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Continuing Care Retirement Communities: What They Cost, How They Work, and When to Start Preparing
Why Is This Conversation So Important Right Now? The U.S. is in the middle of a sustained demographic shift. More than 61 million adults are aged 65 and older as of 2025, and that number is projected to reach approximately 82 million...
Read MoreOPEC, Tariffs, and All-Time Highs: Macro Events and Long-Term Investing
For much of the history of the stock market, investing was primarily about individual stocks and bonds. Over the past few decades, however, macroeconomic developments have increasingly influenced markets. Significant events, whether...
Read MoreWhat Seasonal Patterns Like “Sell in May” Mean for Investors
The human brain is excellent at finding patterns, a skill that has evolved to help us across many parts of life. However, it can also lead us astray when there is no real pattern at all, such as when we see shapes in clouds and ink...
Read MoreMonthly Market Update for April: New All-Time Highs Despite Market Uncertainty
April's performance is a reminder that markets can experience strong rebounds even in the face of ongoing investor concerns. Despite the continuing war in the Middle East, major market indices climbed to new all-time highs during the...
Read MoreHalf of Parents Are Still Funding Their Adult Kids: Here's What It's Costing Them
Why Does Graduation Matter to Parents' Finances? Graduation season is one of the most emotionally charged times of the year for families. But beneath the caps, gowns, and celebrations, something happens financially that often goes...
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The Bull Market Cycle: Investment Lessons and the Wall of Worry
It has now been more than three-and-a-half years since the bull market began in October 2022. At that time, inflation was rising at its fastest pace in fifty years, the Fed was hiking interest rates, and ChatGPT was still a month away...
Read MoreHousing Market Update: Impact on the Economy and Financial Plans
For many households, a home represents not only where they live and raise their family, but also their largest financial asset, monthly expense, and source of debt. From a broader economic perspective, the housing market is deeply...
Read MoreWhen Should I Start Taking Social Security: 5 Factors to Consider
Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall...
Read MoreA Balanced View of Inflation and Earnings as the War in Iran Evolves
The conflict between the United States and Iran continues to evolve, with markets reacting to each new set of headlines. A ceasefire announcement initially eased tensions and pushed oil prices lower, with Brent crude falling into the...
Read MoreNavigating Medicare: What Retirees Need to Know for Their Financial Plans
Most retirees know that healthcare is often the largest and most unpredictable expense in retirement, which can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars on average. Healthcare can come from many sources, with Medicare being a major...
Read MoreGlobal Portfolio Perspectives on the Dollar, Gold, and International Stocks
Global events have been at the center of financial market activity, with high oil prices, geopolitics, and new tariff rules capturing investor attention. Behind many of these trends, however, is the level of the U.S. dollar. While...
Read MoreTeaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making
If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high? Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated...
Read MoreQuarterly Market Update for Q2 2026: Geopolitics, Oil, and Market Pullbacks
The first quarter of 2026 illustrates the importance of preparation when it comes to financial planning and investing. After strong gains in 2025, markets have faced a combination of geopolitical shocks, higher oil prices, and renewed...
Read MoreHow Rising Gasoline Prices Affect Consumers and Investors
How Rising Gasoline Prices Affect Consumers and Investors How Rising Gasoline Prices Affect Consumers and InvestorsMarch 30, 2026 For most Americans, the price of gasoline at the pump is one of the direct ways the conflict in Iran...
Read MoreHelping Adult Children Buy a Home: How to Gift a Down Payment The Smart Way
Key TakeawaysHere are some questions this blog aims to answer:How can parents or grandparents help with a down payment for adult children?What are ways to gift a down payment, and how do the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime...
Read MoreStock Market Sectors: How Oil and AI Affect Portfolios
When investors think about the stock market, they tend to focus on broad indices like the S&P 500 or Dow Jones Industrial Average. While this is a natural starting point, it’s often helpful to look one level deeper at the sectors...
