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What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Why Is This Conversation So Important Right Now? The U.S. is in the middle of a sustained demographic shift. More than 61 million adults are aged 65 and older as of 2025, and that number is projected to reach approximately 82 million...

Monday, May 11, 2026

Stocks rose last week as peace talks picked up while investors cheered better-than-expected economic news and Q1 corporate results. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.33 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 4.51...

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Stocks advanced last week as investors moved past stalled progress in Middle East peace talks and refocused on corporate earnings. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 1.12...

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Stocks were mixed last week as investors gauged potential outcomes of the Middle East conflict amid an ongoing ceasefire.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.55 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.50 percent. By...

Monday, April 20, 2026

Stocks rallied last week as investor enthusiasm built for an end to the war in the Middle East and hopes of a resumption of normal global trade. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 4.54 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked...

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Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Hope won out over fear last week as investors set their sights on a Middle East ceasefire holding and optimistic prospects for the Strait of Hormuz reopening.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.56 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall...

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Stocks rose over the short trading week on fresh hopes for a quick end to the Middle East conflict, while March job growth was unexpectedly strong.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 3.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...

Thursday, April 2, 2026

If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high? Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated...

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Stocks ended a challenging week lower as investors' attention shifted from updates on ceasefire talks to concerns about the economic impact of a protracted conflict.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 2.12 percent, while the Nasdaq...

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Another volatile week unfolded as rapid developments in the Middle East and public comments from leaders on the conflict see-sawed markets, leaving investors struggling to keep up with updates.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 1.89...

Monday, March 23, 2026

Key TakeawaysHere are some questions this blog aims to answer:How can parents or grandparents help with a down payment for adult children?What are ways to gift a down payment, and how do the annual gift tax exclusion and lifetime...

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Stocks logged a third-straight down week as investors digested the latest news out of the Middle East, navigated more volatility, and mulled the latest economic data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.60 percent, while the...

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Stocks fell last week as investors assessed the implications of a fresh Middle East conflict while digesting mixed reports on the jobs market.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.02 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 1.24...

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Stocks fell last week amid concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and a warmer-than-expected reading of wholesale inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.44 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 0.95 percent...

Monday, March 2, 2026

Key TakeawaysHow much wealth are women on track to control in the next decade, and why does that matter?What does the life expectancy gap between women and men mean for how long money needs to last?How common is it for women to be...

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...

Monday, February 23, 2026

Stocks ended a choppy four-session run in the green, with tech-led momentum earlier in the week prevailing over news of a slowing economy, sticky inflation, and geopolitical tensions.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.07...

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Stocks fell last week as investors reacted to mixed economic data and concerns over signs of broadening AI disruption of business models.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.39 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.10...

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Key TakeawaysEmotions and biases might influence financial choices more often than most people realize.Behavioral patterns, such as loss aversion, familiarity bias, and herd mentality, can impact long-term results.Recognizing emotional...

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Stocks were mixed last week, with broad gains on Monday and Friday bookending midweek selling pressure as investors digested earnings results from more than 100 S&P 500 companies.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index ended the week roughly...

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Stocks were mixed last week as investors navigated Q4 corporate results, a widely expected Fed decision, and a handful of economic reports.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.34 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0...

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be the most revolutionary technology of our time, with industries scrambling to embrace its possibilities. AI’s early influence seems similar to the positive disruptions brought about by past...

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Markets ended a short but eventful week slightly lower amid geopolitical tensions and fresh tariff threats. However, constructive economic news appeared to buoy spirits as the week progressed.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.35...

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Stocks ended last week with modest losses after a volatile five days of market-moving economic data, geopolitics, and Fed drama.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slid 0.38 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index skidded 0.66 percent....

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Stocks posted solid gains in an action-packed week of market-moving economic data, geopolitical news, and bullish new year sentiment.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.57 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.88...

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Stocks trended lower last week amid signs of year-end profit-taking and some sour investor sentiment over the Fed meeting minutes.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.03 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 1.52 percent....

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

As we begin a new year and consider the opportunities ahead, reflecting on the past year helps put today’s financial landscape into perspective and informs the strategies that can move us closer to our goals. 2025 was a year marked by...

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Stocks posted a slight gain last week as mixed jobs data triggered some selling pressure before a cooling inflation report helped stocks recover.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index inched ahead 0.10 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Stocks ended last week mixed. A widely anticipated Federal Reserve decision on interest rates and a rotation into non-tech areas helped push the Dow Industrials higher, while the broader market and technology stocks lagged behind. The...

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Stock prices pushed higher last week, notching multiple records along the way as employment and inflation data took center stage in anticipation of the Fed’s upcoming meeting. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.31 percent, while...

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Stocks pushed higher over the holiday week as investors' hopes for a Fed rate adjustment drove bullish sentiment. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.73 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rallied 4.91 percent. The Dow Jones...

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Heightened volatility was on Wall Street’s mind last week, as investors continued to focus on valuations of artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.95 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Stocks ended mixed after a nail-biting week for investors, who grew anxious over megacap tech valuations and interest rates as the government shutdown came to an end. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index edged up 0.08 percent, while the...

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Key Takeaways Caring for aging parents is a growing reality for many Americans. The number of family caregivers in the U.S. has jumped to 63 million, a 45 percent increase over the past decade, making 1 in every 4 Americans a...

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Stocks hit a rough patch last week as fresh labor market data, low consumer sentiment, and the ongoing government shutdown unnerved investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.63 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Stocks rose last week as trade developments, positive Q3 corporate results, and momentum in megacap tech drove another rally, despite some cautious comments from the Fed. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 0.71 percent, while the...

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Key Takeaways Year-end holidays may be a good time to initiate a discussion about financial matters that may impact your family. If you have adult children, you may want to discuss your financial situation, estate strategy, and legal...

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Stocks rose last week thanks to a full slate of upbeat third-quarter corporate results and mild inflation data, which helped soften concerns over trade tensions with China. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.92 percent, while...

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Stocks pushed higher last week, buoyed by strong third-quarter results posted by several money center banks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.70 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.14 percent. The Dow Jones...

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Stocks fell last week amid concerns about trade with China, following an unsteady rally to record highs over the first half of the week. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.53...

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Receiving a bonus, inheritance, or an increase in income often prompts a key financial question: Should I use this money to pay off my mortgage, or invest it? At first glance, the answer might seem simple. But in reality, it requires...

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Stocks rose last week, looking past the government shutdown and apparently discounting any impact it may have on the economy. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index moved up 1.08 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 1.32 percent....

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

If you’ve found yourself stepping into a more active role in your parents’ financial lives, you’re not alone. Some of us are helping aging parents navigate everything from healthcare decisions to bill payments—and increasingly, we’re...

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Stocks fell last week, buffeted by concerns about stock price valuations and a possible government shutdown. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 0.31 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 0.65 percent. The Dow Jones...

