Whether it’s ideas from the industry, emerging trends or advanced planning strategies, you can read about it here. And once in a while, I may throw in a kid accomplishment or some other surprise. So keep checking in. I'm glad to have you reading along. If you have ideas for posts, please contact me. I'd love to hear from you!
Thursday, January 21, 2021
The 10-year Treasury yield has climbed higher since the New Year, which means that some bond prices are dropping. You may have seen the headlines that say, “10-Year Yields Over 1%.” For some, the first time they experience...
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Tuesday, January 19, 2021
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 1.54%...
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Thursday, January 14, 2021
The personal savings rate in the United States, which is the amount of income left after taxes and household spending, has reached some significant milestones.In April, when much of the country stayed home to avoid the COVID-19...
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Tuesday, January 12, 2021
As election season draws to a close, it's a great time to review what type of legislative support would be needed to pass certain policy proposals that may come forward from the Biden Administration. It's important to remember that...
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Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
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Friday, January 8, 2021
The first week of 2021 has already had many ups and downs. Just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean that the 2020 issues go away, and so far, 2021 has been no exception to this rule. The markets opened on January 4 and...
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Thursday, January 7, 2021
January is Financial Wellness Month, a time to remind people to make arrangements for their financial strategy. For me, it’s time for me to connect with new clients and discuss their financial situation and aspirations for their...
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Tuesday, January 5, 2021
After a bit of political posturing in December, the $900 billion Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (2021 CAA) was signed into law by President Trump as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact employers and employees....
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Monday, January 4, 2021
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 by...
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Monday, December 21, 2020
Stocks climbed higher amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and an improving outlook for a fiscal stimulus bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged all year, gained 0.44%. The Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 1.25%...
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Wednesday, December 16, 2020
This time of year, you might glance at an account statement and see there has been an adjustment. But there may not be any cause for concern. Many mutual funds in December pay shareholders capital gains distributions that they have...
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Monday, December 14, 2020
Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell...
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Monday, December 7, 2020
The start of the holiday shopping season can provide important clues about the economy's state and, more importantly, overall consumer confidence. So far, the results have been a “mixed bag” with empty malls and busy...
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Monday, December 7, 2020
Stocks marched higher last week on an improving outlook for the passage of a fiscal stimulus package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on 1.67%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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Friday, December 4, 2020
The annual fall enrollment period for Medicare is coming to an end. Monday, December 7 is the deadline for enrolling or making changes in Medicare Plans.1 Assuming you are already enrolled in Medicare, letting the date pass will keep...
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Tuesday, December 1, 2020
As Wall Street pushes higher, a pandemic-weary Main Street is relearning how to manage cash flow with the hope of keeping its retirement dreams alive. Self-employed Americans, and the people working for them, account for roughly 30...
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Monday, November 30, 2020
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 2...
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Monday, November 23, 2020
Despite news of another COVID-19 vaccine candidate, stocks were mixed amid investor anxiety over an increase in new infections and economic lockdowns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.73%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
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Friday, November 20, 2020
As the United States sees a rise in cases of COVID-19 across the nation, news of two promising vaccines out of hundreds being tested has offered a ray of hope for a fatigued world.1 A positive reaction to these vaccines affects every...
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Tuesday, November 17, 2020
As an investor, it can be tempting to get caught up in daily news headlines. Consider how news about the election and COVID-19 vaccines have moved the markets over the past several weeks. But having a financial strategy can help you...
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Friday, November 13, 2020
Now that several major news groups have projected Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election—and Congress appears divided with Democrats in control of the House and Republicans the Senate—it’s a good time to...
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Thursday, November 12, 2020
With the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates at or near zero, you may wonder about your mortgage. Is it a good time to refinance or even pay off the debt entirely? After all, your mortgage is one of the biggest expenses you may...
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Monday, November 9, 2020
Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to changing corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of big technology companies. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 6...
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Monday, November 2, 2020
Stock prices dropped last week as hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill faded and investors focused on rising COVID-19 infections, here and abroad. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 6.47%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tumbled...
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Monday, November 2, 2020
On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note. 401(k)sThe salary...
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Tuesday, October 27, 2020
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...
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Monday, October 26, 2020
The failure to reach an agreement on a new fiscal stimulus bill soured investor sentiment and sent stocks modestly lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 0.53%. The...
