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How to Maximize Retirement Accounts from Former Employers
The journey to retirement spans a lifetime, marked by the pursuit of a fulfilling post-work life. Many Americans switch employers during their careers, resulting in the retention of 401(k) accounts from previous jobs. However, these...
Read MoreSmall Business Success: Financial Planning for Entrepreneurs
Small businesses represent a crucial pillar of the U.S. economy, as they employ half of the nation’s private-sector workforce and are credited with roughly 63% of the new jobs that have been created from 1995 to 2021, as per federal...
Read MoreThe Art of Financial Planning: Building a Solid Foundation
Some people avoid financial planning because they feel overwhelmed by all the numbers. Whether you suffer from the very real condition of arithmophobia or you simply don’t feel like you understand enough about finances to tackle your...
Read MoreNavigating Financial Stress During the Holidays
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for many people, it can also be a source of financial stress and anxiety. The pressure to buy gifts, host gatherings, and partake in...
Read MoreRetirement Income Streams: Diversification for Financial Stability
Retirement is one of the most significant milestones in life. It represents the culmination of years of hard work and savings, but it also marks the beginning of a new financial chapter. Ensuring a comfortable and stable retirement...
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Closing Out the Year: Investment Strategies for Q4 Success
As the final quarter of the year approaches, investors are faced with a unique set of opportunities and challenges. The fourth quarter, often marked by increased market volatility and potential year-end considerations, requires a...
Read MoreKey Considerations for Couples Planning Retirement Together
As a financial professional, I often find myself discussing retirement plans with couples who are contemplating the idea of retiring simultaneously. The notion of embarking on a shared retirement journey, free to pursue dreams, travel,...
Read MoreHarvest Your Financial Potential
Tips for this Season of Preparation and Cultivation With the transformation of the leaves and a cool, refreshing breeze, fall offers more than just Pumpkin Spice everything. It's an annual opportunity to contemplate your financial...
Read MoreCrafting a Comprehensive Plan to Secure Your Family’s Future
Estate planning is not just about managing your assets or distributing wealth; it’s about leaving a legacy that lasts for generations. It’s a way to ensure that your hard-earned assets – and values – are preserved and passed down to...
Read MoreNational Savings Day
Use This Annual Reminder as an Opportunity to Strengthen Your Financial Future. Saving money isn't just a smart financial habit; it's an important step toward securing a prosperous and secure future. Mark your calendars! National...
Read MoreThe Q4 Playbook: Scoring Financial Touchdowns
With the final quarter of the year on the horizon, it's time to gear up for Q4 financial planning. The end of the year provides a unique opportunity to assess your financial landscape, recalibrate your goals, and set a course for a...
Read MoreWhat Does Financial Wellness Really Mean?
The concept of wellness is used often, generally when referring to a balanced and fulfilling life overall. But what does it mean when someone refers to their financial wellness? Financial wellness encompasses all aspects of an...
Read MoreLife Insurance Awareness Month
As the seasons transition and we enter fall, it’s a great time to reflect on the importance of securing your loved ones’ future. September is primarily recognized as Life Insurance Awareness Month, a season dedicated to highlighting...
Read MoreDebunking Common Myths about IRAs and 401(k)s
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k) plans are powerful tools for securing a financially stable retirement. However, misconceptions and myths can hinder individuals from making informed decisions about these essential...
Read MoreTen Birthdays Impacting Your Retirement Income
Your age significantly affects how much money you'll have during your retirement years, and different retirement benefits have different eligibility ages. Over the course of 23 years, from age 49 to 72, you'll need a financial...
Read MoreCommonly Overlooked Healthcare Expenses
Retirement planning is essential to financial security in the latter half of life. An area that usually gets overlooked is healthcare expenses. While healthcare is necessary for retirees, it can often be the most significant unknown....
Read MoreA Cautionary Tale of Estate Planning
On August 16, 1977, the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Elvis Presley, died of cardiac arrest. While many famous icons fail to plan for their estate properly, Elvis thankfully did so just five months before his sudden passing. However,...
Read MoreSocial Security Taxation: Understanding How It Works
As the anniversary of the Social Security bill being signed into law (August 14, 1935)[i] approaches, we’re reminded of the intricate workings of the U.S. tax system. Social Security, a vital program designed to provide financial...
Read MoreDemystifying Income Tax in Retirement
On August 4, 1862, the U.S. collected income tax for the first time[i]. You may be ready to bid farewell to income tax obligations once you retire, but unfortunately, it’s not that simple. While the dynamics may shift, understanding...
Read MoreAsset-Rich but Cash Poor: Understanding the Retirement Predicament
Retirement is a time when most people expect to enjoy the fruits of their labor, with financial security and a steady income from investments or savings. However, for some individuals, this period can present a unique financial...
Read MoreDiscussing the Long-Term Care Question
Long-term care planning is an important aspect of retirement planning that is often overlooked. As people are living longer and healthcare costs are increasing, it is crucial to consider the cost of long-term care in retirement...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Retirement Picture for Gen X
A recent study by Investopedia found that Generation X’s biggest worry is retirement. The survey found that although many members of Gen X feel like they understand their finances, they are still concerned about transitioning into...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Classic Fixed Annuity
Whether you’ve learned about annuities before or it’s your first time hearing about them, it’s important to first understand the basic concept and one of its simplest forms. In general, an annuity is a financial product that provides...
Read MoreAre Annuities Right for You?
Annuities can be an excellent addition to your financial and retirement portfolio, but it's essential to determine whether they're the right fit for you and your financial goals. Here are some ways to know if annuities are right for...
Read MoreHow Do Annuities Really Work?
An annuity is an investment product that is designed to provide a guaranteed income stream for a predetermined period, often for the rest of one’s life. An annuity is typically purchased from an insurance company, and the purchaser...
Read MoreCovering the Basics of Annuities for Annuity Awareness Month
June is Annuity Awareness Month, a time to educate individuals on the benefits and importance of annuities. If you’re new to annuities or need a refresher, keep reading to understand the basics of annuities.Basically, an annuity is a...
