Blog

The Whims of Wall Street

The Whims of Wall Street What to know about shifting market attention, and investor burnout. Provided by Peter Livingston It can be exhausting trying to keep up with the whims of Wall Street. Lately, the financial markets have been...

Are Americans Saving Too Much?

Are Americans Saving Too Much? American spending habits have taken a clear direction. Provided by Peter Livingston Among the many changes arising from the pandemic, one of the most noticeable was a change in American spending habits. A...

IRA Deadlines Are Approaching

IRA Deadlines Are Approaching Here is what you need to know. Provided by Peter Livingston Financially, many of us associate the spring with taxes – but we should also associate December with important IRA deadlines. This year,...

Life Insurance with Extended-Care Riders

Life Insurance with Extended-Care Riders As conventional extended-care policies grow costlier, alternatives have emerged. Provided by Peter Livingston The COVID-19 pandemic has changed extended-care policies. While the specific policy...

Inflation Boogeyman

Inflation Boogeyman What to keep in mind as inflation fears rise. Provided by Peter Livingston Inflation has emerged as one of the top financial concerns for investors as they size up the economy for the rest of the year. According to...

Paying for the Infrastructure Bill

Paying for the Infrastructure Bill The proposal does not yet include any new taxes on individuals. Provided by Peter Livingston President Joe Biden introduced the much-anticipated American Jobs Plan, which outlines an approach to spend...

Investing During Periods of Inflation

Investing During Periods of Inflation What does inflation mean for your investments? Provided by Peter Livingston In August of 2020, the Fed announced that it is willing to allow inflation to run higher than normal in order to support...

Guarding Against Identity Theft

Guarding Against Identity Theft Take steps so criminals won’t take vital information from you. Provided by Peter Livingston America is enduring a data breach problem. As many workers traded in the office for remote work, data...

It’s All About Bonds

It’s All About Bonds Long bond yields may increase for several reasons. Provided by Peter Livingston There’s an old Wall Street maxim that says, “markets climb a wall of worry.” And these days, there’s...

The Economics of MLB Spring Training

The Economics of MLB Spring Training Play ball! Provided by Peter Livingston Major League Baseball scheduled Opening Day for April 1, but two states have already scored with spring training underway. Every year, spring training divides...

The Shred Party

The Shred Party What should you get rid of and hold on to? When and why? Provided by Peter Livingston If a shred party happens to spring up in your area, you may want to mark your calendar. For many years, shred parties, where a...

Qualified Charitable Distributions

Qualified Charitable Distributions A choice for I.R.A. owners who want to reduce taxes linked to I.R.A. distributions. Provided by Peter Livingston Do you have an I.R.A.? As you enter your 70s, you may start to look at that I.R.A. not...

I.R.S. Delays Tax Filing, Payment Deadlines

I.R.S. Delays Tax Filing, Payment Deadlines The new deadline is May 17, 2021. Provided by Peter Livingston Less than one month ahead of the traditional date, the I.R.S. has delayed the deadline for filing and paying taxes. The new...

Financial Strategies for Athletes

Financial Strategies for Athletes Step One: Find a trusted financial coach; Step Two: Listen to your coach. Provided by Peter Livingston Whether you are a professional athlete, a college amateur, or an aspiring Olympian, you probably...

The American Rescue Plan Makes FSAs a Little More Flexible

The American Rescue Plan Makes FSAs a Little More Flexible The act boosts the amount that companies can allow workers to deposit. Provided by Peter Livingston For those with a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), there may...

The Emergence of ESG Investing

The Emergence of ESG Investing How generational and societal change is influencing companies and the markets. Provided by Peter Livingston ESG: what does that acronym stand for? Those three letters stand for "Environmental, Social, and...

Volatility Tests Your Mettle

Volatility Tests Your Mettle Some changes may be unsettling. Provided by Peter Livingston Most people understand that stock prices don't go straight up. But when market volatility increases, the price action can test the mettle of even...

The Many Forms of Fixed Income

The Many Forms of Fixed Income Looking for yield? Treasuries aren’t your only choice. Provided by Peter Livingston You want to draw some income while preserving some of your capital. So, you decide to take a look at fixed-income...

Understanding Extended Care

Understanding Extended Care The important question: are you prepared? Provided by Peter Livingston Addressing the potential threat of extended care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for individuals who are...