Read MoreMarket Pullbacks and Achieving Portfolio Balance
The ongoing conflict in Iran and rising oil prices have been the primary drivers of stock market swings in recent weeks. Brent crude oil has climbed back above $100 per barrel, raising questions about whether higher energy costs could...
Read MoreSpecial Update: How $100 Oil and the Middle East Conflict Affect Investors
The ongoing conflict in Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz have pushed oil prices sharply higher. Both Brent crude and WTI have jumped from around $70 per barrel to around $100 in just a few days, approaching levels...
Read MoreThree Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Key TakeawaysHow much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter?What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last?How common is it for women to be...
Read MoreMonthly Market Update for February: Supreme Court Tariff Ruling, AI, and Iran
February is a reminder to investors that markets never move in a straight line. After January's positive momentum carried major indices to new all-time highs, the mood shifted due to a landmark Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, concerns...
Read MoreSpecial Update: Iran and Long-Term Investing
As you have seen in the news, the U.S. and Israel have launched military strikes against Iran, targeting its leadership, military assets, and nuclear infrastructure. Iran's Supreme Leader is confirmed to have been killed, and Iran has...
Read MoreTax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...
Read MoreSupreme Court Tariff Ruling: Key Takeaways for Investors
Supreme Court Tariff Ruling: Key Takeaways for Investors. After nearly a year of trade policy uncertainty, the Supreme Court's ruling that recent tariffs are unconstitutional has reset the policy landscape.
Read MoreJobs, Inflation, and Growth: Is the Economy Healthy?
The health of the economy is important to long-term investors because it drives their portfolios and their financial plans. Recent economic data points have sent mixed signals, leaving some investors unsure of what to make of the...
Read MoreHow Equity Compensation Fits into Your Financial Plan
For many professionals today, equity compensation is not just a nice perk, but a significant source of wealth accumulation over their careers. Whether through restricted stock units (RSUs), stock options, or other forms of company...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Emotions Behind Financial Decisions
Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...
Read MoreIs AI Eating the World? A Portfolio Perspective
Fifteen years ago, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen famously wrote that "software is eating the world." What he meant was that any service that could be written and automated as software, would be. This has proved accurate as cloud...
Read MoreMonthly Market Update for January: Geopolitics, the Fed, and Precious Metals
The start of the year was positive for stocks and bonds, continuing the rally from recent years. This might be surprising to some investors since there were several periods of volatility driven by geopolitics and Federal Reserve...
Read MoreAI and the New Face of Fraud: How to Protect Your Identity and Finances in 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...
Read MoreThe Importance of Earnings for Long-Term Portfolios
As the corporate earnings season ramps up, markets are shifting their focus from geopolitical concerns to tangible evidence of how businesses are performing. With the stock market hovering near all-time highs, questions around...
Read MoreGold and Silver: Current Portfolio Perspectives
Gold, silver, and other precious metals have rallied over the past two years, capturing investor attention. Gold recently surpassed $4,700 per ounce while silver now trades above $90 per ounce, marking historic milestones for both...
Read MoreUsing Behavioral Finance to Set Investor Expectations
The strong stock market performance of the past several years has been positive for investors and their financial plans. At the same time, these recent successes can lead to unrealistic expectations when it comes to long-term financial...
Read MoreSpecial Update: Venezuela, Oil, and the Impact on Portfolios
The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces represents an unexpected and significant geopolitical event. As has been widely reported, the U.S. military successfully conducted an operation that detained Maduro on...
Read More2025 in Review and What You Should Know
As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals. 2025 was a year marked by...
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...
Read MoreThe Future of the Fed: New Leadership and Rate Cuts
For long-term investors, the Federal Reserve plays a key role in supporting the economy and financial system. This will be especially important in 2026 since Jerome Powell's term as Fed Chair ends in May, creating an opportunity for...
Read More2026 Outlook: 7 Key Themes for Long-Term Investors
For the sixth time in the last seven years, the stock market is on track to deliver double-digit returns. This remarkable streak, interrupted only by the 2022 inflation-driven downturn, has left many investors in a positive financial...
