Credit card use can be beneficial to your finances if managed appropriately. Learning to balance credit card use with spending habits while also saving can positively impact your finances over time. Credit card use often helps increase one’s credit score if the balances are paid in full each month and on time. However, mismanaging credit […]
Protect Financial Information from Prying Eyes on the Web
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. Visitors to financial websites have created a large mass of information that is, in some cases, hardly private. Many marketing companies routinely employ software programs designed to identify you […]
America’s Changing Vision of Retirement
Retirement planning is a primary reason for long-term saving, and when people think about retirement, finances are often the focus. However, it is important to also look at the nonfinancial aspects of transitioning from the world of work to the world of leisure. Specifically, lifestyle changes and self-esteem issues associated with the loss of your […]
Trying to Stick the Landing
Soft landing or no soft landing, that is the question, with all due respect to William Shakespeare. But while this may be the most commonly asked question these days, it may not be the most important or the toughest. That honor goes to what’s priced in. Good market forecasts are not just about the economy […]
Brightening Outlook for International Equities
Investors got more excited about international investing late last year. Some of that was chasing better returns, as developed international equities solidly beat the U.S. over the last three months of 2022. Some was the increased popularity of value investing as mega-cap U.S. technology stocks became less in favor. The surprising resilience of core European […]
Opportunities for 2023
Dear Valued Investor, 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 same is true for the markets. When we look back on 2022, it’s easy […]
Caregiving: A Decision That May Impact Your Retirement Savings
Many women have been a caregiver while raising children. Still, now many are caring for a loved one out of necessity as the older family member can no longer care for themselves. The Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies report, The Many Faces of Caregivers, indicates that 42% of Generation Xers and 42% of Baby Boomers […]
Reconciling Your Losses in a Tough Market Through Tax-Loss Harvesting
It has been a tumultuous year for the investing community, with interest rate hikes, rumors of a looming recession on the horizon, and a seemingly continuous rising inflation that has left the U.S. and global market reeling. From the outside looking in, it might appear that investors don’t have much this year that can […]
Nothing Says Love on Valentine’s Day Like a Spousal IRA
Looking for ways to save “I love you” on Valentine’s Day? Then you may want to consider opening a spousal individual retirement account (IRA). This gift says, “Let’s grow old together comfortably,” and shows your partner that you care about their financial wellness. Beyond that, a spousal IRA offers the following advantages. 1. Investment Opportunities […]
Tax Consequences of Business Formation
What are the tax consequences of business formation, in general? When starting a business, you must consider a number of factors. One very important factor is taxation. Although business tax planning is a complicated area, the first step is to understand the tax consequences when the business is formed. Typically, the business owners will transfer […]