Blog
Designing Backyard Splendor
By giving your backyard some tender love and care, it will result in a lively and welcoming space to be enjoyed throughout the summer season.
Read MoreHow Much of a Problem is Concentrated Leadership for Stocks?
The mega-cap technology companies have powered the broad market higher this year. In fact, the 8.1% gain in the S&P 500 year to date has been driven entirely by six mega-cap stocks: Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), NVIDIA (NVDA), Meta...
Read MorePlanning a Multigenerational Vacation
Although organizing and planning a trip can be exhilarating, it can also get a bit tricky when traveling with multiple generations. Here are some tips so you can leave the stress behind and create wonderful memories with your family.
Read MoreWill History Rhyme? A Fed Pause Has Been Good for Fixed Income
Economists like to remind us there is no such thing as a free lunch. In investment parlance, that just means all investments carry risk—even cash. And the big risk with cash is reinvestment risk. That is, while short-term rates...
Read MoreUnused 529 Plan Funds: 5 Spending Options to Consider
529 plans are a time-tested way to save for education expenses. To avoid overfunding, work with your financial professional to determine an appropriate funding amount or consider which spending options suit your situation.
Read MoreShow All
Earnings Update: Better than Feared Undersells These Results
First quarter earnings season is nearly complete, and it has caused us to regret titling our earnings preview commentary on April 10, “Malaise Continues.” While the “better than feared” label fit the past couple...
Read MoreYour Guide to Travel Insurance
Vacations are an investment. A lot of planning and money goes into having the best trip possible—but should you buy travel insurance to protect yourself in the event of unforeseen changes and emergencies?
Read MoreKing Dollar Still Rules: Why It Continues to Reign
Much has been written lately about the threats facing the reserve currency status enjoyed by the U.S. dollar. “De-dollarization” headlines appear on a near-daily basis, suggesting the dollar’s reign is in looming...
Read MoreGet Organized Before Summer Starts
Vacations, barbecues, and recreational sports are just a few reasons why summer can be a busy time of year. It’s a good idea to get your home, health, and schedule organized ahead of time so you and your family can enjoy the...
Read MoreSell in May: Does This Stock Market Adage Come into Play
“Sell in May and go away” is probably the most widely cited stock market cliché in history. Every year a barrage of Wall Street commentaries and stories in the financial press floods in about this popular, but overused...
Read MoreDraining the Lifeblood of the Economy: The Small Business Sector
Investors use various analogies to describe the importance of small businesses in the domestic economy. Some refer to the small business sector as the backbone or the lifeblood of the economy. At this current stage of the cycle,...
Read More3 Tips for Preserving Wealth in Your Golden Years
After spending so much of your life saving for retirement, it may be challenging to transition from depositing funds to withdrawing them. You may wonder whether there is any way to maintain your lifestyle and preserve your wealth to...
Read MoreA Closer Look at Commercial Real Estate Market
The commercial real estate (CRE) market has recently captured the spotlight after being flagged as the next potential shoe to drop following last month’s banking turmoil. While rising rates have weighed on financing costs and the...
Read MoreSenior Cyber Safety – How to Avoid a Cyber Identity Crisis
You may have thought your digital identity was safe and not a likely target of a cybercriminal until one day, the bank calls wondering if purchases made at a store that you have never been to, 2,000 miles away, were made by you. Every...
Read MoreEarnings Preview – Malaise Continues
First quarter earnings season kicks off this week with some big banks reporting toward the end of the week. In some ways this quarter’s earnings season will probably be déjà vu all over again—earnings declines and...
Read MoreAn Ode to Organization
Have you ever experienced this situation? Before heading out on vacation, you make sure everyone’s packed, everything is shut off, windows and doors are locked … and the house is straightened up. And you probably know where...
Read MoreWho Is Right, Federal Reserve or Financial Markets?
Financial markets and the Federal Reserve are reading from two different playbooks. Who is right? The markets are pricing in several rate cuts by the end of this year, while the Federal Reserve communicated more rate hikes with an...
Read MoreRe-fired Not Retired: Making The Best of the Rest of Your Life
While retirement is a time to enjoy the things you have worked hard for in life, the next chapter may leave some a little anxious. Retirement doesn't mean you have to retire from the excitement in life. In fact, it is the perfect time...
Read MoreThe 36-Hour SVB Collapse and Hierarchy of Blame
A lot has changed in the past few weeks, both in terms of expectations for interest rates and lost confidence in the health of the banking system as a result of the sharp rise in interest rates that has led to some things...
