Social Security: Five Facts You Need to Know Social Security can be complicated, and as a result, many individuals don't have a full understanding of the choices they may have. Here are five facts about Social Security that are...
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Stocks bolted ahead last week as investors cheered the last big week of Q2 corporate reports and a Friday jobs update that put the spotlight on the Fed's next move with short-term rates. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index advanced 3.57...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: An Overview In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to facilitate contribution to retirement plans and access to those funds earmarked for retirement. The law is called SECURE 2...
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Stocks pushed through another volatile summer week as diverging Q2 corporate reports and the Fed's rate decision whipsawed prices. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.05 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.59...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2026 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Keep in mind that this update is for informational purposes only, so please...
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Stocks ended last week down as Q2 corporate results, Middle East developments, and the chips trade took investors for a choppy ride. The Nasdaq Composite Index was under the most pressure, falling 2.13 percent. The Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreEight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible. No Strategy: Yes,...
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Stocks fell last week as the chip-stock trade entered a selloff phase, despite upbeat news on inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.55 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.90 percent. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreDeciding When to Take Social Security One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits. Making the right decision for you can have a meaningful impact on your financial income...
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Stocks largely advanced over a V-shaped week as the AI trade, led by chip stocks, pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq averages higher amid renewed conflict. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.23 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...
Read MoreCounteracting Capital Gains with Tax-Loss Harvesting Tax-loss harvesting means taking capital losses (selling securities for less than what you initially paid for them) to offset any capital gains you may have.While this doesn't get...
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Markets notched a solid gain over a shortened trading week as investors cheered ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.77 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 2.12 percent....
Read MoreAsset Allocation If you live in or have visited a big city, you’ve probably run into street vendors – people who sell everything from hot dogs to umbrellas – on the streets and sidewalks. Many of these entrepreneurs sell completely...
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Stocks ended mixed as falling oil prices helped lift the Dow Industrials, while concerns about AI valuation put pressure on the broader market. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.95 percent while the Nasdaq Composite Index skidded...
Read MoreWhat Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?Some of the biggest challenges many face when it comes to education are financial. Luckily, a 529 college savings plan can help. And they're not just for college anymore - added to the tuition...
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Stocks rose over the shortened trading week as investors digested developments in the Middle East while the Fed held short-term rates steady. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.93 percent through Thursday’s close, while the Nasdaq...
Read MoreThe Anatomy of an IndexDid you know that over $20 trillion in assets are indexed or benchmarked to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index, including over $13 trillion in indexed assets?1,2The S&P 500 is ubiquitous – we see it on the...
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Stocks moved higher last week as inflation jitters gave way to investor enthusiasm over Middle East diplomatic efforts and the largest-ever initial public offering (IPO). The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.65 percent, while the...
Read MoreChoosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your BusinessIf you have yet to develop a retirement plan for your business, or if you're not sure the plan you've chosen is the right one, here are some things to consider.How much can my business...
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Stocks slumped last week as investors winced over the potential for oil-shock inflation and concerns that strong jobs data could lead to higher interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.32 percent, while the Standard...
Read MoreMaking Sense of HSAs and FSAsWith average family health insurance premiums for employer coverage averaging over $25,000 annually, some employees feel the squeeze. In this environment, understanding and using Health Savings Accounts...
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The post-Memorial Day holiday trading week was short but potent as stocks delivered more record gains while confidence grew that a peace deal would materialize. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.43 percent, while the Nasdaq...
Read MoreDeciding When to Take Social SecurityOne of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits. Making the right decision for you can have a meaningful impact on your financial income...
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Stocks bounced back last week as enthusiasm for the AI trade continued and rumors of a Middle East peace agreement bolstered investor optimism. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.88 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...
Read MoreProblems with ProbateMany of us hope to leave something behind for our loved ones when we pass away. But the probate process is complex. To understand how to better manage potential probate fees, let’s explore what probate is and how...
Read MoreRisk Tolerance: What’s Your Style?Learn about what risk tolerance really means in this helpful and insightful video.
Read MoreFirst Year of Retirement: What to ExpectThere’s a moment early in retirement that surprises a lot of people.They wake up, and there’s nowhere to be. No commute. No quick check of the inbox before coffee. Just a quiet morning that's all...
Read MoreAn Arm and a LegA visit to the hospital can be painful, for both your body and your wallet. Don't let it be more painful than it has to be.
Read MoreThe Threat of Identity TheftWe've witnessed firsthand the effects of identity theft on individuals and families. These incidents underscore the need to consider a few proactive measures to help protect against this pervasive threat...
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Stocks rallied last week as investor enthusiasm built for an end to the war in the Middle East and hopes of a resumption of normal global trade. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 4.54 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked...
Read MoreHow Often Should You Update Your Estate Strategy?Once an estate strategy is in place, it should only require periodic reviews to check that it still reflects your wishes. However, life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths,...
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Hope won out over fear last week as investors set their sights on a Middle East ceasefire holding and optimistic prospects for the Strait of Hormuz reopening.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.56 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreA Path to Serenity and Smart Money ChoicesIn today's fast-paced world, financial stress has become a part of life for some. The anxiety and pressure associated with money matters can create a vicious cycle, affecting both mental and...
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Stocks rose over the short trading week on fresh hopes for a quick end to the Middle East conflict, while March job growth was unexpectedly strong.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 3.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...
Read MoreA Decision Not Made Is Still a DecisionWhether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, "Almost any decision is...
Read MoreA Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket ListJohn and Mary are nearing retirement and they have a lot of items on their bucket list. Longer life expectancies mean John and Mary may need to prepare for two or even three decades of...
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Another volatile week unfolded as rapid developments in the Middle East and public comments from leaders on the conflict see-sawed markets, leaving investors struggling to keep up with updates.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 1.89...
Read More4 Elements of an Estate StrategyLearn about the importance of having an estate strategy in this helpful and informative video.
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Stocks logged a third-straight down week as investors digested the latest news out of the Middle East, navigated more volatility, and mulled the latest economic data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.60 percent, while the...
Read MoreWhat Is a Roth 401(k)?While many people are familiar with the benefits of traditional 401(k) plans, others are not as acquainted with Roth 401(k)s.Since January 1, 2006, employers have been allowed to offer workers access to Roth...
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Stocks fell last week as investors assessed the implications of a fresh Middle East conflict while digesting mixed reports on the jobs market.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.02 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 1.24...
Read MoreHow Income Taxes WorkTaxpayers and businesses spend an estimated 7.1 billion hours a year complying with tax-filing requirements, which is worth $388 billion in economic value just to comply with tax regulations.1As complex as the...
Read MoreRetirement Plan Choices for Small BusinessesAs a small-business owner, figuring out retirement choices can be a little intimidating. How do you pick the most appropriate retirement plan for your business as well as your employees?There...
Read MorePrevent a Rift: Money Tips for NewlywedsOne survey found that 35% of couples attribute stress in their relationship to financial issues. This could explain why some experts say financial problems are one of the top reasons marriages...
Read MorePersonal Finance CalendarWrite down the major financial events you anticipate in the next few years. That will help guide a discussion about whether your portfolio reflects your short- and long-term goals.Update your personal net worth...
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Stocks were mixed last week as investors navigated Q4 corporate results, a widely expected Fed decision, and a handful of economic reports.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.34 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2026 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Keep in mind that this update is for informational purposes only, so please...
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Markets ended a short but eventful week slightly lower amid geopolitical tensions and fresh tariff threats. However, constructive economic news appeared to buoy spirits as the week progressed.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.35...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50 Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last. When you are older, “and-a-half” birthdays start...
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Stocks ended last week with modest losses after a volatile five days of market-moving economic data, geopolitics, and Fed drama.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slid 0.38 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index skidded 0.66 percent....
Read MoreHow to Make the Tax Code Work for You By April 11, 2025, over 117 million taxpayers had dutifully filed their federal income tax returns. And they all made decisions about deductions and credits – whether or not they realized it.1 When...
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Stocks posted solid gains in an action-packed week of market-moving economic data, geopolitical news, and bullish new year sentiment.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.57 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.88...
Read MoreCatch-Up Contributions A recent survey found that 24 percent of workers are very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 33 percent are not confident.1 In 2001 congress...
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Stocks trended lower last week amid signs of year-end profit-taking and some sour investor sentiment over the Fed meeting minutes.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.03 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 1.52 percent....
Read MoreStarting a Roth IRA for a Teen Want to give your child or grandchild a financial head start? A Roth IRA might be a choice to consider. Read on to learn more about how doing this may benefit both of you. Rules for setting up a Roth IRA....
