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INSIGHTS ON THE ISSUES OF TODAY
Spend some time with these resources that cover a variety of topics, and, if you have any questions, we’re only a call, an email or visit away.
Demystifying Stock Market Indexes: What You Need to Know
You've likely come across headlines about the rise or fall of a specific stock index, but do you understand what an index is and why it matters? Let's delve into the basics of stock market indexes and how they can be valuable tools for...
Read MoreMitigating Tax Audit Risks and Navigating Stock Market Trends During Election Season
Taxpayers invest about 13 hours preparing their tax returns, according to the IRS’s instructions for Form 1040. More specifically, the IRS says that the average nonbusiness taxpayer spends nine hours preparing a tax return,...
Read MoreThe Human Side of Investing: Navigating Behavioral Biases in Financial Markets
In 1981, economist Robert Shiller's groundbreaking research shattered the myth of market efficiency by revealing the undeniable influence of human behavior on stock prices. His findings challenged the notion that market movements...
Read MoreFebruary Newsletter: What is financial fitness?
What is financial fitness? It is not just about having a pile of money in a bank account or a fat portfolio of stocks and bonds. Lottery winners often stumble into wealth without having much in the way of financial knowledge. A...
Read MoreStudent loan payments are in full swing. We can help.
Student loan relief was nice while it lasted, but now, payments are back. That means, a total of $1.63 trillion in debt will need to be repaid by 43.4 million Americans.1 And it’s not just young people. Take a look at how...
Read MoreShow All
Is inflation rising again?
As we kick off 2024, the latest data is raising some concerns about inflation. Let’s dive into some data and take a look. (Not interested? Scroll down to the P.S. for an update on some new tax laws in Congress.) Inflation is...
Read MoreMarket Rollercoaster
The S&P 500 broke the 5,000 level recently for the first time in history as investors embraced euphoria and rallied.1 And then tumbled as investors got jittery.2 Then yo-yo'd a bit more. What’s going on? Let’s talk about...
Read MoreNew Market Highs—What Next?
It's official. The bear market is behind us. The S&P 500 finally hit a new record for the first time since 2022. And then notched multiple higher highs in the days that followed.1 That means it has passed the final bar to formalize the...
Read More2023 Stock Rally Greeted by Boo Birds in 2024
By almost any measure, 2023 was a terrific year for stock prices. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index finished up 24%, closing out the year with a nine-week winning streak.1 But throughout January, the naysayers were out in force...
Read MoreJanuary Newsletter: Are you familiar with how our federal tax code originated?
Are you familiar with how our federal tax code originated? In 1909, progressives in Congress attached a provision for an income tax to a tariff bill. Hoping to kill the idea for good, conservatives proposed enacting such a tax as they...
Read MoreEducational Investing
The Art of RebalancingEveryone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is this the best approach?It may sound counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a good...
Read MoreBe sure to take your RMD by Dec 31
Just dropping you a quick reminder to double-check your qualified distributions to make sure your RMD has been satisfied for 2023. If you’re unsure and would like a hand figuring it out, just give us a call at (703) 779-7410 and...
Read MoreWhat does 2024 have in store?
How did 2023 go for you? Will you share some highlights with me? Before the year ends, I like to sit down and review, thinking through what went well and what didn't. I try to mentally put the old year to bed before the new year kicks...
Read MoreWhich debt do I pay off first?
How do you prioritize and pay down debt? Highest rate first? Lowest balance? Avalanche or snowball? Method #1: The avalanche method prioritizes paying off your highest-interest debt first. Under this strategy, you organize your debt by...
Read MoreNovember Newsletter: Tackling Long-Term Care Needs
It’s hard to think about, but long-term care is an important need for which you should prepare. How much care might you need? On average, women will need 3.7 years of care, and men will need an average of 2.2 years. Approximately...
Read MoreEnd-of-year opportunities for your finances
During November and December, I want to help you spot time-sensitive planning opportunities. Perhaps you… Are considering making year-end gifts to charitable organizations or family members and need to determine your optimal...
