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Friday, January 3, 2025

We are pleased to present Outlook 2025: Pragmatic Optimism. Our annual update offers a complete comprehensive analysis of the economic and market environment and highlights potential implications for investors and their portfolios

Monday, July 1, 2024

As baby boomers retire and leave the labor force, their departure could impact the economy in several ways, including:

Monday, July 1, 2024

Whether you like it or not, work is essential to life. Since work is such an important part of your life, it is easy to become consumed by it and forget about other important things, such as your family and friends.

Monday, July 1, 2024

If you're a high earner, you may be interested in partnering with someone with similar education, income, and goals.

Monday, July 1, 2024

This article explores tips and guidance that may benefit women caught in the caregiving sandwich.

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Monday, June 24, 2024

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).

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Consider these five tips for getting the most value out of owning a home in today’s volatile marketplace.

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Here are some tips and tricks to help manage your retirement to have the goal of being carefree and relaxing as a child's summer vacation.

Sunday, June 2, 2024

Here are some of the differences between being rich and being wealthy in terms of money, resources, and public perception.

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Here are a few suggestions to try and avoid the full weight of debt that often accompanies higher education:

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Hopefully those showers will bring some flowers in May, despite the widely cited stock market adage, “Sell in May and go away.”

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

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 myths.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

The time to begin planning for your financial future is now. So, when it comes to preparing for retirement, the earlier you start, the better. Here are some steps to help you pursue your overall objectives:

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

How do small business owners weather the storm of inflation? Here are a few tips to help you get through it.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

It is essential you select a life insurance policy that could benefit you and your family in your retirement years. Here are a few options to review with your financial professional.

Monday, April 29, 2024

The Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule has undergone several revisions throughout the years. The latest amendment aims to ensure that financial professionals consider their clients’ best interests when recommending retirement

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Steady Federal Reserve Rates are Good for Us It’s a calculated strategy to help ensure long-term stability for the economy A topic of recent interest among investors is the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain current interest rates,...

Monday, March 18, 2024

April is Stress Awareness Month, and there's no better time to reflect on and address the stressors that may impact our lives. Financial stress is an interesting challenge for high-net-worth individuals and families since most...

Monday, March 18, 2024

Who doesn’t remember their first job, receiving your first paycheck, and even applying for and using a credit card for the first time? Access to money provides a sense of freedom and the ability to buy things you want with your...

Monday, March 18, 2024

April marks Stress Awareness Month, which provides a great opportunity to shed light on a topic often overlooked in the world of high-net-worth investors, which is mental health. For anyone who is used to managing substantial wealth,...

Monday, March 18, 2024

If you're nearing retirement age, you know the Social Security process and how much you will likely receive. With that information, you may have also anticipated that your Social Security benefit would not be enough to sustain you in...

Monday, February 26, 2024

You are finally retired after a lifetime of hard work, juggling responsibilities, and managing stress. Here are six tips to help you reinvest in yourself and refire your retirement:

Monday, February 26, 2024

Regardless of the stage of life, your credit score is an essential component of your financial health when you're in retirement. A consistently strong credit score can pave the way for greater confidence.

Monday, February 26, 2024

Wealth preservation is essential for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals, but it warrants a gender-specific focus, too. Particularly for HNW women, understanding the complexities of wealth preservation is crucial.

Monday, February 26, 2024

Technology continues to grow and evolve, allowing us to stay connected and perform many daily tasks from home. There is a drawback to technology, however. It often leaves us more vulnerable to scammers.

Monday, February 12, 2024

Dear Valued Investor, Stocks are off to a solid start in 2024. January gains are particularly enjoyable because of the old adage from the Stock Trader’s Almanac, “As goes January, so goes the year.” Nearly 75 years of...

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Retiring early as a couple is a goal shared by many, and if planned comprehensively, it may provide opportunities for travel, passion projects, and more quality time together. Retiring simultaneously can bring many benefits.

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Planning for early retirement is great, but planning for healthcare coverage at the same time is sometimes more difficult. Healthcare costs are high, and finding ways to bridge the gap between the age you retire and now requires planning.

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Planning for retirement often involves focusing on your finances and ensuring that you not only will have enough to sustain you during your retirement but adequate funds to do the things you enjoy doing.