Read MoreRetirement Tips for the High Net-Worth Individual
Retirement is a major milestone in the life of every individual, and it is no different for high-net-worth individuals. If you’re one of these individuals, you may think that being comfortable means you can worry less about retirement...
Read MoreCelebrate 529 Day on 5/29!
529 Day is a holiday celebrated at the end of May, usually on May 29. It is a day dedicated to promoting and raising awareness for 529 college savings plans, a tax-advantaged way to save for college expenses, K-19 schooling expenses,...
Read MoreWhat is a Rolling Recession?
You may have noticed that the economy after the pandemic has been volatile. And while there has been talk of a possible recession for a few years, we have yet to enter a traditional recession. A recession is defined as a consistent,...
Read MoreThe Role of Dividends for Income Generation
One investment and income strategy that can be useful when it comes to setting yourself up for retirement is one involving dividends. Dividends are regular payouts to shareholders based on the profits of the company. If you own some...
Read MoreSpring Cleaning for Your Financial Strategy
Come springtime, you might be thinking about doing some spring cleaning, whether it’s cleaning out your garage, throwing out old items, or rearranging your furniture. However, it’s important not to forget to do some spring cleaning on...
Read MoreFinancial Literacy – Do the Little Things
The concept of financial literacy refers to knowing the basics of financial concepts to make smart decisions. Specifically, financial literacy can help prevent costly mistakes that could derail your life plans, prepare you for...
Read MoreThe Importance of Savings Accounts
In the world of retirement strategizing, the focus tends to be on 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, or other retirement investment accounts. But that doesn’t mean you should forget about the traditional savings account.Savings accounts can have...
Read MoreTeaching Financial Literacy to Your Kids or Grandkids
As an adult, you may have had tough learning moments when it comes to financial management. It could have been when you failed to pay your rent on time or got too deep in credit card debt. To keep your children or grandchildren from...
Read MoreIntroducing Financial Literacy Month
Financial Literacy Month is not only a celebration, it’s a challenge to take care of your finances as best you can. This month can be your opportunity to review your finances and take a concerted approach to improve them. But what’s...
Read MoreShould You Engage in Tax-Loss Harvesting?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what if there’s a way to reduce the taxes I owe when I sell stocks or rebalance my portfolio?” then you should know about the tax-minimization strategy called tax-loss harvesting. It’s important to know...
Read MoreHow Taxes Work on Social Security
You may not know it, but Social Security income is taxed! However, your tax burden isn’t simply a gross income tax, and there are unique factors that dictate your tax rate and overall tax liability. First, not all Social Security...
Read MoreStriking a Balance Between Tax and Income
In retirement, it’s not about receiving as much income as possible. During your working years, it might be, but when you’re the one paying yourself, it’s important not to turn your hard-earned savings into a large pile of income that’s...
Read MorePlanning Your Investments? Think About Tax
Thinking about investment strategy may conjure thoughts of stock trading, ticker symbols, brokerage accounts, and investment theses. But one of the most important factors in developing an investment strategy is the tax aspect.There are...
Read MoreDon’t Wait Until the Tax Filing Deadline: April 18, 2023
Don’t wait until April to prepare your taxes! Tax filing preparation is an important process for individuals and businesses. It is the process of gathering, organizing, and submitting tax documents to the relevant tax authorities. The...
Read MoreThe Value of College in a Technocratic World
As the cost of higher education rises and the competition for spots at top colleges and universities steepens, you might wonder if it’s even worth it to make such a large investment in a college degree. The value of a college degree...
Read MoreCollege Budgeting Tips for Your Kids or Grandkids
Budgeting is one of, if not the most important life skill one can learn. As they grow up, you may have been able to teach them valuable budgeting and saving skills, but when they leave home for the first time, often to go to college,...
Read MoreFinancial Aid Forms for Your Kid’s or Grandkid’s College Journey
Financial aid is a key piece of the college puzzle for many families. The sticker price of college in the US has gone up in the past decades, virtually across the board. What that means is financial aid is an increasingly important...
Read MoreFinancial Aid and the 529 Plan
This month, the education community celebrates Financial Aid Awareness Month often by sharing information with students and families about access to federal, state, and institutional student aid. College and higher education costs can...
Read MoreQualified Charitable Distributions to Reduce the RMD Tax Burden
When you started out saving for retirement, you may have contributed to an IRA or 401(k) through your employer. In addition, you heard that your contributions were tax-deferred, and you’d have to pay taxes when you reached your 70s....
Read MoreReducing Taxes on Investments
Achieving a comfortable retirement often comes down to investment performance and tax burden. However, it’s a tricky task to balance investment gains with a tax-minimization plan. If you expect your investments to perform well, you may...
Read MoreThe Roth IRA as a Tax Planning Tool
Taxes may be one of your biggest concerns when it comes to retirement. Whether you’re well into your retirement or just starting to think about it, taxes can be one of the main factors in maximizing your savings to stretch all the way...
Read MoreDon’t Have a Taxing 2023
You may assume that there are no more tax minimization strategies to engage in after December 31. While most of your tax-lowering strategies do come before the new year, there are still steps you can take now, and all the way up until...
Read MoreGive Yourself a Boost Towards Your Financial Goals
For some, especially during these tough market conditions, their retirement investments and savings may have declined. Due to this setback, your retirement timeline may have been pushed back, tightening your budget, making you work...
Read MoreHow to Save for a Major Expense in Retirement
Saving for large expenses, whether in retirement or during your working years, is a tall task. It often requires you to cut back on spending and find ways to maximize your income. However, in retirement, there are some key differences...
Read MoreYou Won’t Reach your 2023 Financial Goals Without Priorities
If you search the Internet for tips on financial strategies, you’ll see many general rules and broad advice that may apply to an “average” retirement saver or retiree. But the truth is, those general pieces of advice rarely apply to...
Read MoreAssessing Your Financial Goals for 2023
For many, the turn of the new year is a time to self-reflect and make resolutions. There’s no better time to assess your financial goals for the new year and beyond by following proper financial goal-setting practices. Setting...