Read MoreMarket Losses & Gratitude
Just a quick note to offer some perspective on the (many) headlines floating around. There are plenty of things to be worried about right now, so I'd like to pause for a second to remember the abundance in our lives. Especially when...
Read MoreNegotiating your next mortgage (tips inside)
Looking ahead at a home purchase? High rates convincing you to stay put as long as possible? With mortgage rates pushing above 7%, you might think a reasonable mortgage is out of reach. I've got some not-so-great news for you. Current...
Read MoreHow does the economy look to you?
Do you feel like the economy isn't making a lot of sense right now? Is there a mismatch between the headlines and your perception? If so, you're not alone. There's a big divide between the current data and the "vibes" many Americans...
Read MoreTragedy in Israel, What Next?
I'm writing to offer some thoughts on the horrific situation unfolding in Israel. The devastating terrorist attacks have already cost thousands of lives and may profoundly affect the region. While the violence might seem far away,...
Read MoreOctober Newsletter: The Dark Side of Home Improvement
The National Council on Aging recently shared a story about a scammer who targeted a homeowner in Massachusetts. The victim alleged that a contractor damaged his home’s foundation and didn’t return to finish the...
Read MoreMarket drop (explainer inside)
What's going on with markets? Why does the federal government keep getting into fiscal fights? A lot is going on, so let's discuss. (Want a break from financial stuff? Scroll down to the end; I've got a fascinating visual treat for...
Read MoreSeptember Newsletter: Tackling Retirement Health Care Issues
A single person age 65 in 2023 may need about $157,500 saved after taxes to cover health care expenses in retirement, according to Fidelity. In 2023, their estimate for an average retired couple aged 65 is around $315,000. The...
Read MoreAmericans Spending?( (Recession Warning)
Is a new recession warning flashing? Let's discuss. You've probably heard me say that consumers (like us) are the backbone of the U.S. economy. It's true. Consumer spending accounts for nearly 70% of economic growth. It's been the...
Read MoreIRS changes inheritance rules (red flag for you?)
The IRS recently updated some rules about trusts that could make your heirs accidentally liable for capital gains taxes.1 It's another quiet change that could severely impact families trying to maximize their legacies. Here's what...
Read MoreTrouble Ahead?
You might have heard that Fitch downgraded the U.S. government's credit rating in August.1 What does that mean for you? Let's discuss. Who is Fitch Ratings, anyway? When companies and governments issue bonds, the bonds get rated by one...
Read MoreHow High Will Rates Go?
How high do you think the Federal Reserve will have to push interest rates to fully tame inflation? (My crystal ball is in the shop so I'd like to borrow yours.) Some good news first: inflation is much, much lower than it was last...
Read MoreIgnoring the right things? (overlooked principles)
Quick question: What do you usually find yourself reading? News summaries, headlines, and quick bits to keep yourself updated? Or longer reads like books and articles? We're ever more inundated with information that's eager to capture...
Read MoreDollars and Degrees: The Cost of Education
As we approach the back-to-school season, I wanted to discuss an important topic that might be on your mind: the cost of education. Whether you have children or grandchildren preparing for college or considering furthering your...
Read MoreAugust Is Make a Will Month
August is Make a Will Month, a time dedicated to strategizing for the future. You may have seen in the news that Aretha Franklin's loved ones are still caught in a legal battle due to the existence of multiple wills. The lesson from...
Read More7 Boxes To Check When Preparing for College
Getting prepared for college can be both exciting and overwhelming for a high school senior. What might your goal-oriented peers do that will help them succeed as they set out on a new path? The key to successful college...
Read MoreIs a recession still coming?
A word about recessions. Are we still going to see one this year? Let's discuss. (Bored by talk about the economy? I've got you covered. Scroll down to my P.S. for a fascinating video about grit.) Why did so many people think a...
