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November to Remember
Solid gains for both stocks and bonds gave investors a November to remember. As financial markets continue to defy skeptics.
Read MoreCountdown To Investing in the New Year: 10 Questions To Ask Yourself
If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans.
Read MoreRaising Financially Aware Kids in the Internet Age
Today's kids have more information at their fingertips than past generations could ever have dreamed—but not all this information is always accurate. And when it comes to financial literacy, the ability to weed out misinformation is crucial
Read More2024 Contribution Limits: What’s New?
Life today is expensive, and contributing to a retirement plan is more beneficial than ever. Recently, the IRS announced it was raising the contribution limit for 401(k)s to $23,000 for 2024, up from $22,500.
Read MoreThe 12 Days of Year-End Planning: Things to Consider Going into the New Year
At the end of the year, it is necessary to reflect on your financial plan, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved, it can seem overwhelming.
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5 Tips for Navigating Medicare in Retirement
One of the main concerns about retirement is health care. As healthcare costs continue to rise, medical bills may quickly derail your retirement plan. The good news is when you turn 65, you will be able to apply for Medicare.
Read MoreOffering Thanks
The penultimate month of the year is often a time to reflect and offer thanks. And while economic and geopolitical uncertainty can overshadow the positives, there are things to be thankful for.
Read MoreCharitable Ideas for What to Do With Your Money
Giving away some of your money is a great way to support the people and organizations you love. But there are smart ways to do it, minimizing your taxes and avoiding pitfalls along the way.
Read MoreQualified Charitable Distributions for RMDs
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are vital for those who must take an annual required minimum distribution (RMD) but seek a tax-advantaged strategy that may help lower their adjusted gross income (AGI).
Read More5 Tips for Saving and Investing as a Small-Business Owner
Putting all your profits back into the business may be tempting, especially during the lean years. But when it comes to saving and investing as a business owner, there are other paths you could consider for the long run.
Read MoreWatch Out for Student Loan Repayment Scams
If you are getting ready to repay your student loans, you may be contacted by companies offering to help you. Before you take action, here are some signs that you might be dealing with a student loan repayment scam.
Read MoreRetirement Planning for Veterans
Veterans' retirement benefits are among some of the most generous out there, in large part due to the risks and sacrifices that come from military service. But navigating this array of benefits may seem complicated. What should veterans kno
Read MoreStaying the Course
Given the economic backdrop, we wouldn’t be surprised if the markets remain a bit choppy this month. But overall, we suggest staying the course, and there are plenty of reasons to be cautiously optimistic about where we’re headed...
Read MoreAre You Cybersecurity Safe?
Although cyber-security attacks are often direct at companies, other attacks are targeting individuals who are often unaware their daily events leave them at risk.
Read MoreFinding Focus with Financial Planning: A Step-By-Step Guide
You have probably heard about financial planning and its potential benefits, but you are unsure how to apply the principles to your life. Help from a financial professional is also highly recommended to navigate the nuances involved.
Read MoreSenior Cyber Safety – How to Avoid a Cyber Identity Crisis
Cybercrimes have proven to be an escalating problem that requires people to be especially vigilant when using electronic devices. We want to share several ways seniors can work to circumvent falling victim to such scams.
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.
Read MoreWhat Should Women Entrepreneurs Know About Small Business Grants?
There are grants available that can provide some much-needed liquidity to female entrepreneurs. Learn more about these grants and how you can take advantage of the opportunities they present.
Read MoreTips for Your Year-End Financial Planning Review
When you work with a financial professional, you know how important the year-end review is to the financial planning process. Here is what you should do in order to make your annual financial planning review more efficient and productive.
Read MoreNavigating Market Setbacks
Financial markets lived up to their reputation during the month of August, which has a record for being difficult. On the first day of August, markets had to contend with a downgrade of U.S. long-term debt by the rating agency, Fitch.
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.
Read MoreTerm vs. Cash Value Life Insurance
Which type of life insurance is better--term or cash value? Insurance buyers have been asking this question for generations.
Read MoreWhy Financial Preparedness Is a Smart Investment
Having some cash set aside for emergencies or unplanned expenses may help you avoid going into debt when disaster strikes.
Read MoreHow Grandparents Can Help Grandchildren with College Costs
Helping to pay for a grandchild's college education can bring great personal satisfaction and is a smart way for grandparents to pass on wealth without having to pay gift and estate taxes. So what are some ways to accomplish this goal?
