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Stocks extended their August declines last week as higher yields and weak economic data out of China soured investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.21%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 2.11%. The...

Positive inflation data failed to lift stocks from their August doldrums last week as economic data and a ratings downgrade soured investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.62%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Summer BBQ With Chris And Tamara

Tamara Kirkland

Monday, August 7, 2023

Our Concierge Clients had a great time at our Client Appreciation Summer BBQ Event yesterday! Thank you for attending and for allowing us to provide financial planning and management services that are always offered in your best interests.

Stocks retreated last week as bond yields increased following the Treasury's announcement indicating “a larger-than-expected funding need” and a downgrade in the federal government’s debt rating. The Dow Jones...

A Friday surge pushed stocks solidly into positive territory last week, ignited by cooling in an inflation gauge closely tracked by the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.66%, while the Standard &...

Stocks moved to the rhythm of earnings season last week, initially rising on positive earnings surprises and faltering later in the week on key earnings disappointments. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.08%, while the...

Better-than-expected updates last week on consumer and wholesale price inflation buoyed investor sentiment, driving stocks higher and lower bond yields. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.29%, while the Standard &...

Rising concerns about further rate hikes sent stocks lower to kick off the second half of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.96%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 1.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Stocks posted gains for the week to close out a stellar month, aided by positive economic data and reports that all major banks had passed the Federal Reserve’s annual stress test.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.02%,...

Stocks took a breather last week as investors digested the previous week’s surge and the month-to-date solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.67%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 1.39%. The Nasdaq...

Wall Street climbs a wall of worry. If you’re worried, we can help!

Stocks climbed last week as reassuring inflation data boosted investor hopes that the rate-hike cycle was nearing an end amid fresh economic data pointing to continued economic resilience.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.25%,...

A late-week rally sent stocks into positive territory, with the S&P 500 index closing just shy of the 4,300 mark.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.39%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Stocks surged higher in the closing days of a holiday-shortened trading week, ignited by a political resolution on raising the debt ceiling and a strong employment report.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.02%, while the Standard...

Markets moved in sync last week with perceived movement in debt ceiling talks, weakening early in the week and then surging on news of progress. A solid quarterly report and guidance from a mega-cap technology company helped with...

Stocks rallied last week, propelled by growing optimism over reaching a deal on raising the debt ceiling and avoiding a technical debt default by the U.S.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.38% higher, while the Standard &...

Stocks were mixed last week as good inflation news was offset by mounting debt ceiling concerns and rekindled regional banking fears.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.11%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.29%. The...

A Friday rebound, triggered by a big tech company’s earnings beat and a strong jobs report, shaved much of the week’s accumulated losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Strong earnings from several mega-cap technology companies offset renewed regional banking jitters and weak economic data, leaving stocks higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.86%, while the Standard &...

Stocks remained resilient last week amid mixed earnings reports, hawkish Fed-speak, and lingering recession fears, closing out the five trading days with small losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.23%, while the Standard &...

The combination of an improving inflation outlook resulted in a week of uneven, albeit positive, performance, in which cyclical and financial stocks rallied while technology, real estate, and utilities lagged. The Dow Jones...

Stocks ended a shortened week of trading mixed amid revived recession fears on Wall Street triggered by weak economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.63%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.10%. The Nasdaq...

Stocks rallied last week on receding fears of a widening banking crisis, led by resurging investor interest in technology and communication services names.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.22%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Modest gains in major market indices masked sharp volatility amid the uncertainty arising from mixed messages emanating from public officials and revived banking fears. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.18%, while the Standard...

Amid the reverberations of two U.S. banks being taken over by regulators and the spread of uncertainty to European banks, stocks trended higher last week on the strength of the technology sector.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was...

You likely have heard about the recent Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapse and probably have questions. Here, we provide you with unbiased answers to your questions.What is going on with Silicon Valley Bank?Last week, Silicon Valley...

Stocks tumbled last week as investors reconsidered their interest rate expectations after Fed Chair Powell’s Congressional testimony that rates may need to go higher. Stocks also were rattled when a west coast bank was placed...

A late-week surge, triggered by reassuring Fed-speak, propelled stocks higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up 2.58% for...