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Stocks delivered for investors last week as positive economic data and bullish holiday cheer powered the start of a “Santa Claus rally” past consumer bah humbug sentiment.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.40 percent, while the...
Read MoreTraditional vs. Roth IRA Traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 41 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by...
Read MoreUnderstanding Marginal Income Tax Brackets By any measure, the tax code is huge. It is over 2,000 pages long, and even longer with footnotes.1 And almost weekly, the Internal Revenue Service publishes a 10- to 50-page bulletin about...
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Stocks ended last week mixed. A widely anticipated Federal Reserve decision on interest rates and a rotation into non-tech areas helped push the Dow Industrials higher, while the broader market and technology stocks lagged behind. The...
Read MoreYour Shifting Risk Tolerance When you created your investment strategy, your asset allocation should have reflected your goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. But over time, any of those three factors may have changed, and your...
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Stock prices pushed higher last week, notching multiple records along the way as employment and inflation data took center stage in anticipation of the Fed’s upcoming meeting. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.31 percent, while...
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Stocks pushed higher over the holiday week as investors' hopes for a Fed rate adjustment drove bullish sentiment. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.73 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rallied 4.91 percent. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreCritical Estate Documents Financial Documents Joint Ownership Durable Power of Attorney Living Trust What does it do? Enables you to own property jointly with another person Authorizes someone to handle legal and financial decisions if...
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Heightened volatility was on Wall Street’s mind last week, as investors continued to focus on valuations of artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.95 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...
Read MoreAsset Allocation If you live in or have visited a big city, you’ve probably run into street vendors – people who sell everything from hot dogs to umbrellas – on the streets and sidewalks. Many of these entrepreneurs sell completely...
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Stocks ended mixed after a nail-biting week for investors, who grew anxious over megacap tech valuations and interest rates as the government shutdown came to an end. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index edged up 0.08 percent, while the...
Read MoreThe Other Sure Thing A new LIMRA study shows that 40% of Americans believe the death of a primary wage earner would cause financial challenges.
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Stocks hit a rough patch last week as fresh labor market data, low consumer sentiment, and the ongoing government shutdown unnerved investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.63 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...
Read More4 Elements of an Estate Strategy Learn about the importance of having an estate strategy in this helpful and informative video.
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Stocks rose last week as trade developments, positive Q3 corporate results, and momentum in megacap tech drove another rally, despite some cautious comments from the Fed. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 0.71 percent, while the...
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Stocks rose last week thanks to a full slate of upbeat third-quarter corporate results and mild inflation data, which helped soften concerns over trade tensions with China. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.92 percent, while...
Read MoreValue vs. Growth Investing Looking at their recent track records doesn’t do much to settle the debate. Over the past decade, as a whole, value stocks have not performed as well as growth stocks. But looking at a larger body of...
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Stocks pushed higher last week, buoyed by strong third-quarter results posted by several money center banks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.70 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.14 percent. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreRebalancing Your Portfolio Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach? It may sound counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a...
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Stocks fell last week amid concerns about trade with China, following an unsteady rally to record highs over the first half of the week. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.53...
Read MoreBuying a Home When people talk about the American Dream and what it means to them, buying a house is often near the top of the list. However, the care and responsibilities of owning a home can sometimes be overlooked: You’re not only...
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Stocks rose last week, looking past the government shutdown and apparently discounting any impact it may have on the economy. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index moved up 1.08 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 1.32 percent....
Read MoreRetirement Accounts When You Change Your Job This video discusses issues related to your retirement accounts when you move on from your job.
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Stocks fell last week, buffeted by concerns about stock price valuations and a possible government shutdown. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 0.31 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 0.65 percent. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreBull and Bear Go To Market Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
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Stocks posted solid gains last week, propelled by the Fed’s decision to cut short-term interest rates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.22 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 2.21 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read More18 Years Worth of Days The average retirement lasts for 18 years. Are you prepared to fill that many days?
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Stocks posted a solid gain last week, riding a rally in megacap tech stocks while overcoming interest rate anxiety, a downward revision to jobs data, and mixed inflation reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.59 percent,...
Read MorePerception vs. Reality Key Takeaways Understanding the retirement savings hierarchy can help maximize your limited dollars. Many financial professionals suggest prioritizing your 401(k) first, then your Traditional IRA, and finally,...
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Stocks made gains last week, even as megacap tech gains outweighed economic concerns. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.33 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 1.14 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreIt Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times Key Takeaways Diversification can help manage investment risk, but it doesn't eliminate it. The "don't put all your eggs in one basket" approach may help reduce pressure when certain...
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Stocks ended the week slightly lower as mixed economic data led to some profit-taking by investors ahead of the holiday weekend. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index edged down 0.10 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 0.19...
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Stocks were mixed last week despite a powerful Friday rally sparked by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who opened the door to adjusting short-term interest rates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 0.27 percent while the...
Read MoreNavigating Retirement Pitfalls Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to plague retirees, too. Calling...
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Stocks rose last week despite mixed signals on inflation as investors kept one eye on the Fed’s September meeting. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.94 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 0.81 percent. The Dow...
Read MoreUnderstanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing Are you looking to expand your investment knowledge? Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have revolutionized how people invest, offering simplicity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness...
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Stocks rebounded last week as investor optimism for a September rate adjustment and strong Q2 corporate results overcame the rollout of fresh tariffs. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...
Read MorePreparation is the Key to Retirement The simplest ideas can sometimes make a massive difference over time. Enjoy this brief video to learn more.
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Stocks fell last week as investors assessed progress on trade negotiations, new U.S. tariffs, and fresh data on the U.S. economy. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.17...
Read MorePay Yourself First Each month, you settle down to pay bills. You pay your mortgage lender. You pay the electric company. You pay the trash collector. But do you pay yourself? One of the most basic tenets of sound investing involves the...
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Expectation-beating Q2 results from several companies, trade updates, and investor optimism for more trade agreements pushed market averages to solid gains. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.46 percent, while the Nasdaq...
Read MoreJane Bond: Scaling the Ladder Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
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Stocks were mixed last week, battling through tariff talk while responding to upbeat quarterly corporate reports and a trove of updates on the economy. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreDo Your Kids Know The Value of a Silver Spoon? You taught them how to read and how to ride a bike, but have you taught your children how to manage money? The average debt for student borrowers is $38,375. And 10.3% of new graduates...
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Stocks were slightly lower last week, while looking past news of fresh U.S. tariffs on nearly two dozen countries. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.31 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged lower by 0.08 percent. The...
Read MoreData Breach: Your Security To-Do List According to recent statistics, data breaches have become common in today’s digital world. In fact, it is estimated that more than 350 million Americans have their personal information exposed to...
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Trade developments and continued momentum pushed all three major averages to modest gains again for a shortened holiday trading week. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.72 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.62...
Read MoreInflation and Your Portfolio Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
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Stocks staged a broad-based rally last week on investors’ hopes for a lasting Middle East ceasefire, hitting fresh record highs along the way. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.44 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 4...
Read MoreEight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible. No Strategy: Yes,...
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Stocks were mixed during the holiday-shortened trading week as uncertainty over conflict in the Middle East weighed on investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped by 0.15 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose by 0.21...
Read MoreA Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses Chris Rock once remarked, “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.” That applies not only to income but also to capital gains. Capital gains result when an individual sells an investment for an...
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Stocks fell last week as an up-and-down mix of trade progress and anxiety, economic news, and geopolitical tensions netted out. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slid 0.39 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 0.63 percent....
Read MoreTax Efficiency in Retirement Will you pay higher taxes in retirement? It’s possible. But that will largely depend on how you generate income. Will it be from working? Will it be from retirement plans? And if it does come from...
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Stocks rallied last week as investors responded to upbeat economic data and easing trade tensions. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 1.50 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.18 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read More16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
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Stocks advanced over the short trading week, bolstered by a possible trade deal with the European Union (EU) and an upbeat corporate report from a mega-cap tech company that creates semiconductors used in the creation of artificial...
Read MoreWhat Is a Roth 401(k)?While many people are familiar with the benefits of traditional 401(k) plans, others are not as acquainted with Roth 401(k)s. Since January 1, 2006, employers have been allowed to offer workers access to Roth...
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Stocks moved lower last week as fiscal fears and fresh tariff threats loomed over market sentiment. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.61 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.47 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreInflation & Your Money"If the current annual inflation rate is 3 percent, why do my bills seem like they're 10 percent higher than last year?"1 Many of us ask ourselves that question, and it illustrates the importance of understanding...
