High Inflation – How Long Will It Last?
When inflation began rising in the spring of 2021, many economists, including policymakers at the Federal Reserve, believed the increase would be transitory and subside over a period of months. One year later, inflation has...
What Is An Inverting Yield Curve And Does It Mean We’re Heading For A Recession?
One key predictor of downturns in the economy is what is known as the yield curve. This typically refers to the market for what the US government borrows, by issuing bonds and other securities that...
Inflation: The Not-So-Silent Retirement Killer
You hear it all the time: you should make sure your retirement savings at least keep pace with inflation. But what is inflation and how does it really affect your retirement savings?
A Beginner’s Guide to Investing After Retirement
You may be retired and considering investing some of your retirement nest egg. Depending on your situation, it is crucial that investing in the stock market, bond market, or other investments does not jeopardize your...
Volatility Continues
2022 has been a challenging year for investors so far. The S&P 500 Index just had one of its worst Aprils in decades, and May is off to a rocky start.
Wealth-Transfer Taxes Can Take a Toll on Small Businesses
Under the current estate tax laws, there are several steps a business owner can take to help prevent his or her business from being liquidated to raise cash to help pay estate taxes.
April Showers Bring May Flowers
As we move into spring and leave behind the last signs of a long winter, many worries from a chilly start to the year for markets, unfortunately, are still with us.
3 Moments in Life Where You Should Consider Consulting a Financial Professional
We discuss three common situations in life when it’s a good idea to consult a financial professional.
What Role Does Social Security Play in Your Retirement Income Strategy?
As you near retirement, it’s likely you’ll have many questions about Social Security. How much will your retirement benefit be? When should you apply? Will earnings from a part-time job affect your benefit?
Tax 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...
Making the Most of Your Relationship with a Financial Professional
A strong relationship with your financial professional may be key in managing your finances, both now and in the future. Below, we discuss a few ways you may be able to make the most of...
Black Swans: Short-term Crisis, Long-term Opportunity
Buy on Fear, Sell on Greed? Legendary investor Warren Buffet is a big proponent of this strategy. When others are greedy—typically when prices are boiling over—assets may be overpriced. On the flipside, there may be...
3 Estate Planning Tips for Small-Business Owners
Having a solid estate and succession plan in place may be crucial to your business’s long-term success. If you are incapable of making business decisions, or if you unexpectedly pass away without an estate plan,...
Working During Retirement
Planning on working during retirement? If so, you’re not alone. An increasing number of employees nearing retirement plan to work at least some period of time during their retirement years.
What to Do if You Underpay Your Taxes
Every year, there are taxpayers that underpay their taxes. It just happens. But if you do that, no matter how innocent your underpayment might have been, you can be subject to penalties. The IRS issued...
Navigating Geopolitical Tensions
The green shoots are hard to see right now as spring approaches, clouded by war in Ukraine. Democracy is under attack and innocent lives are tragically being lost. But while we keep one eye on...
America’s Changing Vision of Retirement
Retirement planning is a primary reason for long-term saving, and when people think about retirement, finances are often the focus. However, it is important to also look at the nonfinancial aspects of transitioning from the...
Positivity Amidst Uncertainty
Potential Fed Reserve rate hikes and the geopolitical worries over Russia and Ukraine only add to the uncertainty around financial markets.
10 Projects to Help You Live in Your Home Forever
Aging-in-place improvements that help seniors stay safely in their homes are more stylish and functional than ever before.
How to Recognize and Protect Yourself Against Tax Identity Theft
A common type of identity theft involves the use of someone’s Social Security number to unlawfully intercept their income tax refund.
Stocks’ Road Ahead
The calendar had barely flipped to 2022 and investors were reminded that even attractive long-term stock returns come with a cost: volatility.
What You Should Know About Contributing to an IRA at Every Age
A traditional IRA offers a great way to shield income from taxation while boosting your retirement accounts. Meanwhile, a Roth IRA can let you pay tomorrow’s taxes today.
The Fed Pivots to Fight Inflation
On December 15, 2021, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve System made a significant shift in monetary policy in response to rising inflation.