Read MoreStaying Invested in a Tricky Market Environment
Making economic forecasts and stock market predictions can be humbling. It’s especially tough when you expect stocks to go higher and get a big drop instead. The environment today is the opposite, but still tricky, as recession...
Read MoreA Retirement Income Roadmap for Women
More women are working and taking charge of their own retirement planning than ever before. What does retirement mean to you? Do you dream of traveling? Pursuing a hobby? Volunteering your time, or starting a new career or business?...
Read More5 Ways Senior Citizens Can Invest Their Savings
Even if you are already retired, it doesn't mean you should stop trying to grow your savings. Inflation, unexpected medical bills, and changes to your lifestyle or family may result in the need for additional income than you...
Read MoreA Financial Checklist for Life-Changing Events
When it comes to financial planning, people often think of financial professionals as people who assist with strategies for retirement planning. That is one aspect of their job; however, financial planning and working with a...
Read More5 Keys to Investing for Retirement
Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. However, the following basic rules can help you make smarter choices regardless of whether...
Read More2023 Midyear Outlook: The Path Toward Stability
Now that we’re beyond the midpoint of the investing year, it’s a great time to look at where we’ve been—to help position your portfolio for the latter half of the year. Our Midyear Outlook: The Path Toward...
Read MoreBetter-Than-Expected First Half
As we finalize the log on the first six months of 2023, we believe there’s value in reflecting on recent months gone by. Doing so can help crystallize key learnings and help chart a course through the rest of the year. Looking...
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 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. Those members of...
Read MoreStars, Stripes, and Stocks: 3 Ways Investors May Pursue Financial Freedom
What does the term "financial freedom" mean to you? For some, it means freedom from a particular workplace or industry. For others, it means the opportunity for an early retirement or the ability to start a long-desired business....
Read MoreDebt Ceiling Drama Is Behind Us
Every so often Washington likes to remind us how hard it can be to get things accomplished. The most recent example is the debt ceiling—the amount Congress can borrow to pay its bills. It seems like we have this debate every few...
Read MoreSun, Fun, and Summer Savings: 5 Thrifty Tips for Summer Traveling
Summer is here, and it could be time to hit the road on a new adventure. If you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to give up your summer vacation dreams. Here are a few tips you may be able to use to create the perfect...
Read MoreFatherly Advice: 6 Timeless Financial Tips Our Fathers Taught Us
Although many things have changed in the financial world over the past 20 years, some nuggets of financial advice are timeless. Here are a few tips that have remained constant for several generations.Always Spend Less Than You...
Read MoreTax Benefits of Home Ownership
In tax lingo, your principal residence is the place where you legally reside. It's typically the place where you spend most of your time, but several other factors are also relevant in determining your principal residence. Many of the...
Read More5 Homeowner Estate Planning Tips to Consider
Estate planning helps disperse your assets according to your wishes. The effort may seem daunting at first, but estate planning does not have to be overly complicated. With the proper planning, you may find yourself resting a little...
Read MoreInvestor Sentiment Tested
Although it initially appeared that a stable spring would set the markets up for a calm, quiet summer, a flurry of recent activity is testing investor sentiment.
Read MoreUtilizing a 529 Plan as a Wealth Transfer Tool
529 plans are designed for saving for education and are beneficial since contributions accumulate and grow tax-free as long as withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses. They may also be part of a wealth transfer strategy.
Read MoreHow to Make Sense of Your Pension Options
Pension plans are still offered at many types of employers today. A pension plan is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan the employer contributes toward to fund their employees' future retirement.
Read More4 Tips and Resources to Help Seniors During Periods of High Inflation and Market Volatility
For those on a fixed income, the true costs of inflation and market volatility can be much higher—potentially jeopardizing a comfortable retirement. Here are several ways seniors can navigate the effects of inflation and market volatility.
Read MoreHomebuying Tips for Military Families
Among the many changes that joining the military brings, a frequent change in location is sometimes part of the territory. But if you’ve made the decision to buy a home, you deserve to feel confident in your choice. These tips can help!
Read MoreA Tough Times Survival Guide for Small Businesses
While the strength and fortitude of those who run small businesses can be an asset in helping them succeed when times are rough, here are a few strategies that can make survival a little easier.
Read MoreA Resilient March
The sound foundation of our financial system corroborates our constructive optimism of the upward and long-run trend of markets, despite headlines designed to jar nerves and test our steadfast resolution.