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Stocks roared higher last week, powered by upbeat trade news and tame inflation reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5.27 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index spiked 7.15 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 3...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last. When you are older, “and-a-half” birthdays start...
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Stocks were mixed last week as volatility dropped despite ongoing trade concerns and the Federal Reserve's update on short-term rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.16 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0...
Read MoreStarting a Roth IRA for a Teen Want to give your child or grandchild a financial head start? A Roth IRA might be a choice to consider. Read on to learn more about how doing this may benefit both of you. Rules for setting up a Roth IRA....
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Stocks pushed higher last week as investors cheered the White House’s constructive comments on trade, upbeat Q1 corporate reports, and an encouraging jobs report. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 2.92 percent, while the Nasdaq...
Read MorePersonal Finance Calendar Write down the major financial events you anticipate in the next few years. That will help guide a discussion about whether your portfolio reflects your short- and long-term goals. Update your personal net...
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Stocks pushed higher last week, spurred by the White House's reassuring comments that progress was being made with trade talks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 4.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 6.73...
Read MoreCatch-Up Contributions A recent survey found that 21% of workers are very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 32% are not confident.1 In 2001 congress passed a law...
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U.S. stocks slipped over the shortened trading week as Q1 corporate reports started to roll in. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index dropped 1.50 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 2.62 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreUnderstanding FDIC Insurance It's natural to wonder exactly how a bank safeguards your money. Fortunately, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance exists for this very reason: to help protect your funds once...
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Stocks ended the week with a strong gain as traders continued to focus on tariff talks while appearing to overlook upbeat news on inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5.70 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 7...
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Stocks fell broadly last week as domestic and foreign markets reacted to the White House’s tariffs. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 9.08 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 10.02 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreNavigating Retirement Pitfalls Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to plague retirees, too. Calling...
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Stocks moved lower last week as investors swung from exuberance to disappointment on news over tariffs and inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.53 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index retreated 2.59 percent. The Dow...
Read MoreHow Cash Apps Work Peer-to-peer payment apps are one of the newest ways to send money.
Read MoreWhat If Your Kids Decide Against College? As a parent or grandparent, you may have diligently saved money in a 529 account to help fund your child's or grandchild's college education. But what happens if they decide college isn't the...
Read MoreUnderstanding Marginal Income Tax Brackets By any measure, the tax code is huge. It is over 2,000 pages long, and even longer with footnotes.1 And almost weekly, the Internal Revenue Service publishes a 10- to 50-page bulletin about...
Read MoreRetirement Strategy After a Job Loss Few events are more stressful and disruptive than an unexpected job loss or layoff. For many, it’s a hit not just to finances but also to confidence and sense of self. You're not alone if you’ve...
Read MoreHow the SECURE Act 2.0 Changed RMDs In the final days of 2022, Congress passed the SECURE Act 2.0, a new set of rules designed to help investors who wanted to contribute to retirement plans. Many of these changes were intended to give...
Read MoreCan I Create a Roth if I’m Over the Income Limit? Yes, you might be able to create a Roth individual retirement account (IRA) if you’re over the income limit. This strategy involves converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. The idea,...
Read MoreWhy Medicare Should Be Part of Your Retirement Strategy Medicare takes a little time to understand. As you approach age 65, familiarize yourself with its coverage options, costs, and limitations. Certain features of Medicare can affect...
Read MoreWhat's New for Social Security? Whether you’re applying for Social Security in the future or currently receiving benefits, there are some important changes to earnings limits, Medicare premiums, and other differences to keep in mind....
Read MoreThe A, B, C, & D of Medicare Breaking Down The Basics Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in your...
Read MoreSocial Security: Maximizing Benefits Most understand that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, many don't know that there are other ways to maximize their benefits, some of which...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2025 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Keep in mind that this update is for informational purposes only, so please...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50 Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last. When you are older, “and-a-half” birthdays start...
Read MoreSocial Security: Five Facts You Need to Know Social Security can be complicated, and as a result, many individuals don't have a full understanding of the choices they may have. Here are five facts about Social Security that are...
Read MoreMutual Funds vs. ETFs The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2006, there were less than 1,000; by 2024, there over nearly 10,000 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities and...
Read MoreChoices for Your 401(k) at a Former Employer One of the common threads of a mobile workforce is that many individuals who leave their job are faced with a decision about what to do with their 401(k) account.¹ Individuals have four...
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About Social Security Every so often, you'll hear about Social Security benefits running out. But is there truth to the fears, or is it all hype?
Read MoreMutual Funds vs. ETFs The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2006, there were less than 1,000; by 2024, there over nearly 10,000 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities and...
Read MoreIt Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.
Read MoreDeciding When to Take Social Security One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits. Making the right decision for you can have a meaningful impact on your financial income...
Read MoreBull and Bear Go To Market Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
Read MoreHow to Bake a Pie-R-A Roth IRAs are tax-advantaged differently from traditional IRAs. Do you know how?
Read MoreWhen Special Care Is Needed: The Special Needs Trust A special needs trust helps care for a special needs child when you’re gone.
Read MoreMaking Your Tax Bracket Work Have you explored all your options when it comes to managing your taxable income?
Read MoreSaving for College 101 Here’s a crash course on saving for college.
Read MoreHow Income Taxes Work Taxpayers and businesses spend an estimated 6.5 billion hours a year complying with tax-filing requirements, which is worth $364 billion in economic value just to comply with tax regulations.1 As complex as the...
Read MoreTop 5 Things to Tell Your Financial Pro Here are the top 5 things your team may want to hear.
Read MoreWhat Can You Buy With 529 Distributions? Some of the biggest challenges many face when it comes to education are financial. Luckily, a 529 college saving plan can help. And they're not just for college anymore - added to the tuition...
Read MoreWhy Everyone Needs an Estate Strategy
Read MoreWhat Do Your Taxes Pay For? Taxes are one of the biggest budget items for most taxpayers, yet many have no idea what they’re getting for their money. The average household spends more on taxes than on groceries, clothing, or healthcare...
Read MoreHow Retirement Spending Changes With Time New retirees sometimes worry that they are spending too much, too soon. Should they scale back? Are they at risk of outliving their money? This concern may be legitimate. Some households "live...
Read MoreChoices for Your 401(k) at a Former Employer One of the common threads of a mobile workforce is that many individuals who leave their job are faced with a decision about what to do with their 401(k) account.¹ Individuals have four...
Read MoreMonthly Memberships In the last few years, we’ve become accustomed to many convenient services, many offered via subscriptions. Now, in the old days, if you had a few magazines or newspapers stacked up, you might not pay to continue...
Read MoreUnderstanding Money Market Funds A money market fund, not to be confused with a money market account, is a type of mutual fund that invests in instruments like cash equivalents and short-term debt-based securities, which can also...
Read MoreRetirement Seen Through Your Eyes How do you picture your future? Some see retirement as a time to start a new career. Others see it as a time to travel. Still others plan to spend more time with family and friends. With that in mind,...
Read MoreThe Anatomy of an Index Did you know that an estimated $13.5 trillion in assets are indexed or benchmarked to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index, including $5.4 trillion in index assets?1,2 The S&P 500 is ubiquitous – we see it...
Read MoreBehavioral Finance An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
Read MoreTax Efficiency in Retirement Will you pay higher taxes in retirement? It’s possible. But that will largely depend on how you generate income. Will it be from working? Will it be from retirement plans? And if it does come from...
Read MorePullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets When the market drops, some investors lose the perspective that downtrends and uptrends are part of the investing cycle. When stock prices break lower, it's a good time to review common terms...
Read MoreEstate Management Checklist Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enable you to name a guardian for your minor children. Do you have healthcare documents...
Read MoreTraditional vs. Roth IRA Traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 41 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by...
Read MoreCaring for Aging Parents Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in modern medicine, the worldwide population over age 65 is growing. In the past decade, the population of Americans aged 65 and older has grown 38% and is expected...
Read MoreAsset Allocation If you live in or have visited a big city, you’ve probably run into street vendors – people who sell everything from hot dogs to umbrellas – on the streets and sidewalks. Many of these entrepreneurs sell completely...
Read MoreSteps to Protecting a Child with Disabilities Key Takeaways Government benefits like Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid, although helpful, may impact other aspects of your strategy. The purpose of a special-needs trust is to...
Read MoreHow to Make the Tax Code Work for You By May 15, 2023, over 142 million taxpayers had dutifully filed their federal income tax returns. And they all made decisions about deductions and credits – whether or not they realized it.1 When...