Read MoreStudent loan forgiveness (update inside)
The Supreme Court struck down the president’s student loan forgiveness plan.1 What does that mean for your loans? Read on. Though President Biden announced intentions to find another path to loan forgiveness, it’s wise to...
Read MoreHow's The Economy?
Big question: how’s the economy doing?With the year more than half over and markets on a spree, it's an important question to consider.Let’s dig into the latest data and find out.Inflation continues its downward spiral.The...
Read MoreWhy the Fed Can't Figure Out the Jobs Market
As the Fed continues its fight against inflation, one of the more challenging parts of the economy is gauging what's happening in the jobs market.One July report showed the private sector added nearly 500,000 jobs, double the...
Read MoreBear market finally over? (insight inside)
Markets have been hitting some very positive milestones lately, but it's not clear that we’re in a bull market yet.1Is the bear market actually over?Are the bulls back or are we seeing another "bear market rally" that will...
Read More7 Steps to Get Your Affairs in Order & More
While many find it anxiety-provoking to think about, creating a legally binding plan to distribute your assets after your death ultimately provides you with peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing that your wishes will be carried out...
Read MoreAging parents need more care?
Have you noticed Mom or Dad showing signs of decline?Are you worried about your elderly uncle living at home by himself?You're not alone.Many of us will find ourselves making care decisions for our parents or other beloved elders.It's...
Read MoreNew bull market? (caveats inside)
A new deal finally put the debt ceiling issue to rest (for now, anyway), and stocks are rallying.Are we on the brink of a new bull market?We might be. The S&P 500 has soared in 2023 and is up nearly 20% from its October 2022 low...
Read MoreNow That the Debt Ceiling is Over, What's Next?
Now that the debt ceiling negotiations are behind us and President Biden has signed the measure, what will Wall Street's wandering eye focus on next?Inflation? Interest rates? Recession? Artificial intelligence?More than likely,...
Read MoreThe Most Unloved Bull Market in History?
What is a bull market, and more importantly, who determines if we are in one?Technically speaking, a bull market is defined as a 20% gain in a stock market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500, from a closing low.So are we in one?...
Read MoreFull of hot air?
Imagine there are 100 miles between you and a goal. A place you want to get to.But the land in between is chock full of canyons, crevasses, and crumbling cliffs.You have two choices of how you could get there.You could find a way on...
Read MoreCorrection Incoming?
Markets are doing their thing again, so let’s discuss.Markets tumbled, heading into negative territory, and then bounced back. And then promptly fell again.1We're caught in a whipsaw pattern of uncertainty.Is this weird?Not...
Read MorePlan for a Comfortable Retirement
We plan for retirement because we know that we may not want to work forever. An artificial retirement age set by our employer may limit our options. Health issues may also dictate when we decide to retire.With your input, we can help...
Read MoreGood news (optimism inside)
What's some good news from your life?It doesn't have to be big news. Have you had a really good meal with loved ones?Celebrated a milestone?Read a really good book?I ask because I want to take a moment to savor it.I think that the...
Read MoreA Crisis of Confidence
Have you ever reflected on the foundation of the financial system? What comes to mind? Banks, investors, the stock market, the bond market, or the credit markets? That's partially true.They are the underpinnings, but the foundation or...
Read MoreExercise Your Financial Muscle
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” This ancient advice from Proverbs illustrates the importance of financial fitness. What is financial fitness?...
Read MoreBank failures = recession?
Let’s talk about what’s going on in markets and the economy after the recent bank failures.Quick recap: Over the last few weeks, several banks have collapsed under the pressure of bad management, high interest rates,...
Read MoreSVB and bank collapses (reassurance inside)
Is it 2008 all over again? Should we be worried about the financial system collapsing?Deep breath. Let's discuss.On March 10th, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a bank catering to startups closed its doors after it could no longer cover...
Read MoreFDIC Insurance, SVB & Signature Bank
When events like Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank happen, it's natural to wonder how a bank safeguards your funds. Fortunately, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance was designed for this very reason:...
