Blog
SECURE Act 2.0 Includes New Provision On Special Needs Trusts
Experts estimate there are more than 44 million people with disabilities in the U.S., representing 13.4% of the population.1 Many parents of children with disabilities choose to establish a special needs trust. This can help provide...
Read MoreThe Psychology of Love and Money
Money can be a touchy subject, especially regarding our closest relationships. Whether we like it or not, finance plays an integral role in our partnerships, families, and friendships. So, how can we foster healthy attitudes and...
Read MoreRules and Regulation Changes That Could Impact Your Finances in 2024
In the ever-evolving financial landscape, staying informed about the latest changes and potential implications for your retirement savings is crucial. Shifts in retirement regulations define 2024, and we’re committed to keeping...
Read MoreMajor Tax Changes Looming: Are You Ready?
With the start of the new year, we wanted to discuss a topic that will likely garner attention throughout 2024: the potential sunsetting of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025. Although some of the provisions within the TCJA are...
Read MoreThe Big Game Indicator and Other Unusual Economic Theories
It’s a fun time of year for football fans. The NFL playoffs are starting, and the Big Game is just around the corner. While football fans will tune in for the matchups, commercials, and Usher’s Big Game halftime show, you...
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2024 Outlook: A Turning Point
In 2024, LPL Research believes markets will make a definitive turn to a more recognizable place. En route, the transition will be marked by meaningful shifts in a few key areas. Inflation is going down. The risk of a recession is...
Read MoreYour Year End Estate Planning Guide An 8 Step Checklist
When it comes to your estate plan, you don’t just have it drafted and put away until it is time for your loved ones to manage your lifetime of affairs. As your world changes year by year, it is critical that you review your...
Read MoreDos and Don'ts for Investing During the Holidays
In the world of investing, the "holiday effect," as it is often referred to, is a phenomenon where stock prices see an increase right before a major holiday. There are many theories on why this may occur. It could be from trading...
Read More5 Essential Planning Tips for High School Seniors
As high school comes to an end, a new chapter of life awaits high school seniors. It's an exciting and transformative time, but it also brings about new responsibilities and financial challenges. Developing good financial habits early...
Read MoreRinging in the New Year in Your Golden Years
Whether you are just entering your golden years or are already several years in, setting goals to stay on track and maintain your health, happiness, and finances is essential. So why not use the New Year's holiday to turn these goals...
Read MoreTax Benefits of Qualified Small Business Stock
For founders and investors in start-ups, qualified small business stock (QSBS) offers a significant tax advantage that can be likened to a generous gift from the IRS. This tax provision allows shareholders to potentially realize...
Read MoreYear-End Financial Planning for Families
Year-end financial planning can help you assess your family’s financial situation, identify areas for improvement, and set achievable goals for the future. Here’s a closer look at seven essential areas where reviewing may...
Read MoreSaving for Your Retirement
Major considerations How much will you need in retirement? When do you plan to retire? What kind of lifestyle do you desire? How much do you have right now that you can count on for your retirement? What about Social Security; do you...
Read MoreWhat Should Women Entrepreneurs Know About Small Business Grants?
One of the biggest challenges for any new business involves maintaining liquidity and consistent cash flow. Many entrepreneurs take only a minimal salary—if any at all—during the first few years their business operates,...
Read MoreCoping with the Loss of a Spouse Checklist
Losing one's significant other is one of the most stressful of all possible losses, even if you've had some time to emotionally prepare for it. And while it can be tough to do more than put one foot in front of the other, losing a...
Read MoreTypes of Long-Term Care
What is long-term care? In general, long-term care refers to a broad range of medical and personal services designed to assist individuals who have lost their ability to function independently. The need for this ongoing care arises...
Read More4 Reasons Working with a Financial Professional Is Not as Scary as You Think
For some people, the thought of using financial services is a scary experience. It involves planning for a future where you may not know how the economy may be, how your health may be, or what your financial needs might be.
Read MoreA Mid-Year Review of Your Bond Allocations
Investing in financial markets requires a proactive approach, and one key aspect of maintaining a healthy investment portfolio is conducting periodic reviews.
Read MoreWhat to Know Before Drafting a Will
A will is an important document most people don’t want to think about, but it’s crucial to have in place to protect your assets and ensure your loved ones receive what you want them to.
Read MoreCredit Card Debt & The Implications for Investors
As Americans grapple with the challenges of dwindling purchasing power, credit cards have become a popular way to bridge the financial gap. This has led to a startling surge in credit card debt.
Read MoreProtecting Your Loved Ones with Life Insurance
Your life insurance needs depend on a number of factors, including the size of your family, the nature of your financial obligations, your career stage, and your goals.
