Blog

Why the Fed Is Focused on Your Paycheck

The Federal Reserve has a dual mandate—manage inflation and maximize employment. But sometimes, those economic goals conflict with each other. As you can see in the accompanying chart, labor shortages in 2022 pressured...

Why the Drop in Inflation Was Such a Big Deal

Sometimes, a picture is worth 1,000 words. So I decided to include an image of the June Consumer Price Index (CPI) report to help put inflation in better perspective:Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose just 0...

Wasn't There Supposed to be a Recession?

In advance of 2023, the recession drum beats were so loud it was deafening. Market pundits warned that as the Fed raised interest rates, it was just a matter of time before the economy entered a recession.But it’s July now, and...

Bull Market Leaving Some Behind

Market timing is exhausting. And sometimes, it can be expensive. When you time the markets, you have to be right twice – first when getting out and second when getting back in.In the accompanying chart, you can see individual...

Supply Chain Issues Appear Resolved. For Now.

Here’s a riddle. “I’m a two-word phrase that we heard almost every day for two years, but it has dropped from almost all economic talk in 2023?”Answer: Supply chain.As you can see from the accompanying chart,...

The 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?...

Weekly Market Insights: Debt Talks Optimism Keeps Eyes on D.C.

Markets moved in sync last week with perceived movement in debt ceiling talks, weakening early in the week and then surging on news of progress. A solid quarterly report and guidance from a mega-cap technology company helped with...

Weekly Market Insights: Attention Turns to the Debt Ceiling

Stocks were mixed last week as good inflation news was offset by mounting debt ceiling concerns and rekindled regional banking fears.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.11%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.29%. The...

Market Assesses First Republic, GDP Report

Financial markets can be challenging to understand. And when markets enter a “bad news is good news” cycle, it becomes even more challenging to follow along.Stock prices rallied at the end of April after the Commerce...

A Smaller Social Security Bump May Be On the Way

I wanted to take a moment to update you on the potential changes to Social Security benefits for 2024. As I'm sure you know, the Social Security Administration calculates annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) based on the Consumer...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks show small losses after mixed week

Stocks remained resilient last week amid mixed earnings reports, hawkish Fed-speak, and lingering recession fears, closing out the five trading days with small losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.23%, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: Lower inflation lifts spirits in uneven week.

The combination of an improving inflation outlook resulted in a week of uneven, albeit positive, performance, in which cyclical and financial stocks rallied while technology, real estate, and utilities lagged. The Dow Jones...

Weekly Market Insights: Banking Crisis Fears Dim; Markets Rally

Stocks rallied last week on receding fears of a widening banking crisis, led by resurging investor interest in technology and communication services names.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.22%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

World Backup Day - March 31, 2023

With so much of our lives spent online, it’s sad to think of losing the important stuff. Pictures of your kids and grandkids; Personal items like cherished emails, texts, and voicemails from loved ones; Or the notes for that book...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Cautious After Banking Woes; Awaiting Fed Reaction

Amid the reverberations of two U.S. banks being taken over by regulators and the spread of uncertainty to European banks, stocks trended higher last week on the strength of the technology sector.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was...

Weekly Market Insights: Bad News Gives Markets a One-Two Punch

Stocks tumbled last week as investors reconsidered their interest rate expectations after Fed Chair Powell’s Congressional testimony that rates may need to go higher. Stocks also were rattled when a west coast bank was placed...

Weekly Market Insights: Fed’s Reassurance Boosts Stocks.

A late-week surge, triggered by reassuring Fed-speak, propelled stocks higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up 2.58% for...

Recession Fears Fading?

Investors put the economy on recession watch when the Fed started its “higher in a hurry” push with short-term interest rates in mid-2022.After the 10-year/2-year Treasury curve inverted in July 2022, it was “all...

European Stocks At All-Time Highs

Would it surprise you that the U.K. stock market is hitting new all-time highs and several other European markets are either at new highs or approaching new all-time highs?It seems like only a few months ago, European economies...

Words of Wisdom from Warren Buffett

The stock market can provide some head-scratching moments, which is why I like Warren Buffet’s quote, “...don’t watch the market closely.”Stocks have been strong this year, and they rallied sharply before...

The Biggest Bowl Game of the Year

As the biggest sporting event of the year approaches, football fans all over the nation (including us) are gearing up for the Big Game on Sunday, February 12, at 6:30 PM ET.For many, Sunday means a day of tasty tailgating and...