Read MoreLive your life anyway
How are you? Anything big or exciting coming up that you’d like to share?I’d be fascinated to hear about it.I wanted to talk about life today. Specifically, making your dreams happen.It's easy to get caught up in worries...
Read MoreWhat's Next for the Economy?
Simple question: How's the economy doing?Answer: It’s complicated.After the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates again (but less than last time) and all the market volatility, it's a good time to talk about the economy.1Inflation...
Read More529 Rollovers (coming soon)
529 accounts are getting a lot more powerful with the recent SECURE Act 2.0 legislation that went into effect on January 1st.Here’s what you need to know:Typically, 529 money is dedicated to education expenses like college...
Read MoreWhat makes you happy?
There’s a lot we could be talking about right now.Markets.Earnings.Inflation.Debt ceilings.Interest rates.Instead, how about we flip the script and talk about something both fun AND important?What makes you happy?Truly,...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Mixed Results Following Weak Economic Data
Stocks showed mixed results last week as recession fears resurfaced in response to weak economic data and a tepid start to a new corporate earnings season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.70%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0 (2023 changes inside)
Happy New Year!I hope you had a fantastic end to your 2022 and are feeling refreshed and ready for 2023.I wish I were bringing over some green smoothies and pressed juices to kick the year off. Instead, I have some new retirement rules...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0 Passed in Final Days of 2022
Congress spent the final days of 2022 on new reforms designed to help Americans save more for retirement.You may hear the changes called SECURE Act 2.0, which is a follow-up to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement...
Read MoreIn Closing...
As an eventful year comes to a close, I’d like to offer a heartfelt “thank you” for being part of the BDA Financial, LLC journey.I am so deeply grateful for your trust and presence in my life and I'm sending you my...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Slide on Recession Concerns
Recession fears and concerns that the Fed may consider a longer rate-hike cycle sent stocks lower for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.77%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 3.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreMaking room for hope
On a scale of 1 to 10, how hopeful are you feeling about 2023? We’ve seen A TON of headlines talking about recessions, layoffs, and market fears over the past few weeks. And what we should be doing to stave off the worst...
Read MoreIs the Fed Ready to Pause?
Over the years, the Fed has followed a similar pattern with interest rates. It raises interest rates, then pauses, so it can see how the economy is adjusting to the higher rates. The chart below shows the Fed’s pattern with...
Read MoreGrateful for you
I've got a quick note about markets and elections for you, plus some big-picture questions about gratitude at the end.First, a quick win: markets recently posted a strong rally on better-than-expected inflation data.1I'm highlighting...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Cooling Inflation Brings Market Gains
A cooling inflation number ignited a powerful rally on Thursday, sending stocks to strong gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 5.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreSmall wins
I've got three small wins for you this week.When it seems like there's a flood of bad news and everything is unpredictable, I think it's important to highlight the bright spots when we see them.I'll button things up for you at the end...
Read MoreWarren Buffett on Contrarian Investing
You may have heard the phrase “contrarian investing,” but did you know that one of the most reliable contrary indicators is individual investors?Retail investors often do the wrong thing at the wrong time. But this year,...
Read MoreMarket lessons you should know (inside)
How are you doing? How is your fall shaping up? Any gorgeous photos to share? (Please send them to me!!)Let's talk about markets for a minute.The most recent inflation data shows that inflation continues to persist near recent highs...
Read MoreThe Biggest COLA Increase Since 1981
How well do you remember 1981? Harrison Ford had his first bow as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Frogger and Donkey Kong were all the rage at video arcades. Bob Ross left the Air Force and took up painting. On top of that,...
Read MoreWhat happens next? (hope inside)
I hope you're well.With markets caught in a volatile pattern of selloffs and rallies, I thought I'd do a quick round-up of what we know (very little) and don't (a whole lot).(Don't want to hear about markets right now? I've got you....
Read MoreSummer Rally Over?
What's going on with markets? I’ve got some thoughts to share. Higher-than-expected inflation data slammed investor expectations and rippled through markets, causing a broad selloff.1I definitely expect to see more volatility in...