Read MoreFive Ways SECURE 2.0 Changes the Required Minimum Distribution Rules
SECURE 2.0 includes significant changes to the rules that apply to required minimum distributions from IRAs and employer retirement plans. Here's what you need to know.
Read More3 Common Social Security Scams and How To Avoid Being Fooled by Them
Social Security recipients are targeted by some of the most sophisticated scam artists out there. From phone scams to phishing attempts and intercepted deposits, here are three common Social Security scams and how you might avoid them.
Read MoreUnderstanding Social Security Strategies
As you age, the question of when to collect Social Security (SS) retirement benefits will likely come to mind. Some SS strategies may boost your monthly benefit amount, helping you get the most from your SS benefits.
Read More5 Last Minute Considerations Before Tax Day
Before you rush to get that return out the door, are you confident you have everything in order to make your tax filing go as smoothly as possible? Here are five last minute details to double check before Tax Day.
Read MoreThe Strength of LPL Financial
We want to provide some important information regarding the resilience of LPL Financial’s business model and more. Read more here.
Read MoreWaiting For New Highs
Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months. We remain confident that a new bull market will come—it just may require a bit more of our patience before we get there.
Read MorePlanning for Earned Income in Retirement
If you work after you start receiving Social Security retirement benefits, your earnings may affect the amount of your benefit check.
Read MoreHow to Spring Clean Your Finances with a Financial Review
Spring cleaning presents a great opportunity to clear out any items you no longer need—and the same goes for your finances. Here we discuss what's included in a financial review and how such a review can help you spring clean your finances.
Read MoreThinking about Working in Retirement? Here's What to Consider
As you get older, the question of when to collect Social Security retirement benefits and how your monthly payment may be impacted by working is essential. Here's what to consider before making your decision.
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”. Investors are now faced with growing concerns about keeping their financial matters private.
Read MoreOpportunities in 2023
Whether you’re one to set ambitious New Year’s resolutions or simply use the beginning of the year to reset on a few habits, there’s almost always some value in reflecting on the past year before looking ahead. The...
Read MoreSeniors and Debt: Getting Back on Track after a Post-Retirement Financial Setback
What might seniors do to get back on track after their retirement plans have gone awry? Here are four steps that might help you respond to some retirement setbacks.
Read MoreEverything Older Workers Need to Know About Retiring
Many workers have been dreaming of retirement since they first entered the workforce. However, once this retirement date draws near, the prospect of giving up your primary source of income may be nerve-wracking...
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.
Read MoreLife Insurance Options for Older Adults
Many people incorrectly assume that life insurance is available only to younger adults. While death is a certainty for all, younger people may be statistically less likely to cause a claim on their policy.
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 MoreA Look at Tax Planning for Retirement
After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount...
Read MoreTax Credits: Members of the Armed Forces
In generalThe federal government provides tax relief to qualifying individuals in the form of tax credits. Tax credits are valuable because they are dollar-for-dollar reductions of your tax liability. In some cases, they may result in...
Read MoreBeware Scams at Tax Time
Identity theft runs rampant during tax seasonHere’s what to know and how to protect yourself.Identity thieves often swipe your bank or credit card account numbers, birth date information or Social Security Number (SSN) to steal...
Read MoreTax Planning and Financial Planning Go Hand in Hand
With tax season coming to an end, it’s the ideal time to use this year's tax return to help update your financial plan. If you’re in the group of one in four Americans who do not already have a financial plan, it may be...
Read MoreProtect Yourself Against Identity Theft
In generalWhether they're snatching your purse, diving into your dumpster, stealing your mail, or hacking into your computer, they're out to get you. Who are they? Identity thieves.Identity thieves can empty your bank account, max out...
Read MoreOutlook 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 MoreCountdown To Investing in the New Year: 10 Questions To Ask Yourself
If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans...
Read MoreYear-End Investment Decisions
What are year-end investment decisions?Year-end investment decisions may sometimes result in substantial tax savings. Tax planning may allow you to control the timing and method by which you report your income and claim your deductions...
Read MoreThe 12 Days of Year-End Planning: Things to Consider Going into “The New Year"
At the end of the year, it is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved, it can seem overwhelming. Consider breaking up the responsibilities over...
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 MoreSmart Financial Moves to Make If You're in the Military
Every week is the perfect week for military families to take stock of their finances, make the most of special saving opportunities, and prepare for the future.Here are seven moves that military families should make right now.1. Make...