Concerns over a firmer monetary policy were heightened by fresh economic data, touching off a climb in bond yields and a slide in stock prices last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.99%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Growing concerns about further interest rate hikes, prompted by fresh economic data, reversed early-week gains and left stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it's a follow-up to...

Stocks drifted lower as a week of mixed earnings reports and resurgent worries over Fed monetary policy dragged on investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...

Stocks were mixed last week following better-than-expected corporate reports and increasing optimism over a slowdown in interest rates.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged lower, slipping -0.15%. The Standard & Poor’s 500 rose...

Stocks added to their early 2023 gains amid a busy stream of mixed corporate earnings results and conflicting economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.47%. The Nasdaq...

Stocks showed mixed results last week as recession fears resurfaced in response to weak economic data and a tepid start to a new corporate earnings season.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.70%, while the Standard &...

Here are some ways we may be able to help you this year!

Stocks rallied last week thanks to fresh confirmation of inflation’s cooling trend and growing optimism that an inflation slowdown may provide the Fed with space to ease up on future rate hikes.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

A strong Friday rally triggered by fresh signs of moderating inflation pushed stocks into positive territory to begin the new year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.45%....

In a holiday-shortened week, erratic trading left stocks marginally down for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.14%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.30%. The MSCI...

Hawkish comments by the Fed and weak economic data heightened investors’ recession concerns and sent stocks lower last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 2.08%. The...

Continuing our annual caroling tradition, we wish you the very best this season from our house to yours.

Recession fears and concerns that the Fed may consider a longer rate-hike cycle sent stocks lower for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.77%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 3.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Stocks ended higher last week as investors navigated the crosscurrents of a potential easing in future rate hikes and continued strength in the labor market.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.24% higher, while the Standard &...

Growing optimism that the Fed may be ready to ease future interest rate hikes sent stocks higher in a quiet trading week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.53%. The Nasdaq...

The stock market edged lower last week as it digested a crosscurrent of conflicting economic data and contrasting comments from Fed officials.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.01%), while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

A cooling inflation number ignited a powerful rally on Thursday, sending stocks to strong gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 5.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Hawkish comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, following the announcement of another 75 basis points interest rate hike last week, cast a pall over financial markets, sending yields higher and stocks lower.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Stocks overcame poor earnings results from some of America’s largest companies to post gains last week as investors cheered positive earnings surprises, easing inflation and a rebound in economic growth.The Dow Jones Industrial...

A positive start to a new earnings season and late-week hopes for a near-term easing in Fed rate hikes lifted investors’ spirits and powered stocks to gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 4.89%, while the...

Stocks were mixed last week amid wide intra- and inter-day price swings, as technology shares bore the brunt of the downdraft.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.15% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Before you do, there are a few things to consider.

A powerful two-day stock rebound cemented a positive week for investors as a new trading month began.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.99%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.51%. The Nasdaq Composite index increased 0...

Rising recession fears and uncertainty in the bond and currency markets sent stocks to new 2022 lows last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.92%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2.91%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Last week, Fed Chair Powell said the U.S. would not tame inflation without economic pain. This week heightened recession fears and sent stocks broadly lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 4.00%, while the Standard &...

A hotter-than-expected inflation report sent stocks sharply lower last week as investors faced the prospect of more aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve for perhaps a longer period.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell...

In a holiday-shortened week of trading, stocks posted healthy gains despite more tough talk on monetary policy from Fed officials.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 3.65%. The...

The overhang of Fed Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole speech the previous week carried over into last week as investors recalibrated stock valuations amid a seemingly more assertive monetary policy stance.The Dow Jones Industrial...

A comprehensive sell-off on Friday following comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell drove stocks to losses for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 4.22%, while the Standard & Poor's 500 dropped 4.04%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Stocks tumbled on Friday, sending stocks to a weekly loss after an otherwise quiet August week of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped -0.16%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 1.21%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

An improving inflation outlook buoyed investors’ spirits last week, helping lift stocks to solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 2.92%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 3.26%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Stocks turned in a mixed performance last week as investors struggled with headlines suggesting that the Fed was unlikely to soon ease up on its current monetary tightening policy.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while...

Undaunted by another Fed rate hike and news of a contracting economy, the stock market rallied last week on better-than-expected corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 2.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Stocks rallied last week as investor spirits lifted thanks to a better-than-expected start to the second-quarter earnings season.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.55%. The...