2021 Essential Financial Figures

PRESENTED BY Peter Livingston This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and the information given has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. This is not intended as a guide for the preparation of tax returns, nor...

The New Inherited I.R.A. Rules

The New Inherited I.R.A. Rules Do you know what has changed for I.R.A. beneficiaries? Provided by Peter Livingston New inherited I.R.A. rules took effect on January 1, 2020. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement...

Spotlight Shifts to Bonds

Spotlight Shifts to Bonds What to know about interest rates and yields. Provided by Peter Livingston One time-tested principle of investing is, "when bond yields move higher, bond prices tend to move lower." Investors are doing a...

Tax Efficiency in Retirement

Tax Efficiency in Retirement What role should taxes play in your investment decisions? Provided by Peter Livingston Will you pay higher taxes in retirement? Do you have a 401(k) or a traditional IRA? If so, you will receive income from...

Changes to Paycheck Protection

Changes to Paycheck Protection Information for small business owners to consider. Provided by Peter Livingston On Monday, Feb. 22, the White House announced several changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that went into effect...

Countdown to College

Countdown to College Things to consider as a parent of a future college student. Provided by Peter Livingston As a parent, of course you want to give your child the best opportunity for success, and for many, attending the...

Retirement Seen Through Your Eyes

Retirement Seen Through Your Eyes After you leave work, what will your life look like? Provided by Peter Livingston How do you picture your future? If you are like many contemplating retirement, your view is likely pragmatic compared...

Economic Predictions: What Lies Ahead?

Economic Predictions: What Lies Ahead? Here’s what the financial forecast may have in store. Provided by Peter Livingston It can be easy to overlook the nation’s solid economic fundamentals when the financial media splashes...

Oil Prices on the Move

Oil Prices on the Move What to know about the recent rally. Provided by Peter Livingston At this time last year, it was still unknown that a deadly global pandemic was on the rise, eventually stalling economic growth and sending crude...

How Soon Might the Stimulus Arrive?

How Soon Might the Stimulus Arrive? A shot in the arm of a different kind. Provided by Peter Livingston While many in the United States are beginning to receive vaccinations and people are starting to foresee a life after COVID-19, it...

Should You Consider Refinancing Your Mortgage?

Should You Consider Refinancing Your Mortgage? What to consider. Provided by Peter Livingston Are you considering refinancing your mortgage? Perhaps you want to shorten the term of your home loan. Maybe you have an adjustable-rate...

Retirement Questions That Have Nothing to Do With Money

Retirement Questions That Have Nothing to Do With Money Think about these factors before you leave work for the last time. Provided by Peter Livingston Retirement planning is not entirely financial. Your degree of happiness in your...

2020 IRA Deadlines Are Approaching

2020 IRA Deadlines Are Approaching Here is what you need to know. Provided by Peter Livingston Financially, many of us associate April with taxes – but we should also associate December with important IRA deadlines. December 31,...

Will Updated I.R.S. Tables Create an Opportunity for Retirees?

Will Updated I.R.S. Tables Create an Opportunity for Retirees? Life expectancy table updated for the first time since 2002. Provided by Peter Livingston If you are retired and have reached your seventies, you may have the opportunity...

Earnings Season Gets Underway

Earnings Season Gets Underway Quarterly financial reports are here. Provided by Peter Livingston Every few months, you may hear the phrase “earnings season” as you listen to financial news. But what exactly is...

Tax Filing Season Is a Little Later This Year

Tax Filing Season Is a Little Later This Year What to know and dates to remember Provided by Peter Livingston Recently, the Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) announced that tax season will start a little later than usual. This year the...

2021 Off to a Fast Start

2021 Off to a Fast Start Market volatility continues into the new year. Provided by Peter Livingston 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...

Outlook 2021: Bond Prices

Outlook 2021: Bond Prices Information you should know. Provided by Peter Livingston 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...

Distributions from Mutual Funds

Distributions from Mutual Funds Watch Your December Statements. Provided by Peter Livingston 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....

Navigating Your Required Minimum Distribution

Navigating Your Required Minimum Distribution Understand the IRS’s calculations and tables. Provided by Peter Livingston As much as you would like to, you can’t keep your money in your retirement account forever. These...

Markets & Marriage

Markets & Marriage How your investment strategy is like a long-term partnership. Provided by Peter Livingston Your investment strategy is a lot like a marriage. One day you may feel like everything’s going swimmingly. The next...