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 MoreNearing Retirement? Make Sure You’re Managing This Significant Risk
If you're avoiding looking at your 401(k) balance during periods of market volatility, you're not alone. While the S&P 500 has historically produced an average annual return of 11%, recent market downturns may be impacting your...
Read MoreFederal Reserve Preview
With a series of important economic indicators suggesting the economy is declining and inflation is finally decelerating, albeit very slowly, markets are beginning to factor in that the Fed may soon transition to a less aggressive...
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 MoreMembers of the Military - Personal Financial Planning
Service branches offer campaigns and educational programs to servicemembers and their families. The Air Force, Navy, and Army each require that respective members receive financial education, training, and counseling. Also, the...
Read MoreThree Things to Know About Recessions: The 3 D’s
If the U.S. economy enters a recession, the causes and potential outcome will be hotly debated. At LPL Research, our starting point is always looking at history. This week’s commentary will remind us of three things we know about...
Read MoreLow Bar for Earnings Season Brings Third Quarter Expectations Down
Expectations are very low for this earnings season. The challenges are many, with intense cost pressures and slowing economic growth at the top of the list. The chorus of analysts and strategists calling for big cuts to estimates has...
Read MorePockets of Vulnerability Magnified by Monetary Policy
As Federal Reserve (Fed) officials continue to emphasize the Fed’s commitment towards restoring price stability, the dollar marches ever higher. Markets are currently pricing in another 75-basis point rate hike at the November 2...
Read MoreMembers of the Military - Estate Planning
By definition, estate planning is a process designed to help you manage and preserve your assets while you are alive, and to conserve and control their distribution after your death, based on your goals and objectives.Whether you're a...
Read MoreHave You Checked Your Retirement Plan Lately
The classic definition of a correction is a decline of 10% or more in a stock index. A bear market is a downturn of 20% or more in several broad market indexes, typically over a period of several months or longer.It's generally a...
Read MoreMarkets on Watch as Xi Jinping’s Influence to be Tested in October
On October 16, China will begin its 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing. This plenum is especially significant because it is expected that President Xi Jinping will be granted an unprecedented third term,...
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. We felt it was an important time to take stock with the final quarter of 2022 just ahead.
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 MoreCoordination of Long-Term Care with Government Benefits
What does "coordination with government benefits" mean?In the context of long-term nursing home care, a number of governmental (and governmentally regulated) programs and tools exist to help you pay for this care. Medicare, Medicaid,...
Read MoreWhy It May Be Time to Take Advantage of Higher Yields
The LPL Research Strategic and Tactical Asset Allocation Committee is increasing its recommended interest rate exposure in its tactical allocation from underweight to neutral. Now that interest rates have moved substantially higher, we...
Read MoreHow Much Higher Can Rates Go?
Inflationary dynamics continue to surprise to the upside, and markets now expect the Fed to pursue one of its most aggressive rate hiking campaign in years. U.S. Treasury yields continue to move higher as well. We think we’ve...
Read MoreGetting Jobs Market Back into Balance
Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell reiterated his warning that getting inflation under control will require some pain. Powell is likely making these warnings based on the arcane, clunky relationship between inflation and unemployment....
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.”
Read MoreSeptember’s Calendar Cruelty for Stocks
The difficult 2022 for stocks may not get much easier because as we now wait for better news on the inflation front, we have to contend with a seasonally weak month of September. While we got some welcome news in Friday’s jobs...
Read MoreLife Insurance and Estate Planning
Life insurance has come a long way since the days when it was known as burial insurance and used mainly to pay for funeral expenses. Today, life insurance is a crucial part of many estate plans. You can use it to leave much-needed...
Read MoreAn Essential Guide to Estate Planning Preparedness
A recent survey by Caring.com found that a whopping two in three American adults do not have an estate plan1—an alarming statistic, considering that an estate plan can protect your assets and ensure that they go to the right...
Read MoreEarnings Recap: Still Hanging In There
Earnings growth of 6-7% doesn’t sound very exciting, but given the challenges corporate America has faced, we consider the nearly-complete second quarter earnings season a resounding success. The numerous challenges last quarter...
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 MoreChanging Jobs? Know Your 401(k) Options
If you've lost your job, or are changing jobs, you may be wondering what to do with your 401(k) plan account. It's important to understand your options.What will I be entitled to?If you leave your job (voluntarily or involuntarily),...
Read MoreHome Sales Fall (Again). What’s Next?