Inflation Is Trending Lower. Now What?

The December inflation report had some encouraging news. It showed that consumer prices trended lower for the month, but more importantly, it confirmed that overall prices have been trending lower for the past six months.Now the ball...

What Will Q4 GDP Say About the Economy?

The initial read on Q4 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) gets released on January 26, and private economists and Federal Reserve estimates have very different economic outlooks.In the accompanying, you can see that the Atlanta Fed’s...

January is National Financial Wellness Month

National Financial Wellness Month comes each January. It's a time to remind people to either establish a financial strategy or take some time to sit down and review it with their trusted financial professional.For me, it's time for me...

SECURE Act 2.0: An Overview

In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it's a follow-up to...

SECURE 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...

Happy New Year - 2022 into 2023

A new year is on the horizon. Each day that comes presents something new and exciting both for you and the people in your life.Is this the year you open the door to something new and exciting? Embark on some new travel adventure? Or...

Outlook 2023: What's Next for Interest Rates?

What does the bond market know that the Fed isn’t telling us?Fed officials recently have said that short-term rates will need to climb to over 5 percent to bring inflation under control. But in the table below, you can see that...

Happy Holidays

Once again, the year has flown by! In these final weeks of the year, our thoughts often turn to the comforts of home and family — of sharing good cheer with neighbors, friends, and loved ones.In that spirit, I would like to wish...

Social Security 2023 COLA Increase Kicks In

While you probably already found your notice in the mail, you may be curious about the COLA increase happening for Social Security recipients in the New Year. Starting in January, beneficiaries will see an 8.7% increase to help offset...

Discussing Finances Over the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us; from story time with sorely missed grandchildren to laughter with friends and family over long-cherished memories, there's little doubt that "the most wonderful time of the year" has arrived.For my family...

Weekly Market Insights: Easing on Rate Hikes and Job Numbers Cheer Markets

Stocks ended higher last week as investors navigated the crosscurrents of a potential easing in future rate hikes and continued strength in the labor market.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.24% higher, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: Fed Talks Turkey on Lower Rates, Boosting Markets

Growing optimism that the Fed may be ready to ease future interest rate hikes sent stocks higher in a quiet trading week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.53%. The Nasdaq...

Happy Thanksgiving 2022

The warmth of the holiday meal beckons. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and observing gratitude.So, as you gather around the table, look around and give thanks for the family and friends surrounding you. Give...

October CPI: Game Changer or Head Fake?

October's Consumer Price Index (CPI) had some encouraging news for investors, but others asked, "Is this a game changer or another head fake?"While it's a bit early to know the answer, it was great to see that inflation rose at a...

Will the Midterm Elections Move Markets?

The midterm elections have come and gone, and although the results don’t appear as one-sided as many predicted, it seems one party will narrowly take control of the House, while the Senate may hinge on a Georgia runoff.It's...

Honoring Veterans Day

On November 11, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who have served America in the armed forces. This federal holiday – Veterans Day – is a time to reflect on their courage.Please take a moment this...

Ahead of the Midterms 2022

The midterm elections are underway. In many states, ballots have been delivered and, in several cases, already returned by Americans exercising one of the most sacred of their Constitutional rights.Election Day is always the Tuesday...

Frightful Halloween Facts

With temperatures falling and the nights growing longer, goblins, ghouls, and ghosts across America are preparing for our second-largest commercial holiday: Halloween. With this frightful day fast approaching, here are some fun facts...

Stubborn Inflation Tests Fed's Resolve

Stubborn doesn’t seem like a strong enough word, but that’s how Fed officials are describing inflation.Inflation's “stubbornness” has been on full display in recent weeks: First, the Producer Price Index (PPI)...

The 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,...

Have a Hopeful Halloween

Lately, "inflation" seems to be the media's favorite word. Everywhere you turn, there's another story about the impact of inflation. For example, many news outlets have reported that confectionary prices have surged over 30% from last...

What’s the Fed’s Master Plan?

Wall Street is always searching for a hero to embrace or a villain to blame. And right now, Fed Chair Jerome Powell is the villain.After the September Fed meeting, Powell said interest rates may be heading higher for longer than...

Preparing For Anything

Did you know September is National Preparedness Month? This event promoted by FEMA guides Americans in ensuring their families and communities are ready in case of natural disasters or other emergencies.But did you also know that the...