Read More3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Claim Social Security
Planning for retirement is exciting, but it may come with a bit of stress. If you worked hard all your life, now might be the time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. One of the things that you may need to consider is when it...
Read MoreWading Through Financial Stability Risks: An Action Plan
The Federal Reserve (Fed) has a history of raising short-term interest rates until something “breaks.” Considering the Fed has raised rates from a near-zero level to 4.75% (upper bound) over the course of only one year, it...
Read MoreSocial Security Survivor Benefits
When you think of Social Security, you probably think of retirement. However, Social Security can also provide much-needed income to your family members when you die, making their financial lives easier.Your family members may be...
Read MoreSilicon Valley Bank Is the 2nd Largest Bank Failure
The FDIC-seizure of Silicon Valley Bank is the second-largest US bank failure in history as it held $209 billion in assets at the time of its collapse. Even after adjusting for inflation, by assets it trails only Washington Mutual,...
Read MoreStress in Banking System | Latest Equity Asset Allocation Views
Last week did not play out how we anticipated. Coming into the week, it was all about Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell’s congressional testimony and the February jobs report. Instead, we got a shockingly fast collapse of...
Read MoreBunch Earnings to Save Social Security Taxes
What is it? As a business owner, you may save Social Security taxes (self-employment taxes) by postponing or accelerating income so that your earnings are bunched in alternate years. This strategy works if you are self-employed and your...
Read MoreNo Landing. No Sense: Suggesting an Economy Makes “No Landing” Makes No Sense
Suggesting an economy makes “no landing” makes no sense. Analogies eventually break down, especially this one. Economic activity does not stop like an airplane eventually does, but rather the economy will settle into a...
Read MoreMinimizing Taxation of Your Social Security Retirement Benefit
Did you know that you might have to pay federal income tax on your Social Security retirement benefit? If the only income you had during the year was Social Security income, then your benefit usually isn't taxable.
Read MoreDebt Ceiling Primer: What You Need to Know
While concerns about the debt ceiling have been increasing, markets, businesses, and the economy are likely to see only minimal impact until we are days, or maybe a few weeks, from the “x date,” the date on which the...
Read MoreIssues Unique to Older Individuals
What is it?You may view getting older with mixed emotions. While you look forward to retirement, you worry about your finances and the cost and availability of health care, and you wonder what will happen to you if you become unable to...
Read MoreWhat’s Changed in the Markets in 2023 and What it Could Mean
Markets have adjusted to several changes this year. The pace at which inflation has cooled is slowing. The market has started to believe the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) “higher for longer” message. The bar for earnings...
Read MoreAdvocate for Your Heart Health
A busy schedule is never an excuse to ignore your health– but more often than not, we all fall victim to putting our work, social, and family life, ahead of our well-being. Especially when it comes to our heart health....
Read MoreTrying to Stick the Landing: Can the Stock Market Do It?
Soft landing or no soft landing, that is the question, with all due respect to William Shakespeare. But while this may be the most commonly asked question these days, it may not be the most important or the toughest. That honor goes to...
Read MoreTax Consequences of Business Formation
What are the tax consequences of business formation, in general?When starting a business, you must consider a number of factors. One very important factor is taxation. Although business tax planning is a complicated area, the first...
Read MoreBrightening Outlook for International Equities: Have the Tides Turned
Investors got more excited about international investing late last year. Some of that was chasing better returns, as developed international equities solidly beat the U.S. over the last three months of 2022. Some was the increased...
Read MoreSectors to Consider if Inflation Continues to Rise
In general terms, the bond market will rally when increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) (inflation) are small and the bond market will fall when increases in the CPI are large. The equity markets generally follow the same trend...
Read MoreWill January’s Market Hit the Trifecta? The Seasonal Indicators
The script has been flipped in 2023. Last year’s underperformers have turned into outperformers this year, driving the S&P 500 Index up over 5% this month. The pace and composition of the rally have left many investors skeptical...
Read MoreHow to Recognize and Protect Yourself Against Tax Identity Theft
When you hear the term identity theft, the first thought that comes to mind may involve a data breach or opening a credit card in someone else's name. But another common type of identity theft involves the use of someone's Social...
Read MoreA Feisty Bull-Bear Debate: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The latest episode of the debate between stock market bulls and bears has gotten more interesting. For every valid point from one side, there’s an equally compelling argument on the other side. Perhaps the best reason for the...