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Stocks posted solid gains last week, propelled by the Fed’s decision to cut short-term interest rates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.22 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 2.21 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Thursday, September 18, 2025

The final months of the year can sneak up quickly, and with them come deadlines, decisions, and distractions. Before the holiday season takes over your calendar, fall can be a valuable window to revisit your financial strategy and...

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Stocks posted a solid gain last week, riding a rally in megacap tech stocks while overcoming interest rate anxiety, a downward revision to jobs data, and mixed inflation reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.59 percent,...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Stocks made gains last week, even as megacap tech gains outweighed economic concerns. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.33 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 1.14 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Stocks ended the week slightly lower as mixed economic data led to some profit-taking by investors ahead of the holiday weekend. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index edged down 0.10 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 0.19...

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) included lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, and higher gift and estate tax exemptions, among other provisions. The law stipulated that some of those tax breaks would...

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Estate management isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone— it’s also about what you can do now to help manage future estate taxes, transfer wealth strategically, and attempt to create a meaningful impact during your lifetime....

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Stocks were mixed last week despite a powerful Friday rally sparked by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who opened the door to adjusting short-term interest rates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 0.27 percent while the...

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Stocks rose last week despite mixed signals on inflation as investors kept one eye on the Fed’s September meeting. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.94 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 0.81 percent. The Dow...

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

The rules regarding inherited IRAs have changed in the last five years, and failing to comply with the new requirements may result in IRS penalties. These changes affect people inheriting IRAs and those looking to leave retirement...

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Stocks rebounded last week as investor optimism for a September rate adjustment and strong Q2 corporate results overcame the rollout of fresh tariffs. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Stocks fell last week as investors assessed progress on trade negotiations, new U.S. tariffs, and fresh data on the U.S. economy. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.17...

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Expectation-beating Q2 results from several companies, trade updates, and investor optimism for more trade agreements pushed market averages to solid gains. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.46 percent, while the Nasdaq...

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Stocks were mixed last week, battling through tariff talk while responding to upbeat quarterly corporate reports and a trove of updates on the economy. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Compensation is more than just a number on a paycheck. Whether you're exploring new opportunities, preparing for a promotion, or evaluating your current benefits, it’s important to understand the full value of your total...

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Stocks were slightly lower last week, while looking past news of fresh U.S. tariffs on nearly two dozen countries. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.31 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged lower by 0.08 percent. The...

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

While you may follow the various stock indexes on the nightly business news, how much do you know about their histories, how they work, and why they're important? We pulled together some information and interesting facts about some of...

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Trade developments and continued momentum pushed all three major averages to modest gains again for a shortened holiday trading week. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.72 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.62...

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Stocks staged a broad-based rally last week on investors’ hopes for a lasting Middle East ceasefire, hitting fresh record highs along the way. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.44 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 4...

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

You’ve likely spent years building your retirement nest egg—saving diligently, investing wisely, and contributing to retirement accounts along the way. But transitioning from earning a paycheck to relying on your savings can feel...

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Stocks were mixed during the holiday-shortened trading week as uncertainty over conflict in the Middle East weighed on investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped by 0.15 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose by 0.21...

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Stocks fell last week as an up-and-down mix of trade progress and anxiety, economic news, and geopolitical tensions netted out. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slid 0.39 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 0.63 percent....

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Despite those who say the conventional wisdom that has guided investor actions over the years is no longer valid in 2025, remember the famous quote from legendary investor Sir John Templeton: "The four most dangerous words in investing...

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Stocks rallied last week as investors responded to upbeat economic data and easing trade tensions. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 1.50 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.18 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Stocks advanced over the short trading week, bolstered by a possible trade deal with the European Union (EU) and an upbeat corporate report from a mega-cap tech company that creates semiconductors used in the creation of artificial...

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Stocks moved lower last week as fiscal fears and fresh tariff threats loomed over market sentiment. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.61 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.47 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

It’s graduation season—a time of celebration and new beginnings. For families with college seniors, this time can bring both excitement and uncertainty. While some graduates have jobs lined up, many others still are navigating job...

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Stocks roared higher last week, powered by upbeat trade news and tame inflation reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5.27 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index spiked 7.15 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 3...

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

As summer approaches, your thoughts may drift toward escaping your daily routine. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting on a pristine beach, fishing in a mountain lake, or playing the back nine between pickleball matches,...

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Stocks were mixed last week as volatility dropped despite ongoing trade concerns and the Federal Reserve's update on short-term rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.16 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0...

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Stocks pushed higher last week as investors cheered the White House’s constructive comments on trade, upbeat Q1 corporate reports, and an encouraging jobs report. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 2.92 percent, while the Nasdaq...

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Stocks pushed higher last week, spurred by the White House's reassuring comments that progress was being made with trade talks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 4.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 6.73...

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

U.S. stocks slipped over the shortened trading week as Q1 corporate reports started to roll in. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index dropped 1.50 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 2.62 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

April is a pivotal time in the college admissions process. After years of preparation, saving, and investing—not to mention the countless hours spent on exam prep, campus visits, and perfecting applications and essays—the finish line...

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Stocks ended the week with a strong gain as traders continued to focus on tariff talks while appearing to overlook upbeat news on inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5.70 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 7...

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Stocks fell broadly last week as domestic and foreign markets reacted to the White House’s tariffs. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 9.08 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 10.02 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Stocks moved lower last week as investors swung from exuberance to disappointment on news over tariffs and inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.53 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index retreated 2.59 percent. The Dow...

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

April isn’t just about filing taxes—it’s also Financial Literacy Month, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your financial habits, expand your knowledge, and take meaningful steps toward improving your financial well-being. Whether...

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Stocks notched a solid gain last week as upbeat comments from the Fed helped stocks snap their four-week losing streak. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.51 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 0.17 percent. The...

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a thoughtful estate strategy that outlines your wishes after you are gone. Discussing estate details with your team of professionals is another way to help manage your legacy...

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Investors endured another volatile, whipsaw week as ongoing trade talks and White House comments about the economy unsettled investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 2.27 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2...

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Stocks continued their slide through a volatile week. U.S. trade policy drove much of the market’s movement, broadening investors' concerns about economic growth and inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 3.10 percent,...

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

March is Women’s History Month, and according to a recent survey, 49% of women consider themselves to be the chief financial officer of their households, up from 41% in 2021.1 Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider...

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Stocks were mixed last week as investor concerns over inflation and trade policy combined to produce another volatile trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.95 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0.98...

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

You've worked hard throughout your life to build assets to support your retirement. As financial professionals, one of the most critical functions we provide is helping clients determine their retirement income needs and structuring a...

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Stocks fell last week as concerns about sticky inflation and the pace of economic growth rattled investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.66 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.51 percent. The Dow Jones...

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Stocks advanced last week despite some intra-week volatility as investors showed concern about the economy's strength. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.47 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 2.58 percent. The...

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Stocks posted modest losses last week as tariff deals, January jobs data, and Q4 corporate reports injected volatility into markets. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.24 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 0.53...