What 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....

Life Doesn't Stand Still

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. If you haven’t reviewed your insurance profile in a while, you may be surprised that what made sense in the past no longer fits your life.Here are some ways to quickly evaluate your...

School's Back. Who is Paying for It?

Schools across the nation are getting back to business. For students, it’s a return to education after vacations, summer jobs, and other activities.For parents, grandparents, and guardians, “back to school” often...

Happy Labor Day!

The first Labor Day was celebrated over 100 years ago, created by the labor movement as a day to honor the achievements and contributions (both social and economic) of American workers.I’ve always found the way we celebrate to be...

School's Back. Who is Paying for It?

Schools across the nation are getting back to business. For students, it’s a return to education after vacations, summer jobs, and other activities.For parents, grandparents, and guardians, “back to school” often...

Three Ways the Inflation Act Could Impact You

Have you heard? The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on Tuesday, August 16. While the $430 billion package includes many provisions, I thought I’d highlight three key areas where you may benefit the most.Tax credits...

An Everything Bagel of Good News

These days, an encouraging word can feel like a relief. Here are a few positive stories I’ve noticed lately – like an “everything bagel” sprinkled with good news.I saw a recent report in The Guardian about the...

Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Week For Markets; Jobs On The Rise

Stocks turned in a mixed performance last week as investors struggled with headlines suggesting that the Fed was unlikely to soon ease up on its current monetary tightening policy.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while...

1.02 Billion Reasons to Be Prepared

What would you do with a windfall? It’s a question I’ve read or heard a lot lately. Considering the Mega Millions jackpot has now grown to $1.02 billion, it’s safe to say most of us have thought about what it would be...

Inflation, Interest Rates, & Indiana Jones

Stop me if you heard this already—roughly half the population wasn’t alive last time inflation was at this level.It’s true. According to IMDb.com, Raiders of the Lost Ark was the #1 movie at the box office the last...

Euro/Dollar Parity & Summer Travel

Summer travel is picking up this year. If you’re headed to Europe, you may notice that you get more bang for your buck.Why is that?For the first time in almost 20 years, the U.S. dollar and the euro have reached parity. Souvenirs...

3 Tips for the Second Half of 2022

With half the year behind us, now is a great time to consider what the remainder of 2022 may hold. However, with inflation and economic uncertainty causing many of us to delay or cancel vacations, large purchases, and more, it can be...

3 Shrewd Maneuvers in a Down Market

It’s natural to think “defense” during a bearish market season. But why not mix in some “offense” with your defense? Here are three moves we can discuss together that may be helpful during the current...

Happy Independence Day

The Fourth of July is just ahead – a chance for us all to get together and celebrate what makes America so special. As Americans, we have the liberty to act, speak, think, and worship freely. This precious liberty was fought for,...

Searching for the Goldilocks Economy

At the risk of slowing economic growth, the Fed has driven short-term rates higher to rein in inflation. But it’s a tricky proposition.Raise rates too much, and you may trigger a recession. Don’t raise rates enough, and you...

Wise Words from Warren Buffett

During periods of market turbulence, I take comfort in one of my favorite Warren Buffett quotes:“Don’t watch the market closely.”The Oracle of Omaha gave this sage advice in 2016, when Brexit, China’s economic...

Wishing You a Happy Father’s Day

Let’s hear it for the dads, the ones who help us grow, give us guidance, and look out for us in a million different ways. In celebration of Father’s Day, here are some of the ways you can honor the father-figures in your...

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, marking the day when slavery came to an end in the United States. The observance of this holiday, formally recognized by the state of Texas in 1980, has continued to spread to the rest of the...

Summertime 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...

When bears are loud, consider this

Some gloomy headlines are coming out of Wall Street lately. Have you noticed?In recent days, I’ve read things like “Brace yourself for economic hurricanes” and “Wall Street investor survey paints a dire outlook...

This Memorial Day...

Memorial Day is a time for Americans to honor and remember those who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. Veterans will think back on the men and women who served alongside them who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their...

Comics, Collectibles, and Coping with Calamity

Don't go it alone.