Read MoreKick off the Big Game With These 7 Super Investing Lessons From the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is more than just a game. It's an American holiday. As you prepare for this fun day, you may also want to think about how to create "big wins'' in your investment strategy. Get ready for Super Bowl Sunday by checking out...
Read MoreQ4 Earnings Preview: Pessimism May Be Overdone
Fourth quarter earnings season is underway and probably won’t bring much good news. Lackluster global growth, ongoing profit margin pressures from inflation, and negative currency impacts are likely to translate into a...
Read MoreTips to Relax More Today
Between work, family, friends, and other commitments, it’s often hard to take time for yourself. However, it’s important for your physical and mental health to intentionally slow down and take a much-needed break from the...
Read MoreMarket, Stocks, and Bonds Lessons Learned from 2022
We believe accountability and modesty are among the keys to success in this business. In striving for those qualities, LPL Research has a tradition of starting off a new year with a lessons learned commentary. We got some things wrong...
Read MoreHow Our Financial Wellness Impacts Us
Financial wellness studies over the past few years indicate that investors desire financial wellness. The recent pandemic, economic and inflationary conditions, changes in work-life balance, and more responsibility for financial...
Read More2023 Market Outlook: LPL Research Takes a Look at the Year Ahead
2022 was a dizzying year as markets and the global economy continued to find itself out of balance due to the still present aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the policy response to it. If 2022 was about recognizing imbalances...
Read MoreFour Actions to Take if You’re Retiring Next Year
It's common for people who are retiring to set their retirement date in either the springtime or the early summer. If you happen to be one of those lucky folks who are going to retire this year, then "Congratulations!"But before you...
Read MoreWriting a Business Plan for a Small Business
Running a business without a written business plan is like heading out on a cross-country trip without a map or GPS. Although you may be able to make it to your destination, you may spend far more time and money navigating through...
Read MoreGlobal New Year’s Traditions
The new year is celebrated by people around the globe and in nearly all countries. However, not everyone celebrates the same way. These diverse traditions from various countries are rooted in custom, fun, and hope for a good year ahead...
Read MoreHistoric Year for Central Bank Activity and Rate Hikes
The Federal Reserve (Fed) wrapped up its last Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting of the year last week, where it hiked short-term interest rates for the seventh time in as many meetings, taking the fed funds rate to 4.5%...
Read MoreDoing Good, Feeling Good
When it comes to giving back, your mind might jump to making monetary donations—but that’s not all there is. Using your unique talents and interests to give back is one of the best ways to make a difference, and the ideas below prove it.
Read MoreDecember Down but Not Out: Seasonality Trends Point to Market Recovery
Despite the S&P 500 Index starting December with five consecutive days of losses, we think December is down but not out. December often starts slow but historically has been a strong month. There are also some potentially supportive...
Read MoreThe 12 Days of Year-End Planning
At the end of the year, it is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. Consider breaking up the responsibilities over twelve days, focusing on one each day.
Read MoreResilient Consumers Have Not Saved Retail Stocks
Economic and corporate data support the initial strong reads on holiday retail sales despite the macro headwinds, reinforcing the idea that today’s consumer is in a better position than usual at this point in the business cycle....
Read MoreEnd of Year (EOY) Deadlines Checklist
For many of us, a new year is an opportunity for fresh starts and discovering the best versions of ourselves, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all. And with that shiny...
Read MoreBeing Thankful for Financial Wellness
‘Tis the season to give thanks for the many blessings that you have received throughout the year and blessings that help you as you move into the future. One thing to be truly thankful for is financial wellness. When you are...
Read MorePlaybook for a Fed Pivot: Exploring Equity and Fixed Income Market Performance
Recent inflation data has tempered expectations for future Federal Reserve tightening, including a potential peak in the terminal rate near 5.0% in May or June of 2023. While the market has welcomed this news, history suggests the path...
Read MoreCan You Spot the Scam? Common Financial Fraud Warning Signs
Many people are familiar with the scammers who promise to pay millions of dollars in exchange for briefly holding funds in your bank account or those who offer to enhance certain body parts risk-free. Today's scammers are clever at...
Read MoreInflation and Rising Rates Supports Value
The growth vs. value debate has been pretty one-sided in 2022, with value outperforming growth for a sustained period for the first time in almost 15 years. However, the debate is heating up as investors begin to consider whether the...