Read More3 Tax Planning Opportunities Before December 31
As 2025 draws to a close, investors face important decisions that could impact their tax situations and long-term financial plans. While financial planning is a year-round activity, many calendar deadlines for tax-related activities...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful
Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...
Read MoreMonthly Market Update for November: Volatility Amid AI and Fed Uncertainty
In November, markets experienced a brief period of volatility that affected many asset classes. While major indices have delivered strong year-to-date returns across stocks, bonds, and international investments, investors continue to...
Read MoreCharitable Giving: Advanced Strategies for Year End Planning
A quote often attributed to Winston Churchill is that "it is more agreeable to have the power to give than to receive." The holiday season is a natural time to reflect on charitable giving and the role it can play.
Read MoreWhy Investors Can Be Thankful This Holiday Season
Why Investors Can Be Thankful This Holiday Season As the holiday season begins, it’s the perfect time to pause and appreciate what we have, both in our personal and financial lives.
Read MoreThe True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents
Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a...
Read MoreRisk Management Amid Credit Concerns and Cockroaches
There's an old saying that criminals rob banks because that's where the money is. However, in today's financial system, money isn't just in banks anymore, but across different types of financial institutions.
Read MoreMoney Talks: How to Use Holiday Gatherings to Start Family Financial Conversations
Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult children, you may want to discuss your financial situation, estate strategy, and legal...
Read MoreMonthly Market Update for October
The stock market continued its strong performance in October despite uncertainty from a government shutdown and renewed trade tensions with China early in the month.
Read MoreRetirement Planning: Social Security COLA and Portfolio Considerations
For retirees and those approaching retirement age, there is no goal more important than ensuring their savings will support a long retirement. This challenge has been compounded by inflation over the past several years.
Read MorePerspectives on the Gold Rally and Dollar Debasement
As many asset classes have reached new peaks, gold has also climbed over 60% this year to above $4,300 per ounce. This rally has captured headlines and prompted many investors to wonder if it is different from past episodes.
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might seem simple. But in reality, it requires...
Read MoreTrade War with China: The Latest Tariff Tantrum and Market Volatility
The market recently experienced its largest one-day decline since April, driven by escalating tensions between the U.S. and China over rare earth metals and tariff threats.
Read MoreAre Investors Holding Too Much Cash?
For long-term investors, a growing challenge today is how to manage cash as short-term interest rates fall. What appears safe actually comes with real costs beneath the surface.
Read MoreA 2025 Guide to Protecting Seniors from Fraud
If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, we’re...
Read MoreHow Government Shutdowns Affect Markets and the Economy
Washington is back in the headlines as the federal government faces a shutdown if policymakers can't reach a new funding agreement.
Read MoreHow to Navigate Fears of a Market Bubble
As markets reach new highs and artificial intelligence stocks continue to rally, some investors are asking "are we in a bubble?" This is as much about investor psychology as it is about market conditions.
Read MoreSmart Moves to Consider Before Year-End
The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to revisit your financial strategy and...
Read MoreSpecial Update: What the Fed Rate Cut Means for Long-Term Investors
The famous investing principle "don't fight the Fed" was coined in the 1970s but has only grown in significance. The idea is simple: the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions can have important effects on markets and the economy.
Read MoreThe Role of Dividends as the Fed Cuts Rates
The late Jack Bogle observed that "successful investing is about owning businesses and reaping the huge rewards provided by the dividends and earnings growth of our nation's—and, for that matter, the world's—corporations."
Read MoreKey Perspectives on Jobs and Mixed Economic Signals
Investors often find themselves looking in the rearview mirror even when they know that what lies ahead is most important. Recent reports, which are naturally backward-looking, have some investors and policymakers concerned a recession.
Read MoreBreaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among other provisions. The law stipulated that some of those tax breaks would...
