Blog
Guidance for Life's Dreams. Our mission statement is part of our logo. The relationship we build with our clients is to help them navigate through life's challenges. Sometimes it's more than money management. This blog will provide a place for us to share what's on our mind, what events might be shaping our decisions, and how we can work together to fully understand your own financial situation.
Budget Bill Next “Headline Risk” for Stocks
Nobody wants a repeat of May 2023, when lawmakers engaged in high-profile, high-stakes talks over the debt ceiling. The stock market was held captive to the ebb and flow of updates, falling when talks faltered and rising when an agreement s
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: September Stocks Open In Positive Territory
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%.
Read MoreA Pullback for Stock Prices in August
Pullbacks can be painful because they break trend lines and support levels. Worse, they can cause investors to second guess their strategy.
Read MoreWhy August Can Be a Volatile Month
Why is August a volatile month? One simple reason: many people are on vacation.
Read MoreWhy the Fed Is Focused on Your Paycheck
The Federal Reserve has a dual mandate—manage inflation and maximize employment. But sometimes, those economic goals conflict with each other. As you can see in the accompanying chart, labor shortages in 2022 pressured...
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Why the Drop in Inflation Was Such a Big Deal
Inflation is tricky, and people can have different experiences with rising prices depending on their spending habits.
Read MoreWhy the Fed Can't Figure Out the Jobs Market
In explaining why the Fed may boost interest rates again in 2023, Fed Chair Powell said, “What’s really driving it … is a very strong labor market.”
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Economy Continues Upward Trend
Investors shrugged off weekend news of a short-lived insurrection in Russia and calls later in the week for more restrictive monetary policies from global central bankers.
Read MoreBull Market Leaving Some Behind
When you time the markets, you have to be right twice – first when getting out and second when getting back in.
Read MoreJuneteenth 2023
On June 19, 1865, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to proclaim the freedom of all enslaved individuals
Read MoreNow That the Debt Ceiling is Over, What's Next?
Now that the debt ceiling negotiations are behind us and President Biden has signed the measure, what will Wall Street's wandering eye focus on next?
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Debt Talks Optimism Keeps Eyes on D.C.
Stocks were weighed down for much of the week by stumbling debt ceiling negotiations, which appeared to reach an impasse at one point. Technology stocks, which have led the market this year, were under pressure.
Read MoreWall Street Focuses on Debt Ceiling
Would it surprise you to hear that investors have moved past worrying about inflation? They have, at least for now. Wall Street has shifted its attention to Washington’s budget negotiations.
Read MoreThe Fed Raises Rates. Again.
Investors are cautious even thought the S&P 500 is basically unchanged during the past year. They've pulled more cash to the sidelines in 2023.
Read MoreEarth Day 2023
Each year more people think about Earth Day and how they might contribute to the effort of protecting our planet.
Read MoreHaving Financial Conversations with Adult Children
Certain retirement and investment strategies are critical to the well being of your family. Sometimes the conversations are the most difficult part.
Read MoreSearching for a Goldilocks Moment
Watching the news cycle isn't healthy for your portfolio. Some good news here and some bad news there, and you might start to rethink a well-constructed investment strategy.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Mixed Message Provokes Volatility
Yellen subsequently testified that the Treasury was not working on any blanket insurance for bank deposits and by the Fed’s warning that banking turmoil could shrink lending access — the volatile week ended with sharp intraday price swings,
Read MoreConsidering the SVB Collapse: What’s Going On With The Banks?
Many investors may be tempted to react in the wake of both the Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank's financial troubles. After all, the unprecedented events of last week would test the mettle of even the most seasoned investor.
Read MoreCelebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories
March is Women's History Month, a time to recognize the remarkable contributions of women throughout history.
Read MoreThe US Has Reached Its Debt Ceiling. Should I Be Worried?
This isn't the first time we as a nation have had to hear about the Debt Ceiling. Do we know what it means and how it can impact us?
Read MoreEuropean Stocks At All-Time Highs
It seems like only a few months ago, European economies appeared to be wrestling with several serious issues, including the Ukraine war, supply chain disruptions, and red-hot inflation.
Read MoreWords of Wisdom from Warren Buffett
Fed Chair Powell began his post-meeting Q&A session saying something almost no one expected to hear, “...the disinflationary process has started.”
Read MoreIs the Bear Market Over?
People are quick to remind me that stocks are off to a good start in 2023, inflation appears to be trending lower, and the economy was strong in Q4. All true. But it takes more than a few good weeks and a couple of solid economic reports to
Read MoreTax Time is Prime Time for Identity Thieves
Being careful with your personal data means more than just shredding your documents. Help protect against identity theft with these common sense actions.
Read MoreSix Financial Resolutions for the New Year
Creating a diverse investment portfolio is the best way to ensure your savings stay ahead of inflation. If you already have investments, make a new year’s resolution to review your investments and see if you are on the right track.
