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Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Do you have a desire to leave a large gift to a charitable organization before or after death? The tax benefits in the year of the gift can be substantial. Below are tax advantaged strategies individuals/families use to make...

 

Friday, October 27, 2023

As we approach the last quarter of each year, it is a good time to plan for the next one. Year-end planning is especially important for existing retirees and those hoping to retire in the next few years. There are tax and income...

 

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Below are some things to consider first.   Health Insurance If you are covered by your employer’s health insurance and retire before age 65, Medicare age, you will need to bridge the gap.   What type of savings account...

 

Friday, September 22, 2023

A recent survey by Caring.com found that a whopping two in three American adults do not have an estate plan1—an alarming statistic, considering that an estate plan can protect your assets and ensure that they go to the right...

 

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

If you’re receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement Benefits, you should automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A & B when you turn 65. If you’re eligible for Medicare, but not currently...

 

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Monday, September 11, 2023

Matching your tolerance for risk with your investment objectives Everyone wants a comfortable retirement, but the road you take there will depend on your specific situation. When you invest, you assume a certain level of risk (but like...

 

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Financial education is constantly evolving. As investments, financial priorities, and the economy change, so do financial strategies and plans. To stay on top of your retirement and ensure that you are on your way toward your financial...

 

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Are you trying to decide when to start Social Security? It’s a difficult decision for most because if you start benefits before Social Security Full Retirement Age (66-67 depending on DOB) you can permanently lock in a lower...

 

Friday, July 21, 2023

Your finances are probably one of the last places you want to experience fireworks—unless they are celebratory. With new year's resolutions firmly in the rearview mirror, the summer months allow you to revisit your financial...

 

Friday, July 14, 2023

Our 2023 investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy. Considering 2022’s market volatility and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the idea of finding balance was certainly a welcomed change. It’s a theme...

 

Friday, June 30, 2023

Is the Federal Reserve done hiking interest rates? Will they raise rates another .25-.50 basis points? What does this mean for the economy and your investments? In times of uncertainty there is opportunity.When the Federal Reserve...

 

Friday, June 23, 2023

Vacation is something that we all look forward to, but it’s important not to forget about your home—and its safety—while you’re away. With some pre-planning, it’s easy to make sure your house is safe and...

 

Friday, May 26, 2023

Having enough retirement income is a top concern for many Americans nearing or in retirement. Even though they may have saved consistently throughout the working years, they may be concerned that their retirement plans will succeed. A...

 

Friday, May 5, 2023

The thought of retiring may be intimidating for anyone—but if you own your own business, handing your "baby" to new owners might be enough to stop you in your tracks. What might you do to set your successor up for success? What...

 

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

 When people think of “myths,” they often think of such stories as Pandora’s Box (the woman who took the lid off of a jar releasing all of the world’s ills upon the world, were taxes one of them?), or the...

 

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

As you age, the question of when to collect Social Security (SS) retirement benefits will likely come to mind. There is no one size fits all age; your unique circumstances and goals will dictate the appropriate time for you to take...

 

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

You hear the phrase “financial plan” used in commercials, but do they ever really tell you what a financial plan is? I could spend hours explaining what a financial plan is, but I’ll summarize it in 4 words. 1)...

 

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Spring can be a fantastic time to refresh your retirement plan and savings habits. With 2023 bringing increased limits for 401(k)s, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and other tax-advantaged...

 

Friday, February 24, 2023

One of the more important—and hopefully enjoyable—events you will face in life is retirement. After spending many years building your career, you have likely accumulated a comfortable nest egg. If you have reached a point...

 

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

While you never know your needs as you age, the first step is thinking about your financial situation and health today so you can plan for your later years. With a one in four chance of making it to our 90th birthday, being independent...

 

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...

 

Monday, January 16, 2023

Teaching children about financial wellness should start at an early age. Learning how making money, saving, and spending is related and the first step in teaching your child how to understand the value of money. Children learn from...

 

Friday, December 16, 2022

Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. Whether it’s about the markets...

 

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

The fourth quarter holidays are often seen as one of the prime times to take out your checkbook — not only do many charities put in extra efforts helping others this time of year, but donating is also a smart financial move....

 

Friday, November 11, 2022

As we approach the end of the year, you may want to review areas that may impact your wealth and estate planning next year. In this year-end planning guide, we examine four critical areas to consider that may affect your finances:...

 

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Members of the military have a lot of special financial challenges that most people don't encounter. However, they have access to many benefits, tax breaks and legal protections that can make a huge difference in their families'...

 

Thursday, October 13, 2022

The cost of long-term care can vary widely based on location (both city and state) and level of care needed. However, one thing is for certain: with 7 in every 10 people requiring long-term care at some point, preparing for this...

 

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

With inflation on the rise, the IRS increased the 2022 contribution limits for some retirement accounts. Although a 2021 Congressional report found that only about 8.5% of defined benefit plan participants and 4.7% of individual...

 

Monday, August 8, 2022

September is self-improvement month and a great time to work on your financial health. When you think of self-improvement, you likely think of your health or career but may pay little attention to your finances. Getting your financial...

 

Thursday, July 21, 2022

Investing for your retirement isn't about getting rich quick. More often, it's about having a game plan that you can live with over a long time. You wouldn't expect to be able to play the piano without learning the basics and...

 

Thursday, July 21, 2022

Regardless of what you do or how much you earn, you deal with money on a daily basis. The more you understand about finances, the more effectively you will be able to manage yours.Yet, many people lack financial literacy skills. One...

 

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...

 

Monday, June 13, 2022

Social wellness refers to the relationships you have and how you interact with others. It involves building and maintaining positive, supportive relationships and fostering meaningful connections.If you prioritize becoming socially...

 

Monday, June 13, 2022

The "sandwich generation" is the descriptive term for adults generally between the ages of 40 and 59 who are raising a minor child (or supporting a grown child) while also caring for a retirement-age or older parent. With financial...

 

Monday, May 16, 2022

 

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

 

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

 

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

 

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

 

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

 

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

 

Friday, January 21, 2022

 

Friday, January 21, 2022

 

Monday, December 20, 2021

 

Monday, December 20, 2021

 

Friday, November 19, 2021

For many people, a new year provides a new start—and nothing says "new start" like a fresh new set of financial goals. But setting these goals is easier said than done. What steps should you take to get the most bang for your...

 

Friday, November 19, 2021

With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others' lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person's life or the life of many, there are many ways to...

 

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Just because you’re self-employed doesn’t mean you can’t compete with the big boys that offer company sponsored retirement plans. Solo 401(k) Designed for employers with no full time employees Defer up to $19,500 from...

 

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Many people are familiar with the scammers who promise to pay millions of dollars in exchange for briefly holding funds in your bank account or those who offer to enhance certain body parts risk-free. Today's scammers are clever at...

 

Thursday, October 21, 2021

It may be easy to forget we're nearing the end of the year. Even during the busy end of year rush, it's a good time to reevaluate your 2021 finances and turn an eye toward 2022. What can you do now to potentially improve and streamline...

 

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

In 2013, a Gallup poll found that only about one in every three U.S. households maintained a budget.1 A 2021 survey of 1,000 Americans found that 80% now say they have a budget.2 Americans are budgeting more due to the pandemic....

 

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

One of the most important pieces of the college financing puzzle is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Without the FAFSA, a college student is unlikely to be able to apply for or receive certain types of federal...

 

Sunday, July 25, 2021

When Judy purchased her life insurance policy 10 years ago, she thought her insurance planning was complete. She assumed that if she paid her premiums on time, she could sit back and not think about life insurance anymore. Judy’s...

 

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Sometimes a 401(k) loan makes sense, but there are a lot of considerations Tapping your tax-advantaged retirement savings seems like a desperate financial move (because it is), yet also a sound one in specific circumstances. Best know...

 

Friday, June 25, 2021

For many parents, COVID-19 restrictions resulted in a double-whammy of adjustment both professionally and personally. Along with managing the new normal in their jobs, parents became teachers, tutors, and counselors as they helped...

 

Thursday, June 3, 2021

While many of the taxable markets have generated negative returns this year, both the high quality and high yield municipal markets have generated positive returns (no guarantees that will continue, of course). State and local...

 

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

World Nature Conservation day is fast approaching. July 28th is a day when we acknowledge the importance of conservation to ensure a stronger future for the next generations. So how do you do your part and mark the occasion? By finding...

 

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

From opting for metal or rubber straws in lieu of disposable ones to saying goodbye to a daily commute by working remotely, sustainable living is a hot topic for many households. But living a more sustainable life isn't just good for...

 

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

A 529 plan is a state-sponsored tax-advantaged plan designed for saving for future education expenses authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. If used for education, the assets grow tax-free. According to the College...

 

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Budgeting should always be the centerpiece of your financial resolutions Did you make a New Year’s resolution at the start of the year? For 2021, many Americans are making the resolution to adopt healthy habits – concerning...

 

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Setting healthy financial goals is critical. Even more important is staying committed to those financial goals. Keeping yourself committed to your goals may be difficult, especially when times may be financially tough. But by staying...

 

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

As your retirement draws closer, you will probably start to have lots of questions such as: How much Social Security will I receive? When should I retire? How will I know when to retire? Do I have enough saved? What will I need to do...

 

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Many have heard Social Security retirement benefits referred to as part of the "three-legged stool" of retirement: Social Security, a pension or defined benefit plan, and personal savings.1 The idea is that with these three sources of...

 

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Amidst all the pandemic news and 2020 election drama, many might have missed that the IRS also quietly published new 2021 tax rates in late October and a there are plenty of changes that will impact taxpayers in 2021. While it’s...

 

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit that can provide great benefit to families. According to the IRS, in 2019 alone, approximately 25 million workers and families received over $60 billion in EITC payments, with...

 

Thursday, February 18, 2021

For years, you’ve diligently invested in your retirement portfolio, accumulating wealth that you hope will sustain you throughout your Golden Years. To help see that your assets are sufficient to help you support your lifestyle...

 

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Deciding when to retire and begin collecting Social Security is an important life decision. For some, savings losses may dictate that you delay your retirement plans and continue working, which means postponing when you begin...

 

Thursday, January 21, 2021

To ease some of the burdens of tax season, we are providing this helpful guide, which contains all the information you may need to easily address tax issues and questions that you might face. It will assist you in becoming familiar...

 

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

After months of intense debate, the House and Senate voted to pass a second COVID-19 economic stimulus bill and the President has signed it into law.1 At a total cost of $900 billion, this 5,600-page bill[1] contains everything from...

 

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

From pandemic-related stimulus payments to job losses and furloughs, for many taxpayers, next spring's tax season may be more complex than usual. With the end of 2020 rapidly approaching, you should take some time to review your tax...

 

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Your business plan is an important part of creating a business and a critical tool for drawing in lenders and investors. If you're thinking about launching a small business or if you want to take your small business in a new direction,...

 

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

More than most years , it’s hard to look ahead to the next year, to 2021, without looking back at 2020. A global pandemic, a massive economic collapse, a bear market, a surprisingly sharp reversal, a hotly contested election...

 

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

The holiday season is just around the corner and many charitable organizations are in desperate need of donations to help provide the vital services needed in the community. You are most often inundated with a number of charitable...

 

Thursday, November 5, 2020

By the last third of the calendar year, you're likely to have a pretty good idea of what your annual income will be and whether any major expenses or big life changes await you. This can allow you to engage in more robust tax planning,...

 

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Now that you have decided that Medicare Advantage is an option worth exploring, you may be wondering what the next steps are to signing up. While the steps for signing up are simple, there are a few key points to remember during the...

 

Thursday, October 8, 2020

The world's events always affect the markets, and making smart investment choices requires you to look at what's happening around the world. But what about during an election year? How should you invest while the country is deciding...

 

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Retail sales rose 0.6% month over month in August following July’s downwardly revised 0.9% advance, but sales fell short of Bloomberg’s consensus expectation for a 1% increase. The retail sales control group, which excludes...

 

Thursday, September 3, 2020

September is National Life Insurance Awareness month. And while most of us likely recognize that life insurance provides us peace of mind and security, there may be a few things you don’t know. Life Insurance is Not Just for the...

 

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Uncle Sam wants your money. He has bills to pay, just like you. And he's been waiting patiently for decades for you to hand over his share of your tax-deferred retirement dollars. He expects some folks to be stubborn about it, so he...

 

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Open enrollment season is one of the shortest—in most cases, employees have only a few weeks to research their options and make a decision on things like their 401(k) contributions, health and dental insurance, disability...

 

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

AT THE MIDPOINT of 2020, we’re mindful that it’s been an extremely challenging year so far in the United States and around the globe. We’re in the midst of a pandemic that continues to impact all of us, our...

 

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Whether you dream of a travel-filled retirement or would prefer to relax and enjoy spending more time at home, you're probably wondering what you can do to make your golden years as stress-free as possible. For many who have spent the...

 

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Heading into your retirement years brings a slew of new topics to grapple with, and one of the most maddening may be Medicare. Figuring out when to enroll, what to enroll in and what coverage will be best for you can be daunting. To...

 

Monday, June 15, 2020

There is a good possibility that you or your spouse will eventually require some form of long-term care (LTC). According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, at least 70% of people aged 65 or older will require some form of...

 

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

As the earliest baby boomers begin to enter retirement, the various income guarantees and other living benefits offered through variable annuities (VAs) are gaining in importance. Yet before you rush to add a VA to your retirement...

 

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The Federal Reserve (Fed) increased its bond exchange-traded funds (ETF) purchases in the week ending May 20 (the most recent data available), adding another $1.5 billion in bond ETFs to its balance sheet, bringing the total holding to...

 

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Insuring your business against various forms of financial loss is a common small business strategy. While you have much to attend to with the day-to-day needs of your small business, insurance considerations are equally as important....

 

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

There’re plenty of people who think negative interest rates are a good policy. But we don’t really think so at the Federal Reserve. And I think it’s an area of real uncertainty in the central banking world. -Fed Chair...

 

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

For the past two months, the market declines and market rallies have been historic, as COVID-19 introduced a level of uncertainty that was difficult to quantify, let alone predict. And if the stock markets hate one thing, it’s...

 

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Gold has done quite well so far in 2020, up more than 12% year to date versus the S&P 500 Index which is down about 10%. We started to warm to the yellow metal late last year and continue to think it can serve as a potential hedge in a...

 

Monday, May 11, 2020

As the country comes together to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus, many businesses have been forced to suspend operations, while many others have experienced a sharp decline in revenue. To encourage businesses to continue...

 

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

One of the most historic market crashes ever took place 10 years ago today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index plunging more than 1,000 points, or 9%, within minutes, only to regain most of the losses by the end of the day....

 

Friday, May 1, 2020

Whether your business has been temporarily closed by a state shelter-in-place order or is still operating as a provider of essential services, balancing your revenue needs with protecting the safety of your employees and customers can...

 

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for April came in 86.9, falling more than 30 points from the prior month. The monthly drop was the biggest for the index since 1973, reflecting the severity of the economic...

 

Monday, April 27, 2020

If the coronavirus crisis has led you to recently join the more than 5 million U.S. workers who work from home, you may still be settling into a routine.1 Adding homeschooling (or e-learning) into the mix can introduce additional...

 

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

With 22 million jobs lost in the past four weeks, a record drop in retail sales, and huge drops in industrial production and housing starts, it is safe to say we are likely in a recession. Even the Federal Reserve (Fed) in the recent...

 

Monday, April 20, 2020

News about the coronavirus has flooded the media, saturated social media streams, and dominated most people's minds for the last few weeks, and the crisis shows minimal signs of abating soon. When worry about this pandemic has affected...

 

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Stocks give up gains. After the 11th 3% gain of 2020 for the S&P 500, stocks opened lower this morning. Negative sessions in Asia and Europe weighed on sentiment. Morning headlines included President Trump suspending funding to the...

 

Monday, April 13, 2020

In late March 2020, as the number of novel coronavirus cases in the U.S. surged past 100,000, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law. The CARES Act provides around $2.2 trillion in aid to...

 

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Stocks have rallied nicely off the March 23 lows on the back of a bold policy response from the Federal Reserve (Fed) and lawmakers in Washington, DC, which was followed by signs that a peak in growth of COVID-19 cases may come soon....

 

Friday, April 3, 2020

April is National Financial Literacy Month – an entire month dedicated to underscoring the importance of learning, establishing and maintaining healthy financial habits. But ask yourself this: what have you learned about anything...

 

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

More weakness. After wrapping up one of the worst quarters ever for stocks, stocks sold off globally this morning after a somber warning from President Trump. Trump said the United States is facing potentially its toughest two weeks...

 

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

A major issue in estate planning is who to name as beneficiaries on life insurance policies, pension plan accounts, IRAs, and annuities. This important decision often doesn't take into account the substantial estate and income tax...

 

Monday, March 30, 2020

The United States has more cases of the coronavirus than any other country, and in an attempt to stop the spread of this disease, states have closed schools and businesses throughout the country. These unprecedented shutdowns have...

 

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented volatility in recent weeks that has investors and traders scrambling to assess the economic and market impact of the aggressive containment measures. This past week the CBOE Volatility...

 

Thursday, March 19, 2020

529 plans are tax-advantaged education savings vehicles and one of the most popular ways to save for education today. Much like the way 401(k) plans revolutionized the world of retirement savings a few decades ago, 529 plans have...

 

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

The market volatility continues, as the S&P 500 Index has closed either up or down 4% or more for a record 7 consecutive days. With the S&P 500 Index down 30% from the highs, it has officially moved into a bear market. Yesterday, we...

 

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

The Federal Reserve (Fed) surprised markets over the weekend by holding its March 17-scheduled meeting a few days early and introducing a wide range of provisions. Those provisions are intended to add liquidity, increase credit...

 

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Retirement planning is all about the future, your future. Whether you are classified as a millennial, Gen Xers, women, or you are in your 40s-50s, retirement planning is a must. The key to successful retirement planning is starting...

 

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Down again. The S&P 500 Index opened sharply lower this morning, on the heels of a huge 4.9% oversold bounce yesterday, the largest single-day gain since December 26, 2018. There are now more than 1,000 cases of COVID-19 in the US,...

 

Friday, March 6, 2020

Suppose you arrive at your company one morning and discover that a key employee died unexpectedly the night before. Have you ever considered how such a turn of events may affect your company? Along with losing a valued member of your...

 

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

The hits keep coming, as the Federal Reserve (Fed) did an intra-meeting cut yesterday, causing stocks to sell off hard on concerns the economy is on more fragile footing than most think. Read First Emergency Rate Cut By the Fed Since...

 

Friday, February 28, 2020

The coronavirus outbreak—or Covid-19 —has caused significant market volatility over the past week. Our approach as always is to focus on economic fundamentals first, but the uncertainty around the scope of the outbreak has...

 

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

The global equity weakness continued yesterday, with consecutive 3% drops for the S&P 500 Index for the first time since August 2015. It might be hard to believe, but exactly one week ago today the S&P 500 was making a new all-time...

 

Monday, February 24, 2020

News that the coronavirus—known as COVID-19—has spread to South Korea, Italy, Japan, and Iran, has led to massive selling around the globe, with many European markets closing down more than 4%. U.S. stock markets are...

 

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Bringing pet dogs into the workplace is becoming increasingly common. Large companies like Google, Ticketmaster and challenger bank Monzo are just a few that have joined companies in the pet sector (like Pets at Home) that allow...

 

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

The recent news that technology giant Apple would miss its fourth quarter 2020 revenue targets has understandably increased investor anxiety surrounding the potential economic impact of the coronavirus (now called COVID-19). Lost in...

 

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

When you're a small business owner, you need to pay extra careful attention to both your business and personal finances. Your financial planning strategies should simultaneously encourage the success of your business while also working...

 

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

U.S. hiring came in stronger than expected in January, rebounding from a disappointing December print. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 225,000 in January, far surpassing Bloomberg’s consensus estimates for a 165,000 gain, according to...

 

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Planning for the 2020 Tax Season 2020 doesn't just mark a new year, but the beginning of a new decade—and with it, some more changes to the federal tax code. It can often be easy to put tax preparation on the back burner, but...

 

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

.The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield moved to within .05% of its recent low on Friday, January 31, approaching the 1.47% mark set back in August 2019 Prospects of stabilizing global growth and progress on trade encouraged yields to start...

 

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Because you've worked hard to create a secure and comfortable lifestyle for your family and loved ones, you'll want to ensure that you have a sound financial plan that includes trust and estate planning. With some forethought, you may...

 

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Fears that the deadly coronavirus would spread further around the globe intensified Monday and led to the biggest one-day drop in the S&P 500 Index since October 8, 2019. In fact, it was the first time the index moved 1% in either...

 

Thursday, January 23, 2020

When was the last time you took steps to optimize your 401k? If it's been a while, you're not alone. Research indicates that only one in three Americans utilize employer-sponsored 401k retirement accounts; even those who are...

 

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

As the economic expansion caps its first decade, we thought it’d be a good time to check on LPL Research’s leading indicators in our Recession Watch Dashboard. As you can see in our latest update and in the LPL Chart of the...

 

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Consumer inflationary pressures grew at a healthy, but manageable rate in December 2019. The core Consumer Price Index (CPI), which excludes food and energy, rose 2.3% year over year last month, around the fastest pace of the economic...

 

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Open Multiple Employer Plans / Pooled Employer Plans – The SECURE Act allows unrelated small employers to band together in “open” 401(k) multiple-employer plans (MEPs; also referred to as pooled employer plans...

 

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

The Social Security Administration (SSA) now has an online option (called my Social Security) for receiving annual benefit statements -- however, if you do not wish to open an account, you may still estimate your Social Security...

 

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

The U.S. airstrike that killed the top Iranian military commander last week was a major escalation in Mideast tensions. In fact, it would be difficult to overstate the geopolitical significance of this action. Iran likely will...

 

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Sometimes, even highly-compensated individuals may find it difficult to achieve long-term success when it comes to managing their personal finances. Although they may attain a comfortable level of income, their focus may be on career...

 

Thursday, January 2, 2020

A new year. It’s a new year for U.S. stocks, which are higher amid headlines on new monetary stimulus measures in China. The People’s Bank of China cut the country’s reserve requirement ratio for banks, releasing a...

 

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Investing for your retirement isn't about getting rich quick. More often, it's about having a game plan that you can live with over a long time. You wouldn't expect to be able to play the piano without learning the basics and...

 

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

December has been widely viewed as a strong month for stocks, with this year following suit so far. What many probably don’t realize, however, is the majority of the gains have taken place late in the month. “December has...

 

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

The Federal Reserve’s (Fed) final policy meeting of 2019 starts today and will conclude tomorrow with the release of the Fed’s policy statement, updated economic projections, and a press conference by Fed Chair Jerome...

 

Monday, December 9, 2019

It may be better to give than to receive, but it may be even better to give and see your generosity rewarded. Charitable giving can play a valuable role in your financial and tax strategies. A well-planned gift to charity could provide...

 

Monday, December 9, 2019

Diet books. Fitness apps. Live-streamed exercise classes. They all tell you the same thing: Maintaining good physical health requires discipline and adherence to a few simple habits, such as eating wisely, getting enough sleep, and...

 

Monday, December 9, 2019

What are year-end investment decisions?Year-end investment decisions may sometimes result in substantial tax savings. Tax planning may allow you to control the timingand method by which you report your income and claim your deductions...

 

Friday, December 6, 2019

Hindsight is 20/20, but finding clarity in future uncertainty can be fuzzy. AT LPL RESEARCH, as we look forward to the year 2020 and a new decade, some key trends and market signals will be important to watch, including progress on U.S...