Read MoreJump-Starting the LTC Conversation
Talking about long-term care (LTC) can be challenging, and it can be especially difficult to know where to start. How you choose to broach the conversation may depend on your loved one’s personality, age, health status, cognitive...
Read MoreHow Midterm Elections May Move Markets
Midterm elections are upon us, with Election Day on Tuesday. Republicans are strongly favored to win the House, and the Senate is roughly a tossup. We believe either outcome would be market-friendly, although the bigger market driver...
Read MoreFederal Reserve Preview: TRICK or Treat?
With a series of important economic indicators suggesting the economy is declining and inflation is finally decelerating, albeit very slowly, markets are beginning to factor in that the Fed may soon transition to a less aggressive...
Read MoreGet Healthy, Go Outside
When John Lennon and Paul McCartney of The Beatles penned Good Day Sunshine, they summarized the health benefits of spending time outdoors. “I need to laugh, and when the sun is out, I’ve got something I can laugh about. I...
Read MoreWomen - What You Should Know When Starting a Business
If you're thinking about starting your own business, you'll need a sound plan, a little creativity, personal dedication, and probably some form of financial investment.
Read MoreThree Things to Know About Recessions: The 3 D’s
If the U.S. economy enters a recession, the causes and potential outcome will be hotly debated. At LPL Research, our starting point is always looking at history. This week’s commentary will remind us of three things we know about...
Read MoreFinancial Planning at Every Age
Whether you're a Baby Boomer, Gen X-er, Millennial, or a member of Gen Z, there are a few things you may focus on to help you pursue your financial goals.
Read MoreLow Bar for Earnings Season Brings Third Quarter Expectations Down
Expectations are very low for this earnings season. The challenges are many, with intense cost pressures and slowing economic growth at the top of the list. The chorus of analysts and strategists calling for big cuts to estimates has...
Read MoreThe Importance of Financial Independence for Adults with Disabilities
Disabilities may make it challenging to secure a job or stay financially stable. Luckily, there are now more ways than ever for adults with disabilities to gain their financial independence. Here are some important reasons adults with...
Read MorePockets of Vulnerability Magnified by Monetary Policy
As Federal Reserve (Fed) officials continue to emphasize the Fed’s commitment towards restoring price stability, the dollar marches ever higher. Markets are currently pricing in another 75-basis point rate hike at the November 2...
Read MoreTypes of Long-Term Care
What is long-term care? It can refer to a broad range of medical and personal services designed to assist individuals who have lost their ability to function independently.
Read MoreMarkets on Watch as Xi Jinping’s Influence to be Tested in October
On October 16, China will begin its 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing. This plenum is especially significant because it is expected that President Xi Jinping will be granted an unprecedented third term,...
Read MoreTreating Yourself Can Be Beneficial to Pursuing Your Financial Goals
Have you ever made a purchase that has thrown your monthly budget off-kilter? Or maybe you’ve put financial restrictions on yourself that push you away from spending on things that bring you joy.
Read MoreWhy It May Be Time to Take Advantage of Higher Yields
The LPL Research Strategic and Tactical Asset Allocation Committee is increasing its recommended interest rate exposure in its tactical allocation from underweight to neutral. Now that interest rates have moved substantially higher, we...
Read More529 Plans vs. Other College Savings Options
529 plans can be a great way to save for college, but they're not the only way. When you're investing for a major goal like education, it makes sense to be familiar with all of your options.
Read MoreHow Much Higher Can Rates Go?
Inflationary dynamics continue to surprise to the upside, and markets now expect the Fed to pursue one of its most aggressive rate hiking campaign in years. U.S. Treasury yields continue to move higher as well. We think we’ve...
Read MoreLife Insurance at Various Life Stages
Your need for life insurance changes as your life changes. Let's look at how your life insurance needs change throughout your lifetime.
Read MoreGetting Jobs Market Back into Balance
Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell reiterated his warning that getting inflation under control will require some pain. Powell is likely making these warnings based on the arcane, clunky relationship between inflation and unemployment....
Read MoreSeptember’s Calendar Cruelty for Stocks
The difficult 2022 for stocks may not get much easier because as we now wait for better news on the inflation front, we have to contend with a seasonally weak month of September. While we got some welcome news in Friday’s jobs...