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Tax season brings a new wave of identity theft risks, with criminals ready to exploit your personal data to file fraudulent tax returns in your name. Imagine the shock of discovering that a criminal beat you to filing your...

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Stocks were mixed last week as investors parsed market-moving news nearly every trading day—from an unsettling AI update to White House news to Q4 corporate reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.00 percent while the Nasdaq...

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Stocks rallied last week as investors reacted positively to a handful of better-than-expected corporate earnings reports and developments out of Washington, D.C. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.74 percent, while the Nasdaq...

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Stocks roared back last week, fueled by upbeat Q4 corporate reports and economic news that stalled inflationary fears. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 2.45 percent. The Dow...

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Social Security is often misunderstood or underestimated in retirement strategy. However, as financial professionals, we've seen how it can play a crucial role in our clients' overall financial strategy, regardless of their income...

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Stocks fell for the second consecutive week as a round of fresh economic data stoked inflationary fears among investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.94 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.34 percent. The...

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Stocks edged lower last week despite a powerful end-of-week rally. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0.48 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 0.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.60 percent. The MSCI...

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Looks like New Year's resolutions are still going strong in 2025! A recent Pew survey found that about a third of Americans kicked off the year with at least one resolution, and many people actually went for multiple goals. It's...

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Stocks were under pressure last week as the Fed Chair's hawkish comments unsettled investors ahead of the holiday season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average received the hardest hit, falling 2.25 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index...

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

As we approach the end of 2024, it's an opportune time to reflect on the year's financial developments and consider what 2025 may bring. We believe in understanding both the past and potential future of our economic landscape, which...

Monday, December 16, 2024

Stocks finished the week mixed, bookending losses around midweek gains as investors digested fresh inflation data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.64 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index ticked up 0.34 percent. The Dow...

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

As you approach retirement, a critical aspect of your retirement strategy can catch even the most financially savvy individuals off guard: healthcare costs. For decades, you may have enjoyed employer-sponsored health insurance. As...

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Stocks were mixed during the first trading week of December. Technology stocks led, while the widely followed Dow Jones Industrial Average struggled. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 3.34 percent while the Dow...

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Stocks posted solid gains over a short and busy holiday week as investors parsed fresh economic data, comments on potential future trade policy, and a few Q3 reports from technology companies. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1...

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Stocks advanced last week, powering ahead with pre-holiday optimism despite geopolitical tensions and two disappointing Q3 corporate updates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.68 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 1...

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Financial professionals typically have a year-round focus on monetary goals and wealth management strategies. However, we also believe that true financial well-being is intrinsically linked to your overall life satisfaction and...

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Stocks fell last week as the postelection rally lost momentum amid an inflation uptick and cautious comments from Fed officials. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.08 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 3.15 percent...

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Stocks surged higher last week, fueled by the Fed’s rate cut decision and post-election enthusiasm as investors looked to future policy impacts of a Republican-controlled Senate and executive branch. (The House of Representatives...

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

America is a generous country. People with diverse backgrounds can unite for a good cause, whether to benefit their local communities or the broader world. As we enter the holiday season, now is a great time to think about your giving...

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Stocks slid last week as mixed economic data and strong-but-not-spectacular Q3 corporate reports failed to inspire investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 1.50 percent....

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Stocks were mixed last week as fresh economic data points and election-related uncertainty slowed market momentum. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.96 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.16 percent. The Dow Jones...

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Stocks posted modest gains last week, with quarterly earnings season in full swing and the election on the horizon. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index increased 0.85 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.80 percent. The Dow...

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Divorce is one of the most stressful life events. Even the most amicable splits can be complicated and emotionally draining. We likely all know couples who have gone through divorce, and it can be a trying time for everyone involved....

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Stocks advanced last week despite mixed inflation data, lurching oil prices, and lingering anxiety about the Middle East. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.11 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.13 percent. The Dow Jones...

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Stocks were essentially unchanged last week as geopolitical tensions added some volatility to an otherwise quiet trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (+0.09 percent), while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index ticked up...

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Statistics show that nearly 33% of Americans have faced some identity theft attempts in their lives, and experts estimate there is a new case of identity theft every 22 seconds. As financial professionals, one of our primary goals is...

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Stocks moved higher last week, continuing to build on the momentum generated after the Federal Reserve decided to cut short-term rates by 0.50 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 0.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Stocks moved higher last week after the Federal Reserve’s half-point rate cut, bolstered by multiple data points supporting a cooling but still strong economy and decelerating inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.36...

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

The Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points has sent ripples through financial markets. While this move is intended to stimulate economic growth, it may also have implications for various aspects of...

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

The Impact of Elections on the Markets and Tax Policy With Labor Day behind us, we're in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential election race. As we follow the news and parse the most recent polls, some may ask, "How might what...

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Stocks rallied last week as investors received better-than-expected consumer and producer inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.60 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 4.02 percent. The Nasdaq...

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Stocks fell last week as soft economic data rattled investors focused on the Fed’s next move with interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.93 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index dropped 4.25 percent. The...

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

There were mixed results for stocks last week as upbeat economic data and a critical Q2 corporate report shaped the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.94 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index increased 0.24 percent...

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Don’t Be A Victim Of The Retirement Crisis If you think the United States has a retirement crisis, you are not alone. A recent survey found that 79% of working-age Americans believe the same thing. That percentage is up from 67% in...

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Stocks notched a solid gain as dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials boosted the market’s recovery from early August lows. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.45 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite added 1.40 percent. The...

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Stocks posted solid gains last week, buoyed by robust economic data and constructive comments from Fed officials. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.93 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 5.29 percent. The Dow Jones...

Thursday, August 15, 2024

In 1999, Bill Gates wrote, “How you gather, manage, and use information will determine whether you win or lose.” Companies looking to be successful in the future should heed these words when making decisions about implementing...

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Stocks ended last week with modest losses, masking a volatile five-day trading period that saw investors embrace recession concerns and then dismiss the slow-down talk as speculation as the week progressed. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Stocks fell broadly last week as investors looked past upbeat Fed comments and focused on disappointing corporate reports and weaker-than-expected economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.20 percent, while the Standard &...

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Sending a child off to college is a major milestone for any family, whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or close friend. It’s an exciting time, filled with anticipation and perhaps a bit of trepidation. There’s so much to do, and...

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Stocks had a mixed, see-saw week as disappointing corporate reports unsettled investors who appeared to rotate away from some leading groups in favor of other names. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.75 percent. Meanwhile,...

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Stocks were under pressure last week as investors appeared to rotate out of mega-cap tech stocks and into areas that may benefit from lower interest rates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.97 percent, while Nasdaq Composite...

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

If you are a small business owner—or plan to be one—you should be aware of a new reporting requirement. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), passed in 2021, changed beneficial ownership rules, which is expected to impact 32 million...

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Stocks advanced last week as market leadership shifted amid fresh inflation data and quarterly corporate reports starting to roll in. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.87 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average picked...

