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May Insights & Celebrations: A Month of Growth, Awareness, and Community
A Monthly Blog from Alchemy Financial Group May arrives with longer days, warmer weather, and a calendar full of meaningful observances. It’s a month that blends celebration, reflection, and seasonal renewal — offering many...
Read MoreSpecial Report: Middle East Market Volatility
While markets have been known to “climb a wall of worry,” they can struggle during periods of uncertainty.Events in the Middle East are creating a great deal of uncertainty.Look no further than the outlook for short-term interest rates...
Read More2026 Federal Tax Updates Announced
When the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act was passed on July 4, the legislation left several unanswered questions that the IRS is now addressing. The IRS undergoes this process every year, but this time around, the OBBB has added to...
Read More2026 Forecasts for the S&P 500
When you see the word “forecast,” it should be closely followed by, “Forecasts are based on assumptions and are subject to revisions over time. Financial, economic, political, and regulatory issues may cause the actual results to...
Read MoreCelebrating You This New Year's Day
Happy New Year!There's something about this holiday that makes anything feel possible. It's a natural time to look to the future with hope and optimism.As we step into this new year, we hope it also brings an abundance of happiness....
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New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2026
The Internal Revenue Service recently released new limits for 2026. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) IRA contribution limits are up...
Read MoreShutdown Update: What About Economic Stats?
When the government shuts down, so do several agencies that put out the economic reports the Fed looks at when setting interest rates. In fact, the delayed September Consumer Price Index report, which was released on October 24, was...
Read MoreThe Fed Cut Rates: What’s in It for Me?
The Fed lowered short-term interest rates at its September 2025 meeting, but the question on most people’s minds is, “What’s in it for me?” That’s a fair question, so here are some ideas to consider. First-wave changes: Any loan...
Read MoreDo You Know the Differences Between a Roth and a Traditional IRA?
Do You Know the Differences Between a Roth and a Traditional IRA? Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options is the first step toward building a secure future. Two of the most common retirement...
Read MoreHow Will Working Affect Social Security Benefits?
In a recent survey, 75% of current workers stated they plan to work for pay after retiring.1 And that possibility raises an interesting question: how will working affect Social Security benefits? The answer to that question requires an...
Read MoreBack-to-School Checklist: Set Your Family Up for Success
Back-to-school season is an exciting time — fresh notebooks, new goals, and a sense of starting fresh. But between supply lists, schedule changes, and budgeting for all those extras, it can also feel overwhelming. Here’s a practical...
Read MoreWho Is Using Artificial Intelligence?
If we told you young people are the fastest adopters of AI, would you be surprised? Unlikely. But, if we told you the biggest percentage increase of AI users in the past year was people 65+, you might give me a double-take! Today’s...
Read MoreWomen and Wealth: A Pivot Towards Retirement
Retirement is a significant transition, and it can bring both challenges and opportunities for women who have spent many years focused on their careers. For women approaching retirement age, it is crucial to consider various tips and...
Read MoreWill the One Big Beautiful Bill Spark Car Buying?
There are a lot of tax-law changes tucked in the nooks and crannies of the 800+ page One Big Beautiful Bill. One that you may have heard about created a $10,000 tax deduction when you finance a new car. But as you can see, in June,...
Read MoreShipping Traffic to US Nears an All-Time High
Sometimes unconventional indicators can shed some light on what’s happening with the economy. As you can see, traffic from 20-foot ocean containers is at its highest level since January 2022. That’s a solid rebound from earlier in the...
Read MoreA quick glance at the latest tax law overhaul
Just before the July 4th holiday, Congress passed a domestic policy bill that extended the 2017 tax cuts that were set to expire this year while making some of the 2017 rules permanent. The bill also created several new tax laws for...
Read MoreRetiring Wild: National Parks and You
For many older adults, finding time to experience nature can be one of the greatest pleasures in retirement. And what better place to take in America's splendor than one of our over 400 National Park Service sites? For over a century,...
Read MoreA Home Insurance Claim: To File Or Not To File
Insurance is meant to protect you against financial loss. But is it really meant to protect you from any and all financial loss? When it comes to filing a loss claim on your home insurance, there may be times when not filing may be the...