Moving Forward After a Pullback
Stocks have gotten off to a tough start in 2022. Why has the market pulled back and what might we see going forward?
Here’s How to Turn Your Hobbies into Cash
Hobbies are important to a work-life balance. They are an outlet to express yourself, de-stress, and dream. However, they can also lead to extra income and personal reward. If you’re considering turning a hobby into...
Why Is Home Buying a Key Personal Investment?
Why should you pay your landlord’s mortgage when you can pay your own? Intuitively, it feels true, but how true is it—and how do we really know?
New Beginnings in 2022
2021 was an incredible year for the economy and investors, but to us the future remains bright for 2022 and beyond.
Tax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
It’s a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date.
Five Wealth-Building New Year’s Resolutions
Here are five resolutions you may make to increase financial independence and work toward building wealth.
New Year, New Goals: Your Countdown to Financial Health
What steps should you take to get the most bang for your buck over the next year? Below we discuss three New Year’s resolutions that may help you get your new year off to a...
A Season of Giving: 5 Different Ways To Give During the Holidays
With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others’ lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person’s...
2022 Outlook: Passing the Baton
In 2022, we may be ready for a handoff—or a “Passing of the Baton”— back to a greater emphasis on the individual choices of households and businesses to drive the economic expansion.
Holiday Shopping: Back to Basics
With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others’ lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person’s...
RMD Roundup: A Few Key Reminders About Required Minimum Distributions
With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others’ lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person’s...
Thanks and Giving: How You Make a Difference on Giving Tuesday
With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others’ lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person’s...
Carving Out Time to Support Small Business Saturday
American Express created Small Business Saturday in 2010 to provide small businesses with a holiday season boost on the heels of Black Friday. The day comes after one of the biggest shopping sales events and...
Solo Opportunities: One-Person 401(k)s
If you are a small business owner with no employees, the one-person 401(k) may offer a suitable combination of benefits that can help you save more for retirement.
Can You Spot the Scam? Common Financial Fraud Warning Signs
Today’s scammers are clever at making their offers seem legitimate. How can you spot scams before they happen? We discuss the five biggest red flags of a potential scam.
Your 2021 Year-End Planning Checklist
It’s a good time to reevaluate your 2021 finances and turn an eye toward 2022. What can you do now to potentially improve and streamline your 2022 budget? Below, we discuss three year-end planning steps...
Protecting Your Financial Information Online
More consumers are conducting financial transactions online and may become vulnerable to tracking, hacking, identity theft, phishing scams, and other cyberspace risks.
Understanding the Estate Planning Process
A well-structured estate plan can be invaluable. Through it you can control the distribution of your assets and possessions, as well as name guardians for your children or plan care for other dependents.
Home Sweet Home: Setting Up Your Home-Based Business
If you’re considering starting your own home-based business, you may be in good company. Setting up a business from home may mean more than just hooking up a printer or ordering business cards. Below are...
Financial Planning at Every Age
Knowing where your money is going and making sure you’re adequately funding your future could be helpful to maintain your lifestyle for the decades that you may live. Whether you’re a Baby Boomer, Gen X-er,...
Things to Consider Before Buying a Franchise
Though franchises may take away much of the hassle and up-front cost of starting a business, essentially providing a “business in a box,” there are also some special considerations to mull over before purchasing a...
American Business Women’s Day
September 22nd is American Business Women’s Day, and it may be the perfect day to celebrate women who have surpassed the glass ceiling and gone on to be leaders and inspirations for businesswomen everywhere.
Financial Considerations for Working Parents
Though working parents make up one of the largest demographic groups in the country, they face many challenges—from the cost of childcare to inconvenient scheduling issues.
Clearing the Air on 401(K) Hardship Withdrawals
When it comes to 401(k) plans, some people may find themselves a bit confused about the 10% Federal income tax penalty for withdrawals prior to age 59½ and hardship withdrawals from a 401(k) plan.
The Importance of Charitable Giving
Nonprofit charitable organizations often rely on contributions from businesses and individuals to help them accomplish their goals and provide the products, programs, and services needed.
How To Financially Prepare for a Disaster
By taking some steps toward disaster preparedness, you may gain some security that helps you set these worries aside.