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Legacy preparation can play a key role in any financial strategy. Legacy management lets you consider what happens to everything you’ve accumulated—and may continue to accumulate—throughout your lifetime. But far too often, we’ve seen...

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Stocks steadily advanced over the holiday week thanks to strength in mega-cap tech issues and encouraging jobs data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.95 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 3.50 percent. The Dow Jones...

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Stocks finished the last week of June and Q2 mixed as investors digested a fresh round of economic data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.08%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average also dipped 0.08 percent. The tech-heavy...

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Stocks edged higher over the four trading days last week, with the three major averages taking turns leading based on various economic and artificial intelligence (AI) news. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.45 percent–its best...

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Stocks notched a solid gain last week, driven by the Fed’s decision, May's inflation report, and Apple’s AI-related news. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.58 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite picked up 3.24 percent. The Dow...

Friday, June 14, 2024

As we enter the traditional wedding month of June, we wanted to explore the range of expenses that can be related to this special event. The average US wedding costs $35,0001 According to The Knot Real Weddings Study of nearly 10,000...

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Stocks rose last week despite conflicting stories from economic reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up 0.29 percent while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index powered ahead 1.31 percent. The Nasdaq Composite led, picking up 2...

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Stocks edged lower in the final week of May as fresh news on economic growth and inflation failed to inspire investors. Stocks Slide Markets shrugged off news that the Q1 Gross Domestic Product was revised lower to 1.3 percent from...

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Sir John Templeton once said, “The four most expensive words in investing are: ‘This time it’s different.'” And normally, we would agree. But the phrase “This time it’s different” may apply to what's happened in financial markets in...

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Last week's stock performance was mixed, following investors' reaction to the Fed's May meeting minutes, while a handful of mega-cap tech companies created a buzz with their news. Market Splits Stocks began trading in a narrow band...

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

A few years ago, there were ads from financial services companies asking, “What’s your number?” The number was the money you needed to retire comfortably. This was an effective way for financial services companies to get people...

Monday, May 20, 2024

Stocks notched a solid gain last week in a mega-cap, tech-led rally bolstered by positive inflation news. Dow 40,000 The week began quietly as market averages traded in a tight range, awaiting fresh inflation news. On Tuesday, markets...

Monday, May 13, 2024

Stocks notched a solid gain last week as rate-cut expectations paced the rally as the Q1 earnings season wound down. Stocks Climb Steadily Monday opened with stocks picking up where they left off the prior Friday. Stocks were still...

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

There isn’t a week that goes by when you don’t read about some data breach. Safeguarding your personal information starts with understanding cybersecurity risks, knowing what to look for, and doing everything you can to help protect...

Monday, May 6, 2024

Stocks notched a solid gain last week, rallying behind upbeat earnings, a dovish Fed, and mixed economic data. Stocks Pop, Drop, Then Rally Markets began the week with an upward bump as positive news from some mega-cap tech companies...

Monday, April 29, 2024

Stocks staged a choppy comeback last week as investors cheered positive earnings, led by mega-cap tech stocks. The rally came to pass despite fresh data showing a slowing economy and increasing inflationary pressures. Stocks Bounce...

Monday, April 22, 2024

Stocks fell for a third straight week, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell's mixed but upbeat message could not offset the anxiety caused by the Middle East conflict. Stocks Retreat Markets began the week rattled by further escalation in the...

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

At the end of 2025, portions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire. Many changes will come with the sunsetting of many rules, including the possibility that federal estate and gift tax exemption levels will revert to...

Monday, April 15, 2024

Stocks fell last week as investors sorted through conflicting inflation reports and assessed geopolitical tensions. Inflation Spooks Markets On Wednesday, the March Consumer Price Index (CPI) report rattled markets, revealing that...

Monday, April 8, 2024

Stocks dropped last week as investors focused on “what's next” for interest rates after mixed comments from multiple Fed officials. Fed Officials Weigh In Stocks struggled out of the gate again last week, ending Monday and Tuesday in...

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Give your children the gift of financial literacy. They’ll thank you later! As a parent, you are well aware of your responsibility in helping your children grow up happy and healthy. Once they enter their teen years, the pressure can...

Monday, April 1, 2024

Stocks were narrowly higher for the week as investors digested mixed economic news about consumer confidence. All three of the major averages posted gains for Q1 2024. Stocks Finish Strong Markets slipped for the first half of the...

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

As the presidential election race heats up, a common question on investors’ minds is, “How might the looming White House vote impact the markets?” Some may wonder if they should tweak their portfolios or sit tight with uncertainty...

Monday, March 25, 2024

Stocks posted their best week of the year, sparked by news that the dovish Fed decided to keep rates steady and signaled three rate cuts were still possible this year. Stocks Bounce Back As widely expected, the Fed left rates...

Monday, March 18, 2024

Stocks fell for the second straight week on inflation concerns despite a report on consumer prices that was initially well received by investors. Stocks Slide Tuesday was the only bright spot during the week as stock prices rose after...

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Experts estimate there are more than 44 million people with disabilities in the U.S., representing 13.4% of the population.1 Many parents of children with disabilities choose to establish a special needs trust. This can help provide...

Monday, March 11, 2024

Stocks were down for the week as investors appeared to take some profits and traders parsed Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Congressional testimony. Markets Wobble  Stocks had a rough start to the week, with the Dow, S&P 500, and...

Monday, March 4, 2024

Stocks extended their tech-led advance last week as signs of a resilient and still-enthusiastic consumer boosted momentum. Nasdaq Sets New High Stocks traded in a narrow band early in the week but ended the five-trading sessions with...

Monday, February 26, 2024

Stocks vaulted to new heights last week on the back of an artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor company, marking investors’ belief that AI has the potential to transform the U.S. economy. Stocks Rally to Record Highs Stocks...

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Stocks fell last week as investors reacted to disappointing inflation updates and other economic reports that fell short of estimates. Stocks Snap Winning Streak Markets were quiet Monday but opened lower Tuesday in response to the...

Monday, February 12, 2024

The stock market experienced solid gains last week, concluding the trading week on a positive note, thanks to robust corporate reports and favorable inflation news; this propelled the S&P 500 Index to achieve a new record high at the...

Monday, February 5, 2024

Stocks pushed higher last week as investors cheered mega-cap tech corporate reports and a better-than-expected employment report. Stocks at New Highs At the beginning of the week, stocks surged, anticipating fourth-quarter corporate...

Monday, January 29, 2024

Stocks continued their upward climb last week as excitement around big tech continued; positive economic reports stoked investors’ belief that the Federal Reserve has pulled off a soft landing. Stocks Power Ahead Big tech was...

Monday, January 22, 2024

Stocks finished higher last week, with big tech again leading amid lingering uncertainty over how continued economic strength would influence the Fed’s rate decision. Stocks Dip, Then Rally  Stock prices dropped early in...

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Stocks pushed higher last week, led by big tech names and boosted by December inflation reports that were mixed but positive enough to shore up investor confidence in Fed rate cuts this year. Stocks Rock and Roll It was a rocky week...