Read MoreWhy it's going to be OK (hope inside)
Markets plummeted this week after a disappointing inflation report.1 This is a quick note to tell you that it's going to be OK. A few things I'd like you to keep in mind right now: Big market moves happen frequently when the...
Read MoreWhat is Happening with CPI and Inflation?
Believe me, everyone on Wall Street wants inflation to go away, or at least shrink back to below 2%, a level we enjoyed not so long ago.But Tuesday's Consumer Price Index report showed it might be some time before we see 2% again....
Read MoreLoans forgiven? (headlines missed this BIG detail)
Have questions about the recent student loan forgiveness announcement?I’ve got (some) answers.(Please send this blog to anyone you know who might need some clarity about their student loans. There's also a very important note...
Read More5 Tax Gotchas at or near Retirement
Many people are very proud of their wealth. And why shouldn't they be? They worked their entire life to build their investment accounts and often sacrificed a great deal. However, once they retire and hit the 'distribution' phase, the...
Read MoreMedicare changes retirees need to know about
New laws are here!The new Inflation Reduction Act is a big enchilada of green energy spending, corporate taxes, and some pretty major changes to Medicare.Is this deal a big deal? Could be. I'll wrap it up for you at the end.First, here...
Read MoreBulls back in town? (Is it over yet?)
Is the bear market over?Let's discuss.(Don't want a dive into the latest market and economy stuff? Scroll down to my P.S. for a big-picture question. I'm eager to hear what you think.)Good news first: inflation might be cooling off....
Read MoreRecession? (Y/N)
Are we in a recession?Depends on who you ask.That's pretty confusing, right?Let's discuss.(Don't want to hear about recessions right now? I've got you. Scroll down to my P.S. for something fascinating.)The most common definition of a...
Read MoreScammers want your money (help inside)
Scams got a big boost during the pandemic and I've been hearing about more folks (even very tech-savvy ones) getting caught up.I wanted to reach out with some tips so you and your loved ones can stay safe.I’d also like to ask for...
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 they may accumulate less income and...
Read MoreRollercoaster Ride?
Markets rallied in relief on some better-than-expected data on Friday, July 15th.1 It was a bright spot in what has seemed like a relentless parade of bad news.But the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq still all closed out the week with losses...
Read MoreWhy I'm an optimist (good stuff inside)
For the past few months (years, really) it seems like there's a 24/7 stream of bad news bombarding us all the time.Markets, the economy, housing prices, grocery store prices, gas prices, and that whole COVID thing that's still...
Read MoreHow SECURE 2.0 Might Change Retirement
The SECURE Act of 2019 represented the biggest update to retirement law in over a decade. Now, Congress is deliberating on what “SECURE 2.0” legislation might entail.In March, the House passed the Securing a Strong...
Read MoreThe Cost of Procrastination
Some 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 the registration on your car...
Read MoreHow to Keep Your Identity Safe
In case you didn’t know, June is National Internet Safety Month. With nearly 4 billion people on social media worldwide, plus the risks of using online brokerage and bank accounts, the need for digital security has never been...
Read MoreSummertime Checkup
Summer’s here, and the time is right for vacations, outdoor activities, and fun. It’s also a good time to consider a few financial matters. Here are some questions to ask yourself mid-year.Goals still the same for 2022? Has...
Read MoreWe're in bear country. What now?
I'm dropping you a quick note to talk about what's going on with markets.Well, it happened.We knew that markets were going to continue their wild ride, and here we are.Stocks slid into bear market territory after a bad May inflation...
Read MoreUncertainty vs Reality (question inside)
A philosophical question for you before we dive into the latest.Is the world more uncertain right now than it has been in the past?Or are we simply more aware of our lack of predictability and control?You don't have to go far to see...
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 what approach you intend...
Read MoreWhy it's going to be OK (hope inside)
The last few weeks (and months) of volatility have told us that we're sailing in stormy waters.This is a quick note to tell you that it's going to be OK.A few things I'd like you to keep in mind right now:"Unprecedented" events can...