Read MoreAugust Market Update: Markets Climb on Fed Expectations and Earnings Growth
The stock market climbed to new all-time highs in August, while bonds also contributed positively to portfolios. This occurred despite continued uncertainty around tariffs, Fed independence, and technology stocks.
Read MoreWhy More Families Are Choosing to Gift Wealth Earlier—and How to Do It
Estate management isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone— it’s also about what you can do now to help manage future estate taxes, transfer wealth strategically, and attempt to create a meaningful impact during your lifetime....
Read MoreFed Rate Cuts: What Is the Bond Market Signaling to Investors?
Fed Chair Jerome Powell's recent speech at the Fed's annual Jackson Hole conference, which has been covered extensively in the media, reinforced that an interest rate cut in September is likely.
Read MoreHow Investors Can Keep Up with Inflation
When it comes to natural disasters, it's important to be prepared for earthquakes and erosion alike. Even though one is immediate and dramatic while the other is slow and gradual, both require careful planning and protective measures.
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About the 2025 Changes to Inherited IRA Rules
The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement...
Read MoreThe Magnificent 7, AI, and Concentration Risk
The challenge facing investors today isn't whether artificial intelligence will transform the economy, but how to maintain portfolio balance as the market climbs to new all-time highs.
Read MoreHow Reliable is Government Data? Creating a Balanced Economic Picture
For investors trying to understand the economy, recent reports have provided mixed signals, even leading President Trump to fire the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner. The latest jobs numbers showed weakness and negative revisions.
Read MoreMonthly Market Update for July: Market All-Time Highs Amid a Noisy Period
The S&P 500 notched ten new all-time highs in July, fueled by strong corporate earnings, resilient economic data, and new trade deals ahead of the tariff deadline. This included six consecutive record closes in the second half of the month.
Read MoreWhat Corporate Earnings Reveal About Tariffs
While investors always look to corporate earnings for clues about how businesses are performing, the current earnings season arguably carries greater importance due to tariffs.
Read MoreBeyond Salary: Understanding Your Total Compensation
Compensation is more than just a number on a paycheck. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, preparing for a promotion, or evaluating your current benefits, it’s important to understand the full value of your total...
Read MoreThe Fed and Politics: What Investors Should Know
Recent tensions between the White House and Federal Reserve have brought the topic of Fed independence into focus. This is because there can be a natural friction between elected officials and the Fed.
Read MoreThe Role of Social Security in Financial Planning
Social Security, one of the most important government programs for retirees, has evolved over its 90-year history. As the aging population grows, so do concerns about whether Americans will be able to rely on benefits in retirement.
Read MoreBitcoin, Copper, Gold, and Silver: A Portfolio Perspective
One of the biggest challenges for investors is balancing long-term goals with short-term market moves. This is just as true when financial markets are rallying as when they are struggling.
Read MoreHow Much Do You Really Know About Stock Market Indexes?
While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled together some information and interesting facts about some of...
Read MoreWhat the "One Big Beautiful Bill" Means for Investors
After months of negotiations, a new tax and spending bill was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on July 4. This new budget is far-reaching, including making many parts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent.
Read MoreQuarterly Market Update for Q2 2025: Tariffs, Geopolitics, and All-Time Highs
The second quarter of 2025 showcased both the resilience of financial markets and their sensitivity to policy uncertainty. From the tariff announcements to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, investors faced many challenges.
Read MoreNew Market All-Time Highs: How Investors Can Stay Balanced
President Dwight Eisenhower is often quoted as saying “what is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important.” This perfectly captures the challenges many investors face, since it feels as if everything is urgent.
Read MoreHow Do You Turn Retirement Savings into a Reliable Income Strategy?
You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But transitioning from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings can feel...
Read More5 Key Investor Insights for the Second Half of 2025
On the surface, the first half of 2025 has been challenging for investors. Daily news headlines often present an endless stream of negativity, making the situation feel worse than it may be.
Read MoreThe Middle East Conflict: How Wars Impact Investors
The conflict between Israel and Iran has captured global attention and created uncertainty in financial markets.