Monday, January 8, 2024

Stocks retreated in the first trading week of 2024, struggling a bit after a celebratory end to last year as investors second-guessed Fed signals and fretted over lingering inflation concerns. New Year Blues Stocks got off to a rough...

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Stocks posted a slight gain last week amid a shortage of news and light holiday trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.49%. The Nasdaq Composite index advanced 0.32% for...

Monday, December 18, 2023

Markets reacted positively last week to cooler inflation and the idea of potential rate cuts next year, adding to the gains of the market’s year-end rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.92%, while the Standard &...

Monday, December 11, 2023

A late-week, two-day rally left stocks higher, adding to November’s gains as the last month of trading for 2023 began. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (+0.01%), while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.21%. The...

Monday, December 4, 2023

A Friday rally turned an otherwise mixed week for stocks into a solid performance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 2.42%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.77%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose 0.38% for the...

Monday, November 27, 2023

Investor enthusiasm for stocks remained strong last week, buoyed by declining bond yields in a holiday-abbreviated trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 1.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.00%. The...

Monday, November 20, 2023

Stocks extended their November rally last week as investors cheered lower-than-forecast inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.24%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose...

Monday, November 13, 2023

A powerful Friday rally left stocks higher last week, extending the market’s early November gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.65%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.31%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Monday, November 6, 2023

Stocks ripped higher last week on a dramatic retreat in bond yields triggered by easing inflation and a slowing labor market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 5.07%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 surged 5.85%. The...

Monday, October 30, 2023

Amid a busy week of corporate earnings reports, stocks slumped on cautious earnings guidance, fears of higher interest rates, and growing anxiety over the increasing amount of Treasury bonds and notes coming to market. The Dow Jones...

Monday, October 23, 2023

Rising bond yields and uncertainty over whether this was the close of the Fed’s rate-hike cycle dragged markets lower last week despite solid corporate earnings results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 1.61%, while the...

Monday, October 16, 2023

Stocks ended mixed last week amid the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East and higher-than-expected inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.20%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 0.45%. But the Nasdaq...

Monday, October 9, 2023

A Friday rally overcame a shaky week, sending stocks mostly higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.30% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.48%, and the Nasdaq Composite index added 1.60% for...

Monday, October 2, 2023

Rising bond yields and government shutdown fears left stocks in mostly negative territory for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.74%. The Nasdaq Composite index was...

Monday, September 25, 2023

Rising bond yields and fears of a government shutdown hammered stocks last week, with technology shares bearing the brunt of the retreat. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.89%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 2.93%...

Monday, September 18, 2023

Stocks ended the week roughly where they began as investors digested a mixed set of new economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.12%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell...

Monday, September 11, 2023

Concerns that the Fed may raise interest rates soured investor sentiment, sending stocks lower in a holiday-shortened trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.29%....

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Falling bond yields–spurred by weak economic data–helped lift stocks to weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.43%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 2.50%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Monday, August 28, 2023

Stocks fluctuated last week, jostled by fitful bond yields and headline news, before ending strongly following Fed Chair Powell’s comments on the monetary outlook. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.45%, while the...

Monday, October 24, 2022

A positive start to a new earnings season and late-week hopes for a near-term easing in Fed rate hikes lifted investors’ spirits and powered stocks to gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 4.89%, while the...

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

1 For now, it appears that changes to capital gains and personal tax rates are off the table. The conversation is shifting to a new corporate minimum tax while adjustments to estate taxes may be still under consideration.1 Investors...

Monday, January 11, 2021

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 &...

Monday, January 4, 2021

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 &...

Monday, December 21, 2020

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...

Monday, December 14, 2020

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...

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

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...

Monday, November 30, 2020

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 &...

Monday, November 23, 2020

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...

Monday, November 16, 2020

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...

Monday, November 9, 2020

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...

Monday, November 2, 2020

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 &...

Monday, October 26, 2020

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...

Monday, October 19, 2020

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...

Monday, October 12, 2020

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...

Monday, October 5, 2020

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....

Monday, September 28, 2020

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...

Monday, September 21, 2020

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...

Monday, September 14, 2020

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...

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

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...

Monday, August 31, 2020

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...

Monday, August 24, 2020

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...

Monday, August 17, 2020

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%...

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

"Will I outlive my retirement money?" That's one of the top fears for people who are starting to prepare for their retirement years.So I have to chuckle a bit when I see headlines that say, "Here's how much money Americans think they...

Monday, August 10, 2020

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...

Monday, August 3, 2020

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...

Monday, July 27, 2020

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...

Monday, July 20, 2020

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%,...

Monday, July 13, 2020

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...

Monday, July 6, 2020

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%,...

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

In our uncertain climate, it’s unsurprising that when American investors are thinking about their financial strategy, that the topic of life insurance comes up.For some, it’s always been front of mind. For younger...

Monday, June 29, 2020

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%,...

Monday, June 22, 2020

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%,...

Monday, June 15, 2020

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...

Monday, June 8, 2020

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...

Monday, June 1, 2020

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 &...

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

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...

Monday, May 18, 2020

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%,...

Monday, May 11, 2020

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...

Monday, May 4, 2020

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...

Monday, April 27, 2020

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...

Monday, April 20, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices pushed higher last week as news of a White House plan to reopen the economy and reports of a potential COVID-19 treatment helped the market overcome weak economic data and an ugly start to the...

Monday, April 13, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market staged a broad rally this week, buoyed by the prospect that COVID-19's grip on the nation may be easing and news of another Federal Reserve program to help stabilize businesses.The Dow Jones...

Monday, April 6, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetModest declines in stock prices this week masked the volatile inter- and intraday price swings as investors digested poor economic data and a warning from the president that the worst days of the COVID-19...

Monday, March 30, 2020

An open-ended commitment by the Federal Reserve to support American businesses and capital markets along with the passage of a $2 trillion aid package improved investor sentiment and drove a strong rally in stock prices. The Dow Jones...

Monday, March 23, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market suffered through another volatile week as it wrestled with the health and economic fallout of the domestic spread of the coronavirus. Swift and decisive actions by the Federal Reserve and policy...

Monday, March 16, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetMarkets remained exceptionally volatile, buffeted by the spreading impact of coronavirus, uncertain responses from federal policymakers, and the sudden drop in oil prices.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 10...

Monday, March 9, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetHeightened coronavirus fears, falling yields, and Super Tuesday primary results sent stocks on a rollercoaster ride of sharp price swings, leaving stocks marginally higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Monday, March 2, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStocks fell sharply last week as Wall Street considered how the coronavirus outbreak might influence global business activity and household spending.The selloff became a correction for the U.S. markets. The S&P...

Monday, February 24, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetTraders paid close attention to coronavirus developments and earnings last week, while wondering how the former might eventually impact the latter. Concern over updated infection numbers moderated risk appetite.A...