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: An Overview
This article intends to give you a broad overview of SECURE 2.0. It's not intended as a substitute for real-life advice. Remember that just because retirement rules have changed does not mean that adjusting your current strategy is appropri
Read MoreNew Webinar Series: Tax-Efficient Retirement Workshop
Check out this free educational webinar series for important information on why taxes are different in retirement.
Read MoreSocial Security 2023 COLA Increase Kicks In
An 8.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment will begin with benefits payable to more than 65 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2023.
Read MoreDiscussing Finances Over the Holidays
The specific approaches for your overall financial management should be shared with appropriate family members while everyone is together for the holidays
Read MoreHave You Enrolled in Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Have you enrolled in Medicare, or are you considering it? If so, you should know that anyone who receives Medicare is eligible to receive Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
Read MoreHow to Plan Your Holiday Budget
If you have a lot of family members, or even if you have quite a few friends, you may feel inclined to go all out on holiday shopping because you don't want to exclude anyone. Be careful with your generosity.
Read MoreSocial Security Myths You Should Know
Like most people, your initial understanding of Social Security probably came from word of mouth or things you watched on the news. Social Security can be complex and confusing with many stipulations
Read MorePlaying Catch Up
The IRS offers “Catch-Up Contributions” as a way to save a bit extra each year. Starting at age 50 you can contribute an extra $6,500 a year to many workplace retirement plans.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Slip After Powell Comments
Hawkish comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, following the announcement of another 75 basis points interest rate hike last week, cast a pall over financial markets, sending yields higher and stocks lower.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreWarren Buffett on Contrarian Investing
Retail investors often do the wrong thing at the wrong time. But this year, they have been mostly correct in their bearish view.
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2023
After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, the IRA has released some cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.
Read MoreSocial Security: When Should You Benefit?
Coordinate Social Security benefits with your overall retirement planning. Know how to maximize your Social Security benefit to potentially maximize your retirement income.
Read More7 Helpful Steps for Budgeting After a Divorce
Not planning for your finances during a divorce can add to the stress
Read MorePutting Interest Rates Into Perspective
This year saw five interest rate increases in seven months — making it the quickest tightening cycle in modern history.
Read More1% Moves in S&P 500
The Feds monetary policy of raising interest rates to slow inflation without triggering a recession has created a lot of uncertainty.
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know When Asking Yourself “Do I Need a Financial Advisor?”
It isn’t surprising that the overwhelming majority of individuals who work with a financial advisor feel confident that the investment is well worth the money.
Read MoreImportant Details on Student Loan Relief
There are still quite a few questions to be answered, but here are some key points to know about the White House student loan forgiveness program
Read MoreThese Months are More Volatile Than Others
Be prepared to roll with an uptick in stock market volatility, and don’t let seasonal trading influence your overall strategy.
Read MoreAn Everything Bagel of Good News
These days, an encouraging word can feel like a relief. Here are a few positive stories I’ve noticed lately – like an “everything bagel” sprinkled with good news.I saw a recent report in The Guardian about the...
Read MoreRevisiting Bonds: The Interest Rate Conundrum
The Federal Reserve’s recent attempt to tame inflation has resulted in a sharp decline in bond prices. In this article we investigate why bond prices fall.
Read MoreIs the US Headed for a Recession?
High Inflation, the war in Ukraine, rising mortgage rates and falling portfolio values have all impacted consumer sentiment, but there are some reasons the US economic outlook may be brighter than some suspect.
Read MoreHistory of Bull & Bear Markets
Join us as we unearth the history of bear and bull markets. You'll see there is no reason to panic.
Read MoreThe Good News About Bear Markets
In our 2nd of 4 part-look at this bear market, again we are turning to AssetMark, Inc and posting an article about the Worst Years for U.S. Stocks
Read More20% Downturn: A Historical Guide to Bear Markets
We review the history of bear markets to understand the potential good and bad news for investors once the market has crossed the dreaded threshold.
Read MoreShould Baby Boomers Look to Roth IRA Conversions During The Market Slide?
I'm the TaxmanMost Baby Boomers will recognize the cutting lyrics to the Beatles song Taxman. "If you drive a car, I'll tax the street. If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat. If it gets too cold, I'll tax the heat. If you...
Read MoreHeartbroken
You need to stop, look around, breathe and be present always to those who you love and care about.
Read MoreI'm Young. Why Do I need Life Insurance?
Younger generations look to life insurance to protect what they've earned
Read MoreQ1 2022: Volatility and Commodities Surge
The war in Ukraine. Fed’s shift to inflation-fighting mode. Chronic volatility in equity markets. China real estate showing signs of stress. Get ready to buckle your seat belt as we dissect converging economic forces from Q1 2022.
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