But after July, the Fed Chair and investors disagreed about what will...

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Summer is traditionally regarded as a sluggish time for U.S. stocks, given the Wall Street adage: “Sell in May and go away.” This year, though, may turn out to be markedly different from past years. One reason is bullish...

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Stocks climbed last week as reassuring inflation data boosted investor hopes that the rate-hike cycle was nearing an end amid fresh economic data pointing to continued economic resilience.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.25%,...

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Here’s a riddle. “I’m a two-word phrase that we heard almost every day for two years, but it has dropped from almost all economic talk in 2023?”Answer: Supply chain.As you can see from the accompanying chart,...

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

When you think of a trust, you may have visions of contentious family gatherings in an attorney’s office after the death of a patriarch or matriarch. And sure, why not add sibling rivalries on par with the Roy family...

Monday, June 12, 2023

All income you receive is taxable unless the rules explicitly state it isn’t. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), taxable income includes earned income like wages and any income earned by providing a service or the...

Monday, June 12, 2023

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...

Thursday, June 8, 2023

With summertime fun in full swing and temperatures rising, OPEC+ has announced broad measures to boost flagging oil prices.Saudi Arabia plans to reduce July production to 9 million BPD (barrels per day). That's 1 million less than in...

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Stocks surged higher in the closing days of a holiday-shortened trading week, ignited by a political resolution on raising the debt ceiling and a strong employment report.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.02%, while the Standard...

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Now that the debt ceiling negotiations are behind us and President Biden has signed the measure, what will Wall Street's wandering eye focus on next?Inflation? Interest rates? Recession? Artificial intelligence?More than likely,...

Thursday, June 1, 2023

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. is rapidly approaching the deadline for Congress to pass a deal, reached over the weekend by Democratic President Joe Biden and top congressional Republican Kevin McCarthy, to suspend the government's...

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

What is a bull market, and more importantly, who determines if we are in one?Technically speaking, a bull market is defined as a 20% gain in a stock market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500, from a closing low.So are we in one?...

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Memorial Day is about honoring the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Every year, I'm reminded of how deeply grateful I am for their courage and humbled by their dedication to securing our...

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Stocks rallied last week, propelled by growing optimism over reaching a deal on raising the debt ceiling and avoiding a technical debt default by the U.S.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.38% higher, while the Standard &...

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Many Americans see retirement first as a process of saving enough money and, when that goal is met, finally settling into rest and relaxation in their later years.But several challenges often threaten to derail that end game, a new...

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

The Baby Boomer generation is reaching retirement age in record numbers. With more Boomers retiring on a daily basis, it helps to understand how prepared they are to leave their jobs for good. In this article, we’ll discuss the...

Friday, May 19, 2023

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...

Friday, May 19, 2023

Summer’s here, and the time is right for fun in the sun (or shade). Like many of us, you’re probably looking forward to an extended getaway or family trip. But summer also means planning for hot weather, which can come with...

Monday, May 15, 2023

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...

Monday, May 15, 2023

Stocks were mixed last week as good inflation news was offset by mounting debt ceiling concerns and rekindled regional banking fears.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.11%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.29%. The...

Friday, May 12, 2023

The TSP has announced an update to the “My Account” home page portal for account holders to monitor their investments and make transactions, in what it terms as a “response to feedback about what participants prefer...

Friday, May 12, 2023

The United States has the largest GDP in the world in nominal terms, and urban areas are a major contributor to the country’s economic might. In fact, metropolitan areas account for roughly 90% of U.S. economic output.In this...

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

I wanted to take a moment to update you on the potential changes to Social Security benefits for 2024. As I'm sure you know, the Social Security Administration calculates annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) based on the Consumer...

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

A Friday rebound, triggered by a big tech company’s earnings beat and a strong jobs report, shaved much of the week’s accumulated losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Don't hold a surprise birthday party for Jerome Powell. He would hate it. And if you plan on visiting the Fed Chair, call first. He doesn't like surprises.Powell delivered on his March promise at the most recent Fed meeting by...

Friday, May 5, 2023

It's the month of May, the month that ushers in everyone's favorite holiday. No, not Mother's Day, Memorial Day, or Cinco de Mayo.National 529 Day!While we are big fans of all of the above; 529 Day is a dedicated time to focus on...