Read MorePersonal Finance Calendar Write down the major financial events you anticipate in the next few years. That will help guide a discussion about whether your portfolio reflects your short- and long-term goals. Update your personal net...
Read MoreHow Will the Economy React to AI? Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are already invading every aspect of our lives. Debates are ongoing about how it will infiltrate individual industries. Governments are working to understand AI and...
Read MoreThree Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security Social Security is a critical component of the retirement financial strategy for many Americans, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions....
Read MoreTiming Your Retirement This short video illustrates the importance of understanding sequence of returns risk.
Read MoreFour Really Good Reasons to Invest Thirty-nine percent of Americans do not own any stocks or stock-related investments, according to a recent Gallup poll.¹ Individuals may cite different reasons for not investing, but with...
Read MoreWhat's New for Social Security? Whether you’re applying for Social Security in the future or currently receiving benefits, there are some important changes to earnings limits, Medicare premiums, and other differences to keep in...
Read MoreGetting a Head Start on College Savings One study estimates the average cost of raising a child to the age of 17 for a middle-income family is about $310,605. As a point of comparison, the median home price in the U.S. was $417,700 at...
Read MoreFive Most Overlooked Tax Deductions Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to? While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible....
Read MoreA Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses Chris Rock once remarked, “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.” That applies not only to income but also to capital gains. Capital gains result when an individual...
Read MoreRoth IRA for Kids Small business owners may find it challenging to find ways to provide additional benefits to their children who work for the company. One often overlooked choice is including a Roth individual retirement account (IRA)...
Read MoreHow to Bake a Pie-R-A Roth IRAs are tax-advantaged differently from traditional IRAs. Do you know how?
Read MoreHow Boomers and Millennials Differ We are in the midst of an unprecedented transfer of wealth, with trillions of dollars being moved from one generation to the next. This transfer challenges many commonly held notions as new values and...
Read MoreWhat If Your Kids Decide Against College? As a parent or grandparent, you may have diligently saved money in a 529 account to help fund your child's or grandchild's college education. But what happens if they decide college isn't the...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2024 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Keep in mind that this update is for informational purposes only, so please...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50 Most children stop being "and-a-half" somewhere around age 12. Kids add "and-a-half" to make sure everyone knows they're closer to the next age than the last. When you are older, "and-a-half" birthdays start...
Read MoreReviewing Your Life Insurance Needs Life is an ever-evolving journey marked by significant milestones, personal growth, and unexpected changes. As life unfolds, your financial and insurance needs also shift, changing from year to year,...
Read MoreA Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, "Almost any decision is...
Read MoreRetirement Realities Expectations vs. Reality Predicting exactly what your retirement will be like is about as possible as a meteorologist predicting the weather correctly every single time. In fact, few retirees find their financial...
Read MoreAnd the Executor Is U.S. Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger is famous for more than just his time on the bench. When he died in 1995, he left a 176-word will that gave no specific power to his executors. As a result, he reportedly...
Read MoreFinancially Savvy at Six Figures Reaching six figures is no easy feat. If you’re one of the hard-working few who have made it to this milestone, give yourself a pat on the back and celebrate. It can be tempting to feel like now...
Read MoreMutual Funds vs. ETFs The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2006, there were less than 1,000; by 2023, there were nearly 10,000 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities and...
Read MoreThree Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security Social Security is a critical component of the retirement financial strategy for many Americans, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions....
Read MoreNavigating Retirement Pitfalls Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to plague retirees, too. Calling...
Read MoreChoosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business If you have yet to develop a retirement plan for your business, or if you're not sure the plan you've chosen is the right one, here are some things to consider. How much can my...
Read MoreData Breach: Your Security To-Do List According to recent statistics, data breaches have become common in today's digital world. In fact, it is estimated that more than 111.7 million Americans have their personal information exposed to...
Read MoreInflation and Your Portfolio Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Read MoreDeciding When to Take Social SecurityOne of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits. Making the right decision for you can have a meaningful impact on your financial income...
Read MoreTax Rules When Selling Your HomeHow the gains from the sale of a primary residence are taxed has changed in recent years. If you have recently sold your home or are considering doing so, you may want to be aware of these new rules.Home...
Read MoreTraditional vs. Roth IRATraditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 36.6 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by...
Read MoreWhy Regular Rebalancing Makes SenseEveryone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach?It may sound counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have...
Read MoreYour Shifting Risk ToleranceWhen you created your investment strategy, your asset allocation should have reflected your goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk.But over time, any of those three factors may have changed, and your...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: An OverviewIn the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to facilitate contribution to retirement plans and access to those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2023The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50Most children stop being "and-a-half" somewhere around age 12. Kids add "and-a-half" to make sure everyone knows they're closer to the next age than the last.When you are older, "and-a-half" birthdays start...
Read MoreFind That Lost Retirement AccountFind That Lost Retirement AccountDo you have a long-lost retirement account left with a former employer? Maybe it’s been so long that you can’t even remember. With over 24 million...
Read MoreEmotional vs. Strategic DecisionsInformation vs. instinct. When it comes to investing, many people believe they have a “knack” for choosing good investments. But what exactly is that “knack” based on? The...
Read MoreCreative Ways to Motivate Your EmployeesThe common thread that runs through all small businesses, from professional services to manufacturing, is that a motivated workforce is central to the business’s success.Here are some...
Read MoreWhat Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?Some of the biggest challenges many face when it comes to education are financial. Luckily, a 529 college saving plan can help. And they're not just for college anymore - added to the tuition...
Read MoreAsset AllocationIf you live in or have visited a big city, you’ve probably run into street vendors – people who sell everything from hot dogs to umbrellas – on the streets and sidewalks. Many of these entrepreneurs...
Read MoreCatch-Up ContributionsA recent survey found that 28% of workers are very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 27% are not confident.1In 2001 congress passed a law...
Read MoreBull and Bear Go To MarketLearn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
Read MorePullbacks, Corrections, and Bear MarketsWhen the market drops, some investors lose perspective that downtrends and uptrends are part of the investing cycle. When stock prices break lower, it's a good time to review common terms that...
Read MoreUnderstanding FDIC InsuranceIt's natural to wonder exactly how a bank safeguards your money. Fortunately, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance exists for this very reason: to help protect your funds once deposited...
Read MoreTax Efficiency in RetirementWill you pay higher taxes in retirement? It’s possible. But that will largely depend on how you generate income. Will it be from working? Will it be from retirement plans? And if it does come from...
Read MoreStarting a Roth IRA for a TeenWant to give your child or grandchild a financial head start? A Roth IRA might be a choice to consider. Read on to learn more about how doing this may benefit both of you.Rules for setting up a Roth IRA...
Read MoreEstate Management ChecklistDo you have a will?A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children.Do you have healthcare documents in...
Read MoreA Taxing Story: Capital Gains and LossesChris Rock once remarked, “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.” That applies not only to income but also to capital gains.Capital gains result when an individual sells...
Read More9 Facts About Social SecuritySocial Security's been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? Here are nine things that might surprise you.The...
Read MoreWhat's So Great About a Rollover?Changing jobs can be a tumultuous experience. Even under the best of circumstances, making a career move requires a series of tough decisions, not the least of which is what to do with the funds in your...
Read MoreRebalancing Your PortfolioEveryone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach?It may sound counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a...
Read MoreDoes Your Child Need to File an Income Tax Return?As parents, we encourage our children to work, so they can learn important values about work and independence. At what point, if at all, do children need to file an income tax return...
Read MoreBest-Performing Asset ClassesAccording to Yale University's Crash Confidence Index, only about 24% of investors are confident the stock market will not crash sometime during the next six months.1If fear leads investors to avoid the...
Read MoreCounteracting Capital Gains with Tax-Loss HarvestingTax-loss harvesting means taking capital losses (selling securities for less than what you initially paid for them) to offset any capital gains you may have.While this doesn't get rid...
Read MoreTraditional vs. Roth IRATraditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 36.6 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by...
Read MoreSocial Security: The 64,000 Dollar QuestionOne of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits.This is the $64,000 question. Making the right decision for you can have a...
Read MoreSocial Security: Five Facts You Need to KnowSocial Security can be complicated, and as a result many individuals don’t have a full understanding of the choices they may have. Here are five facts about Social Security that are...
Read MoreOrchestrating Your Retirement AccountsAn orchestra is merely a collection of instruments, each creating a unique sound. It is only when a conductor leads them that they produce the beautiful music imagined by the composer.The same can...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: An OverviewIn the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to facilitate contribution to retirement plans and access to those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0...