Read MoreThat 70s Economy
Markets gifted us with another burst of volatility and headlines are looking apocalyptic again. Some folks might think it's time to bail on markets for the summer, but I'll tell you why that thinking is a mistake. First, let's peel...
Read MoreAnother wild ride
Markets bucked and sold off again.1 Should we be worried? Not necessarily. These things happen pretty regularly, especially when headlines are negative. In fact, you might recall that we kicked off 2022 with a big drop.2 So,...
Read MoreRecession ahead? (hope inside)
Today, a quick overview of what's going on in the financial and economic world. (Plus a discussion of the hunt for beauty in the mundane.) Stocks seem to be caught in a volatile pattern as Q1 earnings season heats up. ...
Read MoreInverted Yield Curve + Inflation = Stay the Course
Recently the yield curve inverted for the first time since August 2019 (which means that long-term interest rates have dropped below short-term rates). Why do we pay attention to this? Because this inversion suggests that investors...
Read MoreBetter or worse? (big question inside)
First, a quick note: There's not much new perspective on current events I can offer. Markets are still locked in a volatile pattern and will probably continue that way for the foreseeable future. We're watching the data closely. Today,...
Read MoreInflation's Overreach
What do The Dukes of Hazzard, M*A*S*H, and The Love Boat all have in common? They were top-rated television programs in 1982; the last time inflation was hovering in the 7% range. When inflation is running hot, you can feel its...
Read MoreApril Is Financial Literacy Month
April marks the start of Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized movement to promote and support financial understanding in children and teens. For many, it's a fantastic opportunity to teach and connect with their children...
Read MoreRising Rates and the Market
Last week, the yield curve inverted for the first time since August 2019 (as a refresher, a yield curve inversion means that long-term interest rates have dropped below short-term rates). Why do we pay attention to this? Because this...
Read MoreThe Fed Makes Its Move
The Federal Reserve recently announced that for the first time in three years, it would increase short-term interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point. In addition, the Fed has stated that it would like to see short-term...
Read MoreIs the sky really falling (again)?
Just a quick note to offer some perspective on the (many) headlines floating around. There are almost too many things to be worried about right now, so I’d like to pause for a second to remember the abundance in our lives....
Read MoreHard times (hope inside)
Hard times are here. (I’m still optimistic, though; I'll explain why at the end.) People are dying, running for their lives, and watching everything they’ve worked for go up in literal flames. And, because of technology,...
Read MoreA Challenging Start to 2022
2022 is off to a challenging start for most investors. Stock prices have been down 6 of the past 9 weeks, and the major averages are either in or teetering on correction territory. Bond prices are lower, and yields are higher, which...
Read MoreWhat comes next?
Some perspective on the grim situation in Ukraine and what could happen in markets. (Need a break from it? Scroll down to the P.S.) The invasion of Ukraine is a serious and scary escalation in tensions between Russia, Europe, and the...
Read MoreWhen whales fight
As we consider the tensions driving recent market movements, a Korean folk saying seems apt: “When whales fight, the shrimp’s back is broken.” The idea is that bystanders get hurt when big folks duke it out. What are...
Read MoreRMDs Get a Small Reprieve
For the first time in nearly 20 years, the IRS has released updated actuarial or life expectancy tables. Those who take required minimum withdrawals (RMD) from retirement accounts may already know we use these tables to calculate your...
Read MoreWild Ride?
Markets cratered last week, heading into correction territory, and then bounced right back.1 And then continued bucking and kicking the next day. Weird, right? Not really. These things happen pretty regularly when investors get jittery...
Read MoreFact or Fiction?
Markets are driven by numbers, right? Earnings, interest rates, expectations of future growth, etc. It's just a math equation. Right? Or is it? Let's discuss. Folks like cold, hard numbers because they're neat, logical, and measurable....
Read More2022 Crystal Ball?