Read MoreThe State of Long-Term Care: Reflecting on LTC Awareness Month
The 2020 pandemic put the spotlight on the in-facility long-term care (LTC) industry. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities experienced woeful staffing shortages and unsafe practices that put people’s loved ones at high risk of...
Read MoreHow to Choose a Nursing Home
Considering a nursing home for long-term care or elder care is one of the most difficult decisions you and your family can encounter. Whether you have a health risk and planning for a future in a nursing home or are considering a...
Read MoreHow Do Medicaid and Long-Term Care Relate?
Government assistance programs are a common option for people looking for healthcare coverage, especially over the age of 65. However, while Medicare covers a lot, even covering emergency hospital visits at no cost, it doesn’t cover...
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About Long-Term Care and Home Care
This month marks Long-Term Care Awareness Month. We have the knowledge and tools these days to live healthily and happily throughout our lives. But as we age, we need to invest more in our health. That’s why it’s crucial to understand...
Read MorePreparing for a Wintery Market with A Helping Hand
When the winter seasons come around, you’ll likely have to adjust your routines and prepare. If you’re in colder states you may be looking to purchase a new winter coat or snow boots, skiing equipment for your winter holidays, or you...
Read MoreDon’t Get Spooked by Common Retirement Mistakes
This Halloween season, you may be thinking about spending time with friends and family and planning fun Halloween events with them. You may not be thinking about all the nuances of your retirement strategy, but when you think about the...
Read MoreAre You Prepared for The Costs of Retirement?
Healthcare is one of the largest expenses for people in retirement, but it’s not easy to budget for them. Sometimes, accidents happen, or certain health-related concerns can come out of nowhere. Because of how difficult it can be to...
Read MoreMedicare Open Enrollment is Around the Corner!
With all this market volatility and inflation, talk about investment strategies and portfolio longevity seems to dominate the discussion on retirement. But one of the most important aspects of retirement is often overlooked: Medicare...
Read MoreProtecting Your Retirement With the Bucket Strategy
The Bucket Strategy is built to account for your needs at different stages of your life. But putting it into action is easier said than done. If you’re looking to build a retirement plan that’s structured to protect your savings and grow your savings over time, the Bucket Strategy might be for you. Get connected with our team today!
Annuities - A Little-Known Retirement Secret
You’re probably familiar with the classic retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions. But did you know there is a financial product out there that is customizable and can be tailored to your specific risks and financial goals?
An annuity is an insurance-based financial product that takes in payments from individuals and pays them back usually over a long period of time in a flow of payments or a lump sum when a certain event occurs, such as a specific time, age, or if an illness occurs. The insurance company can accept payments over time or in one lump sum as well. The money in it is invested by the financial institution and grows until the date that the payments are to be distributed to the beneficiary or account owner.
An annuity can provide regular payments from a fixed-rate, variable, or indexed annuity.
Fixed-rate annuities often take the form of a singular lump sum that is structured to provide you a set amount of income periodically. It’s not exposed to any market risk, its payout rates are fixed, and its principal value does not grow or decline.
Variable annuities are market-exposed annuities. These annuities have more risk involved and their payout amounts usually factor in the portfolio performance. The amount invested in a variable annuity can grow or decline.
Index annuities are market-exposed annuities but track a diversified index of stocks or equities. These types of annuities are a middle ground between some of the riskier assets that go into a variable annuity and the risk-averse, non-market-exposed fixed annuity.
Though annuities may seem complicated, the basic idea is simple. An insurance company receives a fixed or variable income stream for a predetermined period, or for life, in exchange for money in return.
With your retirement accounts, such as your 401(k)s, IRAs, or Roth IRAs, there are annual contribution limits and age restrictions that are meant to have your money used in a specific way regardless of your unique circumstance. With an annuity, the main benefit is that it is structured to be tailored to your unique needs.
It’s important to know that any guarantees, like interest or market protection, are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
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Are Your Retirement Accounts Prepared for Taxes?
Taxes are one of the most important things to consider when it comes to your retirement. You’ll likely have several sources of income in retirement that can be taxed, such as IRA distributions and Social Security benefits. But is your...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Different Types of Life Insurance
Ever wonder what type of life insurance is best for you? It depends on various factors, including how long you want the policy to last, how much you're willing to pay, and if you wish to use the policy as an investment vehicle. Let's...
Read MoreCommonly Overlooked Healthcare Expenses
Long-term care is generally the most significant question mark when saving the optimal amount for your retirement years. According to Financial Professional Barry Bigelow, “statistically, if you're a married couple, there's a 25%...
Read MoreStuck in a High Tax Bracket? Try These Reduction Strategies
Let’s talk about tax brackets. They aren’t straight across the board but graduated based on income, meaning most taxpayers fall into more than one bracket. Current tax brackets are 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%, and you could...
Read MoreHow to Allocate Assets when Saving for College
Have you ever considered that saving for college is different than saving for your long-term retirement?Let’s start with the fact that, when saving for college, you’re saving for a specific year (the year of high school graduation)....
Read MoreMulti-Generational Planning and the Impact of Financial Literacy
Investopedia conducted a survey of 4,000 US adults in January and February of 2022 which included 1,000 individuals from each generation to better understand their financial literacy by generation. Side note: Seeing other generations’...
Read MoreMaking the Most of Your HSA
The average couple retiring today needs a whopping $315,000 to cover the cost of health care throughout their retirement.1 You’ll want to plan for those future health costs. Have you considered that your HSA (Health Savings Account)...
Read MoreDon’t Let Inflation Stress You Out During Retirement
ForbesAdvisor.com recently reported, “According to a 2020 survey from Allianz, nearly half of Americans are worried that rising prices in retirement will cause basic expenses to be unaffordable once they stop working. But there’s an...
Read MoreDifferent Generations, Different Financial Viewpoints
Every generation views their situation differently, from fashion to food to finance, and currently, there are seven defined generations. Let’s see how their views differ on finances and if you line up with your generation.1910-1927 The...