Read MoreCollege Funding Strategies for Business Owners
As a business owner, you have unique college planning opportunities. Generally, you can shift business income to your child using one of the following strategies:
Read MoreSix Steps to Consider Before Tapping Your Retirement Savings Plan
You've worked long and hard for years, saving diligently through your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. Now, with retirement on the horizon, it's time to begin thinking about how to tap your plan assets for income.
Read MoreEarnings Recap: Still Hanging In There
Earnings growth of 6-7% doesn’t sound very exciting, but given the challenges corporate America has faced, we consider the nearly-complete second quarter earnings season a resounding success. The numerous challenges last quarter...
Read MoreInflation Reduction Act: What You Should Know
The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law on August 16, 2022, includes health-care and energy-related provisions, a new corporate alternative minimum tax, and an excise tax on certain corporate stock buybacks.
Read MoreHome Sales Fall (Again). What’s Next?
Existing home sales fell 5.9% in July, the sixth consecutive month of declines as higher interest rates weigh on housing affordability and prospective buyers. As the housing market slowed, so did prices. The median price for a single...
Read More8 Things Financial Planning Can Help You Address
Financial planning is unique for each person; no two financial plans look the same because everyone's life and personal goals are different. Regardless of what your goals are, financial planning can help you work towards achieving them.
Read MoreIs This the Start of a New Bull Market?
Investors cheered the two better-than-expected inflation reports last week, pushing the S&P 500 to 16% above its June 16 low and only 11% below its all-time high. After this rebound, the key question investors are asking is whether...
Read More2022 Mid-Year Examination of the Housing Market
From an increase in housing prices to a decrease in days on the market, the market has been tricky to predict. Available data gives a snapshot of the market trends and what homebuyers and sellers can expect.
Read MoreThe Case for a U.S. Recession Weakens
The market pundits remain intensely focused on the question of whether the U.S. economy is in or about to enter recession, so we thought a piece on what a recession might mean for the stock market would be of interest. While...
Read More3 Golf Tips to Keep Your Retirement Plan on Course
In golf, as in finances, a few rules of thumb may improve your game. Applying lessons from the golf course to your financial life and vice versa may help you improve your game in both arenas.
Read MoreWhat a Week for the Stock Market
That was quite a week. These days a Federal Reserve (Fed) policy meeting alone gets a lot of headlines and has market participants on the edge of their seats. Add to that the second straight quarter of negative gross domestic product...
Read MoreHow Grandparents Can Help Grandchildren with College Costs
As the cost of a college education continues to climb, many grandparents are stepping in to help. This is one way for grandparents to pass on wealth without having to pay gift and estate taxes.
Read More3 Factors That Could Change the Inflation Course
For the past year, supply-related problems contributed more to inflation than demand-related imbalances, but that may be changing soon. There are at least three factors that could change the course of inflation. First, the improvement...
Read MoreInsurance Nerd Day: 6 Interesting Insurance Facts
Insurance may provide a safety net for when things go wrong and might allow you to navigate life a little more confidently. Insurance Nerd Day is July 18. In celebration, here are six interesting facts about insurance you may not know.
Read MoreManaging Market Volatility
Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...
Read MoreWellness in Retirement
In retirement, it is sometimes necessary to create new social connections and a new social network, especially if you relied on work for your socialization. Here are some benefits that social wellness may bring to your retirement.
Read MoreSeniors and Debt: Getting Back on Track after a Post-Retirement Financial Setback
What might seniors do to get back on track after their retirement plans have gone awry? Here are four steps that might help you respond to some retirement setbacks.
Read MoreConstructive, Not Complacent: Lowering S&P 500 Target
Stocks have been unable to make up much ground since the June 16 lows, with a bear market rally amounting to only around a 4.3% gain in the S&P 500 Index since then (as of July 1). After the more than 6% rally the week of June 24 and...
Read MoreKey Employee Life and Disability Insurance
Your key employees are those special people with such unique skills and talents that they contribute greatly to the financial success of your business. Would your business survive if something were to happen to them?
Read MoreRelief at the Pump and for Portfolios?
It may be early, but we see some potential signs that energy trends could be changing, which would not only have positive implications for consumers’ wallets, but also potentially investors’ investment portfolios.
Read MoreRetirement Planning Does Not Stop in Retirement
Five easy pointers to help you plan during all of your retirement years. If you’re retired, there’s good news in that you’ll probably live longer and perhaps better than your parents and grandparents did.