Friday, May 5, 2023

Financial markets can be challenging to understand. And when markets enter a “bad news is good news” cycle, it becomes even more challenging to follow along.Stock prices rallied at the end of April after the Commerce...

Monday, May 1, 2023

Strong earnings from several mega-cap technology companies offset renewed regional banking jitters and weak economic data, leaving stocks higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.86%, while the Standard &...

Monday, May 1, 2023

It’s May 1986. The Cosby Show and Family Ties are the top-rated TV shows. Top Gun starring Tom Cruise and Cobra starring Sylvester Stallone are boffo box office. Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer and Kiss by Prince top the pop...

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

From 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 by market pundits when they compare a...

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

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 &...

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Last year’s soaring inflation rate contributed to a big dip in retirement savings for millions of Americans, and the problem might not get much better this year unless inflation falls well below current levels...

Friday, April 21, 2023

It’s our mission to provide our clients with a timely market commentary of the prior quarter’s financial market performance, key economic releases, and policy developments.Please see the most recent Quarterly Market Review...

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Highs And Lows of U.S. Cashflow Will Make for A Bumpy Ride, Intensifying The Partisan Stalemate As The Nation Moves Closer To Defaulting On Its $31.4 Trillion In Debt.The U.S. Will Default On Its $31.4 Trillion Debt This Year If...

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

If your Social Security benefits are cut, what impact could this have on your retirement portfolio?Over the last few months, there has been a lot of talk around Social Security and the issues with the amount of money within the fund....

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Monday, April 17, 2023

In today's world, having access to cash is an essential part of any financial plan. It gives you the freedom and flexibility to make the most of opportunities that come your way while also providing a safety net for when the unexpected...

Monday, April 17, 2023

The combination of an improving inflation outlook resulted in a week of uneven, albeit positive, performance, in which cyclical and financial stocks rallied while technology, real estate, and utilities lagged. The Dow Jones...

Monday, April 17, 2023

Recently, you may have seen reports that the so-called “depletion date” for Social Security was adjusted. This refers to the predicted date when the long-running program will no longer be able to pay full benefits.Barring...

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Recently, you may have seen reports that the so-called “depletion date” for Social Security was adjusted. This refers to the predicted date when the long-running program will no longer be able to pay full benefits.Barring...

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Just a quick reminder that the last day to make 2022 contributions to certain retirement accounts is fast approaching. In most cases, the contribution deadline is the same as your tax return filing deadline. For instance, you can make...

Monday, April 3, 2023

Market timing must be exhausting. Always moving in and out of the markets based on economic analysis or business headlines must be so challenging.The accompanying chart shows that money held in money market mutual funds rose to $5.1...

Monday, April 3, 2023

Stocks rallied last week on receding fears of a widening banking crisis, led by resurging investor interest in technology and communication services names.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.22%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Friday, March 31, 2023

It can be pretty easy to find things to worry about in today's economy. For example, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the average price of eggs increased by 60 percent in 2022. That means their price rose faster than almost...

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

t's natural to wonder exactly how a bank safeguards your money. Fortunately, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance exists for this very reason: to help protect your funds once deposited. Read on to explore the...

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Jerome Powell is a man of his word. And the financial markets believe that's an excellent trait for the Federal Reserve Chairman.Powell told the financial markets to prepare for a 25 basis points increase in short-term rates in early...

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

President Joe Biden’s order that federal employees get vaccinated against COVID-19 has been blocked by a federal appeals court.The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, in a decision Thursday, rejected...

Thursday, March 23, 2023

With so much of our lives spent online, it’s sad to think of losing the important stuff. Pictures of your kids and grandkids; Personal items like cherished emails, texts, and voicemails from loved ones; Or the notes for that book...

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Kurt Czarnowski is currently the principal in “Czarnowski Consulting,” a retirement planning firm which in now in its 12th year of providing “Expert Answers to Your Social Security Questions. He is the former Regional...

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Amid the reverberations of two U.S. banks being taken over by regulators and the spread of uncertainty to European banks, stocks trended higher last week on the strength of the technology sector.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was...

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

What is financial fitness? We are all familiar with the term physical fitness, and if pressed for a definition, we might define it in terms of our strength and health level. When it comes to an explanation of financial fitness, the...