Read MoreThree Life Insurance Myths Young Families Should Research
For young couples just getting started, new commitments, such as buying their first home or having children, bring with them the responsibility of making sure their loved ones are financially covered. Life insurance can help loved ones...
Read MoreEnlisting the FIRE Movement to Retire Really Early
Are you considering retiring before your full retirement age? Then you’re a part of the FIRE Movement, also known in long-form as "Financial Independence, Retire Early.” The Movement requires you to accumulate enough wealth to support...
Read MoreDo You Have a Clear Understanding of Caregiving Costs?
Many Americans underestimate the impact that caring for a loved one can have on their lives, marriage, work, and finances. In a column by Michelle Singletary, a Washington Post columnist, an “AARP study found that three-quarters of...
Read MoreWhere is Your Money Going Inside Your 401(k)?
A 401(k) is a common savings tool for many working Americans. It’s an easy way to save and generally comes with the benefit of employer matching. But are you really clear on where your money is invested and if it’s the optimal place...
Read MoreDoes Your Credit Score Matter After Age 50?
We’ve all seen the commercials for checking your credit score, and some even talk about ways to boost it, but if you’re over 50 and well established, does the number really matter that much? According to the FICO® Score model, the...
Read MoreANNUITIES – Why this Might be Good for Your Portfolio
According to Annuity.org, there are multiple reasons Americans are investing billions into annuities. There’s much talk around annuities regarding retirement planning, which leaves the conversation open to a lot of questions and...
Read MoreInterested in Annuities but Myths Holding You Back?
If the fear of outliving your retirement savings haunts you, then looking into income sources that can keep going as long as you do may not be such a bad idea. One way to potentially alleviate this financial anxiety is to consider an...
Read MoreWhy Even the Healthy People Consider Life Insurance
Insurance gets a bad rap and, as policies go, life insurance might be at the top of the list. But we’d like it to be on the top of your list for another reason. We often think of insurance as a means to paying for funeral expenses, but...
Read MoreHealthcare Industry and the Necessity for Coverage
Medical liability is a pervasive concern for physicians because of the potential effects of a settlement and the costs of fighting a prolonged and costly legal battle. While laws capping tort damages have been effective in some states,...
Read MoreEducators Considering Early Retirement
Most of the nation’s teachers and K-12 educational employees are members of their state’s public pension plans. After years of service, these plans have promised a secure retirement for educators and support staff. Unfortunately, a...
Read MoreAsset-Protection Strategies Worth Knowing
Your first line of defense against potential litigation will likely be insurance in the form of an “umbrella policy.” Your financial professional can help with the right coverage but be prepared for a policy that’s at least equal to...
Read MoreTalking Tax Benefits of Annuities
An annuity is an insurance product that pays out guaranteed income and can be used as part of a retirement strategy. The income you receive from an annuity can come monthly, quarterly, annually, or even in a lump sum payment. But what...
Read MoreLong-Term Care Insurance Premium Deductibility
According to IRS Revenue Procedure 2020-45, a couple age 70 or older who both have the right kind of long-term care insurance policy can deduct as much as $11,280 in 2021 an increase of $420 from the $10,860 limit for 2020. Essentially...
Read MoreIRS Tax Suggestions for New Business Owners
According to the US Census Bureau, there were 430,411 new business applications in January 2022.2 Starting a business sometimes comes with a learning curve that can trip you up, so it makes sense to get as many things as right as...
Read MoreHave You Created Your Retirement Road Map?
One of the most complex parts of preparing for retirement is thinking about life where working and building income isn’t the main focus. At times you may become so overwhelmed thinking about saving for an unknown future that you end up...
Read MoreThe Complexity of the Telemedicine Rollback
During the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, all 50 states and the District of Columbia transitioned to telemedicine, in part due to state emergency orders that mandated the coverage of telehealth visits and waived requirements...
Read MoreTalking to Beneficiaries About Your Estate Intentions
It’s no surprise that couples disagree throughout their marriage. For the most part, those differences can be resolved relatively quickly, but common ground can feel very far off when it comes to estate planning. A few critical...
Read MoreWills Versus Trusts: Which One is Right For You?
Wills and trusts are both estate-planning tools that can help ensure your assets are protected and bequeathed to your heirs. However, the transfer process becomes more involved when passing wealth to a subsequent generation. We highly...
Read MoreWho’s Stealing Your Identity This Tax Season?
It’s tax season for you and a veritable identity gold mine for thieves! Empowered with a name and Social Security number, crafty thieves can open credit cards, take out loans, wipe out your bank account and even file a tax return in...
Read MoreEight Ways Annuities Can Assist Your Growing Financial Needs
Annuities can be mysterious. You might even feel like they come with a hidden agenda, which could explain why you’re not too interested in adding them to your portfolio. But as we get closer to our 60’s and live longer, now might be...
Read MoreThe 2022 Hidden Taxes that Could Impact Your Checkbook
A combination of rising wages and inflation is threatening to push some taxpayers into higher tax brackets this year, which means you could owe more to Uncle Sam come 2023’s filing season. With inflation at its highest level in nearly...
Read MoreLooking at Both Sides of the Step-Up In Basis Loophole
Since taking office, President Biden has expressed his intention to close the step-up in basis loophole as a means to debt reduction. For some investors, this causes alarm as they were planning to use this loophole to leave investments...
Read MoreIt’s ID Theft Awareness Month, Are You Protected?
Identity theft isn’t a new phenomenon; however, the face of identity theft has changed dramatically. Over the years it’s evolved with the technology and economic landscape that surrounds it. Understanding your exposure and staying...
Read MoreSocial Security and Spousal Benefits
If you’re getting Social Security retirement benefits, some members of your family may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. Your ex-spouse or spouse may receive a monthly payment of up to one-half of your retirement benefit...
Read MoreSelf-Employment Tax Benefits and Deductions
There are many benefits of being self-employed, but sometimes it can feel as though there are just as many hindrances. Many owners consider staying abreast of tax laws and changes tedious and frustrating, so partnering with an expert...