Age My Way in May

Breaking Down the Great Resignation

"Unretiring" To Stay in the Game

Happy Easter

The Fed Plans for Higher Rates

April Is Financial Literacy Month

Weekly Market Insights: Confidence Grows In Resilient Economy

The Fed Makes Its Move

Weekly Market Insights: Ukrainian War Stresses Economy

Ukraine, Inflation and the Fed

Weekly Market Insights: Inflation and Ukraine Rattle Investors Another Week

Weekly Market Insights: Inflation and Ukraine Fears Cool Markets

The Cycle of Investing

Weekly Market Insights: Volatile Week Ends On Rebound

RMDs Get a Small Reprieve

Luxury Car Brands Have Peak Sales Year

What’s ahead for 2022?

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks End Year Mostly Positive

Holiday Shopping

Weekly Market Insights: Fed Tightens Money Policy

Fed Chair Changes His Tune

Updated Premiums and Deductibles for Medicare

Powell News Kicks Off Volatile Season?

The holiday season is often a quiet, positive time for the financial markets. The phrase “Santa Claus Rally” was coined in the early 1970s to reflect the stock market’s upward bias during the November-January stretch...

FANNG is now MAMAA

CNBC’s Mad Money host Jim Cramer created the popular FAANG acronym to denote some of the largest, most powerful companies in the world: Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google. Recently, changes in those companies are...

Biden Signs Infrastructure Bill

At the White House on Monday, President Biden signed a $1T bipartisan infrastructure bill set to enable enhancements for transportation and utilities over the next five years.1For each of those five years, $550 billion will be...

2022 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)...

Gridlock 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...

Considerations 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...

Are 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...

A Dividend of Confidence

The most recent stats on corporate dividends suggest that global companies are bullish on the world’s economic recovery.Dividends paid to investors are on track to hit $1.4 trillion this year and are expected to stretch even...

Weekly Market Insights: Data and Delta Scramble Stock Results

Stocks were mixed last week amid conflicting economic data and continued spread of Delta variant infections.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.24% during the five trading days. But the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on...

401(k) Millionaires

Your workplace retirement account can play a critical role in your overall retirement strategy. However, some have gone further with the accounts than others, especially recently.CNBC reported on findings that place 401(k) accounts at...

Will Air Travel Problems Persist?

The airline industry plotted a course for recovery in 2021, but recent difficulties may have put that plan into a holding pattern.While major airlines checked in with improving financial results for the second quarter, both they and...

Weekly Market Insights: Market Shows Small Loss

The stock market posted small losses last week despite a very strong showing by corporate America.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.36%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 0.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index dropped...

The Olympics Are (Finally) Here

After a year of delays due to the coronavirus, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are officially here. With an opening ceremony set for July 23, events will take place over the next two weeks with closing ceremonies on August 8.Modern-day...

Billionaires 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...

Summer Travel is Back!

One of the most anticipated comebacks of 2021 isn’t an athlete, rock star, or movie franchise. It’s summer travel, and it appears to be back with a vengeance.Travel agents are working 14-hour days to meet the needs of...

Debate 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...

What in the World Are NFTs?

Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have been the recipient of the latest buzz. NFTs are digital files attached to blockchain codes. If you know anything about digital currencies, you’re probably aware that these blockchain codes are...

The IRS Extends Additional Tax Deadlines for IRAs, HSAs, and More

Previously, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year had been automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021.1More time for allHowever,...

The American Rescue Plan Makes FSAs a Little More Flexible

For those with a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), there may be some good news on the horizon. The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden, boosts the amount that companies can allow workers to...

I.R.S. Delays Tax Filing, Payment Deadlines

Less than one month ahead of the traditional date, the I.R.S. has delayed the deadline for filing and paying taxes. The new deadline is May 17, 2021.1,2,3The delay follows continued disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic and a late...

Markets Roiled by Recent Events

Recently, the world has watched with great interest as a few companies have seen surprising rallies in their stock prices. You may have read stories of individual investors gaining massive returns on their investments, thanks to this...

How the Internet Gamed Wall Street’s Short Sellers

You may have heard the news about stocks for certain companies suddenly ballooning, quickly going from lunch money prices to several hundred dollars a share. In one case, the shares rose over 1700% since December 2020.1 So, what...

5 Highlights of the New Stimulus Package

After a bit of political posturing in December, the $900 billion Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (2021 CAA) was signed into law by President Trump as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact employers and employees...

9 Facts About Social Security

Tip: How Much? Check your Social Security earnings and see an estimate of your benefits on the website, www.ssa.gov. Social Security’s been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how...