Read More“The Four Most Dangerous Words In Investing Are: ‘This Time It’s Different.’” – Sir John Templeton
Despite those who say the conventional wisdom that has guided investor actions over the years is no longer valid in 2025, remember the famous quote from legendary investor Sir John Templeton: "The four most dangerous words in investing...
Read MoreHow a Weakening Dollar Affects Long-Term Investors
For many Americans, the status of the U.S. dollar reflects the country’s position in the world. However, the dollar has weakened in recent months amid trade and economic uncertainty, declining against a basket of major currencies.
Read MoreEstate Planning: Important Considerations Amid Political Uncertainty
After a lifetime of working hard, saving diligently, and investing wisely, one of the key considerations is how to pass these assets to future generations. This is where estate planning comes in.
Read MoreA Positive Month Despite U.S. Debt Downgrade
Financial markets rebounded in May with the S&P 500 recovering its year-to-date losses. This positive month occurred against a backdrop of new trade agreements, mixed economic signals, and ongoing concerns about U.S. fiscal health.
Read MoreBeyond the S&P 500: Opportunities for Diversification
It’s well known that stocks are one of the foundations of long-term portfolios. When included as part of a comprehensive financial plan, stocks have historically created wealth and helped investors achieve their financial goals.
Read MoreWhat Debt, Deficits, and the Moody’s Downgrade Mean for Investors
Moody's recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating marks an official end to the country’s top-tier debt status. Amid this debt, deficit, and political uncertainty, many investors may wonder what this means for their financial plans.
Read MorePlanning for Rising Health Care Costs and the Role of HSAs
The cost of health care continues to climb with no signs of slowing down, making it one of the most significant expenses in retirement.
Read MoreMaking Sense of U.S.-China Trade Progress
The recent trade announcement between the U.S. and China reverses many of the tariffs that rattled financial markets beginning in April.
Read MoreLessons from Warren Buffet
A key principle of investing is that patience, discipline, and maintaining a long-term perspective are what drive financial success. Perhaps no investor has captured this wisdom as eloquently as Warren Buffett over his five-decade career.
Read MoreMonthly Market Update for April 2025: Lessons After a Historic Month
In the face of recent challenges, one investment principle remains clear: staying invested through periods of volatility has historically been an important path to long-term financial success.
Read MoreUnderstanding Consumer Debt in a Two-Speed Economy
The financial health of consumers is an important indicator of the broader economy. Consumer spending represents about 70% of all spending across the economy, and steady purchases are one reason economic growth has exceeded...
Read MoreCollege Planning: Key Financial Considerations
As many high school seniors prepare to make their final college decisions, families face one of the most significant financial commitments of their lives.
Read MoreWhat Bond Volatility and the Battle Over Fed Policy Mean for Investors
Just like in the stock market, greater uncertainty has led to swings in the bond market. These moves, driven by tariffs and a dispute between the White House and the Fed, have pushed interest rates and bond yields higher.
Read MoreThe Bigger Picture on U.S. and China Tensions
Trade tensions between the United States and China have escalated in recent weeks, with both countries implementing unprecedented tariff increases.
Read MoreThe Importance of Offense and Defense in Challenging Markets
Concerns that a trade war will lead to a recession have spread around the globe. The possibility of retaliatory tariffs is on investors’ minds.
Read MoreReciprocal Tariffs and the Market Reaction
On April 2, President Trump announced new tariffs on nearly all major trading partners. These tariffs are “reciprocal” in that they correspond to tariffs each country imposes on U.S. goods and are on top of previously announced duties.
Read MoreQ2 2025 Market Update
The famous investor Peter Lynch once wrote that "far more money has been lost by investors trying to anticipate corrections than lost in the corrections themselves.”
Read MoreNavigating Tariff Uncertainty and Ongoing Market Volatility
With the stock market back near correction territory due to tariff concerns, some investors may feel as if the market is stuck in a “Groundhog Day” loop. Fears of a trade war have kept markets choppy all year.