Do you wonder why the value of your investments in the market has changed? We have answers!

A record-high inflation report, the prospects of a more aggressive Fed, and growing recession fears sent stocks lower– though losses were pared by a Friday rally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the Standard...

In a holiday-shortened trading week, stocks rallied despite mixed economic data and vacillating energy prices and bond yields.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.77%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.94%. The...

Prospects of cooling inflation powered a rally in stock prices last week despite growing recession concerns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 5.39%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 climbed 6.45%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Stocks moved lower last week as recession fears deepened following a Fed hike in interest rates and weak economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 4.79%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 5.79%. The Nasdaq...

How do these things sometimes lead to a recession? We break it all down in this video.

Changes in interest rates can have both positive and negative effects on the markets. Central banks often change their target interest rates in response to economic activity: raising rates when the economy is overly strong, and...

Maybe you have heard that we are in a bear market, but do you know what that means? As the market drops and other factors such as high inflation, rising interest rates and talk of a recession are all in play, we wanted to give you an...

A higher-than-expected inflation report triggered a sell-off on Friday, leaving stocks in the red for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 4.58%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 5.05%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Your Retirement Plan needs an annual review. Here’s why...

In a holiday-shortened week of volatile trading, stocks surrendered some of the previous week’s strong gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.20%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Stocks posted solid gains for the week, buoyed by the release of Fed meeting minutes and upbeat earnings from mid-size and discount retailers.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 6.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced...

The Markets Living with a bear.  On the survival series “Alone,” the tension ratchets higher whenever participants encounter bears. Some participants live warily alongside bears, while others tap out. A similar thing...

It’s time to reflect on 2021 and look ahead to 2022. What are your plans?

Our warmest wishes for a happy holiday season and the very best in 2022!

News of a new, highly virulent COVID variant triggered a market sell-off on Friday, sending stocks into negative territory for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2...

Stocks were mixed last week in choppy trading as investors battled the crosscurrents of good economic data and a troubling rise in COVID-19 infections globally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.38%, while the Standard &...

Stocks posted small declines last week as investors digested recent stock market gains and an unexpectedly high inflation read.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.63%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 0.31%. The...

A Federal Reserve announcement on tapering, a fresh batch of corporate profits, and encouraging economic data lifted stocks to another weekly gain.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.42%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

A fresh wave of positive corporate earnings surprises sent markets to new record highs last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.40%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.33%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked...

Stocks rallied last week on a stream of positive corporate earnings surprises.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.08%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.64%. The Nasdaq Composite index gained 1.29% for the week....

A strong opening to the third-quarter earnings season sparked a late week, broad-based rally that helped stocks finish the week with solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.58%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

The overhang of bumping against the federal debt ceiling was lifted last week with an agreement to extend the debt ceiling through early December, helping propel stocks to a weekly gain.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 1...

How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment fast approaching, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage. Have you switched...

Higher bond yields and a legislative stalemate in Washington, D.C., added up to losses for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.36%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 2.21%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell...

Stocks prices were whipsawed last week, dragged initially lower by financial contagion worries and later lifted by a supportive Fed policy statement.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.62%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

We are here to put things into perspective.

The Markets In recent weeks, bullish sentiment has drifted lower like sediment settling after a storm. Every month, Bank of America (BofA) surveys global asset managers. The most recent survey, which was conducted in early September,...

In a quiet week of news, stocks moved lower amid simmering concerns over the Delta variant’s effect on the progress of economic reopening.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Stocks were mixed last week amid conflicting economic data and continued spread of Delta variant infections.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.24% during the five trading days. But the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on...

The Markets “Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder,” advised the Persian poet Rumi. Last week, Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell’s words helped grow the week’s...

Stocks turned lower last week amid the increasing probability of a Fed tapering, mixed economic data, and growing concerns about the economic impact of the Delta variant.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 1.11%, while the...

Looking past inflation figures and Delta variant trends, stocks last week found a way to climb higher and set fresh record highs in the process.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.87%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

You may want to consider a 1031 Exchange

Overcoming jitters about the Delta variant and the reintroduction of mask requirements, stocks climbed higher on strong employment data and a fresh batch of strong corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.78% while...

The stock market posted small losses last week despite a very strong showing by corporate America.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.36%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 0.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index dropped...