Read MoreWhat Is a 1031 Exchange?If you want to add investment real estate to your portfolio, you may want to know what a 1031 Exchange is. While the rules and regulations for this tactic can get complicated, understanding the basic concepts...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2023The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these...
Read MoreThe Cost of ProcrastinationSome of us share a common experience. You're driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over, the officer gets out, and your heart drops.“Are you aware...
Read MoreSaving Early & Letting Time Work For YouAs a young investor, you have a powerful ally on your side: time. When you start investing in your twenties or thirties for retirement, you can put it to work for you.The power of...
Read MoreRisk PerspectiveRisk is a factor in any investment decision that you make. Your tolerance for risk is something that you will want to consider when you make decisions alongside your trusted financial professional. Your risk tolerance...
Read MoreProblems with ProbateMany of us hope to leave something behind for our loved ones when we pass away. But the probate process is complex. To understand how to better manage potential probate fees, let’s explore what probate is and...
Read MoreDiversification, Patience, and ConsistencyRegardless of how the markets may perform, consider making the following part of your investment philosophy:Diversification. The saying “don’t put all your eggs in one...
Read MoreThe A, B, C, & D of MedicareBreaking down the basics.Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in your...
Read MoreWhen Should You Take Social SecurityThe Social Security program allows you to start receiving benefits as soon as you reach age 62. The question is, should you?Monthly payments differ substantially depending on when you start receiving...
Read MoreWhat Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?Some of the biggest challenges many face when it comes to education are financial. Luckily, a 529 college saving plan can help. And they're not just for college anymore - added to the tuition...
Read MoreUnderstanding Marginal Income Tax BracketsBy any measure, the tax code is huge. It is over 2,000 pages long, and even longer with footnotes.1And almost weekly, the Internal Revenue Service publishes a 20- to 50-page bulletin about...
Read MoreSilver Sneakers 101Once you turn 65, the world of Medicare opens to you, and you also gain access to its offshoot supplemental programs. You likely know about Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage, and other sections, but you may not know...
Read MoreInflation and the Real Rate of ReturnThe real rate of return is an important personal finance concept to understand.It’s the rate of return on your investments after inflation. The real rate of return indicates whether you are...
Read MoreThe Utility of Sector InvestingThere is a growing popularity among individuals to broaden their investment strategy beyond conventional allocations and investment styles. Some see sector investing as a way to seek new opportunities for...
Read MoreGetting a Head Start on College SavingsThe U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates the cost of raising a child to the age of 17 for a middle-income family will be about $285,000. That's approaching the median value of a new home in...
Read MoreYour Shifting Risk ToleranceWhen you created your investment strategy, your asset allocation should have reflected your goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk.But over time, any of those three factors may have changed, and your...
Read MoreThe SECURE Act Starts the Clock on Inherited IRAsThe "Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement" Act (SECURE Act) made significant changes to IRAs inherited after January 1, 2020.For those who inherit IRAs after this date,...
Read MoreManaging the Risk of Outliving Your Money"What is your greatest retirement fear?"If you ask some pre-retirees this question, "outliving my money" may be one of the top answers. In fact, 42% of workers say they fear outliving their...
Read MoreManaging the Risk of Outliving Your Money"What is your greatest retirement fear?"If you ask some pre-retirees this question, "outliving my money" may be one of the top answers. In fact, 42% of workers say they fear outliving their...
Read MoreConquering Retirement Challenges for WomenWhen it comes to retirement, women may face unique obstacles that can make saving for retirement more challenging. Given that women typically live longer than men, retirement money for women...
Read MoreTypes of Stock Market AnalysisThere is no shortage of analysis for anyone interested in investing. A search for the term "stock market analysis" turned up over one billion results on Google and well over two billion on Yahoo.1The...
Read MoreRetirement RealitiesExpectations vs. RealityPredicting exactly what your retirement will be like is about as possible as a meteorologist predicting the weather correctly every single time. In fact, few retirees find their financial...
Read MoreGlobal vs. International: What’s The Difference?With international stock markets comprising about 44.1 percent of the world's capitalization as of 2021, a broad range of investment opportunities exist outside the borders of the U...
Read MoreDo Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?Investors are routinely warned about allowing their emotions to influence their decisions. However, they are not often cautioned about their preconceptions and biases that may color their...
Read MoreManaging an InheritanceInheriting wealth can be a burden and a blessing. Even if you have an inclination that a family member may remember you in their last will and testament, there are many facets to the process of inheritance...
Read MoreEstate Management ChecklistDo you have a will?A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children.Do you have healthcare documents in...
Read MoreBuilding Your LegacyCarve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.1Shannon L. AlderThe desire to leave a legacy may be the height of altruism for it is a...
Read MoreBuilding a Solid Financial FoundationWhen you read about money matters, you may see the phrase, “getting your financial house in order.” What exactly does that mean?To some, when your financial “house is in order...
Read MoreWhy Medicare Should Be Part of Your Retirement StrategyMedicare takes a little time to understand.As you approach age 65, familiarize yourself with its coverage options, costs, and limitations.Certain features of Medicare can affect...
Read MoreProtecting Your Home Against Flood LossIn 2019, the average flood claim payout from the National Flood Insurance Program was $52,000.1The financial loss that comes with flooding can be devastating. Yet, many Americans are not protected...
Read MoreMutual Funds vs. ETFsThe growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2005, there were less than 500; by the latter half of 2021, there were over 8,000 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last.When you are older,...
Read MorePersonal Finance CalendarWrite down the major financial events you anticipate in the next few years. That will help guide a discussion about whether your portfolio reflects your short- and long-term goals.Update your personal net worth...
Read MoreRetirement Questions That Have Nothing to Do With MoneyPreparing for retirement is not entirely financial.Your degree of happiness in your "second act" may depend on some factors that don't come with an obvious price tag. Here are some...
Read MoreBudget Check Up: Tax Time Is the Right Time Every year, about 140 million households file their federal tax returns.1 For many, the process involves digging through shoe boxes or manila folders full of receipts; gathering mortgage,...
Read MoreBreaking Down the Parts of Medicare Generally, the different parts of Medicare help cover specific services. Most beneficiaries choose to receive their Parts A and B benefits through Original Medicare, the traditional fee-for-service...
Read MoreA Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List John and Mary are nearing retirement and they have a lot of items on their bucket list. Longer life expectancies mean John and Mary may need to prepare for two or even three decades of...
Read MoreThe Most Overlooked Item of Any Home Improvement If you are like most homeowners, you love selecting the fixtures, fabrics, and paint colors of your home improvement project. But there is one very important item that you may...
Read MoreWhat to Look for in an Extended-Care Policy Extended-care coverage can be complex. Here’s a list of questions to ask that may help you better understand the costs and benefits of these policies. What types of facilities are...
Read MoreWhy Regular Rebalancing Makes Sense Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach? It may sound counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too...
Read MoreRebalancing Your Portfolio Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach? It may sound counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of...
Read MoreInflation & Your Money “If the current annual inflation rate is only 1.4 percent,1 why do my bills seem like they're 10 percent higher than last year?” Many of us ask ourselves that question, and it illustrates the...
Read MoreEstate Management Checklist Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children. Do you have healthcare documents...
Read MoreStarting a Roth IRA for a Teen Want to give your child or grandchild a financial head start? A Roth IRA might be a choice to consider. Read on to learn more about how doing this may benefit both of you. Rules for setting up a Roth IRA....
Read MoreSaving Early & Letting Time Work For You As a young investor, you have a powerful ally on your side: time. When you start investing in your twenties or thirties for retirement, you can put it to work for you. The power of compounding....
Read MoreRisk Perspective Risk is a factor in any investment decision that you make. Your tolerance for risk is something that you will want to consider when you make decisions alongside your trusted financial professional. Your risk tolerance...
Read MoreCaring for Aging Parents Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in modern medicine, the worldwide population over age 65 is growing. In the past decade, the population of Americans aged 65 and older has grown 35%, and is expected...
Read MoreRetirement Seen Through Your Eyes How do you picture your future? Some see retirement as a time to start a new career. Others see it as a time to travel. Still others plan to spend more time with family and friends. With that in mind,...
Read MoreA Checklist for When a Spouse or Parent Passes When you lose a spouse, partner, or parent, the grief can be overwhelming. In the midst of that grief, life goes on. There are arrangements to be made, things to be taken care of –...
Read MoreManaging an Inheritance Inheriting wealth can be a burden and a blessing. Even if you have an inclination that a family member may remember you in their last will and testament, there are many facets to the process of inheritance that...