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Friday, October 23, 2020
Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. If you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, give yourself plenty of time. You may discover that it is much more complex than an employer-sponsored...
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Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Stocks treaded water last week amid fading prospects for a stimulus bill, fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, and increasing political and regulatory pressures on Big Tech companies. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added just 0...
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Friday, October 16, 2020
Yes, but modestly. On October 13, 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 1.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2021. This adjustment will begin...
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Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Stocks staged a powerful rally last week, riding a wave of optimism over the prospect of the passage of a new fiscal stimulus bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased 3.84%....
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Tuesday, October 13, 2020
It’s a startling statistic. 45% of consumers with $100,000 or more investable assets expect to make changes to their investments due to the upcoming 2020 presidential election.1 Second-guessing your investment strategy is...
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Friday, October 9, 2020
Yes! Applications for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are now open for the academic year 2021-22. Applying for the FAFSA allows you to qualify for grants, scholarships, and other federally-sourced aid, such as...
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Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings. The Dow Jones...
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Monday, October 5, 2020
Yes! And, well-timed for end of year tax preparation clean-up. When training to become a financial professional, much of our course work centers on the six critical areas of creating a financial strategy. Some recognize October as...
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Friday, October 2, 2020
It should come as no surprise to hear the economy is the top issue for voters in the 2020 election. Nearly 8 in ten voters say that the economy will be very important to them when they cast their votes.1 But when voters say...
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Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Stocks were mixed last week as worries that stretched from Washington D.C., where prospects of a new fiscal stimulus bill dimmed, to Europe, which saw an increase of new COVID-19 cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.75%,...
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Monday, September 28, 2020
In theory, investors understand that stock market corrections are part of the investing process. But experiencing a setback—like the one we’ve witnessed in the past four weeks—can raise a lot of shoulda, woulda,...
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Friday, September 25, 2020
There hasn’t been much merger and acquisition activity through 2020. This diminished activity comes despite low interest rates, which may help companies manage the cost of borrowing for a purchase. Some of this makes sense, in...
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Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Stocks slipped as the technology sector remained under pressure and a mid-week announcement by the Federal Reserve failed to inspire investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
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Monday, September 21, 2020
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,...
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Friday, September 18, 2020
Yep. You're not alone. Due to COVID-19, Americans are spending more time at home than ever before, leading to a record amount of spending on home improvement.1 It’s not that big of a surprise since many Americans now find their...
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Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.66%, while the...
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Tuesday, September 15, 2020
A U.S. drug company recently said that it’s in late-stage trials for its coronavirus vaccine and reported that it could be given to Americans as early as the end of the year.1 Great news. But it seems like every few days...
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Friday, September 11, 2020
Football is back, which means Summer is coming to a close, days will get shorter, and sweaters will soon be in play. This year, there was no pre-season, so professional football started in September, which coincidentally, is a...
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Tuesday, September 8, 2020
A late week sell-off sent stocks broadly lower as investors took some profits after stocks reached all-time highs earlier in the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.82%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2.31%...
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Friday, September 4, 2020
Most recently, you may have read that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced a change in how the Fed views inflation. In the past, the Fed said it would consider adjusting short-term rates when inflation approached 2 percent....
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Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Stocks advanced relentlessly last week on positive COVID-19 developments, encouraging economic data, and a supportive policy shift in the Fed’s approach to its target inflation rate. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by...
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Monday, August 31, 2020
Yes, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), one of the most widely followed stock market indices, has made some key changes to its starting lineup. Salesforce.com, Amgen Inc.and Honeywell International Inc. have replaced Exxon Mobil...
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Thursday, August 27, 2020
To some, this may hardly feel like an economy headed for a bright future. But don’t tell that to home builders. Builder confidence in August jumped to an eye-popping 78 in August, according to the Housing Market Index courtesy...
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Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Stocks powered to another week of gains as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite set multiple new record highs along the way. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially unchanged while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose by 0.72%....
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Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Some people in recent weeks may have been feeling that “the stock market seems to be doing so well but I’m not participating.” A look behind the headlines helps tell the story. A CNBC study found that between the...
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Friday, August 21, 2020
Right now, many Americans are worried about their financial health due to the impact COVID-19 has had on the country. Adding to these concerns were July's consumer prices— excluding food and energy—which rose at the...
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Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Stock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%, while the Standard &...
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Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Two high-profile companies—Apple and Tesla—have announced stock splits in the past few weeks, which makes it a great time to discuss what’s involved when a company announces a stock split. Remember, any companies...
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Friday, August 14, 2020
As many of you know, the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee has eight scheduled meetings each year when the seven board members review the nation's economic activity and set the federal funds rate's target rate.In this...
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Thursday, August 13, 2020
This month, many universities and colleges are welcoming students back to campus, even if most campuses are largely online this year.But that's not all that's different. The current administration has issued an executive memorandum...
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Tuesday, August 11, 2020
"Will I outlive my retirement money?" That's one of the top fears for people who are starting to prepare for their retirement years. So I have to chuckle a bit when I see headlines that say, "Here's how much money Americans think they...
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Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Overlooking stalled efforts by Congress to pass a new fiscal stimulus bill, stocks marched higher last week with the Dow Jones Industrials leading the way and the NASDAQ Composite setting multiple fresh record highs. The Dow Jones...
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Monday, August 10, 2020
Student of the MarketTo read the article, please click on the link below. Please Click Here
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Friday, August 7, 2020
Are you one of the many retirement account holders who took a mandatory distribution this year? If so, you may be able to manage the taxes associated with Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s. There...
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Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Stocks were mixed last week amid a busy week of earnings, some troubling economic data, and seemingly little progress on a new fiscal stimulus package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
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Tuesday, August 4, 2020
One of my favorite Wall Street quotes is from Mark Twain, who said: “October: This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June,...
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Friday, July 31, 2020
With all of the storm and stress of the year 2020, you’d be forgiven if you momentarily forgot that we’re due for another national election in November. Many states will be selecting governors, representatives, and...
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Thursday, July 30, 2020
Stocks slipped in the final days of trading last week on higher jobless claims and rising tensions in the U.S.-China relationship.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dipped 0.28%. The...
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Tuesday, July 28, 2020
To some, the buying and selling of a company’s stock by corporate officers and directors can be an indicator of Wall Street sentiment. In July 2020, the ratio of companies with executive buying compared with executive selling...
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Friday, July 24, 2020
Lately, it can feel like each day brings a new headline about fluctuating market behavior. But amid the ups and downs of 2020, there may be some potential good news on the horizon. On July 16, 2020, the interest rate for a 30-year...
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Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Stocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.29%, while the Standard...
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Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Every few months, you may hear the phrase “we’re entering earnings season” as you read financial news. But what exactly is “earnings season” and why is it important to Wall Street? Earnings season is the...
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Monday, July 20, 2020
Recently, you may have heard that financial industry regulators established a new set of rules designed to guide investors who work with an investment professional. This new set of rules is called “Regulation Best...
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Thursday, July 16, 2020
Everyone is interested in “free money,” right? That is what an employer’s 401(k) match represents. Free money that will be deposited into your retirement account, growing tax deferred for years to come. By the power...
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Friday, July 10, 2020
In the era of COVID-19, and the financial woes it has created, I often get asked, “Why is the stock market holding up so well when the economy appears to be struggling?”To understand why the markets react — or...
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Wednesday, July 8, 2020
In a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%, while the Standard &...
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Tuesday, July 7, 2020
With the economy and financial markets flashing mixed signals, it’s no wonder that lawmakers are deadlocked on whether to pass a Phase 4 of the CARES Act.More than $3 trillion in stimulus has been pushed into the economy since...
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Tuesday, June 30, 2020
A jump in COVID-19 cases dampened investor enthusiasm last week, sending stock prices lower on worries that rising infections could derail the economic recovery.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 3.31%, while the Standard &...
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Tuesday, June 30, 2020
In our uncertain climate, it’s unsurprising that when American investors are thinking about their financial strategy, that the topic of life insurance comes up.For some, it’s always been front of mind. For younger...
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Friday, June 26, 2020
Americans who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic may now be able to access retirement accounts to help cover daily expenses, penalty-free.Now, in addition to those who have lost their jobs during the COVID-19...
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Tuesday, June 23, 2020
An “eye-popping” $2 trillion in cash has been stashed in deposit accounts at U.S. banks since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the country in January.1This surge of money into banks has no precedent in history.Several...
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Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Stocks moved higher last week on news of more Federal Reserve market support and diminished concerns that new COVID-19 cases might lead to another economic shutdown.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.04%, while the Standard &...
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Saturday, June 20, 2020
Divorce can be an emotionally and financially challenging life event. In the face of the many possible adjustments divorce entails, making changes to insurance coverage may be overlooked. Here’s a look at each type of coverage:...
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Wednesday, June 17, 2020
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) reported in recent weeks that the U.S. economy officially entered a recession in February 2020. This transition brought a 128-month expansion to an end, the longest in post World War II...
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Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Investor sentiment turned negative last week, amid an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in states where reopening has been underway as well as a subdued economic forecast from the Federal Reserve.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
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Thursday, June 11, 2020
As businesses begin the process of reopening their doors after the COVID-19 shutdown, many have considered turning to the Federal Reserve’s Main Street Lending Program for aid. Announced on March 23, the Program’s goal is...
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Tuesday, June 9, 2020
A positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 6.81%, while...
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Friday, June 5, 2020
As Americans adjust their spending habits in a rapidly changing economy, they are building cash reserves at an unprecedented rate. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported on May 29th that the personal savings rate hit a historic 33%...
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Monday, June 1, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up nearly every aspect of American life. To say it’s been a difficult time would be an understatement. However, difficult times may open doors to new possibilities. Businesses are changing...
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Saturday, May 30, 2020
Few life events are more stressful than a job loss.If you or someone you know is in this situation due to COVID-19, you’ll likely have several questions about job hunting, unemployment insurance, and health care. You may also be...
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Friday, May 29, 2020
As states cautiously begin the process of relaxing their COVID-19 restrictions, some are wondering, “Why is the stock market doing so well when the economy is doing so poorly?”It’s a great question, and fortunately,...
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Friday, May 29, 2020
Even in “normal” times, the news can be depressing. But these days, it can seem like there’s an awful lot to worry about. Here’s a sampling of the types of headlines I’ve seen recently:Why US hospitals...
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Thursday, May 28, 2020
If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably been thinking about your health quite a bit lately — especially if you’re approaching retirement. Trust me, I understand. Anticipating your future medical costs can...
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Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Hindsight is 20/20. It’s only human to imagine what it might have been like to turn left instead of right on some fateful day. However, that sort of daydreaming is unhelpful when investing, especially when it leads you to try...
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Monday, November 25, 2019
Recently I was invited to be the guest speaker at a women's luncheon on Social Security. On the surface, claiming strategies seem straight-forward. But, there are literally 10,000+ strategies to consider! The rules are...
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Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Yes, really. So, what is a CFQ? Why do clients need one? Most client service models in the industry are built on around a financial advisor serves as the hub for multiple aspects of a client’s financial life, working with...
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Thursday, September 19, 2019
If only we had a crystal ball. Long term care (LTC) can be paid in 1 of 5 ways (or any combination thereof), as applicable: Self-insuring LTC insurance Life insurance rider or settlement Medicaid Veteran benefits Beware of the common...
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Monday, August 19, 2019
Ahem. Your 50s. Time for a roadmap. Maybe you're targeting 10 or 15 years until retirement? If so, there's still time for impactful change. Following are 10 actions to consider anytime, but especially in your 50s: 1. Organize...
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Sunday, July 21, 2019
Seriously though. What do I do? How do you know you need an advisor if you don't know what we do? Why would you refer an advisor to others? To most people, my “job” is a mystery. I’m often asked by my kids to speak...
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Friday, June 21, 2019
According to Wikipedia, the Sandwich Generation refers to people (usually in their 40's to 70's) who care for their aging parents while also supporting their own children. The unplanned challenges of caring for an aging parent,...
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Friday, May 31, 2019
The photo above was taken at Baird’s headquarters in February, 2019. It’s prominently displayed and quite frankly, caught me off guard -- in a very good way! In late January, 2019 I had the honor of attending the Baird...
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Thursday, April 18, 2019
Wealth Advisor, Financial Planner, Asset Advisor, Portfolio Manager, Financial Advisor, Money Manager. Not to mention Broker/Dealer, Wirehouse, Registered Investment Advisors and Fiduciary. It all gets a bit squirrely. I can't begin to...
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Friday, March 15, 2019
My "Top 9" (because "Top 10" is too cliché) reasons for Ask Kim: Have fun. The opportunity for personal expression. My communication style is "relator". What better way to reach my clients and potential clients? Build...
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