Read MoreThe Triple Tax Benefit Investment
It’s not often that the IRS provides a tax-free option for your money—so when it happens, it’s a good advantage to take. A Health Savings Account (HSA) is the one program that offers you three different tax benefits. Most people think...
Read MoreAre You Prepared For The Upcoming Tax Season?
Happy New Year! It’s a new year, a new you, and a new time to do things differently—like your taxes. Tax-filing season is officially here, and there are many things you can do to be prepared and organized. Here are a few simple tips...
Read MoreHow the Pandemic Impacted Taxes for the Self-Employed
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economy Security Act (CARES Act) provides relief to self-employed people by delaying the Social Security tax payment due in 2020 for two more years. Specifically, individuals were allowed to defer 50%...
Read MoreHow Insurance Helps Small Businesses Manage Risk
Small businesses need suitable types of insurance to protect assets against damage and legal claims. While most business owners hope they’ll never have to rely on insurance, the truth is, it’s an essential investment. It could make the...
Read MoreSECURE ACT 2.0: New Retirement Plan Incentives
There’s a potential game-changer being discussed when it comes to retirement savings. It’s called SECURE Act 2.0 (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act), and it’s intended to help more Americans ensure they’ll have...
Read MoreTips for Preventing Identity Theft
The Internet is your entrance to the marketplace for the world from the comfort of your home or office. There are safety concerns to address when it comes to identity theft and fraud because organized identity theft groups constantly...
Read MoreHow the Cost of Living Might Affect Your Monthly Budget
If you're one of America's 64 million Social Security beneficiaries, you might want to prepare yourself for a significant pay raise. According to the Social Security Administration, the annual cost-of-living (COLA) benefits increase...
Read MoreDo You Know the Best Time to Buy Your Long-Term Care Insurance?
It's Long-Term Care Awareness Month, and it might also be time for you to purchase your insurance plan. Insurance can be costly and confusing, but it's also necessary to avoid wiping out your retirement savings. Knowing what you need...
Read MoreCoverage Options for Long-Term Care Insurance
It's Long-Term Care (LTC) Awareness Month, and whether you're in the market now or just curious about insurance coverage choices for the future, it's important to know where, why, and how to get answers. There are three main options...
Read MoreTurn “Rainy Day” Money into a Long-Term Care Plan
According to a February 2021 Barron's article, there will be 60% more elderly population by 2030. That's less than a decade away, which means now is the time to talk about care planning. If you're an annuity owner, chances are you're...
Read MoreWhy Long-Term Care Insurance is Worth Having
Let's start with the most echoed statement on the web: Americans are living longer but aren't necessarily healthier, leading to health problems later in life. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that 69% of people...
Read MorePicking The Annuity That’s Right For You!
Annuities are one way to generate a lifetime income, save for retirement, and leave a financial legacy. However, there are three main types of annuities—fixed, variable, and indexed—so selecting the right one for you can get...
Read MoreHow Social Security and Retirement Impact Women
Social Security is neutral with respect to gender—individuals with identical earnings histories are treated the same in terms of benefits. This information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) highlights how the Social...
Read MorePower of Attorney – Who Will Manage Your Estate?
According to the FINRA website: power of attorney is a legal document you sign to grant someone you trust with authority to make decisions on your behalf. You must sign when you're still mentally competent for your power of attorney to...
Read MoreMedicare Open Enrollment 2022
Medicare open enrollment – also known as Medicare's annual election period – runs from October 15 through December 7. During this window, Medicare plan enrollees can reevaluate their coverage and make changes or purchase new policies...
Read MoreWhy the Living Benefits of Life Insurance are Important
While life insurance is designed to benefit your loved ones after you pass away, it also helps them and you before that time comes by way of something known as living benefits. Living benefit options for term life include: Accelerated...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Different Types of Life Insurance
Ever wonder what type of life insurance is best for you? It's going to depend on a variety of factors, including how long you want the policy to last, how much you're willing to pay, and if you wish to use the policy as an investment...
Read MoreIs Your Business Benefitting from Whole Life Insurance?
Many small-to-medium-sized business owners don't recognize how beneficial a life insurance policy can be to the success of their business. Whole life insurance can help companies break free from traditional bank loans, benefit their...
Read MoreReasons to Buy Life Insurance When You’re Young
The best time to apply for life insurance is when you're young, healthy, and not likely to need it soon. The reason is simple: The younger you are, the lower your life insurance premium will likely be due to your probable lack of...
Read MoreGetting the Most Out of Your Life Insurance Policy
Life can be full of surprises, and you want to be ready for whatever lies ahead. Through life insurance, you can prepare for the unexpected by providing financial security for your loved ones in the event of your death. An important...
Read MoreThe SECURE Act’s 10-Year Rule for IRA Heirs
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act fundamentally changed the rules governing distributions from inherited retirement accounts. Inheriting an IRA or 401(k) under the new administration could create...
Read MoreThe Ten Critical Ages for Retirement Planning
Each type of retirement benefit has a different eligibility age. Your age plays a significant role in how much you can expect to receive from Social Security and what you need to do to avoid retirement account penalties. Key Milestones...
Read MoreHSA Just Might Be the Holy Grail of Savings Accounts
Pre-tax contributions, tax-free withdrawals, and tax-free gains = the Holy Grail of savings opportunities. If you estimate yourself at the 25% tax bracket when you retire, and you put $60,000 into a savings account, you lose $15,000 to...
Read MoreThe Future of Your Health Care Using Telehealth Services
2021 could be the pivotal year for how businesses operate moving forward. Will they offer employees a work from home option, will Zoom meetings be standard procedure, will telehealth replace typical doctor visits? The answers are still...
Read MoreHow Your Health and Wealth Are Connected
There's much to be said for taking care of your health, and you should make caring for your wealth part of your focus, too, as it directly correlates. In fact, the American Journal of Public Health confirms that Americans at lower...
Read MoreThe Costs of Retirement and Ways to Minimize Them
The 2019 Employee Wellness survey by PwC found that 73% of Millennials, 70% of Generation X, and 61% of Baby Boomers think health care costs will adversely affect their retirement. If a healthy 65-year-old couple retiring in 2019...