Thursday, January 25, 2024

In this article, we explore portfolio diversification by using concepts related to chocolate to make it more understandable – and palatable.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning. Factors that determine how much pay SS tax you pay, depending on your circumstances, include: If you have income from working in retirement....

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

When it comes to financial bad habits, the most common are also well known — don’t spend too much, don’t take on unsustainable debt, and avoid living paycheck to paycheck. But what happens once you’ve...

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Getting close to retirement is exciting, but it often brings a little worry about your financial future. The closer you get, the more you may be concerned with the rising living costs and if your finances are on track to allow you to...

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

When it comes to medical or legal advice, the value of getting a second opinion is fairly well established and defined. What about financial decisions? At what point does it make sense to get a second (or a third) opinion on money...

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

People have been making New Year’s resolutions for at least 4,000 years, beginning with the Babylonians, who supposedly made promises to the gods. The idea of transforming our lives for the better, from one year to the next, is...

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

In 2024, LPL Research believes markets will make a definitive turn to a more recognizable place. En route, the transition will be marked by meaningful shifts in a few key areas. Inflation is going down. The risk of a recession is...

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Solid gains for both stocks and bonds gave investors a November to remember. As financial markets continue to defy skeptics, I’m reminded of a quote from Warren Buffett’s long-time partner and one of the greatest investors...

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

A David Letterman-inspired Top 10 List from your financial professional Make Your Year Matter Well, if you’re like me, you will be thankful to make it through another holiday season, with at least most of your sanity left. For me...

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

The holiday season is a time of generosity, kindness, good cheer, presents, food, family, and fun. In Dr. Seuss’s classic story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Grinch was intent on ruining, well, all of it. He would...

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

A Proactive Mindset Changes in the world over the last decade demand updated strategies to maximize impact of charitable giving. The worldwide shake-ups we have seen also opened opportunities to lay foundations for effective...

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

It may be easy to forget that we're nearing the end of the year. Even during the busy end-of-year rush, it's a good time to reevaluate your 2023 finances and turn an eye toward 2024. What may be possible to improve and streamline your...

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Charitable Giving: A Family Approach   One of the most heartwarming pleasures I enjoy as a financial advisor is conducting family-focused meetings about giving. As families grow, the giving tradition rewards generations forward....

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Looking for a delicious recipe to impress your guests? Try Melissa's Apple Cider Sangria! It's the perfect mix of fall flavors and a festive twist on a classic drink. Here is the recipe:   Apple Cider Sangria Ingredients 1 Bottle...

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

November 1, 2023 Dear Valued Investor, The penultimate month of the year is often a time to reflect and offer thanks. And while economic and geopolitical uncertainty can overshadow the positives, there are things to be thankful for....

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Social Security recently announced a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits. Take a look at the link to the Social Security COLA FAQ below. If you have questions and concerns about the recent...

Thursday, October 12, 2023

The fourth quarter holidays are often seen as one of the prime times to take out your checkbook — not only do many charities put in extra efforts helping others this time of year, but donating is also a smart financial move....

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Thanksgiving is a holiday for spending time with loved ones, being grateful, and perhaps enjoying a bit of overindulgence. There are many financial lessons to be had in planning, preparing, and celebrating this annual feast.1 Here are...

Thursday, October 12, 2023

A 401(k) plan is one of the most popular and effective techniques for saving for your retirement. A company will automatically withdraw and contribute money from each paycheck to your 401(k) plan. Some employers will even match a...

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Make your annual review more efficient and productive to improve next year. When you work with a financial professional, then you know how important the year-end review is to the financial planning process. And given that you should be...

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

More consumers are conducting financial transactions online and may become vulnerable to tracking, hacking, identity theft, phishing scams, and other cyberspace risks. While nothing can guarantee complete safety on the Internet,...

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Dear Valued Investor, The S&P 500 lost 3.3% in the third quarter after sliding nearly 5% in September. Putting this into perspective, nothing really qualifies as out of the ordinary. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has historically declined in...