Thursday, March 16, 2023

When events like Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank happen, it's natural to wonder how a bank safeguards your funds. Fortunately, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance was designed for this very reason:...

Monday, March 13, 2023

Stocks tumbled last week as investors reconsidered their interest rate expectations after Fed Chair Powell’s Congressional testimony that rates may need to go higher. Stocks also were rattled when a west coast bank was placed...

Thursday, March 9, 2023

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...

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Jerome Powell would be terrible to have in your book club. He would always reveal how the book would end.When the Fed Chair spoke following the Fed meeting in February, he said, “we’re in the early stages of...

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

FSI Advocates for Main Street Americans’ Access to Objective, Affordable Financial AdviceCarol Schmidlin of Franklin Planning LLC announced she has renewed membership with the Financial Services Institute (FSI) in Washington, D.C...

Monday, March 6, 2023

A late-week surge, triggered by reassuring Fed-speak, propelled stocks higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up 2.58% for...

Monday, February 27, 2023

Monday, February 27, 2023

Concerns over a firmer monetary policy were heightened by fresh economic data, touching off a climb in bond yields and a slide in stock prices last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.99%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

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...

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Growing concerns about further interest rate hikes, prompted by fresh economic data, reversed early-week gains and left stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Would it surprise you that the U.K. stock market is hitting new all-time highs and several other European markets are either at new highs or approaching new all-time highs?It seems like only a few months ago, European economies...

Thursday, February 16, 2023

The time following Valentine's Day has always served as a reminder that Spring is on the way. The days are getting longer, the birds and the bees are doing their thing, and people everywhere are thinking about future travel and...

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) have been in the financial/investing news a lot over the last several years.  RMDs came into being when Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) were introduced back in 1974.  Their...

Monday, February 13, 2023

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...

Monday, February 13, 2023

Stocks drifted lower as a week of mixed earnings reports and resurgent worries over Fed monetary policy dragged on investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...

Friday, February 10, 2023

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...

Friday, February 10, 2023

The history of the United States is a tapestry embroidered with many cultures. One of the most vivid and complicated historical threads is those belonging to Black Americans. The accomplishments of many individuals, named and unnamed,...

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

"Is the bear market over?"That's a question I've been asked a number of times in recent weeks. And my answer is the same, "Let's give it a little time."But people are quick to remind me that stocks are off to a good start in 2023,...

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

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...

Sunday, February 5, 2023

"Is the bear market over?"That's a question I've been asked a number of times in recent weeks. And my answer is the same, "Let's give it a little time."But people are quick to remind me that stocks are off to a good start in 2023,...

Saturday, February 4, 2023

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...

Monday, January 30, 2023

Stocks added to their early 2023 gains amid a busy stream of mixed corporate earnings results and conflicting economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.47%. The Nasdaq...

Monday, January 30, 2023

You may have heard the saying, “inflation hurts savers and benefits borrowers.” The expression suggests that borrowers benefit from inflation because they pay back lenders with dollars worth less than when the money...

Monday, January 23, 2023

National Financial Wellness Month comes each January. It's a time to remind people to either establish a financial strategy or take some time to sit down and review it with their trusted financial professional.For me, it's time for me...

Monday, January 23, 2023

Stocks showed mixed results last week as recession fears resurfaced in response to weak economic data and a tepid start to a new corporate earnings season.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.70%, while the Standard &...

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Stocks rallied last week thanks to fresh confirmation of inflation’s cooling trend and growing optimism that an inflation slowdown may provide the Fed with space to ease up on future rate hikes.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

The December inflation report had some encouraging news. It showed that consumer prices trended lower for the month, but more importantly, it confirmed that overall prices have been trending lower for the past six months.Now the ball...

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Have you enrolled in Medicare, or are you considering it? If so, you should know that anyone who receives Medicare is eligible to receive Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.However, if you don’t enroll for that coverage...

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

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...

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

It’s our mission to provide our clients with a timely market commentary of the prior quarter’s financial market performance, key economic releases, and policy developments.Please see the most recent Quarterly Market Review...

Thursday, January 5, 2023

In a holiday-shortened week, erratic trading left stocks marginally down for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.14%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.30%. The MSCI...

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Congress spent the final days of 2022 on new reforms designed to help Americans save more for retirement.You may hear the changes called SECURE Act 2.0, which is a follow-up to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement...