Blog

In 1989, Stephen Covey, an American author, educator, and businessman, published his groundbreaking self-help book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Regardless of income level, age, or career, anyone can learn and practice the...

Congress passed landmark retirement legislation called "SECURE 2.0" in December 2022. The bill includes a number of provisions that will expand access to workplace plans and incentivize Americans to save more for retirement. ...

Financial markets lived up to their reputation during the month of August, which has a record for being difficult. On the first day of August, markets had to contend with a downgrade of U.S. long-term debt by the rating agency, Fitch....

During turbulent financial times, having a financial emergency plan might provide you with a proverbial life preserver. Whether it is an emergency fund to help you tackle an unplanned expense, insurance to cover an unexpected accident...

Having a solid life insurance policy in place is crucial for any adult who has assets, a business, or a steady income. While most adults know that having a life insurance policy is a vital piece in their financial puzzle, there are...

Saving for retirement is important for all ages, the key is to start early Land a great new job? Awesome. Now is the perfect time to think about your 401(k) and retirement plan, whether you had one before or not. Saving for retirement...

Women own nearly 20% of the businesses that employ people in the United States, and countless more women run their businesses without employees. There are over one million women-owned firms. They employ over 10 million people and...

Making economic forecasts and stock market predictions can be humbling. It’s especially tough when you expect stocks to go higher and get a big drop instead. The environment today is the opposite, but still tricky, as the...

As a business owner, putting all your profits back into the business may be tempting, especially during the lean years. However, when it comes to saving and investing as a business owner, there are other paths you could consider for...

Have you ever found yourself scrambling for spare cash to send with your child for school lunch? Have you paid a late fee because you simply forgot when a bill was due? Have you woken up in a cold sweat trying to remember if you paid...

In the college savings game, all strategies aren't created equal. The best savings vehicles offer special tax advantages if the funds are used to pay for college. Tax-advantaged strategies are important because over time, you can...

A successful investor maximizes gain and minimizes loss. Though there can be no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful and all investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, here are six basic...

The Path Toward StabilityNow that we’re beyond the midpoint of the investing year, it’s a great time to look at where we’ve been—to help position your portfolio for the latter half of the year. Our Midyear...

As we finalize the log on the first six months of 2023, we believe there’s value in reflecting on recent months gone by. Doing so can help crystallize key learnings and help chart a course through the rest of the year. Looking...

For kids, teens, and college students, summer break often represents freedom from schedules, responsibilities, and all those other drains on your time. Retirement actually can provide a similar level of freedom, but only if you've...

When it comes to financial planning, people often think of financial professionals as people who assist with strategies for retirement planning. That is one aspect of their job; however, financial planning and working with a financial...

With proactive planning and smart strategies, its impact can be mitigated As a retiree, one of the significant financial challenges you may encounter is inflation. The rising costs of goods and services can erode the purchasing power...

Those who receive an inheritance with the passing of a loved one are potentially given the gift of financial freedom if they choose to manage the wealth carefully. Did you know that only about one-third of adults have a prepared will,...

Grandparents can often find themselves in a better financial position to save for their grandchildren's education than their own children are. The parents of prospective students may still be contending with competing priorities like...

Every so often Washington likes to remind us how hard it can be to get things accomplished. The most recent example is the debt ceiling—the amount Congress can borrow to pay its bills. It seems like we have this debate every few...

Having a financial safety net in place can ensure that you're protected when a financial emergency arises. One way to accomplish this is by setting up a cash reserve, a pool of readily available funds that can help you meet emergency or h

One of the best ways to quickly build up your savings is to make it automatic so a certain amount of money regularly goes into savings—before you have a chance to spend it.

You may wonder whether there is any way to maintain your lifestyle and preserve your wealth to pass down to your loved ones. It might be worthwhile to do some careful planning and ongoing maintenance.

The 10% penalty tax generally applies to withdrawals prior to age 59½ from IRAs, employer-sponsored plans [such as 401(k) and 403(b)  plans], and traditional pension plans, unless an exception applies.

This classic sweet lemon pie is sure to end your meal on a high note!

Dear Valued Investor, Spring is often thought of as an uplifting time, marked by growth and renewed hope as we emerge from the long months of winter and look ahead to the rest of year. Investors saw signs of such renewed hope in...

529 funds are tax-free when spent on qualified expenses, such as tuition, books, fees, and room and board.

An investment approach that can help you work towards a confident retirement

The ability to enjoy a secure retirement is an objective that many teachers and their colleagues pursue years before they leave their jobs.

Having a financial professional to help you plan the economic future of your business might allow you to concentrate on more immediate needs.

Rosemary lemon curd hand pies are the perfect single serving spring dessert—beautiful and delicious.

The financial markets’ resilient performance during March was striking, despite pockets of uncertainty surrounding the strength of the economy.

Targeted scams have become even more popular with the amount of personal information readily available on the internet. Social Security recipients are, unfortunately, targeted by some of the most sophisticated scam artists out there....

What does it mean?Getting the most out of your contributionsOptimizing your Social Security retirement benefits means getting the best return possible on each dollar you've contributed to the system. Every pay period, you pay 6.2...

The SECURE 2.0 legislation included in the $1.7 trillion appropriations bill passed late last year builds on changes established by the original Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE 1.0) enacted in 2019....

With April’s federal tax filing and payment deadline on the horizon, Americans are dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s as they prepare for the countdown to Tax Day. But before you rush to get that return out the...

A refreshing addition to any dinner or lunch, this salad is made with the freshest of ingredients and is packed with all of the flavors of spring!

LPL’s financial stability and our commitment to financial advisors, institutions, and their clients remains strong, and we are well-positioned to execute on our growth strategy.

We started the year hopeful that stocks would benefit from a better economic and monetary policy environment by the spring, but recent developments suggest that may be further out than we initially thought.

Consumer debt in the United States totals in the billions. Much of this debt belongs to consumers who use credit wisely, but a considerable amount is owed by people whose credit obligations have gotten out of hand.

Spring is a great in-between time of year to take stock of your financial health and to create goals for the rest of the year—or to plan for the years ahead.

If you're thinking about working in retirement, you must consider a few things before making your decision.

As more and more consumers search for financial information on the Internet, they may inadvertently leave themselves open to being “tracked” by certain companies and individuals.

Index PerformanceView enlarged chartU.S. and International Equities                                               ...

Whether you’re one to set ambitious New Year’s resolutions or simply use the beginning of the year to reset on a few habits, there’s almost always some value in reflecting on the past year before looking ahead. The...

We love pasta! It’s a foodstuff that makes everyone happy and shouldn’t scare anyone off, so long as you eat it as the Italians do, as a complete dish rather than a side. Serves 12Ingredients1¾ pounds cherry...

View enlarged chartU.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Mostly HigherThe major market averages finished higher, reversing last week’s losses.  Equities have done well despite fourth quarter earnings coming in...

Here we discuss three U.S. presidents who had a role in shaping American retirement planning, and how their efforts endure today.

If you haven’t taken a look at your overall finances lately, now may be a good time to “tidy” things up a bit. Here are some tips to help you straighten up your financial house

Before you start planning your retirement party, make sure you do these four things if you're retiring next year.

How far in advance do you plan vacations? A month at the very least, right? You’ve booked the flights and hotels, taken time off of work, gotten the kids out of school and looked forward to it from the moment you made the final...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chartU.S. and International Equities                                               ...

Everyone loves pizza, and there’s no better way to feed a crowd. Now you can enjoy the beauty of pizza in a whole new way. Pizza dippers are seasoned focaccia straws dipped into a creamy, cheesy sauce. Bring your guests on a...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chartU.S. and International Equities                                               ...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chartU.S. and International Equities                                             ...

We wish you a happy New Year and hope you were able to close out 2022 with friends and family.The beginning of a calendar year is often the time when the previous year’s reflections transition to a new year’s hopes. Given...

View enlarged chartU.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Mostly LowerThe major markets finished lower to end a tumultuous year as market participants remain concerned about the economic and profitability landscape.  Investors...

After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount...

When you hear the term identity theft, the first thought that comes to mind may involve a data breach or opening a credit card in someone else's name. But another common type of identity theft involves the use of someone's Social...

Improving return by minimizing taxesAlthough we are all obligated to pay our fair share of taxes, few of us would be pleased to pay taxes unnecessarily. Because taxes lower the actual return on your investments, you should be...

We all know the saying “new year, new you,” but let’s face it: there’s a big difference between saying and doing. Regardless of your resolutions, these five apps will help you make promises that you’re...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chartU.S. and International Equities                                               ...

Friday, December 9, 2022Index PerformanceView enlarged chartU.S. and International EquitiesMarkets HigherThe major markets finished lower this week as market participants remain concerned about the economic landscape and potential...

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...

Perfecting the art of the cheese board is all about the imperfectness of it. Take your cheese board up a notch by placing the various foods in an herb wreath—shaping herbs of your choice into a circle on the board.The board can...

Index Performance View enlarged chartU.S. and International EquitiesMarkets HigherThe major markets finished higher this week as Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Powell on Wednesday signaled smaller interest rate hikes during...

If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Finish Mostly HigherThe S&P 500 Index finished higher during the shortened trading week, led by the utilities and materials sectors.  In addition, the...

What is family wealth, and how do you preserve it?You have worked hard for years and accumulated wealth. You earned this money through your job, investing, and saving, and you want to preserve it for yourself and to take care of the...

With the holiday season just around the corner, you may be ready to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Unfortunately, for many, holiday shopping easily gets out of control. When you are in the giving spirit, you may find yourself...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Finish the Week LowerStocks finished the week lower after last week’s nearly 6% increase for the S&P 500 Index.  Mixed retail earnings amid consumer...

Just what you need, right? One more time-consuming task to be taken care of between now and the end of the year. But taking a little time out from the holiday chores to make some strategic saving and investing decisions before December...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chartU.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Finish the Week HigherStocks finished the week higher amid Thursday’s cooler-than-expected Consumer Price Index (CPI) results. Moreover, Thursday’s...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chartU.S. and International EquitiesDomestic Markets Finish Lower But Emerging Markets ShinesStocks finished lower after Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Powell’s comments on Wednesday caused traders to...

Some retirees put all their money into bonds, only to suffer from the impact of years of inflation. If you get a 4% return and inflation is 3% annually, your real return is only about 1% — not counting any fees or taxes. Retiring...

October is now behind us and it has delivered on its track record as a historically favorable month for stocks, offering some respite for investors as major equity indices rose for the month. The downside pressure on equities had...

What are appropriate checklists for year-end tax planning?Tax planners often develop checklists to guide taxpayers toward year-end strategies that might help reduce taxes. Typically, suggestions are grouped into several different...

Never shy away from incorporating pumpkin into fall cooking, especially in savory dishes. The epitome of a fall casserole—layers of pumpkin, cheese, and bacon meld together perfectly for a taste of the season in every bite...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Finish Mostly HigherStocks finished higher as Q3 earnings, so far, have come in better-than-expected by market participants. So far, with help from upside...

The financial decisions you make between now and the end of the year can significantly impact how much taxes you will have to pay once tax day arrives. If you take action by December 31st, you can reduce your tax burden and keep more...

The S&P 500 does best when one party controls Congress and the WH too The 2022 Midterm Elections will feature hundreds of hotly contested races at the state and local level and will decide whether the Democrats maintain...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Finish HigherStocks finished higher as Q3 earnings, so far, have come in better-than-feared by market participants. As of today, 20% of S&P 500 companies have...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Mostly LowerStocks finished mostly lower as Thursday’s release of the September Consumer Price Index report added to market volatility.  On Thursday...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Finish HigherStocks finished higher as the S&P 500 Index ends its streak of five losing weeks in the past six. This week’s gains, Friday’s losses...

First, we want to acknowledge the tremendous damage and displacement caused by Hurricane Ian. Our thoughts are with those impacted by this devastating storm.This has clearly been a challenging year for households. Stocks and bonds are...

Investing can be a roller coaster—and, when the market starts dropping, it may even feel more like a haunted house. With recession fears mounting, what can investors do to stay the course and escape unscathed? Here we discuss...

An important part of managing your personal finances is keeping your financial records organized. Whether it's a utility bill to show proof of residency or a Social Security card for wage reporting purposes, there may be times when you...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Finish LowerMarkets worldwide were down sharply this week with the S&P 500 Index finishing lower by more than 1% for the fifth week in the past six. Investors...

Put your Halloween candy to good use with even more chocolate in this scrumptious bark recipe!IngredientsButter or nonstick spray1 pound bag of chocolate candy meltsLeftover Halloween candy (e.g. cookies, Reese's, M&Ms,...

Bull markets happen. Bear markets happen. Just stick to your financial plan, and stay calm and disciplined. When the market sours or slumps, don’t believe talk that this bear it is different. It is not.

In the last several weeks, we have continued to face elevated uncertainty in financial markets due to high inflation and rising interest rates, and we thought it was an important time to take stock with the final quarter of 2022 just ahead.

All investments are subject to risk and loss of principal. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Mutual funds are sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges,...

The first step to improving your finances is to get organized.These top Amazon finds can help you create a monthly budget, plan your spending, and safely store your important insurance or personal documents for easy access when...

Markets worldwide were down sharply this week with the S&P 500 Index finishing over 3% lower for the fourth week in the past five.

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Finish LowerMarkets worldwide suffered losses amid a hotter-than-expected August Consumer Price Index (CPI) print along with negative leaning Q3 corporate...

Markets finished higher, reversing three weeks of declines for the major market indexes.

When it comes to stock market performance, August was “the best of times, and the worst of times.”

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Finish LowerMarkets finished lower for a third straight week. The S&P 500 Index is down more than 8% from its mid-August peak after the index rallied 17% off...

Fra diavolo is a spicy traditional Italian tomato sauce that pairs perfectly with seafood and fluffy gnocchi. This version uses lobster, shrimp, and scallops, making for a luxurious entrée that is perfect for special occasions...

Don’t let disorganization become one of your biggest money problems. It’s easy to lose or misplace money. But unlike finding $20 in an old jacket, what if a bank or investment account containing thousands goes...

Your need for life insurance changes as your life changes. When you're young, you typically have less need for life insurance, but that changes as you take on more responsibility and your family grows. Then, as your responsibilities...

Markets pulled back sharply this week as the S&P 500 Index ended its streak of four straight weekly gains.

You want to retire comfortably when the time comes. You also want to help your child go to college. So how do you juggle the two? The truth is, saving for your retirement and your child's education at the same time can be a challenge....

Despite the dollars, fears and emotions – you can manage with planning Long-term care (LTC) keeps you functioning in the face of devastating illnesses, disabilities and prolonged disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. LTC...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Finish LowerMarkets across the board pulled back this week as the S&P 500 Index ended its streak of four straight weekly gains, the longest such streak since...

Index PerformanceClick on chart to enlarge.Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested intoU.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish MixedThis week’s consumer and producer inflation reports provided some support for the...

Index PerformanceIndexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested intoView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish MixedThe major U.S. market indexes finished mixed this week as growth names outperformed value....

The classic summertime beverage receives a cool upgrade. Chilled sweet tea is topped with tangy lemon sorbet and is garnished with fresh mint for a refreshing way to beat the heat.Serves 4Ingredients: For the float8 cups sweet tea,...

IntroductionEquities have a history of producing higher returns than most other types of investment over time, though past performance is no guarantee of future results and there also have been extended periods in which they have not...

Last week was epic for market-watchers. A Federal Reserve (Fed) rate hike, a much-anticipated gross domestic product (GDP) report, and the busiest week of earnings season got most of the headlines. There was even a surprise out of...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish HigherThe major U.S. market indexes finished higher this week as growth and value names witnessed solid gains. The latest batch of second quarter...

Doing your homeworkBefore investing in publicly traded securities, it would be wise to do some research--at least enough to understand just what you're investing in. An educated investment decision involves some knowledge of the stock...

IntroductionOnce you've identified your financial and investment goals and assessed your investing personality, you'll need to create an investment portfolio that fits your needs and understand what's involved in managing that...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish HigherThe U.S. major market indexes finished higher this week as growth names outperformed value given solid gains from the growth-heavy consumer...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish HigherThe U.S. major market indexes finished lower amid this week’s sharp inflation report.  Inflation and Federal Reserve (Fed) policy...

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...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart. U.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish HigherThe U.S. major market indexes finished higher to begin the second half of 2022 as large technology names provide leadership.  As...

As the calendar has turned to July, investors would certainly like to forget the first six months of 2022. However, the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday does bring with it reason for celebration. Not only is it the 246th...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish LowerThe U.S. major market indexes finished lower to end the first half of 2022.  Investors continue to remain concerned about the possibility...

Market volatility could spook even the most seasoned investor. If a precipitous week or two in the market has you ready to sell, you may want to reconsider your risk tolerance and asset allocation. Attempting to time the market by...

As Americans continue to live longer, many of today’s retirees are finding it necessary to help elderly parents or relatives manage their personal and financial affairs. Plans that may have proven satisfactory at age 65 often...

A bear market is a prolonged period of price declines in securities, an index such as the S&P 500, or the overall stock market of usually 20% or more from a recent high. Bear markets can also signal economic downturns such as a...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish HigherThe U.S. major market indexes finished higher, reversing three straight weeks of losses. Even as investors remain concerned about the...

The sandwich generation is a term commonly used to describe those between the ages of 40 and 59 who are responsible for raising their family and are also often helping their aging parents manage their ongoing needs. Those members of...

When it comes to investing, having fewer investments might help streamline your portfolio to manage stress better. Here are some benefits of a simple portfolio and some ways to help you create one.The Benefits of SimplicityUnless you...

With markets so volatile, the human element to investing is very important!The market skyrockets one day, plunges the next. Is this the wobbling before the crash? Should you invest now? If so, how? Everything at once? That’s...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart. U.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish LowerThe U.S. major market indexes finished lower for the third straight week.  This week’s hawkish stance taken by central banks...

A bear market is officially here thanks largely to stubbornly high inflation. For many of us, it has probably felt like a bear market for a while now, but the S&P 500 Index didn’t close more than 20% below its January 3 record...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish LowerThe U.S. major market indexes finished lower for the second straight week.  Today’s CPI report in addition to higher energy prices...

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish LowerThe U.S. major market indexes finished lower this week after a strong showing the prior week.  C-Suite executive bearish comments from...

The super popular smash-style burgers are taken outside to the grill in this recipe! These burgers are perfectly seared, covered in cheese and drenched in a special sauce.Ingredients: For the special sauce½ cup mayonnaise2...

The bull market that began in March of 2020 came dangerously close to an end. From March 23, 2020 through January 3, 2022, the S&P 500 Index gained 114% (excluding dividends). From that January 3 closing high through the recent low on...

Many investors still adhere to the old adage—"sell in May and go away"—while others remain fully invested even as the summer heat waves begin. What goes unsaid is that if your asset allocation accurately reflects your risk...

Index PerformanceData is as of 1:30 PMView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish LowerThe U.S. major market indexes finished solidly higher this week, reversing seven-straight weekly declines. This week...

When was the last time you evaluated your homeowners insurance? Have your needs changed since you initially purchased your homeowners policy? If so, there may be gaps in your insurance coverage. For example, you may have acquired...

If you are planning a trip this summer that involves flying, not driving, you may incorrectly assume it is possible to avoid the effects of rising fuel prices. Unfortunately for flying travelers, airlines also face the pressure of...

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...

Spend as much time fixing your mistakes as you do planning the holidays You probably spend more time planning your holiday gathering than preparing for your golden years. As a result, you make basic mistakes in trying to fund your...

Although you don't have to wait until January to begin working on your financial goals, a new year may bring a much-needed fresh start on your spending and saving goals. Read on for three financial moves you may want to consider before...

A financial professional can help guide you through the maze of IRS rules Contributing to charities comes with a load of tax rules. Here’s are a few things to think about.. Every April 16th (or in 2020, July 16th) should remind...

In a late-October victory for construction companies, public utilities, and electric vehicle manufacturers alike, Congress passed a trillion-dollar bill designed to preserve, revitalize, and expand the country's infrastructure....

To ease some of the burdens of the upcoming tax season, this helpful guide will help you become familiar with important dates, deadlines, challenges, and opportunities that may come up toward the end of the year. Of course, if you have...

Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance that covers the costs related to long-term, chronic health concerns. It may cover things that traditional health insurance does not cover, such as personal care services. If you have a...

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...

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...

Congress was able to push back a fast-approaching deadline for raising the debt ceiling to December. Markets applauded the move with a relief rally. Despite decreased uncertainty in the near term, we may be confronted with the same...

Does your retirement seem years and years away? While it may appear this way, you owe it to yourself to look ahead and begin giving thought to a time in your life that may account for 20 or more "golden" years. Granted, time may be on...

It is common for people to put off planning their estates. After all, no one wants to anticipate his or her own death. In addition, many people may believe that only the wealthy require estate planning or that all that is involved is...

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....

According to statistics from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), real estate is the second most targeted industry for cyber-attacks. The FBI reported almost $150 million in real-estate-related fraud in 2018, with scams aimed at...

Although we all know that “time flies,” it seems to move particularly fast as we watch our children grow. Yet, in considering a college future for a newborn, it is understandable that parents might procrastinate, since...

America's major stock market indexes, including the Dow Jones Industrial, S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Nasdaq 100, all hit record highs on July 7, 2021.1 For some investors, it might be tempting to tap into your 401(k) to help pay...

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...

Data breaches are far too common. They can affect hundreds of millions or sometimes billions at one time. From Yahoo's breach of more than three billion user profiles in 2013 to LinkedIn's breach of 700,000 profiles in June 2021, many...

With refinancing rates remaining low, now may be the time to consider refinancing your mortgage. Current rates are averaging around 2.80% (July 31, 2021). It might be a good time to evaluate your current mortgage.1 When Should You...

Stagnant wage growth, rising inflation and low interest rates are real issues! The idea of retiring at age 65 with a gold watch and a fully-funded retirement account is a quaint notion for many Americans. Amid stagnating real wages,...

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but tactical shifting might make sense! Wise investors alter their approaches as market cycles shift, from bull to bear to something in between. A consistent strategy might be far more risky than...

Be prepared as rates will inevitably go up – whether that’s 2022 or 2023! A few days before the official start of summer on June 21st, Wall Street’s eyes and ears were on the Federal Reserve, and as expected, the...

If you pay attention to financial news, you are probably seeing a lot of discussion about inflation, which has reared its head in the U.S. economy after being mostly dormant for the last decade. In May 2021, the Consumer Price Index...

Many people associate the term "financial wellness" with things like saving for retirement, paying down high-interest debt, or creating an emergency fund. But when you're living with a disability (or caring for a loved one who is...

Unless you have accumulated substantial wealth where money is not a concern, you face a critical task when you reach retirement to make sure that your assets will support you through your lifetime. When you retire and no longer earn an...

Markets, economists and policymakers have been fretting about inflation for months, worried that the trillions of dollars being spent in recent and future government stimulus programs could overheat the economy and send prices soaring....

Additional insurance to protect your assets and future. Why doesn’t anyone ever tell you not to buy an umbrella liability policy? It seems like additional overall security for pennies. Sure, you can spend pennies paying for...

Financial Infidelity is when both partners in a relationship keep secrets from each other concerning money. Financial Infidelity can be avoided in a relationship only if both partners are honest and keep track of money together....

Grandparents can often find themselves in a better financial position to save for their grandchildren's education than their own children are. The parents of prospective students may still be contending with competing priorities like...

For many Americans, the home is the single biggest purchase made during their lifetime.[1] As a result, it's important to do everything possible to keep it in good condition. Even moderate or short-term neglect can be dangerous, as...

Retirement is inevitable, but knowing exactly when to do so is often unclear. No matter when you actually begin your retirement, you’ll benefit from planning your post-work life as early as possible. According to Gallup, the...

Tips for being proactive in safeguarding your identity and your credit score. Identity theft is a serious crime, with increasingly greater numbers of consumers being affected every year. As part of a protection strategy, the Federal...

In an effort to save money, the Social Security Administration (SSA) stopped mailing annual statements nearly a decade ago. The yearly statements were helpful, as they helped workers estimate their Social Security benefits. Despite...

Identity theft is a growing concern, impacting 14.4 million U.S. Consumers in 2019.1 Armed with your Social Security number, a criminal can use that information to commit tax- and other financial-related crimes in your name. There are...

If you're a small business owner, many of the best practices employed by individual investors are also available to you (of course!), but you also have some additional options and factors to weigh while creating your investment plans....

Identity theft is a growing concern that impacts millions of Americans every year. According to a recent study,1⁠1 more than 14 million Americans fell victim to online theft in 2018, with 23% of those incurring unreimbursed personal...

The COVID pandemic has affected everyone across the nation, from the largest cities to the smallest towns.[1] People are struggling with employment, schooling, and even the ability to buy essentials. In times like these helping your...