The Artful Transition: Things To Do When Leaving Your Job During the pandemic, maybe you were one of the last people left standing on your team and took on the jobs of two or three other people, and you just can’t take it anymore...

Overcoming a COVID-related economic growth scare, stocks moved higher amid a week of strong corporate earnings reports.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.08%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.96%. The Nasdaq...

One of the most anticipated comebacks of 2021 isn’t an athlete, rock star, or movie franchise. It’s summer travel, and it appears to be back with a vengeance. Travel agents are working 14-hour days to meet the needs of...

Despite a good start to earnings season and some solid economic data, worries of slower second-half economic growth led to a pullback in stock prices last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.52%, while the Standard &...

Once upon a time you had a goal… Share your goals with us and we will tell you how to get there!

Stocks managed small gains as investors wrestled with concerns over economic growth prospects and a rise in COVID-19 infections.The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.40%....

Strong employment reports and rising consumer confidence sent the stock market broadly higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.02%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 1.67%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Stocks reached new all-time highs last week as markets staged a strong rebound from the previous week’s declines.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.44%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 2.74%. The Nasdaq...

New messaging from the Federal Reserve on interest rates and inflation last week led to a broad retreat in stock prices.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 3.45% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 1.91%. The Nasdaq...

A recent survey shows that 63% of investors are more interested in protecting their financial assets and planning for uncertainty in the future than anything else.1There are many reasons for this change, but here are a few of the most...

We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, “What’s next for the financial markets?”

Stocks ended the week mixed as investors appeared to shrug off a hotter-than-expected inflation report.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.80%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 0.41%. The Nasdaq Composite...

A strong, but not too strong, employment report sparked a rally on the final day of trading, propelling stocks to a modest gain for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 0.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Social Security can be complicated, and as a result many individuals don’t have a full understanding of the choices they may have. Here are five facts about Social Security that are important to keep...

Most understand that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, many don’t know that there are other ways to...

Optimism over the economic reopening and renewed enthusiasm for technology and other high-growth companies powered the stock market higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Learn 4 strategies to maximize your Social Security benefits in retirement

Stock prices fluctuated amid inflation concerns and bargain hunting, leaving stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.51%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.43%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...

A surge in consumer inflation unsettled investors, leading to a turbulent week of trading on Wall Street.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.14%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 1.39%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

These 3 steps can help you create a budget and be more financially prepared!

Divorce is one of the most stressful life events you can experience, not far behind the death of a spouse...

Stocks closed mixed last week as signs of continued economic recovery and upbeat earnings helped some sectors while the struggles persisted for high-growth companies.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.67%, while the Standard...

Stocks meandered around a flatline in a busy week of corporate earnings, ending the trading week slightly lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.50%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 was flat (+0.02%). The Nasdaq...

These 3 strategies could help you live the retirement of your dreams…

Retirement Read Time: 2 min Helpful Retirement Strategies for Women Preparing for retirement can look a little different for women than it does for men. Although stereotypes are changing, women are still more likely to serve as...

The crosscurrents of strong corporate earnings, rising global cases of COVID-19, and the specter of higher capital gains taxes led to a choppy week of trading that left stock prices slightly lower for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Stocks reached record highs last week, riding the tailwind of improving economic data and a strong start to the earnings season.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.18%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.37%. The...

4 Facts to Help Women Prepare for Retirement

Strong economic data and a resurgent technology sector propelled stocks to solid gains last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 2.71%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...

Overcoming a rocky start, stocks rallied into the close of a holiday-shortened week of trading as technology shares staged a powerful recovery and investors reacted positively to President Biden’s infrastructure spending...

Have you heard that whatever you can conceive and believe you can achieve?

A rocky week with wide price swings led to mixed results for stocks last week, as investors grappled with anxieties over economic growth and weakness in technology and other high-growth stocks.The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1...

Rising bond yields and improving economic conditions led to a choppy week of trading that ended in modest losses for investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 0.77%. The...

By April 19, 2019, 137 million taxpayers had dutifully filed their federal income tax returns.1 And they all made decisions about deductions and credits – whether they realized it. When you take the time to learn more about how...

Do you use Tax Credits and Deductions as part of your recipe when preparing your personal income tax returns?

Should you take an RMD this year? If so, when and how much?