Read MoreNavigating Retirement Pitfalls
Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to plague retirees, too. Calling them "missteps" may be a bit...
Read MoreEgg-onomics: A Lesson in Price Moves
Isaac Newton might be smiling if he looked at the charts for eggs, cocoa, and coffee prices. To traders, they are a lesson on how markets can reach an extreme and then correct. But to Newton, they are simply a lesson in gravity....
Read MoreBig Change: No More Pennies
No more passing them by when you see one on the sidewalk. Forget about wasting a couple by putting them in your loafers. And don’t even consider throwing them into a wishing well. The Treasury Department has announced that it is...
Read MoreCEOs Are Talking Tariffs. Here’s What They’re Saying
During the most recent round of shareholder calls, CEOs had one big question to answer: “What’s going on with tariffs?” In earlier quarters of 2024, the focus was on inflation and artificial intelligence. But this time, the spotlight...
Read MoreRemembering Our Fallen Heroes This Memorial Day
Today we honor the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. This solemn day of remembrance gives us an opportunity to reflect on the profound cost of freedom and the extraordinary courage of...
Read MoreWhat's Next for Interest Rates, Inflation?
The Fed’s May meeting was pretty much a humdrum event. Even Fed Chair Powell's post-meeting press conference was uneventful. “We are always going to do the same thing,” he said. “We are going to use our tools to foster maximum...
Read MoreBuffett on Retirement, Investing
“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful,” are the words of wisdom from Warren Buffett. There’s just one small catch—it may be the most difficult thing for an investor to do. Over six decades, Warren has...
Read MoreNo Early-Warning Signs of a Recession
Have you heard the expression, “Watch what people do, not what they say?” That’s important these days when it comes to the economic outlook. Some people are “saying” the word recession like it’s a foregone conclusion. But let’s take a...
Read MoreQuarterly Scam Safeguard | How Thieves Target Your Logins and Passwords
How Thieves Target Your Logins and Passwords Did you know that over a billion passwords were stolen in 2024? One of the tradeoffs of living in this time of incredible technology is the need to be security conscious. We keep so much...
Read MoreUpbeat Inflation Report Lost in Tariff Shadow
The March consumer inflation report, which showed some prices at their lowest level in more than four years, was overlooked among all the tariff headlines. Core inflation, which excludes the volatile food and energy factors, rose at a...
Read MoreSticking With Your Strategy
When it comes to investing, it's important to remember the potential benefits of remaining invested over time—even when markets whipsaw like we've seen this month. In short, patience can be a powerful ally. Over the past 96 years, 73...
Read MoreSocial Security Fairness Act's New Chapter
The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law in December 2024, adjusts two longstanding provisions that previously reduced Social Security benefits for certain recipients: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the...
Read MoreSunny Side Down: Egg Prices Fall
Forget the Fed frenzy and take a timeout from tariff talk. Let's focus on what's really scrambling the markets right now: egg prices. After reaching an all-time high of $8.17 a dozen in early March, prices have trended lower and may...
Read MoreChecklist to Adjust Your Withholding
When was the last time you thought about or adjusted your withholding? Most people set it and forget it, but reviewing your withholding limits can be beneficial. Adjusting your withholding is a good regular practice. The benefits...
Read MoreFinancial Strategies for Women
Key Takeaways · Despite sharing money management duties, only 19% of women feel very confident in their ability to retire comfortably. · Compound interest may be one of the greatest secrets of smart investing. And time is the key to...
Read MoreRainy Days & Mondays (& Fridays) Gets Stocks Down
The price action in this year’s stock market has me humming the 1970s tune by The Carpenters called “Rainy Days and Mondays.” As the chart shows, Mondays and Fridays have been awful for investors, while the mid-week days have...
Read MoreWhy So Bearish?
“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful” is one of our favorite quotes by Warren Buffett. His words of wisdom encourage investors to be contrarian. He challenges investors to “go against the grain” when...
Read MoreYour Home: Asset or Liability?
Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s a buyer’s market?” That phrase describes what’s happening with today’s residential real estate: homes are selling for under their asking price and are taking longer to sell. Good news for...