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetDaily headlines about the coronavirus had little impact on stock market averages last week. Earnings and mergers had more influence. All three Wall Street benchmarks improved. The Nasdaq Composite rose 2.21%,...

Monday, February 10, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStocks advanced four days out of five during the past market week, erasing the losses of the week before. The Nasdaq Composite surged 4.04%, the S&P 500 3.17%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average 3.00%. Foreign...

Monday, February 3, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStock benchmarks declined for a second straight week as coronavirus news tempered risk appetite.The S&P 500 fell 2.14% on the week. The Nasdaq Composite dipped 1.76%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 2.55%....

Monday, January 27, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices fell last week as investors considered the potential health and economic risks of the flu-like coronavirus.Foreign stock markets, as tracked by the broad MSCI EAFE index, fell 1.03% for the week....

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetTraders were in an upbeat mood last week, reacting to news out of Washington: the signing of the phase-one trade deal between the U.S. and China as well as the Senate passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement...

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetThe market had a choppy five days, with traders reacting to geopolitical developments and weaker-than-expected jobs data. Even so, the three major U.S. equity indices posted weekly gains and continued their...

Monday, January 6, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks descended from record highs Friday, as traders reacted to a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top military officer. Oil prices rose more than 3% following the breaking news.[1] Wall Street benchmarks...

Monday, December 30, 2019

What Drove the Markets? Four factors influenced investment performance in 2019: a shift in U.S. monetary policy, the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China, earnings, and the economy. Stocks reached record highs in 2019. The...

Monday, December 16, 2019

The Week on Wall Street The U.S. and China announced a limited trade agreement last week. That news lifted U.S. and foreign stocks, leading to weekly gains. Advancing 0.91% on the week, the Nasdaq Composite outperformed the S&P 500...

Monday, December 9, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Key Wall Street benchmarks were up and down last week – or rather down and then up. A Tuesday retreat was offset by a Friday rally spurred by the Department of Labor’s November jobs report. While the S&P 500...

Monday, December 2, 2019

The Week on Wall Street As November wrapped up, U.S. equity benchmarks advanced. Stocks were again aided by a sense of optimism that a preliminary U.S.-China trade deal could be near. For the week, the Nasdaq Composite added 1.87%;...

Monday, November 25, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks declined last week as mixed signals emerged about the progress of U.S.-China trade negotiations. The three major Wall Street benchmarks all took weekly losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0...

Monday, November 18, 2019

The Week on Wall StreetStock benchmarks were little changed for much of last week, but a rally occurred Friday after news broke that the U.S. and China could be closing in on the first phase of a new trade pact. At Friday's close, the...

Monday, November 11, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Domestic and international stocks rose last week. Risk appetite outweighed concerns about the state of U.S.-China trade discussions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500, and MSCI EAFE...

Monday, November 4, 2019

The Week on Wall Street A better-than-forecast jobs report prompted a stock market rally Friday, two days after traders witnessed another interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite ended the week...

Monday, October 28, 2019

The Week on Wall Street The S&P 500 came within 0.1% of a record close Friday. Stocks were lifted last week by positive news on U.S.-China trade negotiations, plus earnings announcements. The Nasdaq Composite posted the largest weekly...

Monday, October 21, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Earnings helped give the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 a slight lift last week, offsetting investor disappointment over the small scope of the preliminary U.S.-China trade deal reached on October 11. Blue chips...

Monday, October 14, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stock prices pushed higher last week, as investors remained hyper-focused on any new developments with the U.S. trade negotiations with China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.91%, while the...

Monday, October 7, 2019

The Week on Wall Street The fourth quarter started with a mixed week for equities. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.92% for the week; the S&P 500, 0.33%. In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite improved 0.54%. Overseas stocks pulled...

Monday, September 30, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week. Traders worried that the formal impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump might distract White House officials from their pursuit of a trade deal with China, and shift the focus...

Monday, September 23, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Investors reacted to two major news items last week, one far more of a surprise than the other. The Federal Reserve did indeed make a rate cut, matching Wall Street expectations. Drone strikes on two of the...

Monday, September 16, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks edged toward all-time peaks during a relatively calm week marked by easing trade tensions. Friday marked the eighth straight daily advance for the Dow Jones Industrial Average.[1] Small-cap shares, as...

Monday, September 9, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks rose last week, with help from two developments: the announcement of further U.S.-China trade talks as well as August hiring and manufacturing numbers that seemed to bolster the argument for a rate cut...

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Fears of an impasse in the U.S.-China trade dispute lessened last week. While additional U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports were scheduled to take effect on September 1, China's government communicated that it...

Monday, August 26, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Traders assumed that the week's biggest news event would be Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech at the annual Jackson Hole banking conference. Instead, China seized the headlines by announcing new...

Monday, August 19, 2019

The Week on Wall Street U.S. stock indices saw significant ups and downs last week, with traders looking for economic cues from Treasury yields and also developments in the tariff fight between the U.S. and China. The S&P 500 lost 1...

Monday, August 12, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks spent much of last week rebounding from a Monday drop that reflected nervousness about the U.S.-China trade fight. By Thursday's closing bell, the S&P 500 had regained all its Monday losses - but it...

Monday, August 5, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Last week, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in more than a decade, in line with Wall Street's expectations. Ironically, stocks had their worst week of 2019. The S&P 500 finished the...

Monday, July 29, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Last week, investors assessed earnings and the initial estimate of second-quarter economic growth, while awaiting the Federal Reserve's next announcement about interest rates. Stocks rose for the week;...

Monday, July 22, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stock benchmarks retreated during the first week of the second-quarter earnings season. As some big names shared quarterly results, investors seemed more interested in what might happen at the Federal Reserve's...

Monday, July 15, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Friday, the S&P 500 settled above 3,000 for the first time, after rising 0.78% for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average chalked up a milestone of its own: the blue chips ended the week above 27,000,...

Monday, July 8, 2019

The Week on Wall Street U.S. stock benchmarks opened a new quarter positively. The S&P 500 gained 1.65% in the opening week of July; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 1.21%; the Nasdaq Composite, 1.94%. Overseas, stocks in developed...

Monday, July 1, 2019

The Week on Wall Street A month of gains for stocks ended with a weekly retreat. The S&P 500 lost 0.30%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.32%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.45%. In contrast, overseas shares, tracked by the MSCI EAFE...

Monday, June 24, 2019

The Week on Wall Street The S&P 500 hit an all-time peak of 2,964.03, in intraday trading Friday, while improving 2.20% across five market days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite posted respective, 5-day advances...

Monday, June 17, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced for a second straight week. The S&P 500 benchmark rose 0.47%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.70%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.41%. Overseas shares, as tracked by the MSCI EAFE developed markets...

Monday, June 10, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks rallied during a week in which Wall Street was buffeted by headlines. The S&P 500 rose 4.41%. The Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average respectively added 3.88% and 4.71%. The MSCI EAFE index...