Read MoreAn Engineer's Guide to Financial Planning
As an engineer, you already likely know the importance of accurate input when it comes to the final equation, which may put you ahead of the game when it comes to managing your finances. Below are a few ways engineers could apply their...
Read MoreOrganizing Your Finances After Your Spouse Has Died
What is it? Even if you've always handled your family's finances, you may be overwhelmed by the number of financial matters you have to settle in the weeks or months following your spouse's death. While you can put off some of these...
Read MoreFive 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 you...
Read MoreFive Steps to Get Rid of the Credit Card Blues
Credit card debt is a major problem in the United States. According to the Consumer Federation of America, 83% of all households have at least one credit card. In addition, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston estimates that there are...
Read MoreIf you look after the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves
Managing your budget down to the penny builds the kinds of habits that help you stay in control. By paying attention to the little things, the big things will fall in line.
Read MoreWhy the Drop in Inflation Was Such a Big Deal
Sometimes, a picture is worth 1,000 words. So I decided to include an image of the June Consumer Price Index (CPI) report to help put inflation in better perspective.
Read MoreWasn't There Supposed to be a Recession?
In advance of 2023, the recession drum beats were so loud it was deafening. Market pundits warned that as the Fed raised interest rates, it was just a matter of time before the economy entered a recession.
Read MoreWhy the Fed Can't Figure Out the Jobs Market
The Fed has several mandates, including managing the nation's monetary policy to promote stable prices and maximum employment. Sometimes, those two jobs can conflict.
Read MoreBull Market Leaving Some Behind
Market timing is exhausting. And sometimes, it can be expensive. When you time the markets, you have to be right twice – first when getting out and second when getting back in.
Read MoreResumption of Student Loan Payments and Interest Accrual
The U.S. Department of Education has officially announced that student loan payments will resume in October, ending the three-year-long pause that was implemented due to the pandemic.
Read MoreSupply Chain Issues Appear Resolved. For Now.
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?”
Read MoreNow That the Debt Ceiling is Over, What's Next?
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?
Read MoreThe Most Unloved Bull Market in History?
So are we in one? Technically, no.
Read MoreA Meaningful Memorial Day
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...
Read MoreThe Fed Raises Rates. Again.
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.
Read MoreMarket Assesses First Republic, GDP Report
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.
Read More“Better” Is the Best Word on Wall Street
From my perspective, we can't hear the word "better" enough in the weeks ahead.
Read MoreCEOs Talk Inflation
Over the next several weeks, we will hear from corporate leaders as they update investors on their first-quarter financials and provide a glimpse into the rest of the year.
Read MoreSearching for a Goldilocks Moment
If you're an investor looking for something to worry about, you never have to go more than a few days on Wall Street.As you can see from the accompanying chart, 11 economic reports are scheduled for release during 19 trading days in...
Read MoreEgg-ceptional Prices Leave Shoppers Shell-Shocked
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...
Read MoreFed Attempts to Calm Markets
Jerome Powell is a man of his word. And the financial markets believe that's an excellent trait for the Federal Reserve Chairman.
Read MoreConsidering the SVB Collapse
Many investors may be tempted to react in the wake of both the Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank's financial troubles. After all, the unprecedented events of last week would test the mettle of even the most seasoned investor.The...
Read MoreFDIC Insurance, SVB & Signature Bank
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:...
Read MoreInt'l Women's Day - What a Great Event!
Last night was an amazing gathering of wonderful women (and a few men) to celebrate International Women's Day. We had a great presentation from Chris at MFS, and we shared good food & good conversation. Beyond that, I want...
Read MoreDon't Watch The Markets Too Closely
One of my favorite Warren Buffett quotes is, “Remember that the stock market is a manic depressive.”What he’s suggesting is that stock prices can sometimes swing wildly from day to day in response to even minor news....
Read MoreSpring into financial transparency
Financial infidelity happens... and dealing with the aftermath can be painful.
Read MoreSave the Date: March 8th is Int'l Women's Day!
We love spending time with our clients, and our next big event will be a celebration of all the amazing things women do every day!
Read MoreWhat does "Wealth" Mean to You?
A clear understanding of what wealth looks like to you may help you build a financial strategy.
Read MoreIt's Never Too Late to Save for Retirement
If you’re in your 50s and haven’t done much to save for retirement, you still have time.
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0 Passed in Final Days of 2022
SECURE 2.0 was tucked in the $1.7 trillion federal spending bill, so as more people become familiar with the legislation, expect more details to emerge.
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