Read MoreManaging Money as a Couple When you marry or simply share a household with someone, your life changes—and your approach to managing your money may change as well. The good news is it’s usually not so difficult. At some...
Read MoreTax Efficiency in Retirement Will you pay higher taxes in retirement? It’s possible. But that will largely depend on how you generate income. Will it be from working? Will it be from retirement plans? And if it does come from...
Read MoreRetirement Plan Choices for Small Businesses As a small-business owner, figuring out retirement choices can be a little intimidating. How do you pick the most appropriate retirement plan for your business as well as your employees?...
Read MoreNavigating Retirement Pitfalls Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to plague retirees, too. Calling...
Read MoreExploring the Federal Student Grant Program You may have heard of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, if you or someone you know has plans to attend a college, career school, or university. Last year, over 60% of...
Read MoreDiversification, Patience, and Consistency Regardless of how the markets may perform, consider making the following part of your investment philosophy: Diversification. The saying “don’t put all your eggs in one...
Read MoreRetirement Realities Expectations vs. Reality Predicting exactly what your retirement will be like is about as possible as a meteorologist predicting the weather correctly every single time. In fact, few retirees find their financial...
Read MoreBuilding Your Legacy Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.1Shannon L. Alder The desire to leave a legacy may be the height of altruism for it is a...
Read MoreUnderstanding Homeowner’s Insurance Purchasing homeowner’s insurance is not only critical for protecting your home, your personal property and against any potential liability, but if you have a mortgage, your lender will...
Read MoreWill Power Only 45 percent of adults have a will or other estate documents in place, which may not be entirely surprising.1 No one wants to be reminded of their own mortality or spend too much time thinking about what might happen once...
Read MoreWhere Will Your Retirement Money Come From? For many people, retirement income may come from a variety of sources. Here’s a quick review of the six main sources: Social Security Social Security is the government-administered...
Read MoreWhat's So Great About a Rollover? Changing jobs can be a tumultuous experience. Even under the best of circumstances, making a career move requires a series of tough decisions, not the least of which is what to do with the funds in...
Read MorePrevent a Rift: Money Tips for Newlyweds Research suggests that 70% of married millennial couples argue about financial decisions more than any other topic. This could explain why some experts say financial problems are one of the top...
Read MorePassword Protection Strategies We all know that the more complicated a password is, the better. They should include a mixture of numbers, punctuation marks and symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters. Or should they? Recent...
Read MoreOrchestrating Your Retirement Accounts An orchestra is merely a collection of instruments, each creating a unique sound. It is only when a conductor leads them that they produce the beautiful music imagined by the composer. The same...
Read MoreMutual Funds vs. ETFs The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2002, there were only 102; by 2020, there were over 7,000 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities and instruments.1 At...
Read MoreBuying Auto Insurance For Teen Drivers Driving may be a rite of passage for teenagers, but for parents, having a teenage driver can be stressful and expensive. Your child will need auto insurance coverage as soon as they receive their...
Read MoreThe Anatomy of an Index Did you know that more than $11.2 trillion in assets are benchmarked to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index, including $4.6 trillion in index assets?1,2 The S&P 500 is ubiquitous – we see it on...
Read MoreTIPS for Inflation In February 2018, Jerome Powell was appointed as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. He became the 16th chair to take over the helm of the world’s most influential central bank.1...
Read MorePay Yourself First Each month, you settle down to pay bills. You pay your mortgage lender. You pay the electric company. You pay the trash collector. But do you pay yourself? One of the most-basic tenets of sound investing involves the...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50 Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last. When you are older...
Read MoreValue vs. Growth Investing Looking at their recent track records doesn’t do much to settle the debate. Over the past decade, as a whole, value stocks have not performed as well as growth stocks. But looking at a larger body of...
Read MoreRebalancing Your Portfolio Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach? It may sound counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a...
Read MoreWhat Is a Roth 401(k)? While many people are familiar with the benefits of traditional 401(k) plans, others are not as acquainted with Roth 401(k)s. Since January 1, 2006, employers have been allowed to offer workers access to Roth...
Read MoreTraditional vs. Roth IRA Traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 36.1 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by...
Read MoreFour Really Good Reasons to Invest Forty-six percent of Americans do not own any stocks or stock-related investments, such as mutual funds, according to a recent Gallup poll.¹ Individuals may cite different reasons for not...
Read MoreEstate Management Checklist Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children. Do you have healthcare documents...
Read MoreTax Rules When Selling Your Home How the gains from the sale of a primary residence are taxed has changed in recent years. If you have recently sold your home, or are considering doing so, you may want to be aware of these new rules....
Read MoreWhen Should You Take Social Security The Social Security program allows you to start receiving benefits as soon as you reach age 62. The question is, should you? Monthly payments differ substantially depending on when you start...
Read MoreHelpful Retirement Strategies for Women Preparing for retirement can look a little different for women than it does for men. Although stereotypes are changing, women are still more likely to serve as caretakers than men are, meaning...
Read MoreCountering Counterfeit Currency Believe it or not, the agency responsible for protecting U.S. currency is the United States Secret Service. The agency was founded on July 5, 1865 as part of the Department of the Treasury to combat the...
Read MoreAsset Allocation If you live in or have visited a big city, you’ve probably run into street vendors – people who sell everything from hot dogs to umbrellas – on the streets and sidewalks. Many of these entrepreneurs...
Read MoreAnd the Executor Is U.S. Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger is famous for more than just his time on the bench. When he died in 1995, he left a 176-word will that gave no specific power to his executors.1 As a result, he reportedly...
Read MoreWhat Is a Roth 401(k)? While many people are familiar with the benefits of traditional 401(k) plans, others are not as acquainted with Roth 401(k)s. Since January 1, 2006, employers have been allowed to offer workers access to Roth...
Read MoreInflation - Back to the Future Inflation sometimes seems like one of those afflictions of an era long since passed into the history books. While it’s true that double-digit inflation has been absent for the last 30 years or more,...
Read MoreHow the Federal Reserve Works Have you ever taken a close look at paper money? Each U.S. bill has the words “Federal Reserve Note” imprinted across the top. But many individuals may not know why the bill is issued by the...
Read MoreWhere Will Your Retirement Money Come From? For many people, retirement income may come from a variety of sources. Here’s a quick review of the six main sources: Social Security Social Security is the government-administered...
Read MoreProblems with Probate Many of us hope to leave something behind for our loved ones when we pass away. But the probate process is complex. To understand how to better manage potential probate fees, let’s explore what probate is...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50 Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last. When you are older...
Read MoreValue vs. Growth Investing Looking at their recent track records doesn’t do much to settle the debate. Over the past decade, as a whole, value stocks have not performed as well as growth stocks.1 But looking at a larger body of...
Read MoreCatch-Up Contributions A recent survey found that 23% of people were very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 33% were not confident.1 Congress in 2001 passed a law...
Read MoreWill Power Only 45 percent of adults have a will or other estate documents in place, which may not be entirely surprising.1 No one wants to be reminded of their own mortality or spend too much time thinking about what might happen once...
Read MoreSocial Security: Maximizing Benefits Most understand that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, many don’t know that there are other ways to maximize their benefits, some of...
Read MoreWhen Heirs are Imperfect Passing your estate to an heir with credit problems or a gambling or alcohol addiction might not only lead to that wealth being squandered, but the inheritance could worsen the destructive behaviors. Of course,...
Read MoreFive Most Overlooked Tax Deductions Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to?1 While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible....
Read MoreWhere Will Your Retirement Money Come From? For many people, retirement income may come from a variety of sources. Here’s a quick review of the six main sources: Social Security Social Security is the government-administered...
Read MoreSocial Security: The Elephant in the Room For most Americans, Social Security has represented nothing more than some unavoidable payroll deduction with the positively cryptic initials of “FICA” and “OASDI”...
Read MorePassword Protection Strategies We all know that the more complicated a password is, the better. They should include a mixture of numbers, punctuation marks and symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters. Or should they? Recent...
Read MorePrescription Drug Benefits Under Medicare (Part D) Medicare’s prescription drug benefit (Part D) is the part of Medicare that provides outpatient drug coverage. Part D is provided only through private insurance companies that...
Read MoreTax Rules When Selling Your Home How the gains from the sale of a primary residence are taxed has changed in recent years. If you have recently sold your home, or are considering doing so, you may want to be aware of these new rules....