Read More10 Things You Can Do Now to Help Simplify Your Estate for Your Heirs
One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone.
Read MoreThe Fed’s Rate Pause
Federal Reserve policy has been a key driver of markets over the past few years. It’s not surprising to investors that changes in policy direction have resulted in market swings.
Read MoreBusiness Cycles & Financial Planning
When it comes to financial planning, it's important to recognize what we can and cannot control. We can control our own behavior, make thoughtful financial plans, and adjust our strategies as needed.
Read MoreConsumer Pessimism and Economic Risk
Concerns over the economy have intensified, leading to a challenging investment environment. The S&P 500 briefly fell into correction territory recently, while the Nasdaq and major technology stocks have led the downturn.
Read MoreRecession Perspective
The stock market has stumbled with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq declining year-to-date.1 While tariffs have garnered the most attention, investors are also concerned about mixed economic signals.
Read MoreTrade Wars and Market Risk
Trade headlines continue to weigh on markets as new tariffs go into effect. President Trump recently confirmed tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, dashing hopes of more extensions or last-minute deals.
Read MoreBeyond the 4% Rule
Will your savings last as long as your retirement? It's a pressing question that keeps many Americans awake at night - and for good reason. The changing political, economic, and market environments can all impact retirement plans.
Read MoreInflation and Growth Concerns
February was a volatile month for stocks. Tech continued the selloff that started in late December, with the Magnificent 7 falling 8.1% in the month.
Read MoreMarket Pessimism and the Importance of Staying Invested
Recent market swings have highlighted a gap between how investors feel and how markets have performed.
Read MoreTax Planning Considerations
Albert Einstein reportedly once told his accountant, "The hardest thing in the world to understand is income taxes." This observation from the Nobel Prize-winning physicist remains relevant today.
Read MoreTech Sector Underperformance and Concentration Risk
Investor concerns over the recent underperformance of technology stocks have raised questions about the broader stock market.
Read MoreWhat Tariffs and Trade Wars Mean for Long-Term Investors
Investors have faced several market concerns early in the year around tech stocks, interest rates, and government policy. Among these factors, it’s no surprise that trade policy has emerged as particularly significant for markets.
Read MoreMonthly Market Update - January 2025
January marked a positive but volatile start to the year for investors amid market shifts and policy concerns.
Read MoreThe DeepSeek Moment
In the 1940s and early 1950s, computers were the size of buildings and used vacuum tubes - large glass tubes that were fragile and consumed enormous amounts of power, generating significant heat.
Read MoreWhy Bonds Present Opportunities in This Market Environment
Interest rates are fluctuating as investors adjust their expectations around economic growth, Federal Reserve rate moves, and the Trump administration’s policies. The 10-year Treasury yield had risen as high as 4.8% in recent weeks.
Read MoreThe New Administration and Investors
President Trump’s inauguration marks a significant political shift amid market and economic uncertainty. The stock market had rallied as much as 5.3% with dividends in the month following the November election.
Read MoreWhat to Make of the Market’s Start to 2025
The stock market has struggled in recent weeks as concerns have grown around interest rates, market valuations, the direction of the economy, and more.
Read MoreFinancial New Year’s Resolutions
The start of the year is the perfect time to prioritize both personal and financial well-being. While physical health often takes center stage in New Year’s resolutions, financial fitness deserves equal attention.
Read MoreAvoiding Financial Traps
When it comes to managing our investments, we can be our own worst enemies. Behavioral finance research has revealed how emotional and cognitive biases can lead investors to make financial decisions that harm rather than benefit them.
Read More5 Insights for 2025
The 19th century author Balzac wrote that “our worst misfortunes never happen, and most miseries lie in anticipation.”
Read More$36 Trillion National Debt
The national debt is quickly approaching $36 trillion, according to the U.S. Treasury, a fact that has fueled concerns among investors and economists. This means that the federal debt has nearly quadrupled since 2008.