Welcome to 2022! May it bring us peace, prosperity, and a whole lotta love. And some greater certainty about what lies ahead. This email includes precious little certainty, but it does have kittens. (All the way down in the P.S.)...
Read MoreAre your beneficiaries up to date?
Updating the beneficiaries on your life insurance policies and financial accounts isn’t the fun part of financial planning, but it’s critical to making sure your loved ones are protected and your money goes where you want....
Read MoreWrestling with the unknown (+ uplifting news)
Let’s talk about omicron. (If you’d rather not, scroll right down to the P.S. for something beautiful.) Since the first known cases of COVID-19 were detected in China, we've seen a number of notable mutations as the virus...
Read MoreThe Power of the Consumer
A confident consumer can be a powerful ally in an economy. But when the consumer starts to have questions, we can measure consumer confidence in everything from retail sales to home buying to the personal savings rate.In recent months...
Read MorePrices going up in 2022?
I hope you're warm, well, and looking forward to some time with family and friends. I wanted to drop you a quick email about a couple of things: infrastructure, inflation, and taxes. And I've got a blue-sky question for you at the end....
Read More2022 Contribution Limits
Preparing for retirement just got a little more financial wiggle room. This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new contribution limits for 2022.Staying put for 2022 are traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)...
Read MoreTax Changes: What's In, What's Out?
While it’s still too early to draw any final conclusions, Congress is getting closer to outlining what tax law changes are under consideration to pay for the proposed $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Plan.1For now, it appears...
Read MoreGridlock in the Supply Chain
While the world has begun to recover from the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the delayed reaction has been felt in the supply chain. Industrial shutdowns around the world slowed production to a relative crawl, leaving...
Read MoreGut Check (on your job)
How are you feeling about work these days? Are you taking stock of your life and thinking about moving on? (You're not alone.) Are you a boss struggling to fill roles and retain your people? (You're in good company.) America is going...
Read MoreLatest on taxes inside
Capitol Hill is producing more drama than Hollywood. We've got bold statements, ultimatums, cliff-hangers, and confusing sequels. We've even got folks paddling up to Senators' party boats to discuss tax reform. Let's recap what we know...
Read MoreConsiderations During Medicare’s Open Enrollment
How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment fast approaching, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage.Have you switched...
Read MoreStorms ahead? What you need to know
The stock market got a little crazy last week. Is a storm coming? Let's take a look at what's driving markets right now. (Scroll to the end if you just want my takeaways.) A few things are driving the market volatility: Fears of a...
Read MoreAre Your Taxes Going to Change?
Most likely, you’ve heard what’s brewing in Washington, D.C., called by one of these names.The Build Back Better Act. Or the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill. Or the Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan for Working...
Read MoreMaking Sense of Seemingly Inconsistent Numbers
It can be incredibly difficult to make sense of data. A report coming from one body may tell you one thing, and another report might seem to offer a wholly different perspective.Such is the case with August’s jobs numbers from...
Read MoreThe September Effect
The stock market notched its 7th straight month of gains in August, and the Standard & Poor's 500 index has set 53 new highs so far in 2021.1During August, stocks rallied as investors looked past the increased number of COVID-19...
Read MoreDistracted America
Over the last year, many have seen their lives impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ways in which we work, live, and communicate have drastically changed, to say the least.It’s difficult to predict what other aspects of life...
Read MoreMixed Signals on Inflation
Are you having a tough time keeping track of inflation's mixed signals? You’re not alone.Consumer prices in July climbed at their fastest rate since August 2008. Worse, producer prices, which can be an indicator of future price...
Read MoreThe Cost Of A Gold Medal
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics wrap up with closing ceremonies on August 8, and it’s been an Olympic games like no other. We’ve watched the world’s finest athletes go for the gold. Which leads many to wonder: what exactly...
Read MoreTeenage Wage-Land
Summer jobs are a perennial aspect of the American workforce. It’s a time when teenagers are filling out applications and, in many cases, earning wages of their own for the first time. But some of what we’ve become...