Read MoreRed Flags for Tax Auditors
No one wants to see an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) auditor show up at their door. The IRS can’t audit every American’s tax return, so it relies on guidelines to select the ones most deserving of its attention. Here are six flags...
Read MoreSuper Bowl LIX: The Big Game is Big Money
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles are set for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9. Over the years, the Super Bowl has gone from a mere championship game to a cultural event, earning both national and international...
Read MoreNews that a Chinese AI firm created an AI model at a fraction of the cost rattled the markets.
Stock prices were jolted lower in late January on concerns that a “black swan” event may lead to some restructuring in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. A Chinese AI firm appears to have developed a competitive AI model that...
Read MoreSuper Catch-Ups for 2025
Are you in your early sixties and hoping to make a splash in your retirement strategy? The SECURE Act 2.0 introduced a $11,250 catch-up contribution for those aged 60-63. This “super catch-up” is part of a new tiered catch-up...
Read MoreWhat is the Social Security Fairness Act?
You may have heard about the recently signed Social Security Fairness Act and wondered what it was and how it might affect you.The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two longstanding provisions for Social Security: the Windfall...
Read MoreA Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List
John and Mary are nearing retirement and they have a lot of items on their bucket list. Longer life expectancies mean John and Mary may need to prepare for two or even three decades of retirement. How should they position their money?1...
Read MoreWhat will 2025 hold?
With 2024 coming to a close, we want to share our thoughts on America's current fiscal policy, geopolitical elements, and other factors that may help shape 2025's financial landscape. This transition period offers both challenges and...
Read MoreHappy Holidays!
Wishing you joy and happiness this holiday season! We want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your support and wish you a wonderful and prosperous new year. Thank you for being a valued part of our family. Here's to a...
Read MoreWhat Is the Santa Claus Rally?
Is Santa Claus coming to Wall Street this year? December tends to be a cheerful month for stock prices, which has some investors keeping an eye out for a late-year visit from Santa. As you can see from the chart, since 1950, December...
Read MoreIRS Releases 2025 Tax Brackets
The Internal Revenue Service released the updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2025 tax year. While these changes won’t impact you for some time, it may benefit you to start...
Read MoreDirty Jobs: Fed Sees Through Murky Economic Data
There are some jobs that we just don’t want. The home plate umpire in the 9th inning of a major league baseball game. Fishing in the Bering Sea during an ice storm. Or a Fed Governor who must decide what to do with short-term interest...
Read MoreHappy Thanksgiving
The warmth of the holiday meal beckons. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and observing gratitude. So, as you gather around the table, look around and give thanks for the family and friends surrounding you. Give...
Read MoreMedicare Part B Increases for 2025
No Medicare surprises for 2025. As expected, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $185, up $10.30 from 2024. The annual deductible—the amount paid before insurance begins to pay for health services—will...
Read MoreElection 2024: The Votes Are In
Now that election season has ended, it may be helpful to examine how the different combinations of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives have looked like since 1900. As the accompanying table shows, a Republican or...
Read MoreTime to Fall Back
As you have noticed, the days are getting shorter – and we are coming to the end of Daylight Saving Time for the year. On the first Sunday of November at 2:00 am, most of America will “fall back” into Standard Time. Be sure to turn...
Read MoreUnderstanding Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
As you build your legacy, considering how to leverage your charitable contributions can be a fulfilling endeavor. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can offer an opportunity to support your favorite causes and manage your...
Read MoreThe Rise of Mortgage-Free Homeowners
Elvis once sang, “Home is where the heart is.” Well, according to a recent study that parsed U.S. Census data, home is also where a good chunk of the money is. ResiClubAnalytics found that nearly 40 percent of owner-occupied homes...
Read MoreAmericans and their Federal Agencies
With election season in full swing, we thought it might be interesting to examine how perceptions of our federal agencies have shifted over time. Based on 2023 data from the Pew Research Center, this month's chart reveals some...
Read MoreHow Might the Port Workers Strike Affect Your Household?
A major strike at our nation’s ports has the potential to disrupt the economy over the next few months. On October 1, around 25,000 dockworkers from Massachusetts to Texas, including 300 in Boston, went on strike as negotiations...
