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Midyear Outlook 2024 | Still Waiting for the Turn
Solid Gains to End the First Half
Stocks finished the first half of the year the same way they started — with solid gains. Strong rallies from big tech names, combined with somewhat softer economic and inflation data, helped propel the S&P 500 to its seventh monthly gain in the past eight months and set dozens of new record highs along the […]
Stocks Benefit From Solid Fundamental Foundation
April showers brought May flowers as markets placed greater importance on economic growth and corporate profits than the “higher for longer” interest rate messages from the Federal Reserve (Fed). In fact, the S&P 500 ended May above where it ended March. So, as you prepare for summer vacations, how much should you worry about your […]
A Quick Guide to 529 Plans and College Savings: Dispelling Common Myths and Misconceptions
529 plans are a tool for those looking to save for college for their children, grandchildren, or any family member. While most people know that they are one of the most popular saving methods for college, many myths surrounding these plans may make you hesitant to open one. So, in honor of 529 College Savings Day, let’s dispel some of the most common myths associated with these plans. […]
Cash as an Investment: Navigating the Changing Landscape Amid Future Fed Rate Cuts
For investors, cash and cash-like investments have been unusually attractive over the past two years, offering a safe haven with surprisingly robust returns. This appeal was primarily driven by the Federal Reserve’s aggressive interest rate hikes, a measure aimed at combating inflation. High-yield options such as Certificates of Deposit (CDs), money-market funds, and other similar vehicles have been delivering returns well above 5%, a rate that was virtually unheard of for such investments in the low-interest environment that preceded this period. However, as the landscape shifts with the Fed’s recent signal towards cutting rates, investors are finding the world of cash investments increasingly complex […]
Avoid These 5 Things When Markets are Peaking
Tips to navigating stock market peaks from the wise words of Warren Buffett
As the saying goes, “what goes up must come down.” In the world of investing, this adage holds true, especially during times when stock markets are reaching new peaks. While it’s tempting to ride the wave of euphoria and make impulsive decisions, seasoned investors like Warren Buffett advise caution. Here are five things to avoid when stock markets are peaking, along with wisdom from the Oracle of Omaha himself.
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Five Tips to Ensure You Are Prepared for Long-Term Care in Retirement
As Gen X-ers and Millennials move toward retirement, long-term care expenses are poised to make up an even larger share of their retirement expenses. In 2021, long-term care cost American adults an average of between $35,000 and $108,000 annually—a hefty price tag for even the most diligent savers.1
But if you start planning early and focus on your goals, preparing for long-term care doesn’t need to be an insurmountable hurdle. Here are five tips to help guide your path. […]
SELL IN MAY? MAYBE NOT
After a strong first quarter for stocks, some April showers rained down as the S&P 500 fell about 4% last month. Hopefully those showers will bring some flowers in May, despite the widely cited stock market adage, “Sell in May and go away.” There is some merit to this old adage because the S&P 500’s best six-month returns have, on average, come from November through April, and its worst between May and October (recall bear markets often end in October). Still, historically the index has gained an average of 1.8% from May through October — hardly worth avoiding. […]
10 Tips to Help HNW Individuals Avoid an “F” On Their Financial Literacy Report Card
Financial literacy is essential for everyone but can be crucial for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals who may have more wealth to lose than others. Navigating the complex financial landscape is no small task, and having the foundation of financial literacy can help. Financial literacy is essential to wealth management because it may help mitigate the risk of costly mistakes, even for those with a high net worth. Here are ten tips to help HNW individuals avoid potential failures on their financial literacy report cards.
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How to Prepare Your Finances for an Election Year
Election years create a certain level of uncertainty regarding your finances and investments. During continued market volatility, an imminent election can make investors tense. All followers of political parties believe their party plays a crucial role in the nation’s economic health. But is that really accurate? Is panicking unfounded and potentially financially damaging to an investor’s financial goals? Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you preserve your financial interests as an election approaches. […]