Read MoreBear Market Q&A
To help investors manage through this difficult period, we answer some of the top questions we’re getting about bear markets and list some things to watch to assess progress toward an eventual durable low.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Three Different Types of Annuities and Payout Options
If you're like some Americans, you've probably heard of annuities but are unsure what they are. An annuity is a contract with an insurance company designed to help your money last throughout your life.
Read MoreIs the 60/40 Portfolio Dead?
Below we discuss the outlook for diversified portfolios of stocks and bonds to make the case that the 60/40 portfolio isn’t dead.
Read MoreThe Intangible Benefits of Homeownership
With home prices rising to unprecedented levels and multiple offers becoming commonplace in residential transactions, it seems that everyone is focusing on the financial benefits that owning a home offers.
Read MoreThe Economy Is Slowing But Not Shrinking
Many pundits are issuing recession warnings and saying the economy is heading for a hard landing. Amid the cacophony of voices, we think the economy is slowing just like central bankers want but not shrinking.
Read More6 Mental Health Tips for Investors
Investing is stressful. It takes sound mental decisions to weather the ups and downs that come with the markets and investing in general. Here are a few simple mental health tips to help investors remain centered.
Read MoreLooking through the Clouds
We fully acknowledge how tough it is to see the bull case for stocks right now, and a retest of recent lows is certainly possible, but this week we lay out the bull case for the second half of the year. It starts with inflation.
Read More14 Ways to Support Small Business
The idea of supporting ‘mom and pop shops’ has re-ignited as people realize they want a robust local economy that supports their friends' and neighbors' livelihoods.
Read More4 Costly 529 Plan Mistakes To Avoid
For many parents, 529 college savings accounts may be a way to invest for your child’s future while perhaps saving money on taxes in some states. Here are four of the costliest 529 mistakes you might make.
Read MoreWhy Women Need Life Insurance
Today, women have more financial responsibilities than ever before. How will your family or loved ones manage financially if you die? Whether you are single, married, employed, or a stay-at-home mom, you probably need life insurance.
Read MoreWhy Insure Your Business?
Your business represents a substantial investment of your ideas, time, and money. Because your business faces a variety of risks and perils, it's important to look at insuring it for multiple reasons.
Read MoreContinuing to Work After Drawing Social Security? What Retirees Should Know
You may continue working while drawing Social Security retirement or survivor's benefits, and here's what you need to know.
Read MoreLife Insurance: How Much Is Enough?
Determining the appropriate amount of life insurance coverage for your family can be complicated. Rather than using an arbitrary formula, such as five to seven times your annual salary, you may want to conduct a need analysis. Here's how:
Read MoreTax-Advantaged 529 Accounts - What Families Need To Consider
There are tax-advantaged accounts designed to help families set aside funds for future college costs. There are two types of tax-advantaged college savings programs: pre-paid tuition plans and college savings plans.
Read MoreInvest in Your Financial Education During Financial Literacy Month
Whether you’re interested in a quick refresher or seeking to learn something new, it may be worth the effort to brush up on some financial concepts that give you a broader knowledge base from which to make financial decisions.
Read MoreSpring-Cleaning for Your Finances
With spring’s arrival, you may be eager to jump into your list of spring-cleaning tasks for your home and yard. However, there is another area of your life that may need some tidying up—your finances.
Read More4 Female Financial Pioneers
For decades, women have been making their mark on the business world, overcoming struggles and adversity to be able to get the same recognition as their male counterparts. Here are a few of the most well-known financial female pioneers.
Read MoreThe ABC’s of Estate Planning
There is a common misconception that estate planning is something only the affluent need to do before they die. However, estate planning is important for everyone, regardless of income level or net worth.
Read MoreBlog: 9 Facts About Retirement
Here are nine things about retirement that might surprise you.
Read MoreCredit Education Month: 4 Ways to Boost Your Credit IQ
March is National Credit Education Month in the U.S. Whether you're a credit novice or well-versed in the art of the FICO score, below are four ways to potentially boost your credit IQ.
Read MoreEverything Older Workers Need to Know About Retiring
Many workers have been dreaming of retirement since they first entered the workforce. However, once this retirement date draws near, the prospect of giving up your primary source of income may be nerve-wracking.
Read MoreConsiderations for Charitable Giving
Any endeavor worth undertaking, especially one that may affect others, deserves our careful consideration before we begin.
Read More3 Estate Planning Tips for Small-Business Owners
For business owners, estate planning may seem like another task to do on a long to-do list. Having a solid estate and succession plan in place may be crucial to your business's long-term success.