Read MoreHow Might the Port Workers Strike Affect Your Household?
A major strike at our nation’s ports has the potential to disrupt the economy over the next few months. On October 1, around 25,000 dockworkers from Massachusetts to Texas, including 300 in Boston, went on strike as negotiations...
Read MoreThe Fed’s Bold 0.50% Rate Cut
Wall Street knew a change was coming, but the Fed Chair hid the details until the end. At its September meeting, the Fed cut short-term interest rates by 0.50%, which unsettled some who thought Fed officials would be more cautious...
Read MoreSocial Security 2025 COLA: Projected 2.5% Increase
More than 71 million Social Security beneficiaries can expect a 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in 2025, based on the Q3 inflation data so far. In other words, the COLA will raise the average benefit by $48 to $1,968 a...
Read MoreElection 2024 and The Bottom Line
Election years, particularly presidential elections, traditionally come into focus after Labor Day. This is when many American voters become fully engaged with the process. With that in mind, I often get the question: “Politics aside,...
Read MoreWill the Fed Break the Inflation Cycle?
This month's chart feels especially timely, given how many of us eagerly await the Federal Reserve's decision in September on short-term interest rates. Some expected the Fed policymakers to wait until after the election to determine...
Read MoreJackson Hole: The Time Has Come for Policy to Adjust
Now the only question is, “How much will short-term interest rates drop in September?” At his annual speech to global central bankers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Fed Chair Powell laid out a strategy to cut short-term interest rates, but...
Read MoreRainy-day Money
When we meet with people, one of the first topics we discuss is "emergency fund" money. We ask a few questions, such as, “Do you have any funds set aside?”, “Where is it located?”, and, most importantly, “What would trigger you to tap...
Read MoreAugust is Make a Will Month: What Will Your Legacy Be?
Summer is almost over, and August is nationally recognized as Make a Will Month. Although discussing wills may feel uncomfortable or seem far-off, it presents an important opportunity to reflect on our lives, our values, and the...
Read MoreHow to Manage Market Volatility
The trader's adage goes, “The stock market takes the stairs up and the elevator down.” The saying helps illustrate the speed at which stock prices can move, especially over the last few days. Here's how the recent stock market drop...
Read MoreWhat Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?
Some of the biggest challenges many face when it comes to education are financial. Luckily, a 529 college saving plan can help. And they're not just for college anymore - added to the tuition eligibility are K-12, private and religious...
Read MoreWhat Do Your Taxes Pay For?
Taxes are one of the biggest budget items for most taxpayers, yet many have no idea what they’re getting for their money. The average household spends more on taxes than on groceries, clothing, or healthcare. In fact, 11% of our income...
Read MoreDisability and Your Finances
The Social Security Disability Insurance program paid out over $150 billion in benefits in 2023. And with new applicants each year, the system is expected to exhaust its reserves at the end of 2035 if changes aren’t made.1,2 Rather...
Read MoreThe Value of a Second Opinion
Financial planning can be complex, and making the right decisions is crucial to achieving your goals. Seeking a second opinion can be an invaluable resource in reviewing your investments, retirement planning, estate planning, or any...
Read MorePickleball in Retirement
Staying Active in Retirement Over the last couple of years doctors have made clear the benefits of regular physical activity, especially for older adults. In fact, adults 65 and older gain substantial health benefits from regular...
Read MoreCatch-Up Contributions
A recent survey found that 18% of workers are very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 36% are not confident.1 In 2001 congress passed a law that can help older...
Read MoreMonthly Memberships
In the last few years, we’ve become accustomed to many convenient services, many offered via subscriptions. Now, in the old days, if you had a few magazines or newspapers stacked up, you might not pay to continue your service. Today’s...
Read MoreMortgages in Retirement
Anyone who has gone through the process of mapping out their retirement knows there can be a lot to keep in mind. Saving, investing, anticipating medical costs, and making sure you have enough tucked away for years to come is just the...
Read MoreTax Efficiency in Retirement
Will you pay higher taxes in retirement? It’s possible. But that will largely depend on how you generate income. Will it be from working? Will it be from retirement plans? And if it does come from retirement plans, it’s important to...
