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Outlook 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
Read More5 Ways for Near Retiring Baby Boomers to Prepare for an Uncertain Economy
As baby boomers retire and leave the labor force, their departure could impact the economy in several ways, including:
Read MoreWhy Work/Life Balance is Important While Pursuing Your Career
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.
Read MoreUnited in Wealth: How to Become a Financial Power Couple
If you're a high earner, you may be interested in partnering with someone with similar education, income, and goals.
Read MoreWomen: Caught in the Caregiving Sandwich
This article explores tips and guidance that may benefit women caught in the caregiving sandwich.
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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).
Read More5 Tips to Get the Most Out of Homeownership in a Volatile Marketplace
Consider these five tips for getting the most value out of owning a home in today’s volatile marketplace.
Read MoreRetirement Planning: The Ultimate Endless Summer Adventure
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.
Read MoreRich vs. Wealthy - Is There Really a Difference?
Here are some of the differences between being rich and being wealthy in terms of money, resources, and public perception.
Read MoreDon’t Get a D in Debt Management: Debt-Smart College Planning for Parents
Here are a few suggestions to try and avoid the full weight of debt that often accompanies higher education:
Read MoreNavigating May's Stock Market Outlook
Hopefully those showers will bring some flowers in May, despite the widely cited stock market adage, “Sell in May and go away.”
Read MoreA Quick Guide to 529 Plans and College Savings
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.
Read MoreA Checklist for Your Retirement Planning
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:
Read MoreTips for Navigating Inflation as a Small Business Owner
How do small business owners weather the storm of inflation? Here are a few tips to help you get through it.
Read MoreThe Importance of Choosing the Right Life Insurance Policy for Your Retirement Years
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.
Read MoreThe DOL's New Fiduciary Rule: What it Means for Your Retirement Savings
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
Read MoreSteady Federal Reserve Rates are Good for Us
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,...
Read MoreThriving Through Financial Stress: Lessons for High-Net-Worth Families
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...
Read MoreRaising Savers: Teaching Your Kids How to Avoid Learning Financial Responsibility the Hard Way
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...
Read MoreWealth, Success, and Mental Health: Finding the Balance Between Wealthy and Healthy
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,...
Read MoreSocial Security Isn’t Enough: How Social Security Fits into a Well-Rounded Retirement Plan
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...
Read MoreFeeling Bored? Reinvest in Yourself and Refire Your Passion Towards Your Retirement Goals
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:
Read MoreWhy Your Credit Score Matters in Retirement
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.
Read MorePearls of Wisdom: Wealth Preservation for High-Net-Worth Women
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.
Read MoreHow to Keep Your Money Safe from Scammers
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.
Read MoreFebruary Client Letter: Solid Start to 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...
Read MoreRetiring Early As a Couple: A Financial Love Story
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.
Read More4 Pre-Medicare Strategies for Managing Healthcare Costs
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.
Read MoreHow to Plan for a Healthy Retirement
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.
Read MoreHow Portfolio Diversification Can Be Sweet Like a Box of Chocolates
In this article, we explore portfolio diversification by using concepts related to chocolate to make it more understandable – and palatable.
Read More6 Tips for Reducing Social Security Taxes
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....
Read More5 Financial Bad Habits to Cut This Year
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...
Read MoreFinancial Resolutions for Individuals Nearing Retirement
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...
Read MoreThe Benefits of Getting A Second Financial Opinion
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...
Read MoreThe History of New Year’s Resolutions: Learning From the Past to Influence Your Financial Behaviors
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...
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Outlook 2024: A Turning Point
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...
Read MoreDecember Client Letter: A November to Remember
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...
Read More10 New Year’s Resolutions for You to Think About
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...
Read MoreThe Grinch vs. Santa Claus – Who is the better investor?
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...
Read MoreTrends in Charitable Giving
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...
Read MoreYour 2023 Year-End Planning Checklist
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...
Read MoreGiving Matters
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....
Read MoreApple Cider Sangria
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...
Read MoreNovember Client Letter: Offering Thanks
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....
Read MoreSocial Security COLA FAQ
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...
Read More5 Do’s and Don'ts for Charitable Giving During the Holidays
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....
Read More4 Thanksgiving Lessons for a Feast-Worthy Financial Plan
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...
Read MoreYour Traditional 401(k) Year-End Review Checklist
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...
Read MoreTips for Your Year-End Financial Planning Review
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...
Read MoreProtecting Your Financial Information Online
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,...
Read MoreOctober Client Letter: Staying the Course
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...
Read MoreFlavor-Packed Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
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!
Read MoreInvesting vs. Saving: Key Differences and Why Your Money Mindset Matters
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...
Read More5 Tips for Navigating Medicare in Retirement
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...
Read MoreA Fall Financial Checklist
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...
Read MoreFinancial Planning Strategies
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.
Read MoreSeven Things to Know about Government Shutdowns
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...
Read MoreA Financial Checklist for Life-Changing Events
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...
Read MoreSeptember Client Letter: Navigating Market Setbacks
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...
Read MoreHow Grandparents Can Help Grandchildren with College Costs
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.
Read MoreCharitable Giving: A Family Affair
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.
Read More3 Ways to Improve Your Finances for Self-Improvement Month
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.
Read MoreProtecting Your Loved Ones with Life Insurance
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.
Read MoreBeat the Back to School Blues
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...
Read MoreReading, Writing, and Education Planning
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.
Read MoreFive Healthy Habits for Financial Wellness
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.
Read MoreThe Best Investment: Teaching Your Children to Save and Invest
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.
Read MoreDon’t Let Your Retirement Savings Goal Get You Down
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...
Read More4 Tips for Building a Strong Professional Relationship With Your Financial Professional
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...
Read MoreGet to Know the Rich Relationship Between Your Financial and Social Life
While many factors may influence your financial situation, social influence is the component that is given the least attention.
Read More4 Sandwich Generation Survival Tips
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.
Read MoreSmall Business Owners: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Financial Independence
Being a small business owner can be rewarding but also may bring a lot of stress.
Read MoreThe History of Fourth of July
On the 4th of July, families gather for BBQs, communities watch parades together, and fireworks adorn the sky.
Read More3 Ways Planning for Retirement is Like Planning For Summer Break
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...
Read MoreWhy Save for Higher Education?
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...
Read MoreSummer is the perfect time to pack a family picnic
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...
Read More3 Key Money Moves Every Parent Should Make
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.
Read More529 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....
Read MoreMoney Milestones: 4 Financial Goals for Older Individuals
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...
Read MoreHow to Stay Committed to Your Financial Goals
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...
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