Read MoreEmpower Your Loved One: Encourage Independence
Regardless of age, we all value our independence. It is important to plan for the future while encouraging your loved ones to remain independent for as long as possible.
Read MoreSteps to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
Identity theft hits your finances, but also can affect your taxes too. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States, with as many as 10% of Americans over age 16 becoming victims last year, according to a...
Read MoreMaking Spirits Bright During the Holidays
Most people associate the holidays with a time for giving, sharing heartwarming moments with loved ones, and embracing the overall high spirits of those around us. But for those who are not necessarily close with friends and relatives,...
Read MoreFour Tips to Keep in Mind About Charitable Giving
Charitable giving is a great way to support your community, make an impact for others, or leave a legacy while saving on taxes.
Read MoreFive Keys to Authentic Retirement Happiness
The ability to enjoy our golden years is the same as the ability to be happy People say things like, “When I retire, I am going to be happy,” or “When I don’t have to work anymore, I will be happy.” The...
Read MoreSuggestions for Staying Safe Online from the IRS
Tips to help children, teens and other vulnerable groups The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is helping families, teens and senior citizens learn about the continued importance of protecting personal information in helping fight...
Read MoreEnd of Year Financial Planning
For some, it’s easy to put personal finances on the back burner during the last few months of the year. However, before the year comes to an end, it’s essential to review your finances. By doing so now, you can make the...
Read MoreYour 2021 Year-End Planning Checklist
It may be easy to forget we're nearing the end of the year. Even during the busy end of year rush, 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...
Read MoreRetirement Mistakes to Fix Before the Holidays
Spend as much time fixing your mistakes as you do planning the holidays Here are a few of the top mistakes people make in trying to fund their retirement: No specific goal. Many people say something like, “I want to retire in my...
Read MoreSocial Security's Uncertain Future: What You Should Know
Social Security is a pay-as-you-go system, which means today's workers are paying taxes for the benefits received by today's retirees. However, demographic trends such as lower birth rates, higher retirement rates, and longer life...
Read MoreA Fall Financial Checklist
For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...
Read More3 Ways To Improve Your Finances for Self-Improvement Month
September is self-improvement month and a great time to work on your financial health. When you think of self-improvement, you likely think of your health or career but may pay little attention to your finances. Getting your financial...
Read MoreEnd of Summer Yard Cleanup
As the summer comes to a close, it’s a good time to do a little end of season cleanup to prepare for the fall season just around the corner. Garden To get ready for any fall planting, clean out garden pots and dry out or preserve...
Read MoreAt Mid-Year, Keep Your January 1st Pledges
Amid the heat of mid-summer, do you remember your New Year’s resolutions regarding your personal financial planning? How are you coming with your to-do list? It seems like only yesterday that, in late 1999, the worry du jour was...
Read MoreThe Sandwich Generation: Juggling Family Responsibilities
At a time when your career is reaching a peak and you are looking ahead to your own retirement, you may find yourself in the position of having to help your children with college expenses while at the same time looking after the needs...
Read MoreSummer 2021 Travel Safety Tips
If we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s that life can change at the drop of a hat. While many families had to forgo their travel plans last year, there are still plenty who are questioning whether or not a safe vacation...
Read MoreDo You Have FOMO When it Comes to Investing?
Fear-of-missing-out is a very real emotion – but it can derail your portfolio Every day we’re bombarded with reports of what’s hot and what’s not – fueling a fear-of-missing-out (FOMO) on some great...
Read MoreMaintaining the Investment You Made in Your Home
For many Americans, the home is the single biggest purchase made during their lifetime.[1] As a result, it's important to do everything possible to keep it in good condition. Even moderate or short-term neglect can be dangerous, as...
Read MoreThe Basics of Financial Fitness
There’s a subjective uncertainty associated with financial wellness. Are you financially fit? And if so, how fit are you? While there is no clearly defined threshold for answering affirmatively, much less grading your level of...
Read MoreAnnuities and Market Risk: What You Need to Know
Market risk is something all investors may worry about, but those close to retirement have limited time to recover from market loss. If you are within ten years of retirement, now is a critical time for your portfolio to continue to...
Read MoreThe Great Wealth Transfer: Is Your Family Prepared?
Over the next twenty years, a wealth transfer will occur that exceeds $30 trillion as the Baby Boomer generation passes the remainder of their wealth to the Millennials and subsequent generations. The Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) are...