Read MoreMulti-Generational Wealth Planning Strategies
"Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations." The saying is true, and the cycle is real. As the expression indicates, after the buying, the building, and the selling, there's rarely anything left of a family's wealth for the...
Read MoreSelling Your Business to Fund Your Retirement
For many, owning a business is the American dream come true, and making management decisions that grow your business brings about well-deserved feelings of accomplishment. Playing devil's advocate here—did you decide to use any of your...
Read MoreManaging Debt Before Retirement
Carrying consumer debt into retirement can quickly reduce the monthly cash flow available to spend on healthcare, travel, and leisure activities or could necessitate drawing down retirement accounts faster than planned. Either...
Read MoreGrants, Loans, and Programs to Benefit Your Small Business
Over 99% of America's 28.7 million firms are small businesses, and 88% have fewer than 20 employees. After the year of COVID, many can't wait for a Government stimulus to bail them out and are instead looking for ways to fund their...
Read MoreShould Parents Wait to Transfer Wealth to Their Heirs?
Many families have plans to give their children and grandchildren financial gifts when they die, but it might make sense to gift earlier. Making financial gifts during your lifetime can significantly impact their lives, sometimes when...
Read MoreHow the 2021 Estate Tax Exemption will Affect You
Every year the federal government decides how much of your estate isn't subject to taxes when you die. This year, thanks to inflation, it increased to $11.7 million. This means, when you pass away, the value of your estate is...
Read MoreWhy Millennials are Planning Their Long-Term Care Now
Millennials are victims of many stereotypes, but the one that portrays them positively suggests they're a planning generation. They research and collaborate and plan for all life's major decisions, and their long-term care (LTC) isn't...
Read MoreHow Biden’s Tax Plan Could Impact Your Wallet
Candidates run campaigns on promises and plans, but that doesn't mean they ever come to fruition. The Biden administration will maintain a Democratic majority in both the House and the Senate for at least the next two years, giving him...
Read MoreUsing Life Insurance as a Wealth Transfer Vehicle
Does your estate plan include transferring your wealth onto your family? Have you looked over potential tax implications? It's important to understand that your beneficiaries may be in for sticker shock when they receive a tax bill...
Read MoreIs There Really Such a Thing as a Guaranteed Rate of Return?
Guaranteed returns, you ask? Yes, but it's complicated – one simple word can make a big difference. If you have a fixed annuity, you get a fixed rate of return. If you add one simple word "indexed" creating a fixed indexed annuity,...
Read MoreWhere to Live if You Prefer Zero Social Security or Pension Tax
We spend years of our life working and saving for that retirement dream, and as you get closer, it's important to take all steps to preserve your nest egg. Perhaps a move across state lines will help in that endeavor. Some states don't...
Read MoreCryptocurrency and Bitcoin – The New Funny Money
Cryptocurrency is a form of digital payment that can be exchanged online for goods and services. Many companies have issued their own currencies, often called tokens, and these can be traded specifically for the good or service that...
Read MoreChanges Social Security Recipients Can Expect in 2021
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced that the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for benefits would be 1.3%. Here's a closer look at some of the most significant changes affecting Social Security recipients...
Read MoreFinancial Literacy Month and What You “Must Consider”
Financial Literacy Month suggests it's time to take advantage of available tools, resources, and tips for financial education that can help increase your financial success. This month put yourself back in the driver's seat! Do a...
Read MoreDebunking Annuity Myths
Don't overlook the benefits that annuities provide during your retirement planning years. Yes, some myths make them appear to be a lousy choice, but there are reasons to trust in financial insight rather than the Google results on the...
Read More2020 Changed How Your Financial Professional Works with You
The loose definition of a financial professional is someone that provides insight intended to lead to a better outcome for your financial future. The workings of their daily routine include everything from planning to building your...
Read MoreIs Your HSA Working for You?
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) option, the benefits are worth the investment. The tax benefits of an HSA magnify the advantage of investing in, say, stock funds or diversified mutual funds. First, your contribution is...
Read MoreAvoiding the Social Security Tax Trap
Retirees face multiple income traps, and many retired taxpayers will see a portion of their Social Security income make its way onto the taxable income line of their 1040s. Those who convert their traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs are...
Read MoreSteps to Speed Up Your Refund This Tax Season
The Internal Revenue Service announced that the nation's tax season started on Friday, February 12, 2021, but it’s important to note that the filing deadline wasn’t extended. The February 12 start date for individual tax return filers...
Read MoreMillennial Inequality – Recovering Financially at Different Speeds
As if the 2008 recession wasn’t rough enough, hardships struck millennials again in 2020. Already facing professional and financial challenges, including a dismal job market, sky-high levels of student debt, and soaring living costs,...
Read MoreRetirement – Should You Take It Early or Late or Just on Time?
Imagine if Goldilocks was planning her retirement: “this date is too early” and “this date is too late” but “this date is just right”! Sweet retirement can’t come soon enough for some of us, but it’s important to know precisely when...
Read MoreOverlooked Tax Breaks & Deductions for the Self-Employed
Your business’s success is in your hands when you're self-employed, so you need to be knowledgeable about and take advantage of whatever assistance is available—especially when it comes to lowering your tax bill. It’s commonly known...
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2021 - Markets Start 2021 on a High
The Week on Wall Street Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreJanuary 4, 2021 - The Year in Review
The Week on Wall Street Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreDecember 21, 2020 - Vaccine Rollout Spurs Markets
The Week on Wall Street Stocks climbed higher amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and an improving outlook for a fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged all year, gained 0.44%. The Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreDecember 14, 2020 - Cases Rise, Stocks Retreat
The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreDecember 7, 2020 - Is Stimulus Near?