Stocks touched new record highs last week as bond yields steadied, a fiscal relief bill was signed into law, and confidence in a strong economic recovery grew.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.07%, while the Standard &...

Stocks were mixed last week as rising bond yields and heightening inflation fears sent stocks on a wild ride, capped by a remarkable Friday afternoon rally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.82%, while the Standard &...

Stocks dropped amid rising long-term bond yields, with sharp declines in high-valuation growth stocks leading the overall market lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...

Rising bond yields dampened investor enthusiasm for high-multiple growth companies last week, sending market averages mostly lower in a holiday-shortened week of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.11% for the week. But...

How will limiting business and personal income deductions and increasing payroll and income taxes affect your business?

Stock prices inched higher last week amid declining COVID-19 cases, a pick-up in vaccinations, and progress on a fiscal relief bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.00%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.23%....

How will potential changes to Capital Gains and Estate Taxes affect you?

What's your "go-to" source for financial information?"Family and friends" is the #1 answer given in the annual Retirement Confidence Survey. But a close second is search engines and other online tools, including online forums like the...

Stocks notched strong gains last week, paced by a string of solid economic reports and consensus-beating corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.89%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 4.65%. The...

Are you wondering how President Biden’s proposed legislation to change Traditional IRA and 401k Plans will affect you?

U.S. Markets Stocks were mixed in January, giving up much of the month’s gains in the final days of trading, as unprecedented activity in...

Despite strong corporate earnings, stock prices closed lower after a volatile week of trading triggered by unprecedented activity in a handful of companies.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 3.27%, while the Standard &...

Stay tuned for important developments and potential changes to your finances:

Anticipation of a new fiscal stimulus and improved vaccine distribution powered stocks to fresh record highs last week with technology stocks leading the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.59%, while the Standard &...

Markets drifted lower last week as uninspired investors digested mixed news on the economic front.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.91% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slid 1.48%. The Nasdaq Composite index stumbled 1...

Insurance Read Time: 3 min What You Should Do About Insurance Following a Divorce Divorce can be an emotionally and financially challenging life event. In the face of the many possible adjustments divorce entails, making changes to...

Here are some important facts to know when preparing your 2020 tax returns:

Lifestyle Read Time: 3 min Healthy Body, Healthy Pocketbook Many people have a clear vision of what their ideal retirement looks like. Some desire vacation homes in tropical destinations, while others plan to spend quality time with...

Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased...

2020 = Rough Road; 2021 = Crossroad. What will you do?

A second round of stimulus checks will soon be landing in the bank accounts of millions of Americans, thanks to the $900 billion economic relief package that Congressional leaders agreed to on December 20. But there are some...

Generally, the different parts of Medicare help cover specific services. Most beneficiaries choose to receive their Parts A and B benefits through Original Medicare, the traditional fee-for-service program offered directly through the...

From our house to yours:

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. U.S. Markets Stock prices powered higher and emboldened investors in November thanks to a series of positive news events. The Dow Jones...

Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data, and the easing of political uncertainty.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.21%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added...

Trends in Charitable Giving According to Giving USA 2020, Americans gave an estimated $449.64 billion to charity in 2019. That’s one of the highest totals in more than 60 years since the report was first published.1 Americans...

Investment Read Time: 3 min The Business Cycle What has upswings and downturns, troughs, peaks, and plateaus? Though such terms could easily describe a roller coaster ride, they are also commonly used to describe the business cycle....

Where chaos, turmoil and uncertainty are concerned, “2020” is the gift that keeps giving. The nail-biting U.S. election was merely par for the course during a year that brought us a global pandemic, economic recession, and...

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. U.S. Markets Inaction on a second American fiscal stimulus bill and a rise in global COVID-19 cases put pressure on stock prices in October....

It should come as no surprise that the economy is the most crucial issue in the upcoming election.But here's something that may surprise you. More than 90% of investors say they plan to change their portfolio in the 12 months...

The upcoming election is prompting some people to reconsider their investment strategy.In fact, 45% of consumers with $100,000 or more investable assets expect to make changes to their portfolio due to the upcoming 2020 presidential...

Have you imagined what your retirement life will be like? Here are some things to consider.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. U.S. Markets Stocks dropped in September as investors worried about stalled fiscal stimulus talks in Washington, the upcoming election, and new...

Where do you get your financial advice? Here are some things to consider.