Read MoreEstate Management Checklist
Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enable you to name a guardian for your minor children. Do you have healthcare documents in place? Healthcare...
Read MoreChoices for Your 401(k) at a Former Employer
One of the common threads of a mobile workforce is that many individuals who leave their job are faced with a decision about what to do with their 401(k) account.¹ Individuals have four choices with the 401(k) account they accrued at a...
Read MoreTraditional vs. Roth IRA
Traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 41 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by nearly 32 million...
Read MoreCaring for Aging Parents
Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in modern medicine, the worldwide population over age 65 is growing. In the past decade, the population of Americans aged 65 and older has grown 38% and is expected to reach 82 million in...
Read MorePersonal Finance Calendar
Write down the major financial events you anticipate in the next few years. That will help guide a discussion about whether your portfolio reflects your short- and long-term goals. Update your personal net worth to account for any...
Read MoreAnd the Executor Is
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger is famous for more than just his time on the bench. When he died in 1995, he left a 176-word will that gave no specific power to his executors. As a result, he reportedly cost his estate tens of...
Read MoreHow Insurance Deductibles Work
An insurance deductible is the amount you, the insured, pay before any claim is paid by your insurance carrier. Depending upon the type of insurance, a policy may set the amount of deductible, or offer you the ability to select a...
Read MoreIntellectual Property Rocks in a New Digital Era
How will your IP work for you in your retirement and beyond? In 2023, the music industry witnessed a groundbreaking shift, as iconic bands like ABBA, KISS, and the Beatles embraced the digital frontier. These legendary acts showcased...
Read MoreHealthcare Costs in Retirement
Healthcare Costs in Retirement In a 2023 survey, 37% of all workers reported they were either “not too” or “not at all” confident that they would have enough money to pay for their medical expenses in retirement. Regardless of your...
Read MoreSteps to Protecting a Child with Disabilities
Key Takeaways Government benefits like Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid, although helpful, may impact other aspects of your strategy. The purpose of a special-needs trust is to provide supplemental and extra care for a child...
Read MoreU.S. Personal Savings Rate
The U.S. personal saving rate stood at 3.7 percent at the end of 2023, up from the 3.4 rate at the end of 2022. The personal saving rate is the federal government’s estimate of what percent of their incomes U.S. households are saving....
Read MoreHow Will the Economy React to AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are already invading every aspect of our lives. Debates are ongoing about how it will infiltrate individual industries. Governments are working to understand AI and determine how to regulate something...
Read MoreCan Group, Private Disability Policies Work Together?
According to the Social Security Administration, a 20-year-old has more than a 25% chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age.1 Loss of income for such a duration has the potential to cause significant financial...
Read MoreFiling Final Tax Returns for the Deceased
When a family member passes away, there are many decisions that need to be made and many emotions to handle. The last thing anyone thinks about is taxes. Unfortunately, even the deceased can’t escape taxation. If the departed...
Read MoreAre You Prepared for an Estate Tax Sunset?
The federal estate tax threshold rose to $27.22 million in 2024 for married couples and $13.61 million for individuals as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Like several TCJA provisions, the higher estate tax limit is due to...
Read MoreA Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Chris Rock once remarked, “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.” That applies not only to income but also to capital gains. Capital gains result when an individual sells an investment for an amount greater...
Read MoreProtect Yourself: Tips to Avoiding Common Scams
In today’s digital age, it is more important than ever to stay vigilant about protecting yourself from falling victim to the ever increasing scams thrust upon us through various channels, such as email, phone calls, social media...
Read More9 Facts About Retirement
Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of what approach you intend...
Read MoreRoth IRA for Kids
Small business owners may find it challenging to find ways to provide additional benefits to their children who work for the company. One often overlooked choice is including a Roth individual retirement account (IRA) as part of their...
Read MoreDo Your Kids Know the Value of a Silver Spoon?
You taught them how to read and how to ride a bike, but have you taught your children how to manage money? The average debt for student borrowers is $40,499. And nearly 11% of new graduates will default within the first twelve months...