The Week on Wall Street Stocks marched higher last week on an improving outlook for the passage of a fiscal stimulus package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on 1.67%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreNovember 30, 2020 - Dow Hits 30,000
The Week on Wall Street Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data, and the easing of political uncertainty.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.21%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreNovember 23, 2020 - New Infections Increase Anxiety
The Week on Wall StreetDespite news of another COVID-19 vaccine candidate, stocks were mixed amid investor anxiety over an increase in new infections and economic lockdowns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.73%, while the...
Read MoreNovember 16, 2020 - Vaccine Triggers Rally
The Week on Wall Street News of a COVID-19 vaccine ignited a rally in economically sensitive stocks and a broad retreat in technology companies last week, though enthusiasm was tempered by reports of rising new infections and fresh...
Read MoreNovember 9, 2020 - Markets React to Election
The Week on Wall Street Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated that a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to changing corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of big technology companies.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreNovember 2, 2020 - No Stimulus, Stocks Lag
The Week on Wall Street Stock prices dropped last week as hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill faded and investors focused on rising COVID-19 infections, here and abroad. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 6.47%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreOctober 26, 2020 - No Stimulus, Stocks Lower
The Week on Wall Street The failure to reach an agreement on a new fiscal stimulus bill soured investor sentiment and sent stocks modestly lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreOctober 19, 2020 - A Difficult Week for Stocks
The Week on Wall Street Stocks treaded water last week amid fading prospects for a stimulus bill, fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, and increasing political and regulatory pressures on Big Tech companies.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreOctober 12, 2020 - Stocks Rise, Stimulus Uncertain
The Week on Wall Street Stocks staged a powerful rally last week, riding a wave of optimism over the prospect of the passage of a new fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreOctober 5, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings....
Read MoreSeptember 28, 2020 - Stocks Mixed Amid Uncertainty
The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week as worries that stretched from Washington D.C., where prospects of a new fiscal stimulus bill dimmed, to Europe, which saw an increase of new COVID-19 cases.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreSeptember 21, 2020 - Tech Sector Slip Continues
The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped as the technology sector remained under pressure and a mid-week announcement by the Federal Reserve failed to inspire investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.03%, while the Standard...
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2020 - Stocks Continue Downward Slide
The Week on Wall Street Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreSeptember 8, 2020 - Stocks Stall as Recovery Continues
The Week on Wall Street A late week sell-off sent stocks broadly lower as investors took some profits after stocks reached all-time highs earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.82%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreAugust 31, 2020 - Stocks Power Higher
The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced relentlessly last week on positive COVID-19 developments, encouraging economic data, and a supportive policy shift in the Fed’s approach to its target inflation rate. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreAugust 24, 2020 - Stocks Reach New Highs
The Week on Wall Street Stocks powered to another week of gains as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite set multiple new record highs along the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially unchanged while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreAugust 17, 2020 - Stocks and Consumer Prices Rise
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%...
Read MoreAugust 10, 2020 - Earnings Season Winds Down
The Week on Wall StreetOverlooking stalled efforts by Congress to pass a new fiscal stimulus bill, stocks marched higher last week with the Dow Jones Industrials leading the way and the NASDAQ Composite setting multiple fresh record...
Read MoreAugust 3, 2020 - Stocks Have Mixed Reaction
The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week amid a busy week of earnings, some troubling economic data, and seemingly little progress on a new fiscal stimulus package.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the...
Read MoreJuly 27, 2020 - Stocks React to Jobs Report
The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped in the final days of trading last week on higher jobless claims and rising tensions in the U.S.-China relationship. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor's 500...
Read MoreJuly 20, 2020 - Stocks See a Mixed Week
The Week on Wall StreetStocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.29%,...
Read MoreJuly 13, 2020 - Stocks Gain After Volatile Week
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices notched solid gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.96%, while the...
Read MoreJuly 6, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall StreetIn a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%,...
Read MoreJune 29, 2020 - Rise in Cases Inspires Turbulence
The Week on Wall StreetA jump in COVID-19 cases dampened investor enthusiasm last week, sending stock prices lower on worries that rising infections could derail the economic recovery. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 3.31%,...
Read MoreJune 22, 2020 - U.S. Economy Gains Momentum
The Week on Wall StreetStocks moved higher last week on news of more Federal Reserve market support and diminished concerns that new COVID-19 cases might lead to another economic shutdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.04%,...
Read MoreJune 15, 2020 - Markets React to Fed Report
The Week on Wall StreetInvestor sentiment turned negative last week, amid an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in states where reopening has been underway as well as a subdued economic forecast from the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreJune 8, 2020 - Recovery Optimism Builds
The Week on Wall StreetA positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreJune 1, 2020 - Optimism for Re-Opening
The Week on Wall StreetThe shortened week, which began with a powerful two-day rally of trading, was enough to drive the markets into another week of solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.75%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreMay 26, 2020 - Markets React to Positive Outlook
The Week on Wall StreetUpbeat comments by the Federal Reserve Chairman and more signs of an economic turnaround combined to help fuel a powerful rally in the stock market last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.29%, while...
Read MoreMay 18, 2020 - Powell Somber on Recovery
The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week, weighed down by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's unsettling comments on the economy and signs of renewed tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.65%,...
Read MoreMay 11, 2020 - Jobs Down, Stocks Up
The Week on Wall StreetDespite a historic downturn in employment, stocks managed to climb higher last week as investors were emboldened by the pace of economic re-openings, both here and abroad.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2...
Read MoreMay 4, 2020 - Economic Normalization Near?
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices ended the week slightly lower, despite news of positive results from a test trial of a COVID-19 drug treatment and several states easing their economic lockdowns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreApril 27, 2020 - Markets React to Oil Prices
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices bounced around last week as investors reacted to wild swings in the price of oil and reports that called into question the efficacy of two potential virus treatments.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreApril 20, 2020 - First Post-COVID-19 Data Arrives
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...
Read MoreApril 13, 2020 - Markets Rally
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...
Read MoreApril 6, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
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...
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020 - Congress Approves Stimulus
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...
Read MoreMarch 23, 2020 - More Coronavirus Volatility
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...
Read MoreMarch 16, 2020 - Volatility Continues
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...