Existing home sales fell 5.9% in July, the sixth consecutive month of declines as higher interest rates weigh on housing affordability and prospective buyers. As the housing market slowed, so did prices. The median price for a single...
Read MoreIs This the Start of a New Bull Market?
Investors cheered the two better-than-expected inflation reports last week, pushing the S&P 500 to 16% above its June 16 low and only 11% below its all-time high. After this rebound, the key question investors are asking is whether...
Read MoreThe Case for a U.S. Recession Weakens
The market pundits remain intensely focused on the question of whether the U.S. economy is in or about to enter recession, so we thought a piece on what a recession might mean for the stock market would be of interest.
Read MoreRetirement Planning Does Not Stop in Retirement
Five easy pointers to help you plan during all of your retirement yearsIf you’re retired, there’s good news in that you’ll probably live longer and perhaps better than your parents and grandparents did. The bad news:...
Read MoreBig Week for Market Watchers
Last week was epic for market-watchers. A Federal Reserve (Fed) rate hike, a much-anticipated gross domestic product (GDP) report, and the busiest week of earnings season got most of the headlines. There was even a surprise out of...
Read MoreStaying on Track with Your Retirement Investments
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there can be no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. And asset allocation and diversification alone cannot guarantee a profit or eliminate...
Read MoreWhat a Week for the Stock Market
That was quite a week. These days a Federal Reserve (Fed) policy meeting alone gets a lot of headlines and has market participants on the edge of their seats. Add to that the second straight quarter of negative gross domestic product...
Read MoreMarket and Investment Evaluation Methods
Doing your homeworkBefore investing in publicly traded securities, it would be wise to do some research--at least enough to understand just what you're investing in. An educated investment decision involves some knowledge of the stock...
Read MoreVets, Don't Miss Out on 'Hidden Benefits'
After his grandfather died more than a decade ago, Lamarr Couser and his family were caught by surprise when the funeral director asked whether the World War II veteran was covered by a life insurance policy from the Department of...
Read MoreThree Factors That Could Change the Course of Inflation
For the past year, supply-related problems contributed more to inflation than demand-related imbalances, but that may be changing soon. There are at least three factors that could change the course of inflation. First, the improvement...
Read MoreManaging Market Volatility
Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...
Read MoreMidyear Outlook 2022: Navigating Turbulence
Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...
Read MoreI-Bonds and Inflation: Why These Bonds May Be Suitable for You
With a volatile stock market, the Fed Funds rate near zero, and inflation the highest since 1982, some may seek an investment that can protect their purchasing power and limit their market exposure. A-Series I Bonds are appropriately...
Read MoreConstructive, Not Complacent: Lowering S&P 500 Target
Stocks have been unable to make up much ground since the June 16 lows, with a bear market rally amounting to only around a 4.3% gain in the S&P 500 Index since then (as of July 1). After the more than 6% rally the week of June 24 and...
Read More8 Reasons Small Businesses Should Hire Veterans
Hiring employees is sometimes a difficult task. You may need to find employees who fit the business culture and have the skills to get the job done. The good news for small businesses looking for employees with various skills and a...
Read MoreNavigating Market Volatility–or Not
Market volatility could spook even the most seasoned investor. If a precipitous week or two in the market has you ready to sell, you may want to reconsider your risk tolerance and asset allocation. Attempting to time the market by...
Read MoreAn Introduction to Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation
For members of the "Sandwich Generation"—those currently in their 40s and 50s who are caring for children and their parents who are over 65-years old—estate planning may seem like a low priority. After all, when you're...
Read MoreRelief at the Pump and for Portfolios?
2022 has been rough all-around for the American consumer. Not only are we battling decades-high inflation, but investors’ portfolios are off to one of the worst starts to a year in history as we near the halfway point. Our...
Read MorePlanning For Unexpected Costs Before You Retire
Your retirement planning needs to incorporate more than just investments!Your open heart and your relatives can combine to threaten your retirement savings – savings you soon may need. Learn the true cost to your future before...
Read MoreBear Market Q&A
The bear market that started on June 13 has left the S&P 500 Index 23.5% below its January 3 high. After the initial positive reaction to the Federal Reserve’s first 0.75% rate hike since 1994 and tough talk on inflation,...
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 MoreIs the 60/40 Portfolio Dead?
This year has been tough for investors, not just because stocks have fallen but also because bonds have not helped mitigate those losses as they have historically done. Below we discuss the outlook for diversified portfolios of stocks...