Read MoreThe Trump Trade
While the political world will focus on the election for some time, financial markets have already shifted their attention to the next administration’s policies, Federal Reserve rate cuts, and the underlying economy.
Read MoreElection Results and Investing
After a historic campaign, Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential election, and Republicans have won control of the Senate. For half the country, this is a cause for celebration, while for the other half, this is disappointing.
Read MoreElections and Financial Plans
With just days to go until the presidential election on November 5, polls suggest it will be a close race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Read MoreNavigating Cost of Living Challenges
For those in or approaching retirement age, there is nothing more important than building a portfolio that can support a long, fulfilling retirement.
Read MoreThe Gold Rally
Although markets have performed well this year, some investors may be nervous about upcoming events such as the presidential election, the Fed’s next rate decision, and the state of the economy.
Read MoreHow Rising Oil Prices Affect Investors
Oil prices play an important role in the global economy, directly influencing the cost of gasoline at the pump and indirectly impacting the prices of all goods and services.
Read MoreQ4 Insights to Consider
As we begin the final quarter of the year, financial markets and the economy have defied the expectations of many investors. Rather than falling into recession, the economy has grown steadily, and inflation rates have fallen.
Read MoreThe Impact of Geopolitical Conflicts
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated in recent days, raising the risk of a full-scale war and marking another chapter in Middle East instability.
Read MoreThe Implications of Rate Cuts
The Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions remain a focal point for markets.
Read MoreTaxes and the Election
With less than two months until the presidential election, the policy platforms for President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are gradually forming. Through speeches and debates, each candidate is laying out what they...
Read MoreMarket Volatility Lessons
As everyone settles into their post-Labor Day routines, it’s a good time for investors to reflect on markets and review their financial plans for the rest of the year.
Read MoreThe Importance of Corporate Earnings
Financial markets have been resilient in recent weeks, almost fully recovering from the swings experienced at the beginning of August. Major stock market indices are once again approaching all-time highs.
Read MorePresidential Elections and Economic Policy
With the presidential election just two and a half months away, the candidates’ economic policy platforms are only now beginning to take shape.
Read MoreCarry Trades and Market Fragility
Financial markets have felt more fragile recently with investors concerned about the economy, the possibility that the Fed may be behind on cutting rates, and some disappointing tech earnings.
Read MoreThe Fed and Market Sell-Off
To paraphrase Ernest Hemingway, shifts in the stock market often occur “gradually, then suddenly.” Over the past month, the market has rotated from large cap technology stocks to small caps and other sectors.
Read MoreWhat the Summer Market Rotation Means for Investors
As the summer heats up, the stock market is experiencing its own heat wave in the form of rising volatility. Market uncertainty has climbed as investors rotate out of large cap technology stocks and into a broader array.
Read MoreInvesting for Retirement
From President Biden’s announcement that he will not be seeking re-election to a rotation out of tech stocks and into small caps, recent events have added to market uncertainty.
Read More5 Insights for Long-Term Investors in the Second Half of 2024
As we enter the second half of the year, it’s important for long-term investors to maintain perspective on the major events that have driven markets.
Read MoreThe Fed Outlook & Bonds
The path of interest rates has been highly uncertain over the past few years due to inflation, economic growth, and the Fed. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield, for instance, jumped from 3.8% at the end of last year to a high of 4.7% in April.
Read MoreDollar-Cost Averaging and You
As with many things in life, knowing what we’re supposed to do and actually doing it are two separate things. This is true for our health, relationships, careers, and of course, our finances.
Read MoreTech Innovation Impact
Investors and the financial media tend to focus on macroeconomic concerns such as inflation, labor markets, and the Fed.
Read MoreWhy College Planning Is a Core Part of Any Financial Plan
Celebrating as a family member graduates high school and attends college is a joyous event and the culmination of years of hard work. However, paying for college remains a significant source of stress for many households.
Read More