Estate planning helps disperse your assets according to your wishes. The effort may seem daunting at first, but estate planning does not have to be overly complicated. With the proper planning, you may find yourself resting a little easier knowing you have an estate plan in place. While an estate plan is personalized to the […]
Category: Blog
529 Plans and Alternatives: Making an Educated Decision about Education Savings Options
Those that choose to invest in the education of a family member, friend or acquaintance are investing not only in that individual’s future, but also the future of society. It is an act of generosity, forward-thinking, and love. However, this type of investment can be more complicated than initially thought. Which plan should you choose […]
Green Home Upgrades
When something is labeled eco-friendly, it can have a variety of meanings. It could indicate that a material is sustainably sourced, for example. Or it could signify that a particular setup is more energy efficient. When it comes to your home, going green can mean making upgrades that fulfill both of those definitions and beyond. […]
Earnings Update: Better Than Feared Undersells These Results
First quarter earnings season is nearly complete, and it has caused us to regret titling our earnings preview commentary on April 10, “Malaise Continues.” While the “better than feared” label fit the past couple of earnings seasons quite well, based on the magnitude of upside surprises in the first quarter, and encouraging guidance from corporate […]
King Dollar Still Rules
Much has been written lately about the threats facing the reserve currency status enjoyed by the U.S. dollar. “De-dollarization” headlines appear on a near-daily basis, suggesting the dollar’s reign is in looming jeopardy, while counter arguments point out there isn’t another currency with the depth, transparency, and reliability associated with the dollar. Still, critics accuse […]
Investor Sentiment Tested
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 recent weeks, especially on the inflation front as several inflation measures showed […]
Sell in May?
“Sell in May and go away” is probably the most widely cited stock market cliché in history. Every year a barrage of Wall Street commentaries and stories in the financial press floods in about this popular, but overused, stock market adage. Here we take our annual look at this historical seasonal pattern which, as you […]
5 Tips to Maintain Your 529 Plan During Periods of Uncertainty
The uncertainty of today’s economy, rising interest rates, and market volatility may have you concerned about your 529 plan’s performance over the past months. If your child or grandchild has an upcoming tuition bill soon, now may be an appropriate time to review the 529 plan. Here are some tips to help you maintain your […]
Small Business Owners: Are You Retirement Ready (or Not)?
Whether you are an employee in corporate America or a small business owner, retirement is a part of life. For many, the thought of retiring and whether or not you are ready to take those first steps might be overwhelming or intimidating. Ancient philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins […]
Smart Financial Moves to Make If You’re in the Military
Every week is the perfect week for military families to take stock of their finances, make the most of special saving opportunities, and prepare for the future. Here are seven moves that military families should make right now. 1. Make the most of the Thrift Savings Plan. Your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is similar to […]