As the U.S. presidential election draws near, expect to see more and more headlines that propose, "What will happen next if this person is elected?" or, "What policy changes to prepare for in the next four years?"In reality, however,...

These are some things to consider if you are thinking about buying gold.

Investment Read Time: 4 min The Anatomy of an Index Did you know that more than $9.9 trillion in assets are benchmarked to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index, including $3.4 trillion in index assets?1,2 The S&P 500 is...

This week we discuss the tax benefits of Exchange Traded Funds.

This week we share 4 facts you need to know about Social Security Income.

U.S. Markets Stock prices surged in August as investors cheered positive news of a potential COVID-19 treatment and welcomed a month-long...

Many of us grew up with the concept that making regular, periodic contributions to our retirement account was a sound investment strategy. The idea was that, in a fluctuating market, regularly investing a set amount would enable an...

Chris Browning and Tamara Kirkland of Masters Advisory Partners here with this week’s useful 2 minute video tip about additional early withdrawals from your Individual Retirement Account, or IRA, that escape the 10% penalty tax.

Grilling steaks and answering these general Estate Planning questions: How does effective estate management help you during your lifetime as well as after your death? What is a quick formula to estimate your estate taxes? What are the...

When an individual dies, the executor is faced with an important decision that has the potential to impact the taxes owed by the estate and its heirs.1 The executor will have the option of valuing the estate on the date of death, or...

What’s your favorite new thing to do during the pandemic and do you plan to keep doing it in the future? Share it with us. We’d love to hear about it!

5 Smart Investing Principles you can use now

Q&A With C&T: Session #2 Join us for Session #2 of Q&A with C&T as we discuss 5 Smart Investing Principles you can use now in response to the questions you have asked us recently about how to invest wisely in the current economic and...

Click below to take a short quiz and MAP your goals: Let's get started

U.S. Markets Stock prices climbed higher in June, as investors looked beyond an increase in COVID-19 cases as well as reports that several...

FREE Financial Q&A

Insurance Is Term Life Insurance for You? Term insurance is the simplest form of life insurance. It provides temporary life insurance protection on a limited budget. Here’s how it works: When a policyholder buys term insurance,...

Learn about the advantages of Business Owner Policies with this highly educational and fun animated video.

Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, “Almost any decision is better than no decision at all...

U.S. Markets Stocks rallied in May, sparked by a supportive Federal Reserve, stories of states re-opening, and reported progress on a COVID-19...

In recent days, unhealed social wounds have been brought painfully into focus across the nation. Please know that we are deeply committed to promoting justice, healing, and wholeness for all members of our community. If you or someone...

What does your home really cost?

How do the markets usually react to elections? Was the 2016 election any different?

U.S. Markets Stocks rebounded sharply in April, fueled by a flattening pandemic curve and positive results from a clinical trial investigating...

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, “What’s next for the financial markets?”

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

U.S. Markets The spread of COVID-19 sent stocks tumbling, as the health and economic costs of the pandemic continued to mount. The Dow Jones...

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What Small Businesses Need to Know Included in the recently passed CARES Act are additional business loan options, changes to tax policies and changes to the FFCRA, all designed to ease the burden of COVID-19. The coronavirus pandemic...

Excellent 2020 market & economic update.

A growing percentage of Americans are out of work or have had their hours reduced due to the coronavirus pandemic. If you fall into that category and are starting to rely on emergency savings to get through this period, you’ll...

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Status is reachable Ron Carson CEO/Chairman of Carson Group Holdings, LLC- Entrepreneur, Financial Advisor, NYT Best-Selling Author, Thought Leader ... See More 131 articles Special Update: Global stocks dropped sharply on Monday...

Bridging the Confidence Gap In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent. AddThis Share | Facebook Twitter Print Email //

Surprises Making the most of surprises is a great reason to work with us. AddThis Share | Facebook Twitter Print Email //

History shows stocks typically rebound from disease outbreaks before long Annie Nova@AnnieReporter Key Points Your 401(k) likely isn’t recovering from the coronavirus as quickly as you’d hoped. Looking for some consolation?...

Keeping Up with the Joneses Lifestyle inflation can be the enemy of wealth building. What could happen if you invested instead of buying more stuff? AddThis Share | Facebook Twitter Print Email //

To Catch a Thief Many Americans have taken steps in recent years to protect their identity. However, according to one report, published in 2018, identity theft is at an all-time high, affecting an estimated 16.7 million U.S. adults. If...