Monday, June 3, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks struggled during a 4-day market week as the U.S.-China trade standoff continued to weigh on the minds of market participants. From the Friday, May 24 close to the Friday, May 31 close, the S&P 500...

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week as investors considered the possibility that the world's two largest economies might take some time to resolve key trade issues. The S&P 500 retreated 1.17%; the Nasdaq Composite,...

Monday, May 20, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks fell sharply at the start of last week over trade tensions, then recovered with help from strong earnings and indications that U.S.-China trade talks would continue. Even so, the major indices had a down...

Monday, May 13, 2019

The Week on Wall Street As we noted recently, Wall Street has a wandering eye. Last week, it focused on the new tariff threats in the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute. Stocks fell across five trading sessions: the Dow Jones Industrial...

Monday, May 6, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were up and down last week, and the three major benchmarks ended up little changed after five trading days. The S&P 500 rose 0.20% for the week; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.22%. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Monday, April 29, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks returned to record territory, with both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite closing at historic highs. The S&P gained 1.20% for the week; the Nasdaq, 1.85%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged,...

Monday, April 22, 2019

The Week on Wall Street A short and relatively placid trading week wrapped up Thursday, with the major indices turning in mixed performances. The S&P 500 retreated 0.08%, the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.17%, and the Dow Jones...

Monday, April 15, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks broke out of a narrow range on Friday following news that two major banks grew their bottom line in the first quarter. For the week, the S&P 500 rose 0.79%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.91%. The Dow Jones...

Monday, April 8, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks just posted their second straight weekly gain. Investors were encouraged by the latest jobs report and new signs of progress on a U.S.-China trade deal. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.17% in...

Monday, April 1, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks ended last week higher as volatility slowed, completing their best quarter since 2009. A Friday tweet from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin encouraged investors, referring to "constructive" discussions...

Friday, March 29, 2019

As a business owner, you should carefully consider the advantages of establishing an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Generally, you're allowed a deduction for contributions you make to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. In...

Monday, March 25, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Friday, the yield of the 3-month Treasury bill exceeded the yield of the 10-year Treasury note for the first time in 12 years. For some analysts, this "inverted yield curve" may imply a short-term lessening of...

Monday, March 18, 2019

The Week on Wall Street The big story last week was the sudden grounding of Boeing 737 Max 8 and 9 passenger jets in dozens of countries. The financial effects of this ban could potentially impact the airline industry and segments of...

Friday, March 8, 2019

The business landscape is continually changing—technological advances, corporate downsizing, restructuring, and telecommuting have reshaped the marketplace.­ Although these improvements and modifications have a great impact...

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

U.S. stocks’ recent momentum has been historically impressive by many measures, and the Nasdaq Composite Index notched another milestone last week. The Nasdaq has risen for the past 10 weeks, its longest winning streak in 19...

Thursday, February 28, 2019

BACKGROUND The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) was a sweeping piece of legislation that significantly changed the federal gift and estate tax and the GST tax for the years 2001 through 2010. The...

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

How much do you really know about your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan? If you're like many people, you have many ideas about how your plan works, which may or may not be entirely accurate. To gauge your knowledge, take...

Thursday, February 21, 2019

If you give away money or property during your life, those transfers may be subject to federal gift and estate tax and perhaps state gift tax. The money and property you own when you die (i.e., your estate) may also be subject to...

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

“Bulls make money, bears make money, and pigs get slaughtered.” Old Wall Street saying. The Chinese New Year (often called the Lunar New Year) kicked off Tuesday, February 5, and with it came the Year of the Pig. Although...

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

The cost of a membership to your local fitness center can be pricey, especially if you are looking for a modern facility with a wide selection of the most current equipment. But there are ways to improve your physical fitness without...

Friday, February 8, 2019

Purchasing homeowner’s insurance is not only critical for protecting your home and personal property against any potential liability; if you have a mortgage, your lender will require it. WHAT’S COVERED A homeowner’s...

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Diversified investors just capped one of their best months of the current economic cycle. In January, the S&P 500 Index posted its biggest monthly gain since October 2015. At the same time, the Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate Bond Index...

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Risk management is a key component in any successful business plan. In today's world — where data breaches are common occurrences — it's especially important for business owners to understand the digital risks they face....

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

The Super Bowl indicator suggests that stocks rise for the full year when the Super Bowl winner comes from the original National Football League (now the NFC), but when an original American Football League (now the AFC) team wins,...

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Most Americans know the fundamentals of good health: exercise, proper diet, sufficient sleep, regular check-ups, and no smoking or excessive alcohol. Yet, despite this knowledge, changing existing behaviors can be difficult. Look no...

Thursday, January 24, 2019

The baby boomers have re-defined everything they’ve touched, from music to marriage to parenting and, more lately, to what “old” means—60 is the new 50! Longer, healthier living, however, can put greater stress...

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

The big bounce off the December 24 lows continued last week, as the S&P 500 Index added 2.9% for the week. In fact, it has gained 2.9%, 1.9%, 2.5%, and 2.9% over the past four weeks for a total gain of 10.5%. Of course, the S&P 500 did...

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in modern medicine, the worldwide population over age 60 is growing. The United Nations estimates that by 2050 the number of people aged 60 and older will have more than doubled.¹ As our...

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Yesterday’s U.K. Parliament vote was another bump in the road for Brexit. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the British pound and the euro have steadily declined over the past few months, weighed down in large part by...

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach? It may sound counter intuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a good thing. Over time,...

Friday, January 11, 2019

Keeping your cool can be hard to do when the market goes on one of its periodic roller-coaster rides. It's useful to have strategies in place that prepare you both financially and psychologically to handle market volatility. Here are...

Thursday, January 10, 2019

No matter how much money you make, completely mastering money early on in life can help you potentially achieve what everyone wants: a financially comfortable today and a financially secure tomorrow. Mastering money in our society can...

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Stocks have rebounded strongly off the December lows, with the S&P 500 Index adding 2% in January to its 7% gain over the last week of 2018. We see potential for further gains ahead given the fundamentals supporting economic growth and...

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Technology has not only shrunk the tools we use, but it has also given small businesses the power to operate like big businesses. Technological tools can help small businesses get better organized, efficiently manage their finances,...

Thursday, January 3, 2019

You want to retire comfortably when the time comes. You also want to help your child go to college. So how do you juggle the two? The truth is, saving for your retirement and your child's education at the same time can be a challenge....

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Recent Federal Reserve (Fed) rhetoric has spooked financial markets, especially as uncertainty has clouded investors’ horizons. But we still believe the fundamental U.S. economic landscape is compelling, and despite market...

Friday, December 28, 2018

Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire. It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...

Thursday, December 27, 2018

On Monday, the S&P 500 Index came about as close as possible to the technical definition of a bear market without officially registering one (defined as a 20% or larger decline based on closing prices). Enduring these sharp declines...