Read MoreConquering Retirement Challenges for Women
When it comes to retirement, women may face unique obstacles that can make saving for retirement more challenging. Given that women typically live longer than men, retirement money for women may need to stretch even further.1 Despite...
Read MoreIRS Releases 2024 Tax Brackets, Retirement Contribution Limits
The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start...
Read MoreHappy New Year - 2023 into 2024
It is almost time to ring in the New Year! As December makes way for January, you may be excited thinking about new possibilities. Perhaps you want to take a moment to "refresh and reset" or make a resolution or two. Or perhaps you...
Read MoreWhite Elephant Inheritence
Have you ever had to deal with a "white elephant"? Not the actual pachyderm, but what Merriam-Webster calls "a property requiring much care and expense yielding little profit" or, more simply, "something of little or no value." Of...
Read MoreHow Boomers and Millennials Differ
We are in the midst of an unprecedented transfer of wealth, with trillions of dollars being moved from one generation to the next. This transfer challenges many commonly held notions as new values and interests become more prominent....
Read MoreFinancial Strategies for Women
Nearly 60% of women take sole responsibility for making investment decisions, yet only 19% of women feel very confident in their ability to fully retire with a comfortable lifestyle.1,2 Although more women are providing for their...
Read MoreMaking a Charitable Gift
Why sell shares when you can gift them? If you have appreciated stocks in your portfolio, you might want to consider donating those shares to charity rather than selling them. Donating appreciated securities to a tax-qualified charity...
Read MoreHappy Thanksgiving
The warmth of the holiday meal beckons. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and observing gratitude. So, as you gather around the table, look around and give thanks for the family and friends surrounding you. Give...
Read MoreKeeping Good Records is Good Business
Maintaining good records is important to help meet your tax and legal obligations. The right record keeping system not only helps satisfy these obligations, but it may save you money and time. Here’s what to consider for your...
Read More9 Facts About Social Security
Social Security has been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? Here are nine things that might surprise you. The Social Security trust fund...
Read MoreReviewing Your Life Insurance Needs
Life is an ever-evolving journey marked by significant milestones, personal growth, and unexpected changes. As life unfolds, your financial and insurance needs also shift, changing from year to year, decade to decade. A good example of...
Read MoreEstate Strategies of the Rich and Famous
How the Queen of Soul, the Lizard King, and Other Celebrities Determined Their Legacies Famous people are all too human. Tabloid newspapers and celebrity magazines and websites make bank chronicling their every moment,...
Read MoreIntellectual Property and Your Estate
Among the many considerations to ponder when forming your estate strategy, intellectual property (IP) is among the more important and misunderstood. The phrase itself may be somewhat confusing, as people may not know whether it applies...
Read MoreMoney that Buys Good Health is Never Ill Spent
A retired couple age 65 can expect to need about $315,000 saved to cover healthcare expenses in retirement. With healthcare expenses in the spotlight, it’s incumbent upon us to make sure our retirement strategy anticipates these...
Read MoreChoosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business
If you have yet to develop a retirement plan for your business, or if you're not sure the plan you've chosen is the right one, here are some things to consider. How much can my business afford to contribute? The cost of contributions...
Read MoreData Breach: Your Security To-Do List
According to recent statistics, data breaches have become common in today's digital world. In fact, it is estimated that more than 111.7 million Americans have their personal information exposed to data breaches every year. Whether...
Read MoreFinancially Savvy at Six Figures
Reaching six figures is no easy feat. If you’re one of the hard-working few who have made it to this milestone, give yourself a pat on the back and celebrate. It can be tempting to feel like now that you've made it to the top of...
Read MoreHelpful Retirement Strategies for Women
Preparing for retirement can look a little different for women than it does for men. Although stereotypes are changing, women are still more likely to serve as caretakers than men are, meaning they may accumulate less income and...
Read MoreA Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, "Almost any decision is better than no decision at all." This...
Read MoreInflation & Your Money
"If the current annual inflation rate is 3 percent, why do my bills seem like they're 10 percent higher than last year?"1 Many of us ask ourselves that question, and it illustrates the importance of understanding how inflation is...
Read MoreGlobal vs. International: What’s the Difference?