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...

Lifetime income (LTI) strategies, such as target income payout funds or annuities within company-sponsored retirement plans, are designed to help investors plan for and manage their accumulated wealth after retirement. However, these...

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...

As days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months, it may feel like there is little time to catch up on all of your financial responsibilities. Sometimes it may be easier to simply toss ATM receipts, credit card bills, and bank...

Tax identity theft is when someone steals your Social Security Number, files a tax return with your number, and directs a refund to their own bank account. In other cases, this type of identity theft may involve a scam artist calling...

Being a doctor comes with a lot of stressors, but planning for taxes should not be one of them. As a doctor, you have been through years of hard work and may be looking for ways to help limit your tax liability and preserve as much of...

If you own a business, you may have spent years dreaming of passing along the business to your children, nieces and nephews, or other family members after you retire. However, transferring a family business—and its ability to...

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...

As of 2018, about 58 million Americans had a 401(k), while around one-third of households owned an individual retirement account (IRA).1, 2 Yet for as commonplace as these retirement accounts can be, the nuances of contributions are a...

When you die, what will happen to your retirement plan benefits? In general, your retirement plan benefits pass to the beneficiaries you designate on the plan beneficiary designation form. Your benefits will generally be subject to...

With businesses around the country reducing their in-office staff to essential personnel only—in some cases, literally overnight—many remote workers found themselves setting up a full home office on short to no notice. But...

For today’s business owner, continuation and estate planning go hand-in-hand. Without proper tax strategies, the time, hard work, and money you’ve invested in your business could yield little more than a significant tax...

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...

Tax identity theft is when someone steals your Social Security Number, files a tax return with your number, and directs a refund to their own bank account. In other cases, this type of identity theft may involve a scam artist calling...

2020 has been one of the most unprecedented years in recent history, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all. And with the uncertainty surrounding just about everything,...

2020 Year End Tax Tips

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...

On Election Day 2020, California voters narrowly approved Proposition 19 (“Prop 19”), a constitutional amendment designed to change the way that tax assessments can be transferred. Although the amendment covered many...

Q4 Newsletter

Want to be your own boss? Ready to turn your hobby into a career? Got a great idea and thinking about launching a business? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, you are ready to become an entrepreneur. This can be an...

Charitable giving is a way for affluent individuals spread their money around and to benefit causes that are near and dear to their hearts. Yet, for those who fall into the high net worth category, it is critical to structure...

As the U.S. presidential election draws near, expect to see more and more headlines that propose, "What will happen next if this person is elected?" or, "What policy changes to prepare for in the next four years?"In reality, however,...

When training to become a financial professional, much of our course work centers on the six critical areas of creating a financial strategy. Some recognize October as Financial Planning Month, so it's an excellent opportunity to...

Q3 Newsletter

As the U.S. presidential election draws near, expect to see more and more headlines that propose, "What will happen next if this person is elected?" or, "What policy changes to prepare for in the next four years?"In reality, however,...

Due to COVID-19, Americans are spending more time at home than ever before, leading to a record amount of spending on home improvement.1It’s not that big of a surprise since many Americans now find their homes are doing triple...

A U.S. drug company recently said that it’s in late-stage trials for its coronavirus vaccine and reported that it could be given to Americans as early as the end of the year.1Great news. But it seems like every few days...

Are you one of the many retirement account holders who took a mandatory distribution this year? If so, you may be able to manage the taxes associated with Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s. There...

This month, many universities and colleges are welcoming students back to campus, even if most campuses are largely online this year.But that's not all that's different. The current administration has issued an executive memorandum...

With the economy and financial markets flashing mixed signals, it’s no wonder that lawmakers are deadlocked on whether to pass a Phase 4 of the CARES Act.More than $3 trillion in stimulus has been pushed into the economy since...

Cares Act for Retirement Cares Act for Individuals

Q2 Newsletter

An “eye-popping” $2 trillion in cash has been stashed in deposit accounts at U.S. banks since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the country in January.1This surge of money into banks has no precedent in history.Several...

Are you eligible for a stimulus check from the Treasury Department?As of Friday, April 24, the Internal Revenue Service said it had issued 88 million payments to individuals across the country. It plans to send out more than 150...