Read MoreMedicare Options During Retirement
Medicare is available to virtually all U.S. citizens and legal residents 65 years of age and over who have previously worked and paid U.S. taxes or who are/were married to someone who did. And while this opens a host of healthcare...
Read MoreMore Money, More Responsibility and Strategic Financial Decisions
Strategic financial planning is important for everyone but especially for high-income earners that have their compensation tied directly to the success of the business. Executives and entrepreneurs both rely on accessing their wealth...
Read MoreIdentify Your Personal Retirement Goals
Ask yourself, "What will my golden years hold for me?" Is the answer a comfortable home near a golf course? Free time to spend with your grandchildren? Or even a cross-country journey or trip around the world? Whatever your answer may...
Read More529 Savings Plans: For Education Expenses and Estate Planning?
A 529 plan is a state-sponsored tax-advantaged plan designed for saving for future education expenses authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. If used for education, the assets grow tax-free. According to the College...
Read MoreLife Insurance: Adapting to Changing Needs
When Jennifer purchased her life insurance policy 10 years ago, she assumed that her life insurance planning was complete. She thought that if she just paid her premiums on time, she could sit back and not worry about life insurance...
Read MoreTax Related Identity Theft Crimes
Identity theft is a growing concern, impacting 14.4 million U.S. Consumers in 2019.[1] Armed with your Social Security number, a criminal can use that information to commit tax- and other financial-related crimes in your name. There...
Read MoreHow to Protect Your Wealth As You Get Older
As you get older and closer to retirement, your financial practices need to shift slightly as you transition from working and saving to relying on your nest egg. As you approach this stage of your life, you need to take steps to...
Read MoreWhat to Know About Roth IRA Conversions
A Roth IRA is a retirement savings vehicle like no other. Not only can account holders withdraw their contributions at any time without taxes or penalties, but also these accounts aren't subject to required minimum distributions...
Read MoreHow to Increase Your Financial Literacy
Unlike verbal literacy, financial literacy isn't often taught in schools—which means that many people may enter adulthood without having all the tools they need to make informed and effective financial decisions.1 Fortunately,...
Read MoreIs the Roth 401(k) an Option for You?
Taking a closer look at whether it might be appropriate for your situation Since it first became available in 2006, many employers have added the Roth 401(k) to their benefit packages as a retirement savings option. A Roth option is...
Read MoreRetirement Income Planning
For investors approaching retirement, it is important to begin thinking about retirement income planning. This involves a mindset shift from accumulating an investment portfolio designed for growth to creating a portfolio of retirement...
Read MoreA Checklist for Your Retirement Planning
Remember, it is never too early to start planning for your future The time to begin planning for your financial future is now. So, when it comes to preparing for retirement, the earlier you start, the better. Here are some steps to...
Read MoreHow Much Can You Contribute to a Traditional IRA for 2021?
Good news for retirement savers: The maximum amount that can be contributed to a traditional IRA remains the same as it was last year. In fact, the last time the limit was increased by $500 was in 2019 and that was the first increase...
Read MoreGameStop and a Modern-Day David vs. Goliath
Is this the new Occupy Wall Street movement with a massive sling shot? Wall Street bets against companies all the time, thinking that they are overvalued, destined to fail, or both. The reality is that at any given time, the big...
Read MoreWhat to Know About the American Rescue Plan
As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its second year, President Joe Biden has begun to outline details of the "American Rescue Plan," a $1.9 trillion relief plan designed to help stem the coronavirus pandemic while giving the U.S. economy...
Read MoreIRA vs. 401(k): What Savers Should Know
As of 2018, about 58 million Americans had a 401(k), while around one-third of households owned an individual retirement account (IRA).1, 2 Yet for as commonplace as these retirement accounts can be, the nuances of contributions are a...
Read MoreCOVID-19 Stimulus, Round Two: What Should You Know?
After months of intense debate, the House and Senate voted to pass a second COVID-19 economic stimulus bill and the President has signed it into law.1 At a total cost of $900 billion, this 5,600-page bill1 contains everything from...
Read MoreYour Retirement Planning: “Too Big to Fail”
Many of us remember the phrase “too big to fail” from the 2008 financial crisis and cringe now that its use has been resurrected during the coronavirus pandemic...
Read MoreCharitable Giving: How It Affects You Financially As Well As Personally
The holiday season is just around the corner and many charitable organizations are in desperate need of donations to help provide the vital services needed in the community. You are most often inundated with a number of charitable...
Read More