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Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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...

Friday, December 1, 2023

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...

Thursday, November 30, 2023

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...

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

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...

Friday, November 10, 2023

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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Wednesday, November 1, 2023

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...

Thursday, October 26, 2023

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,...

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

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...

Thursday, October 12, 2023

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...

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

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...

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

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...

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

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...

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

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...

Thursday, September 7, 2023

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...

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

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...

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

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....

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

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,...

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

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...

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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...

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

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...

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

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...

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

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...

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

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...

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

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...

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

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...

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

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...

Thursday, June 1, 2023

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...

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

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,...

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

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,...

Thursday, May 11, 2023

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...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

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...

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

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...

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

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...

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

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...

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

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...

Thursday, March 30, 2023

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...

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

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...

Thursday, March 16, 2023

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...

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

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...

Wednesday, March 1, 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...

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

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...

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

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,...

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

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...

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

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...

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

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....

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

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...

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

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...

Wednesday, January 4, 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...

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

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...

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

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...

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

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...

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

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...

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

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...

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

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...

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

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...

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

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...

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

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...

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

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...

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

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...

Friday, October 7, 2022

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...

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Saving for retirement is a long-term endeavor. It’s not about finding the next hottest stock or getting rich quickly. This means that retirement requires a perspective on your wealth and income that accounts for your needs at different stages of your life, from the beginning of your working years through your retirement.
 
The Bucket Strategy is an investment strategy that separates your savings and investments into three buckets: the Risk Bucket, the Safe Bucket, and the Spend Bucket. Together, these buckets provide diversification of risk, but the key to the bucket strategy is the Risk Bucket funnels to the Safe Bucket, and then to the Spend Bucket over the course of your life as you age, and your risk tolerance decreases.
The Risk Bucket is for high-growth assets that may grow in value but could see significant pullbacks during a downturn. This bucket is usually favored when you have many years to recover from a downturn before utilizing your savings to cover your costs of living.
 
The Safe Bucket often refers to the assets you hold that may not have as great of an upside, but don’t have as much of a downside either. Depending on what your income goals and risk tolerance are, this bucket can provide you with dividend income or interest income that can supplement other forms of retirement income.
The Spend Bucket is the pool of money you use to pay for your costs of living. This usually consists of cash held in checking accounts, savings accounts, or short-term Certificate Deposit accounts (CDs). Social Security payments are also used in this bucket. During working years, this bucket is less of a concern, but come retirement, planning your income sources to fund this bucket is important.
To do the Bucket Strategy, gains from your Risk Bucket assets are withdrawn to your Safe Bucket assets at a rate that fits with your retirement timeline and risk tolerance. This allows you to build up your income-earning assets over time as your risk tolerance shifts.
The reason the Bucket Strategy may work well for retirement is that it’s built to weather downturns that are likely to happen throughout your life using diversification and timeline strategy. When a downturn occurs, it might affect your Risk Bucket the most, but because you either have time to recover or you’ve already built up a sizable Safe Bucket, the effects of a downturn are less than if you tried to time the market with one big transition from a risky strategy to a safe one. In addition, if you play it too safe and forgo your Risk Bucket, your savings can erode over time, not providing enough to retire on.

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!

Friday, September 16, 2022

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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Wednesday, September 7, 2022

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...

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

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...

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

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%...

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

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...

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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)....

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

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’...

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

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)...

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

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...

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

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...

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

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...

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

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...

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

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...

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

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...

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

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...

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

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...

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

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...

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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...

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

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,...

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

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...

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

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...

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

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...

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

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...

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

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...

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

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...

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

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...

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

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...

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

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...

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

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...

Monday, February 28, 2022

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...

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

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...

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

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...

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

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...

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

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...

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

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...

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

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...

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

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...

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

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%...

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

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...

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

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...

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

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...

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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...

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

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...

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

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...

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

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...

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

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...

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

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...

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

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...

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

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...

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

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...

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

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...

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

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...

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

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...

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

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...

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

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...

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

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...

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

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...

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

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...

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

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...

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

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...

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

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...

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

"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...

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

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...

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

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...

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

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...

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

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...

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

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...

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

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...

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

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...

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

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...

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

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,...

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

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...

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

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...

Wednesday, April 14, 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...

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

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...

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

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...

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

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...

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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...

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

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...

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

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...

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

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,...

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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...

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

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...

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%...

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%,...

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 13, 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...

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...

Monday, March 11, 2019

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...

Monday, March 4, 2019

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...

Monday, February 25, 2019

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...

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

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....

Monday, February 11, 2019

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...

Monday, February 4, 2019

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...

Monday, January 28, 2019

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...