Read MoreA 6.1% Bump in Social Security?
The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients.It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1...
Read MoreBillionaires in Space
It’s long been an aspirational target for entrepreneurs. It literally goes beyond “blue sky,” in terms of location, to a place no business has gone before: Outer Space!Longtime space enthusiast and entrepreneur...
Read MoreConducting Your Mid-Year Financial Checkup
With June officially behind us, it’s time to face the facts: we’re headed toward the second half of 2021. While there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the rest of summer, we encourage you to slow down and check up on...
Read MoreEconomic Lessons from Used-Car Inflation
Inflation is defined as the general upward price movement of goods and services in an economy. The key word is “general.” Inflation tends to be uneven and affects the price of some items more than others.If you’ve...
Read MoreThe Fed Acknowledges Inflation
At its June meeting, the Federal Reserve confirmed what many of us have suspected for some time: prices are rising. In fact, prices are climbing faster than many expected. In response, the Fed raised its inflation expectation to 3.4%,...
Read MoreInflation & the Real Rate of Return
The 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 gaining or losing purchasing power...
Read MoreA COLA with Your Social Security?
If there is a "silver lining" to all the inflation talk, it may be that Social Security benefits are expected to see a larger-than-normal increase in 2022.Preliminary estimates call for a 4.7% cost-of-living increase (COLA) in Social...
Read MoreRecovering from COVID
With COVID, there were some who believed that progress on this health issue was a necessary precondition to economic recovery.In recent weeks, we have seen some promising trends emerge on the health front. The CDC is reporting the...
Read MoreInflation Can Be a Scary Word
Inflation can be a scary word for people who are retired. It’s code for “prices are going up, but my income may stay the same.”The most recent reading on consumer prices put inflation back into the conversation. The...
Read MoreCyberattack, CPI Hit In the Wallet
A cyberattack shut down a major gas and energy pipeline supplying the East Coast of the United States for several days. The actual pipelines themselves are still functional and have since started running again, but it’s led to...
Read MoreBuffett and Powell Talk Inflation
What does it mean when two of the most powerful voices in American financial life seem to be saying two different things?In one corner, we have the “Oracle of Omaha,” investor Warren Buffett. As one of the nation’s...
Read More2021 Retirement Confidence Survey
Will your retirement dreams match your reality?That's perhaps the most critical question to ask people who are currently retired. Was your retirement what you expected, or was it something else?For more than 30 years, the Employee...
Read MoreDebate Starts on Capital Gains Tax
Now and again, the price action on Wall Street can surprise even the most seasoned investors.Look no further than when President Biden in late April proposed an increase in the tax on capital gains to 39.6% from 20% for those...
Read MoreWhat Forces Are Driving the Housing Market?
Recently, you may have seen reports that a record-low number of homes are available for sale—roughly 1.03 million nationwide. If you compare that to the average number of homes for sale during the past 10 years, it's no surprise...
Read MoreThe Whims of Wall Street
It can be exhausting trying to keep up with the whims of Wall Street.Lately, the financial markets have been fixated on federal taxes and what may be proposed on Capitol Hill in the weeks and months ahead.Wall Street’s focus on...
Read MoreInflation Boogeyman
Inflation has emerged as one of the top financial concerns for investors as they size up the economy for the rest of the year.According to research by Deutsche Bank, Google searches for “inflation” are rising rapidly and...
Read MoreIt’s All About Bonds
There’s an old Wall Street maxim that says, “markets climb a wall of worry.” And these days, there’s plenty to worry about with the trend in long-term interest rates.The 10-year Treasury yield in recent weeks...
Read MoreThe Shadow of Inflation
I’m sure you’ve heard that the House recently passed the Senate another round of stimulus to try and counteract the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new stimulus package could narrow income eligibility to...
Read MoreVolatility Tests Your Mettle
Most people understand that stock prices don't go straight up. But when market volatility increases, the price action can test the mettle of even the most seasoned investor.In recent weeks, stock prices have trended lower with a few...
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