With international stock markets comprising about 41.6 percent of the world's capitalization as of 2022, a broad range of investment opportunities exist outside the borders of the U.S.1 For investors who are looking to diversify their...
Read MoreAssess Life Insurance Needs
If your family relies on your income, it's critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances. In fact, according to a...
Read MoreBuilding Your Legacy
Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you. Shannon L. Alder The desire to leave a legacy may be the height of altruism for it is a gift to the future,...
Read MoreWhat It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor
For the average investor, the financial landscape can sometimes feel like a complex maze with limited access to certain investment opportunities. However, within this realm exists a distinct category known as accredited investors. If...
Read MoreRetiring Earlier Than Expected? What to Know
Many Americans, through circumstances beyond their control, find themselves needing to retire earlier than anticipated. Whatever the circumstances, it’s difficult not to feel wrongfooted and hurried by the situation. However,...
Read MoreAutumnal Oddities
The leaves are changing, the weather has cooled, and Americans everywhere are celebrating the fall season. From corn mazes to autumnal apple bobbing, there’s no doubt this time of year is rich with tradition. But how much do we...
Read MoreAll About Apples
As autumn is once again upon us, it’s a reminder to pause and enjoy the fruits of our labor—especially if that fruit is the apple. Between baking apples into delectable desserts and enjoying a hot cup of apple cider on a...
Read MoreMonumental Impact: Women, Money and Global Pandemic
Investors and entrepreneurs have faced more than a few challenges thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. But it appears that women have borne the brunt of the pandemic’s wrath. Last year, women lost a staggering $800 billion in...
Read MoreRetire Well or Save for College?
There’s a natural sort of push-and-pull when it comes to financial matters. As we work, we may ask ourselves, “What am I working toward?” There are many goals you might consider, but at the top of the list for many...
Read MoreOur New E-book for Business Owners
We invite you to watch our video introducing our new ebook and how you can download it:
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2021 - Markets Start 2021 on a High
The Week on Wall Street Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreJanuary 4, 2021 - The Year in Review
The Week on Wall Street Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreDecember 21, 2020 - Vaccine Rollout Spurs Markets
The Week on Wall Street Stocks climbed higher amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and an improving outlook for a fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged all year, gained 0.44%. The Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreDecember 14, 2020 - Cases Rise, Stocks Retreat
The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreDecember 7, 2020 - Is Stimulus Near?
The Week on Wall Street Stocks marched higher last week on an improving outlook for the passage of a fiscal stimulus package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on 1.67%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreNovember 30, 2020 - Dow Hits 30,000
The Week on Wall Street Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data, and the easing of political uncertainty.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.21%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreNovember 23, 2020 - New Infections Increase Anxiety
The Week on Wall StreetDespite news of another COVID-19 vaccine candidate, stocks were mixed amid investor anxiety over an increase in new infections and economic lockdowns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.73%, while the...
Read MoreNovember 16, 2020 - Vaccine Triggers Rally
The Week on Wall Street News of a COVID-19 vaccine ignited a rally in economically sensitive stocks and a broad retreat in technology companies last week, though enthusiasm was tempered by reports of rising new infections and fresh...
Read MoreNovember 9, 2020 - Markets React to Election
The Week on Wall Street Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated that a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to changing corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of big technology companies.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreNovember 2, 2020 - No Stimulus, Stocks Lag
The Week on Wall Street Stock prices dropped last week as hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill faded and investors focused on rising COVID-19 infections, here and abroad. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 6.47%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreOctober 26, 2020 - No Stimulus, Stocks Lower
The Week on Wall Street The failure to reach an agreement on a new fiscal stimulus bill soured investor sentiment and sent stocks modestly lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreOctober 19, 2020 - A Difficult Week for Stocks
The Week on Wall Street Stocks treaded water last week amid fading prospects for a stimulus bill, fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, and increasing political and regulatory pressures on Big Tech companies.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreOctober 12, 2020 - Stocks Rise, Stimulus Uncertain
The Week on Wall Street Stocks staged a powerful rally last week, riding a wave of optimism over the prospect of the passage of a new fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreOctober 5, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings....