Read MoreThe Economy Is Slowing But Not Shrinking
Many pundits are issuing recession warnings and saying the economy is heading for a hard landing. Amid the cacophony of voices, we think the economy is slowing just like central bankers want but not shrinking. Further, we argue that a...
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 MoreLooking through the Clouds
At the risk of sounding cliché, making the case for stocks to stage a second half rally back to the prior highs requires investors to see through some heavy cloud cover. If you prefer another market cliché, it’s times...
Read MoreAfter the Military: Tips for Your Financial Transition to Civilian Life
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A Place for Everything: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Finances Organized
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Tax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
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Holiday 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 More3 Financial Moves to Consider Before Ringing in the New Year
Although you don't have to wait until January to begin working on your financial goals, a new year may bring a much-needed fresh start on your spending and saving goals. Read on for three financial moves you may want to consider before...
Read MoreManaging A Budget During Your Retirement
Unless you have accumulated substantial wealth where money is not a concern, you face a critical task when you reach retirement to make sure that your assets will support you through your lifetime. When you retire and no longer earn an...
Read MoreRetirement Mistakes to Fix Before the Holidays
Spend as much time fixing your mistakes as you do planning the holidays You probably spend more time planning your holiday gathering than preparing for your golden years. As a result, you make basic mistakes in trying to fund your...
Read MoreThe Stock Market, Economy, and New Year: Three Reasons To Be Thankful
There are only six weeks to go in 2021 and it has been an incredible year for the stock market bulls. In fact, in many ways it could go down as one of the best years ever. This week, in honor of Thanksgiving, we wanted to take a...
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 Peek at Peak Inflation
After an upside inflation surprise in October, it’s clear that peak inflation may still be ahead, possibly even pushing into 2022. While the Federal Reserve (Fed) maintains its position that elevated inflation will be transitory...
Read More2021/2022 Year-End Guide: Investor Edition
To ease some of the burdens of the upcoming tax season, this helpful guide will help you become familiar with important dates, deadlines, challenges, and opportunities that may come up toward the end of the year. Of course, if you have...
Read MoreDeveloped International: If Not Now, When?
Since we began our investing careers, we’ve had the concept of diversification drilled into our heads. Some refer to it as the only free lunch in investing. Well, when it comes to geography, that advice hasn’t been helpful...
Read MoreMany Reasons to Be Thankful
The past year and a half have tested all of us, but overall, the economy continues to strengthen, COVID-19 trends are greatly improving, and this still relatively young bull market is alive and well. As the leaves turn colors and begin...
Read More5 Things That Might Spook Markets
With Halloween over the weekend, what better to write about this week than what scares us? If our positive near-term market outlook proves to be overly optimistic, we believe one—or perhaps more than one—of these five...
Read MoreFive Things You Need To Know About Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance that covers the costs related to long-term, chronic health concerns. It may cover things that traditional health insurance does not cover, such as personal care services. If you have a...
Read More2021 Year-End Planning for Retirees
For some, 2021 has flown by—and as we approach the last quarter of the year, it's a good time to begin planning for the next one. Year-end planning is especially important for retirees and those hoping to retire in 2021 or 2022....
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Veterans is Different
Every Veteran is unique and requires personalized financial advice. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census, there are over 17 million Veterans in the United States and more than nine million of these Veterans are served...
Read MoreWhat Veterans Should Know About Retirement Planning
Veterans' retirement benefits are among some of the most generous out there, in large part due to the risks and sacrifices that come from military service. But navigating this array of benefits may seem complicated. What should...
Read MorePaving Your Road to Retirement
Whatever your age, it’s never too soon to look ahead and begin giving thought to your retirement. With proper planning, you can make the transition to retirement a smooth, comfortable and confident ride. Today, more than ever,...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Estate Planning Process
It is common for people to put off planning their estates. After all, no one wants to anticipate his or her own death. In addition, many people may believe that only the wealthy require estate planning or that all that is involved is...
Read MoreLong-Term Care: Exploring Your Options
Have you ever thought about what would happen if you or a family member were no longer able to live independently? What if your elderly parents were no longer able to drive or perform basic activities of daily living, such as bathing...
Read MoreFinancial Planning at Every Age
In 2013, a Gallup poll found that only about one in every three U.S. households maintained a budget.1 A 2021 survey of 1,000 Americans found that 80% now say they have a budget.2 Americans are budgeting more due to the pandemic....
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