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

S&P 500 Index Reaches Bear Market on an Intra-Day Basis. While the S&P 500 Index is technically not in a bear market by the most widely used definition (20% or more decline based on closing prices), it is important to recognize that...

Friday, December 21, 2018

In 2017, the U.S. had a record 11.5 million millionaires, up from 10.8 million in the previous year. An increase in personal wealth may bring greater financial flexibility; it may also bring greater liability. Individuals with high net...

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

So far it’s been rough for stocks in December, a month that has historically been bullish. How bad has it been? After 10 trading days, we’re off to the worst start to December since 1980! In fact, the S&P 500 Index is...

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

When it comes to estate planning, women have unique concerns. The fact is that women live an average of 5.0 years longer than men.* That's important because it means that there's a greater chance that you'll need your assets to last...

Monday, December 17, 2018

We are pleased to announce the release of the LPL Research Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets, filled with investment insights and market guidance for the year ahead. After nearly 10 years of...

Friday, December 14, 2018

Determining the value of an estate is a fundamental first step in estate management and a critical requirement for settling a decedent’s estate.¹ How to Assess the Value of an Estate Select the date of calculation. Because...

Thursday, December 13, 2018

What makes for a great family vacation? Should it include learning as well as leisure? Thinking about that next family trip? If you are mulling over how to make your next one great, consider these questions and factors. Should...

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Determining the value of an estate is a fundamental first step in estate management and a critical requirement for settling a decedent’s estate.¹ How to Assess the Value of an Estate Select the date of calculation. Because...

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

The gap between setting goals and achieving them can be difficult to bridge. To enhance the chances of achieving personal goals, reminders and motivation are essential; making a New Year’s resolution is simply not enough. A...

Monday, December 10, 2018

Last week was a tough week for stocks, with the S&P 500 Index down 4.5%, the worst performance since March. So what are some things investors should consider? To help answer that question, here are five takeaways on the near-term...

Thursday, December 6, 2018

More women are working and taking charge of their own retirement planning than ever before. What does retirement mean to you? Do you dream of traveling? Pursuing a hobby? Volunteering your time, or starting a new career or business?...

Friday, November 30, 2018

The Social Security program allows you to start receiving benefits as soon as you reach age 62. The question is, should you? Monthly payments differ substantially depending on when you start receiving benefits. The longer you wait (up...

Thursday, November 29, 2018

You’re young, have little in savings and likely have no one yet relying on you financially. So why do you need to think about estate management?¹ Here are four great reasons: Estate Strategies: They're Not Just for the...

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

According to Giving USA 2017, Americans gave an estimated $390.05 billion to charity in 2016. That’s the highest total in more than 60 years since the report was first published.1 Americans give to charity for two main reasons:...

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

So, you're thinking of going into business for yourself. You have several options available, and all involve some degree of risk. Do you want to create a start-up operation? Perhaps you are planning on buying an existing business. Or,...

Monday, November 19, 2018

A flurry of new investment products, the emergence of global investing, the shift from company-funded pension plans to employee-driven retirement plans (like 401(k) plans), and uncertainty about Social Security have all contributed to...

Friday, November 16, 2018

Here’s a number that will knock your socks off: $400 trillion.1By 2050, the retirement savings shortfall in eight of the world’s largest economies is expected to reach $400 trillion, according to estimates from the World...

Friday, November 9, 2018

Your credit report contains information about your past and present credit transactions. It's used primarily by potential lenders to evaluate your creditworthiness. So if you're about to apply for credit, especially for something...

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Massive computer hacks and data breaches are now common occurrences — an unfortunate consequence of living in a digital world. Once identity thieves have your information, they can use it to gain access to your bank and credit...

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Dear Valued Investor: The potential outcomes of the midterm elections have been dominating the news cycle lately, and we know from history that the markets typically do not like uncertainty. With the Democrats taking control of the...

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn—they’ve all fallen prey to hackers who exposed passwords and other personal information for hundreds of thousands of their users. If you haven’t yet had your password stolen, chances are,...

Monday, November 5, 2018

Concerns over identity theft continue to grow, especially with news of data breaches at major companies and financial institutions. Unfortunately, you have little control over the hacking of these companies, but you do have control...

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Conventional wisdom says that what goes up, must come down. But even if you view market volatility as a normal occurrence, it can be tough to handle when it's your money at stake. Though there's no foolproof way to handle the ups and...

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

This modern twist on the Ben Franklin maxim reflects the multiplicity of taxes to which earnings are subject in today’s world.¹ Finding ways to manage expenses is one of the cornerstones of a sound financial strategy. Here...

Monday, October 29, 2018

Men and women may not be on equal footing when it comes to investing for the future. On average, women work fewer years and earn less than men, but they also tend to live longer.1 Therefore, women must focus on the concerns that are...

Friday, October 26, 2018

Tip: If You’re a Victim. If you think you may have had your identity stolen, take action immediately. Start by contacting the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov), where you can find information about what to do next. Many...

Thursday, October 25, 2018

October has been a rough month for equities, but then again it’s historically been one of the most volatile periods of the year. “October is known for volatility, and we’ve sure seen it so far,” explained Senior...

Monday, October 15, 2018

Tip: One key difference between a will and a living trust is when they take effect. A will takes effect when you die; a living trust takes effect when you execute it and begins to operate when you transfer assets to it. Do you have a...

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Stocks just had their worst one-day drop since February, as a combination of higher bond yields, U.S./China tensions, nervousness over the upcoming midterm elections, six straight months of gains, and worries about peak margins this...

Monday, September 10, 2018

According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, there are 9.4 million women-owned businesses, employing nearly 8 million people and generating $1.5 trillion in sales in 2015.1 Many of these businesses started small,...

Monday, September 10, 2018

According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, there are 9.4 million women-owned businesses, employing nearly 8 million people and generating $1.5 trillion in sales in 2015.1 Many of these businesses started small,...

Monday, February 5, 2018

Every year the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) releases its list of tax scams, spotlighting the myriad ways that people try to separate you from your money.¹ The “Dirty Dozen” Identity Theft Using your personal...

Saturday, January 6, 2018

By default, single women have always taken responsibility for managing household wealth, but the latest in a series of ongoing studies into the attitudes and actions of women around financial topics found that an ever-increasing...

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Presenting the LPL Research Outlook 2018: Return of the Business Cycle, packed with investment insights and market analysis to guide you through all the action we may see in the year ahead. "Return of the business cycle" refers to a...

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

By Maryann Ruck of Integrated Wealth Strategies Boulder, Colorado Similar to taking care of your personal health by proactively incorporating healthy habits and annual checkups, you can also take control of your financial health when...

Thursday, October 5, 2017

What to Look for in a Financial Advisor Consumers surveyed say top advisor attributes include knowledge, experience and objective advice By Maryann Ruck of Integrated Wealth Strategies Boulder, Colorado When you’ve decided to...

Friday, August 4, 2017

Tip: How Much? Check your Social Security earnings and see an estimate of your benefits on the Web site, www.ssa.gov. Social Security’s been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know...