Read MoreOrchestrating Your Retirement Accounts An orchestra is merely a collection of instruments, each creating a unique sound. It is only when a conductor leads them that they produce the beautiful music imagined by the composer. The same...
Read MoreSocial Security: The $64,000 Question One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits. This is the $64,000 question. Making the right decision for you can have a meaningful...
Read MoreThe A, B, C, & D of Medicare Breaking down the basics. Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in...
Read MoreLesser Known Provisions of the SECURE Act The SECURE Act was passed into law in late 2019 and changed several aspects of retirement investing. These modifications included modifying the ability to stretch an Individual Retirement...
Read MoreInflation & Your Money “If the current annual inflation rate is only 2.3 percent,1 why do my bills seem like they're 10 percent higher than last year?” Many of us ask ourselves that question, and it illustrates the...
Read MoreRetirement Realities Expectations vs. Reality Predicting exactly what your retirement will be like is about as possible as a meteorologist predicting the weather correctly every single time. In fact, few retirees find their financial...
Read MoreSocial Security: Maximizing Benefits Most understand that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, many don’t know that there are other ways to maximize their benefits, some of...
Read MoreWhen Should You Take Social Security The Social Security program allows you to start receiving benefits as soon as you reach age 62. The question is, should you? Monthly payments differ substantially depending on when you start...
Read MoreCountdown to College As a parent, of course you want to give your child the best opportunity for success, and for many, attending the “right” university or college is that opportunity. Unfortunately, being accepted to the...
Read MoreAnd the Executor Is U.S. Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger is famous for more than just his time on the bench. When he died in 1995, he left a 176-word will that gave no specific power to his executors.1 As a result, he reportedly...
Read MoreThree Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security Social Security is a critical component of the retirement financial strategy for many Americans, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions....
Read MoreIRA Withdrawals that Escape the 10% Tax Penalty The reason withdrawals from an Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) prior to age 59½ are generally subject to a 10% tax penalty is that policymakers wanted to create a...
Read MoreFallen Tree Damage—Who Pays? As a homeowner, are you responsible for the damage caused by a tree on your property that hits your neighbor’s home or other insured structure, such as a garage or shed? In most cases, the...
Read MoreIs a SEP-IRA Right for Your Business? If you're like many small business owners, running your own business is an all-consuming endeavor. In the face of everyday demands, choosing a retirement plan for your business can become a...
Read MoreCertain Uncertainties in Retirement The uncertainties we face in retirement can erode our sense of confidence, potentially undermining our outlook during those years. Indeed, according to the 2017 Retirement Confidence Survey by the...
Read MoreFour Really Good Reasons to Invest Forty-six percent of Americans do not own any stocks or stock-related investments, such as mutual funds, according to a recent Gallup poll.¹ Individuals may cite different reasons for not...
Read MoreTIPS for Inflation In February 2018, Jerome Powell was appointed as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. He became the 16th chair to take over the helm of the world’s most influential central bank.1...
Read MoreDo Your Kids Know The Value of a Silver Spoon? You taught them how to read and how to ride a bike, but have you taught your children how to manage money? One study households with student loan debt showed that the average amount owed...
Read MoreImportant Birthdays Over 50 Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the last. When you are older...
Read MoreHow to Make the Tax Code Work for You By April 19, 2019, 137 million taxpayers had dutifully filed their federal income tax returns.1 And they all made decisions about deductions and credits – whether they realized it. When you...
Read MoreHealthy Body, Healthy Pocketbook Many people have a clear vision of what their ideal retirement looks like. Some desire vacation homes in tropical destinations, while others plan to spend quality time with their grandchildren and...
Read More9 Facts About Retirement Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of...
Read More“Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams to Watch For Every year the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) releases its list of tax scams, spotlighting the myriad ways that people try to separate you from your money.¹ The “Dirty...
Read MorePassword Protection Strategies We all know that the more complicated a password is, the better. They should include a mixture of numbers, punctuation marks and symbols, and upper- and lower-case letters. Or should they? Recent research...
Read MorePrevent a Rift: Money Tips for Newlyweds In a recent study, 88% of millennials admitted that financial decisions are a source of tension in their relationship with a spouse or partner. This could help explain why some experts say...
Read MoreHow Women Can Prepare For Retirement When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that today’s...
Read MoreSocial Security Benefits: How Much Will I Receive Next to “When should I claim Social Security benefits?”, one of the more common questions people have is “How much will I receive?” Calculating your potential...
Read MoreThe Anatomy of an Index Did you know that more than $9.9 trillion in assets are benchmarked to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index, including $3.4 trillion in index assets?1,2 The S&P 500 is ubiquitous – we see it on...
Read MoreMortgages in Retirement Anyone who has gone through the process of mapping out their retirement knows there can be a lot to keep in mind. Saving, investing, anticipating medical costs, and making sure you have enough tucked away for...
Read MoreRebalancing Your Portfolio Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach? It may sound counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a...
Read MorePullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets The COVID-19 outbreak has put tremendous pressure on stock prices, prompting some investors to blindly and indiscriminately sell positions at a time when the entire market is trending lower....
Read MoreWhat Do Your Taxes Pay For? Taxes are one of the biggest budget items for most taxpayers, yet many have no idea what they’re getting for their money. In 2017, as in recent years, Americans spent more on taxes than on groceries,...
Read MoreCreative Ways to Motivate Your Employees The common thread that runs through all small businesses, from professional services to manufacturing, is that a motivated workforce is central to the business’s success. Here are some...
Read MoreBudgeting After a Divorce Full Size Version Download the Worksheet
Read MoreFour Reasons Millennials Need an Estate Strategy You’re young, have little in savings, and might not have anyone relying on you, financially. So, why do you need to think about estate management?1 Here are four great reasons:...
Read MoreThe SECURE Act The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act is now law. With it, comes some of the biggest changes to retirement savings law in recent years. While the new rules don’t appear to amount to...
Read MoreAsset Allocation If you live in or have visited a big city, you’ve probably run into street vendors – people who sell everything from hot dogs to umbrellas – on the streets and sidewalks. Many of these entrepreneurs...
Read MoreA Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, “Almost any decision...
Read MoreBudget Check Up: Tax Time Is the Right Time Every year, about 140 million households file their federal tax returns.1 For many, the process involves digging through shoe boxes or manila folders full of receipts; gathering mortgage,...
Read MoreThe Lowdown on Those Free Credit Scores The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 provided individuals with valuable rights to the credit information that companies keep on them, but did you know the credit score provided to...
Read MoreBuying vs. Leasing a Car Some people approach buying a car like they approach marriage, “‘til death do us part.” Others prefer to keep their options open, trading in every few years for the latest make and model, the...
Read MoreFour Steps to Valuing an Estate Determining the value of an estate is a fundamental first step in estate management and a critical requirement for settling a decedent’s estate.1 How to Assess the Value of an Estate Select the...
Read MoreA Brief Guide To Condo Insurance The ownership structure of a condominium unit is different from that of a single family house. Here’s what you need to know when purchasing insurance for your condo.1 Understand the Master Policy...
Read More5 Benefits of Working in Retirement In the past, retirement has been portrayed as an ending, a grand exit from your years in the workplace. But the rules are shifting. Labor force participation among those aged 65-74 is predicted to...
Read MoreThe Three Keys to a Great Password
Read MoreA Penny Saved is Two Pennies Earned This modern twist on the Ben Franklin maxim reflects the multiplicity of taxes to which earnings are subject in today’s world.¹ Finding ways to manage expenses is one of the cornerstones...
Read MoreUnderstanding Long-Term Care Addressing the potential threat of long-term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for individuals who are developing a retirement strategy. The U.S. Department of Health and Human...
Read MoreCaring for Aging Parents Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in modern medicine, the worldwide population over age 60 is growing. The United Nations estimates that by 2050 the number of people aged 60 and older will have more...
Read MoreDebt Stress The average American household with debt owes $132,158. And credit card debt accounts for $15,675 of that.¹ Little wonder that money worries are a major cause of stress. The Link Between Stress and Health Humans have...
Read MoreAll Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal The city of Detroit emerged from bankruptcy in 2014. Still, its previous inability to pay investors left some questioning their long-held assumption about the relative safety of municipal bonds...
Read MoreTraditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 33.2 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by nearly 22.5 million...
Read MoreFinancial Aid for Students 101 Preparing for college while still in high school can be difficult for even the most academically minded student. These days, you need to excel in the classroom, make sure you’re involved in...
Read MoreEight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible. No Strategy: Yes,...