Read MoreMarch 9, 2020 - Rallies and Retreats
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...
Read MoreMarch 2, 2020 - The Virus Becomes the Focus
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...
Read MoreFebruary 24, 2020 - Virus Anxieties Affect Stocks
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...
Read MoreFebruary 18, 2020 - Weekly Gains for Big Benchmarks
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%,...
Read MoreFebruary 10, 2020 - Stocks Bounce Back
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...
Read MoreFebruary 3, 2020 - Equities Slip on Virus Concerns
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%....
Read MoreJanuary 27, 2020 - Stocks End the Week Lower
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....
Read MoreJanuary 21, 2020 - Fresh Record Highs
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...
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2020 - Further Gains for Stocks
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...
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2020 - Further Gains for Stocks
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...
Read MoreJanuary 6, 2020 - Concerns About Oil
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...
Read MoreDecember 30, 2019 - The Year in Review
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...
Read MoreDecember 16, 2019 - Phase-One Trade Deal Reached
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...
Read MoreDecember 9, 2019 - Stocks Ride Out a Choppy Week
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...
Read MoreDecember 2, 2019 - November Concludes With Gains
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%;...
Read MoreNovember 25, 2019 - Major Indices Move Lower
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...
Read MoreNovember 18, 2019 - A New Dow Milestone
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...
Read MoreNovember 11, 2019 - Dow, S&P 500 Extend Win Streaks
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...
Read MoreNovember 4, 2019 - More Historic Highs
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...
Read MoreOctober 28, 2019 - S&P 500 Nearly Makes History
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...
Read MoreOctober 21, 2019 - Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500 Rise
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...
Read MoreOctober 14, 2019 - Trade Winds Move the Market
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...
Read MoreOctober 7, 2019 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
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...
Read MoreSeptember 30, 2019 - Benchmarks End Week Lower
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...
Read MoreSeptember 23, 2019 - Stocks Stage a Modest Retreat
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...
Read MoreSeptember 16, 2019 - Dow Logs 8-Day Win Streak
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...
Read MoreSeptember 9, 2019 - Dow, Nasdaq, S&P 500 Advance
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...
Read MoreSeptember 3, 2019 - Stocks Rally as August Ends
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...
Read MoreAugust 26, 2019 - China Announces More Tariffs
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...
Read MoreAugust 19, 2019 - Equities Face Some Volatility
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...
Read MoreAugust 12, 2019 - Trade Tensions Affect Stocks
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...
Read MoreAugust 5, 2019 - Fed Cuts Rates, Stocks Retreat
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...
Read MoreJuly 29, 2019 - S&P & Nasdaq Outgain Dow
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;...
Read MoreJuly 22, 2019 - Stocks Descend from Recent Peaks
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...
Read MoreJuly 15, 2019 - S&P 500 Tops 3,000
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,...
Read MoreJuly 8, 2019 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
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...
Read MoreJuly 1, 2019 - Down Week Ends Strong Month
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...
Read MoreJune 24, 2019 - Stocks Touch Record Highs
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...
Read MoreJune 17, 2019 - Further June Gains
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...
Read MoreJune 10, 2019 - Big Gains for the Major Indices
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...
Read MoreJune 3, 2019 - May Ends with a Retreat
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...
Read MoreMay 28, 2019 - Trade Tensions Linger
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,...
Read MoreMay 20, 2019 - Trade News Moves the Market
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...
Read MoreMay 13, 2019 - Higher Tariffs Take Effect
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...
Read MoreMay 6, 2019 - Major Indices Have a Mixed Week
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...
Read MoreApril 29, 2019 - S&P 500 Reaches a New Peak
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,...
Read MoreApril 22, 2019 - A Mild Week for the Market
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...
Read MoreApril 15, 2019 - The Q1 Earnings Season Begins
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...
Read MoreApril 8, 2019 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
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...
Read MoreApril 1, 2019 - Gains Conclude a Great Quarter
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...
Read MoreMarch 25, 2019 - Treasury Yields Prompt Concerns
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...
Read MoreMarch 18, 2019 - Dow, S&P, Nasdaq All Rise
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...
Read MoreMarch 11, 2019 - Stocks Dip on Growth Concerns
The Week on Wall Street As in February, investors spent most of the first full trading week of March hoping for new details in U.S.-China trade negotiations. While they waited, stock benchmarks drifted downward. From Monday's open to...
Read MoreMarch 4, 2019 - S&P Ends Week Little Changed
The Week on Wall Street Stocks lost a little ground as February gave way to March. While domestic and overseas political developments made headlines, the market stayed relatively calm: from Monday's open through Friday's close, the...
Read MoreFebruary 25, 2019 - Optimism Spurs a Broad Rally
The Week on Wall Street Stocks rallied last week as optimism about a potential U.S.-China trade deal grew. The S&P 500 advanced 0.80% during the 4-day trading week to 2,792.67. The Nasdaq Composite improved 0.86% to 7,527.54, and the...
Read MoreFebruary 19, 2019 - Dow, S&P, Nasdaq Climb Higher
The Week on Wall Street Stocks ended a good week on a high note, as hints of progress in U.S.-China trade talks encouraged investors. When the closing bell rang Friday, the S&P 500 settled at 2,775.60, after rising 2.50% in five days....
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2019 - Stocks Post Small Weekly Gains
The Week on Wall Street Major U.S. stock benchmarks eked out slight gains last week, with corporate profit reports and news about U.S.-China trade negotiations vying for investor attention over five trading sessions. The big three...
Read MoreFebruary 4, 2019 - Markets Gain Again
Last week closed out one of stocks' top January performances in years. In fact, both the S&P 500 and Dow posted their best January results in at least 3 decades.[1] For the week, major domestic indexes were also up. The S&P 500 gained...
Read MoreJanuary 29, 2019 - Stocks Muted, Big Week Ahead
For the first time in months, U.S. markets experienced little movement last week.[1] The Dow and NASDAQ did have their 5th week of gains in a row, but their increases were small: 0.12% and 0.11%, respectively. Meanwhile, the S&P 500...
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