The Pre-Retirement Checklist The Pre-Retirement Checklist: HOW PREPARED ARE YOU? Getting ready for retirement? Before you can cross that bridge, you’ll need to cross some important items off your to-do list. But thanks to our...

Six Most Overlooked Tax Deductions Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to? While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible....

SOCIAL SECURITY: THE $64,000 QUESTION One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits. This is the $64,000 question. Making the right decision for you can have a meaningful...

Monthly Market Insights | January 2020 You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. U.S. Markets Riding a wave of trade optimism and solid economic data, stocks notched solid gains in...

Do you know how much risk you’re comfortable with? Would you rather be reading or skydiving right now?

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President Tip: The University of California at Santa Barbara keeps an archive of Economic Reports of the President from Harry Truman’s 1947 report to the latest edition. Source:...

Is travel insurance warranted? It may be offered to you as you book a vacation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need it. Your life, auto, or health insurance may provide adequate coverage as you travel. Be sure to...

Data Thieves from Outer Space AddThis Share | Facebook Twitter Print Email //

The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of Knowledgeable investors are aware that investing in the capital markets presents any number of risks—interest-rate risk, company risk, and market risk. Risk is an inseparable...

Monthly Market Insights | December 2019 You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. U.S. Markets Stocks notched solid gains in November, thanks to solid economic data, improving trade...

Red Flags for Tax Auditors No one wants to see an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) auditor show up at his or her door. The IRS can’t audit every American’s tax return, so it relies on guidelines to select the ones most...

12 Year-End Money Strategies You Can’t Afford To Overlook Share to facebook Share to twitter Share to linkedin As year-end approaches, there’s still time to make sure you’re on track toward your important financial...

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds? There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them? AddThis Share | Facebook Twitter Print Email //

Financial Aid for Students 101 Preparing for college while still in high school can be difficult for even the most academically minded student. These days, you need to excel in the classroom, make sure you’re involved in...

Rightsizing for Retirement What does your home really cost? AddThis Share | Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Print //

Monthly Market Insights | July 2019 You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. U.S. Markets The stock market rode a wave of optimism this month, thanks to continued belief in a potential...

Perception vs. Reality There’s an alarming difference between perception and reality for current and future retirees. AddThis Share | Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Print //

Monthly Market Insights | June 2019 You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. US Markets Investors’ hope of an imminent trade deal with China was shattered in May, driving stocks...

The Power of Compound Interest Learn how to harness the power of compound interest for your investments.

It May Be Time for a Financial Checkup It’s never a bad time to speak with your financial advisor about changes in your situation.

Events on Wall Street Can successful investors predict changes in the markets? Some can but others miss the market’s signals. AddThis Share | Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Print //

6 Stock Market Plunge Statistics You Need to Know The S&P 500 registered its 15th-biggest point decline in history on Monday, but there's absolutely no need to panic.

Interest rates. Trade Talks. Inflation Fears. Political Events. International Developments. During the past year, every one of these events have influenced stock prices.

A New Way to Look at Your Bucket List That big list of dreams and goals isn't the only way to look at your bucket list.

From Boats to Brokers From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.

The recently passed 2017 Tax Cuts and jobs Act brought with it the biggest tax reform in decades. Here are a few of the changes that could affect you.

Stock prices rose during the month, overcoming poor economic reports and volatility in the domestic bond market.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times. All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

Choosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business One survey found that 79% of small business owners expect at least some of their retirement income to come from tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts.¹ If you have yet to...

Understanding the ways credit and debt work for and against you are some of the first steps toward understanding personal finance. While it’s not...

Photo by Dina Konovalov https://www.businessinsider.com/financial-planner-best-wealth-building-strategies-2019-2businessinsider.com I'm a financial planner, and my most successful clients taught me 8 strategies crucial for building...

What’s Your Investment IQ? AddThis Share | Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Print // Have A Question About This Topic? Name Email Address Message Thank you! Oops! Related Content Bridging the Confidence Gap In the world of finance, the...

Bridging the Confidence Gap In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

The baby boomers have re-defined everything they’ve touched, from music to marriage to parenting and, more lately, to what “old” means—60 is the new 50! Longer, healthier living, however, can put greater stress...