Sunday, October 1, 2023

If carving a jack-o’-lantern is on your agenda this season, make sure you put those seeds to good use. From savory to sweet, these flavor combinations will make pumpkin seeds seem less like a nuisance, and more like a favorite snack!

Sunday, October 1, 2023

You often hear people discuss "saving for retirement,” but in many cases, they're actually referring to their investing. The adage "you can't save your way to wealth" is simplistic, but has a kernel of truth; putting your money...

Sunday, October 1, 2023

One of the main concerns about retirement is health care. As healthcare costs continue to rise, medical bills may quickly derail your retirement plan. The good news is when you turn 65, you will be able to apply for Medicare, which...

Sunday, October 1, 2023

For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Your Assumed Rate of Return, Know the Fees in Your 401(k) & Adjusting Your Financial Planning Timeline Let's assume your financial planning is way ahead of your friends. You have saved, invested well and paid off your debts.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

The government is likely to shut down on October 1, as Congress has failed to agree on some type of funding legislation for the 2024 federal fiscal year. Lawmakers are supposed to pass 12 different spending bills to fund agencies...

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

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...

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Dear Valued Investor, 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...

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Helping to pay for a grandchild's college education can bring great personal satisfaction and is a smart way for grandparents to pass on wealth without having to pay gift and estate taxes. Here are some ways to accomplish this goal.

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

The benefits of charitable giving can even go beyond helping others. It can also be a means for teaching financial responsibility. One way to accomplish this is by making it a family affair. Here are some of the benefits.

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

September is self-improvement month and a great time to work on your financial health. Here are a few simple tips that may help improve your personal finances so that you may move on to other important areas of self-improvement.

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Your life insurance needs depend on a number of factors, including the size of your family, the nature of your financial obligations, your career stage, and your goals.

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Ahh, back to school time. It’s a dreaded season for most kids, and some parents, too. Getting back into the grind of waking up early, packing lunches, and fitting in extracurricular activities can be tough—but waiting until...

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Kids and adults are going back to school, and paying for it can feel like climbing up an unending hill. The earlier you start saving, the easier it will be to pay for college. Here are some college planning tips.

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Financial stress can have a direct negative impact on health and happiness. There are steps you may be able to take to improve your financial situation and manage money-related stress.

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Making investing possible for your children, nieces, nephews and other loved ones may be the key to improving their financial future. Here are a few ways to help your children develop good habits regarding saving and investing.

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

As a retirement savings plan participant, you know that setting an accumulation goal is an important part of your overall strategy. In fact, over decades of conducting its annual Retirement Confidence Survey, the Employee Benefit...

Monday, July 24, 2023

Choosing a financial professional is a major decision. Finding someone you trust enough to manage your money and your future may feel like a nerve-wracking choice. Fortunately, by doing some preliminary research and asking tough...

Saturday, July 1, 2023

While many factors may influence your financial situation, social influence is the component that is given the least attention.

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Members of the "sandwich generation" may feel stressed and overextended. There are steps you may take to mitigate these stresses and develop a strong action plan.

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Being a small business owner can be rewarding but also may bring a lot of stress.

Saturday, July 1, 2023

On the 4th of July, families gather for BBQs, communities watch parades together, and fireworks adorn the sky.

Thursday, May 25, 2023

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...

Thursday, May 25, 2023

In 2021, 44.7 million Americans are facing the burden of student loan debt. They owe more than $1.53 trillion in student loans. These alarming statistics prove the importance of saving for higher education. In the past, many...

Thursday, May 25, 2023

BBQ Deviled Eggs Every picnic table needs the quintessential snacks—and deviled eggs are at the top of the list. But to give your eggs a summery twist, try bringing BBQ chicken into the mixture for a tangy and slightly smoky...

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Whether you are expecting your first child or have been a parent for years, finances and building a future for your family go hand-in-hand. Luckily, there are money moves you can make now to help manage financial stress.

Friday, May 19, 2023

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....

Friday, May 19, 2023

If you saved for retirement for a while, you might look forward to a break from financial responsibility for the remaining portion of your life. But striving for economic betterment should not end when you hit retirement. You may...

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Setting healthy financial goals is critical. Even more important is staying committed to those financial goals. Keeping yourself committed to your goals may be difficult, especially when times may be financially tough. But by...