Read MoreCritical Estate Documents Financial Documents Joint Ownership Durable Power of Attorney Living Trust What does it do? Enables you to own property jointly with another person Authorizes someone to handle legal and financial decisions if...
Read MorePlease Leave Home Without It Concerns over identity theft continue to grow, especially with the news of data breaches at major companies and financial institutions. Unfortunately, you have little control over when a company is hacked,...
Read MoreSocial Security: Five Facts You Need to Know Social Security can be complicated and, as a result, many individuals don’t have a full understanding of the choices they may have. Here are five facts about Social Security that are...
Read MoreGetting a Head Start on College Savings The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates a middle-income family with a child born today can expect to spend about $285,000 to raise that child to the age of 17.¹ That’s roughly...
Read MoreCatch-Up Contributions A recent survey found that 23% of people were very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 33% were not confident.1 Congress in 2001 passed a law...
Read MoreA Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses Chris Rock once remarked, “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.”1 That applies not only to income, but also to capital gains. Capital gains result when an individual...
Read MoreA Brief History of Estate Taxes Tip: Regardless of your net worth, it’s critical to understand your choices when developing an estate strategy. Federal estate taxes have been a source of funding for the federal government almost...
Read More9 Facts About Retirement Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of...
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The goal of financial advising is to help your clients develop financial plans that help them meet their life goals. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to financial planning. Financial advice and wealth management should be...
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If you’re like most everyone else, estate planning is probably nowhere to be found on your to-do list. You’re relatively young and healthy. You go to the doctor every year for your physical exam. You exercise regularly, and...
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Until recently, it seemed that the world of finance and financial advising had missed the women’s liberation movement entirely. Matters of money were still considered to be reserved for men, and women were taught to marry well...
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The good news for people who want to manage their own finance is that there is an extraordinary amount of information available online about a wide variety of investments. The bad news is that there is an extraordinary amount of...
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The Trump administration’s new tax reform bill was signed into law in December of 2017, representing the first major tax change in over 30 years. The changes are significant and are likely to affect nearly everyone in some...
Read MoreHealth insurance used to be a fairly simple process. But today, whether obtaining health insurance privately or through an employer, we’re being offered a variety of insurance plans with varying benefit levels, making the choice...
Read MoreThe U.S is considered the most generous country in the world, with two-thirds of Americans giving to charities annually. And this number continues to grow, with giving levels increasing every year since 2009. In 2016, an estimated $390...
Read MoreCredit Management in the 21st Century In today’s world, good credit is a necessity. Today, our credit score affects much more than our ability to buy a house or finance a car. Our credit score can also affect our insurance...
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Remember way back to your first paycheck. The moment you open the envelope anticipating the windfall when all your hard work pays off. Then, like a swift kick to your gut, realty hits. Your takeaway earnings are almost always way lower...
Read MoreAccumulating wealth turns out to be a double-edged sword for business owners. It certainly has its privileges, but it also comes with additional risk exposures. In a 2011 Zogby survey, 92 percent of people with a high new worth...
Read MoreInheritances are a complicated thing. Not only are there often strings attached in the eyes of the government, unexpected taxes, and complicated bequeathments, but there are also potential conflicts within families. And not to mention...
Read MoreThe decision making process for single parents begins with the traditional question of determining how much life insurance is the right amount. The simple answer to how much life insurance is enough is quite simple. It depends. So, the...
Read MoreCongratulations Newlyweds! Your fresh union symbolizes a new beginning facing the world. But before the glow of wedded bliss wears, it’s crucial to talk about finances. Financial planning for newly married couples is a must, but...
Read MoreIn light of Friday’s dramatic drop in the Dow Industrials and the other broad indices in the US many retail investors are concerned and looking for guidance. People have become very comfortable with the bull market in equities...
Read MoreMany people, who have achieved success and wealth through their business, have done so with their intellectual capital. What exactly is intellectual capital? This is the sum of the business’ hidden assets, such as its human...
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We’re all familiar with fitness fanatics, raving about life changing workouts guaranteed to get you into tip top shape. While there is a new fitness craze in the air, it’s time to exercise your wallet. Financial Fitness is...
Read MoreI don’t know about you, but for me every paycheck is like a mini Christmas that ends nearly immediately when reality sets in. Bills, rent and saving for retirement makes every payday a budgeting reality. So in these times,...
Read MoreAs if business owners didn’t have enough to contend in managing their business and personal finances, there is one particular aspect of their financial lives that is often neglected until it’s too late, and that is the...
Read More30 is a divisive number. To the young, it’s the time when you’re thrust into full blown adulthood, whether you’re ready or not. To the young at heart, 30 may be considered the early years before your true confidence...
Read MoreNearly every day, we’re told that saving is the key to financial success. But for many, living paycheck to paycheck isn’t just unavoidable but a reality faced every month. But there is hope, and there are many easy to use...
Read MoreSmart-phones are less of an option these days and more of an extension of everyday life. Your phone is there for you when you need to know the weather, connect with your friends and colleagues, and when you just have to post that...
Read MoreYou’re 25 and feeling alive. You’re settling into life after university, paying off your debts and slowly figuring how to “adult”. But with the responsibility of bills, rent, and even keeping up social...
Read MoreIf you’re just starting to take charge of your financial future, it can be stressful approaching financial planning with confidence. Do you ever talk to your bank or financial manager and think that they’re speaking a...
Read MoreRemember your mid-twenties when retirement seemed like a lifetime away, and living paycheck to paycheck was not only the norm, but your reality. ‘If only I knew then what I know now’ can be heard echoing throughout offices...
Read MoreIt is no secret that the typical American is working long hours with little respite compared to other countries with large economies. Full-time employees report an average work week of 47 hours and four out of 10 American workers say...
Read MoreHave you ever stopped to wonder why 60 is considered retirement age? Some public services - like the police force in certain countries - require you to stop working at 60. For most, retirement age, which traditionally varies from 60 -...
Read MoreFor some people, getting an auto insurance quote is a lot like spinning a roulette wheel; you don’t know what will come up, and each time you spin it (getting quotes from different companies) it’s always different. Worse,...
Read MoreWhen people warn you that having kids is expensive, it’s no joke. From diapers to food, braces to sports activities the costs add up quick. For a middle-income family in the U.S. raising a child up until age 18, costs an...
Read MoreSummer’s finally here. The sun is out, it’s warm, the days are longer, and your worries seem just a little bit further away. But, folks, I’m sorry to say, sometimes storms roll in on the sunniest of days. And if...
Read MoreIf you’ve ever played the Game of Life board game, it becomes clear that compressed into the colorful path there are various stages of life. Each stage holds its own major financial challenges as well as prospective profits in...
Read MoreWithout fail as Tax Day approaches every year, the mind whirls while you check boxes and fill in numbers about everything you could have, should have, would have done to save more money on taxes. Could you have saved more? Invested...
Read MoreVacation season is almost upon us and, for many Americans who haven’t traveled abroad in several years, their vacations have been years in planning. However, even the best laid plans can quickly come unraveled if you don’t...
Read MoreThe term beneficiary crops up every now and again. Usually you’ll see it on an insurance form or hear about it in relation to a will, but despite the nonchalance we toss the term around with, beneficiaries are incredibly...
Read MoreAfter the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, we dig up our hopes and dreams and make some resolutions. Getting back in the gym, losing weight, and eating clean, are usually at the top of the list, but what about your finances? The...
Read MoreThe tax code, with all of its hundreds of pages of regulations, stipulations, and loopholes always leave something be learned. Not only is the U.S. Internal Revenue Code massive, different write-offs and deductions occur at different...
Read MoreRoses are red, violets are blue, Valentine’s Day can be cheap, hooray for you! Right after New Year’s the red, pink, and white move in to the shopping aisles to serve as a perpetual reminder that Valentine’s Day is...
Read MoreYou think back fondly on those halcyon collegiate days--studying in the quad, late-night pizza, tailgating for the big tailgating game, dorm living, tossing your graduation cap in the air...beyond the lifelong friends and the parties...
Read MoreThe annual meeting is rescheduled to sometime later this quarter and the family reunion is sometime next summer, but like certain holidays and your birthday you know you can always count on a few specific dates. It’s reassuring....
Read MoreThere comes a point in life where you want to begin sharing or gifting all the things you’ve collected over the years—stories, wisdom, financial wealth. And unlike the Ancient Egyptians believed, you cannot take your...
Read MoreHere’s a thought: retirement doesn’t mean the end. It doesn’t mean an end of self-importance or purpose, it just means a new chapter—a paradigm shift of what life is beyond long days and meetings and bosses....
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