Read MoreSeptember 28, 2020 - Stocks Mixed Amid Uncertainty
The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week as worries that stretched from Washington D.C., where prospects of a new fiscal stimulus bill dimmed, to Europe, which saw an increase of new COVID-19 cases.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreSeptember 21, 2020 - Tech Sector Slip Continues
The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped as the technology sector remained under pressure and a mid-week announcement by the Federal Reserve failed to inspire investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.03%, while the Standard...
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2020 - Stocks Continue Downward Slide
The Week on Wall Street Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreSeptember 8, 2020 - Stocks Stall as Recovery Continues
The Week on Wall Street A late week sell-off sent stocks broadly lower as investors took some profits after stocks reached all-time highs earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.82%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreAugust 31, 2020 - Stocks Power Higher
The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced relentlessly last week on positive COVID-19 developments, encouraging economic data, and a supportive policy shift in the Fed’s approach to its target inflation rate. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreAugust 24, 2020 - Stocks Reach New Highs
The Week on Wall Street Stocks powered to another week of gains as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite set multiple new record highs along the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially unchanged while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreAugust 17, 2020 - Stocks and Consumer Prices Rise
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%...
Read MoreAugust 10, 2020 - Earnings Season Winds Down
The Week on Wall StreetOverlooking stalled efforts by Congress to pass a new fiscal stimulus bill, stocks marched higher last week with the Dow Jones Industrials leading the way and the NASDAQ Composite setting multiple fresh record...
Read MoreAugust 3, 2020 - Stocks Have Mixed Reaction
The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week amid a busy week of earnings, some troubling economic data, and seemingly little progress on a new fiscal stimulus package.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the...
Read MoreJuly 27, 2020 - Stocks React to Jobs Report
The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped in the final days of trading last week on higher jobless claims and rising tensions in the U.S.-China relationship. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor's 500...
Read MoreJuly 20, 2020 - Stocks See a Mixed Week
The Week on Wall StreetStocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.29%,...
Read MoreJuly 13, 2020 - Stocks Gain After Volatile Week
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices notched solid gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.96%, while the...
Read MoreJuly 6, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall StreetIn a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%,...
Read MoreJune 29, 2020 - Rise in Cases Inspires Turbulence
The Week on Wall StreetA jump in COVID-19 cases dampened investor enthusiasm last week, sending stock prices lower on worries that rising infections could derail the economic recovery. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 3.31%,...
Read MoreJune 22, 2020 - U.S. Economy Gains Momentum
The Week on Wall StreetStocks moved higher last week on news of more Federal Reserve market support and diminished concerns that new COVID-19 cases might lead to another economic shutdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.04%,...
Read MoreJune 15, 2020 - Markets React to Fed Report
The Week on Wall StreetInvestor sentiment turned negative last week, amid an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in states where reopening has been underway as well as a subdued economic forecast from the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreJune 8, 2020 - Recovery Optimism Builds
The Week on Wall StreetA positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreJune 1, 2020 - Optimism for Re-Opening
The Week on Wall StreetThe shortened week, which began with a powerful two-day rally of trading, was enough to drive the markets into another week of solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.75%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreMay 26, 2020 - Markets React to Positive Outlook
The Week on Wall StreetUpbeat comments by the Federal Reserve Chairman and more signs of an economic turnaround combined to help fuel a powerful rally in the stock market last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.29%, while...
Read MoreMay 18, 2020 - Powell Somber on Recovery
The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week, weighed down by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's unsettling comments on the economy and signs of renewed tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.65%,...
Read MoreMay 11, 2020 - Jobs Down, Stocks Up
The Week on Wall StreetDespite a historic downturn in employment, stocks managed to climb higher last week as investors were emboldened by the pace of economic re-openings, both here and abroad.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2...
Read MoreMay 4, 2020 - Economic Normalization Near?
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices ended the week slightly lower, despite news of positive results from a test trial of a COVID-19 drug treatment and several states easing their economic lockdowns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreApril 27, 2020 - Markets React to Oil Prices
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices bounced around last week as investors reacted to wild swings in the price of oil and reports that called into question the efficacy of two potential virus treatments.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
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