529 Plan Contributions

529 Plan Contributions In most states, December 31 is an important deadline for parents and grandparents contributing to 529 plans. To qualify for a state tax credit or deduction this year related to your contribution, you may have to...

Social Security

Social Security Are you getting your options, right? Can you really get more? Social Security has so many rules and can be super confusing, even for the good folks at a local Social Security office. Consider this interesting situation:...

2020 IRA Deadlines Are Approaching

2020 IRA Deadlines Are Approaching Here is what you need to know. Provided by Peter Livingston Financially, many of us associate April with taxes – but we should also associate April with important IRA deadlines. April 15, 2021...

5 Highlights of the New Stimulus Package

5 Highlights of the New Stimulus Package What the latest round of funding may mean for you. Provided by Peter Livingston After a bit of political posturing in December, the $900 billion Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (2021...

It’s Not too Late to Fund Your IRA

It’s Not too Late to Fund Your IRA If you’re like many investors, you’re probably looking for a way to manage your tax bill. One approach to consider is contributing the full amount to your retirement accounts....

Solo 401(k) plan

Solo 401(k) plan That’s right, you can have your own 401(k) plan – even if your business consists of just you, or you and your spouse. An Individual 401(k) plan, sometimes referred to SBO 401(k), offers you opportunities...

Financial Wellness Month

Financial Wellness Month Time to tune up your financial strategy. Provided by Peter Livingston January is Financial Wellness Month, a time to remind people to make arrangements for their financial strategy.1 For a financial...

International Wealth Mentality Month

International Wealth Mentality Month Gear your thinking toward wealth. Provided by Peter Livingston January is International Wealth Mentality Month, a time to remind people to make arrangements for their financial strategy.1 For a...

2021 Opens With a Bang

2021 Opens With a Bang Market volatility continues into the new year. Provided by Peter Livingston 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...

Retirement Blindspots

Retirement Blindspots Some life and financial factors that can sometimes be overlooked. Provided by Peter Livingston We all have our “blue sky” visions of the way retirement should be, yet our futures may unfold in ways we...

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices? Even the most seasoned investors are prone to their influence. Provided by Peter Livingston Investors are routinely warned about allowing their emotions to influence their decisions. However,...

Cash Balance Plans

Cash Balance Plans Should professional practices look into them? Provided by Peter Livingston In corporate America, pension plans may be fading away. Only 14% of Fortune 500 companies offered them to full-time employees in 2019. In...

Does Main Street Need a Wall Street Strategy?

Does Main Street Need a Wall Street Strategy? How will the self-employed strategize for retirement? Provided by Peter Livingston As Wall Street pushes higher, a pandemic-weary Main Street is relearning how to manage cash flow with the...

Building a Healthy Financial Foundation

Building a Healthy Financial Foundation How many pieces do you have in place? Provided by Peter Livingston When you read about money matters, you will sometimes see the phrase, “getting your financial house in order.” What...

Group Life for a Growing Business?

Group Life for a Growing Business? Companies adding employee benefits may want to consider it. Provided by Peter Livingston As companies grow and add employees, they also add employee benefits. Retirement and medical plans can be...

Coronavirus Vaccines and the Economy

Coronavirus Vaccines and the Economy Hopeful markets react. Provided by Peter Livingston 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...

What Do I Do With All of This Money?

What Do I Do With All of This Money? Just because it’s a nice problem, doesn’t mean it’s not still a problem. Provided by Peter Livingston Here’s a scenario for you: You pick up what appears to be a lottery...

A look back at 2020 thus far

A look back at 2020 thus far Presented by Peter Livingston The year in brief. The coronavirus pandemic disrupted the global economy, global financial markets, and daily life in 2020. For investors, it was certainly an eventful year....

Speed Bumps & Headlines

Speed Bumps & Headlines Focus on your overall approach during times of short-term volatility. Provided by Peter Livingston As an investor, it can be tempting to get caught up in daily news headlines. Consider how news about the...

Interest Rates and Your Mortgage

Interest Rates and Your Mortgage What you need to know. Provided by Peter Livingston 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...

Mergers, Acquisitions, & the Markets

Mergers, Acquisitions, & the Markets There’s been a drop in activity. What’s next? Provided by Peter Livingston There hasn’t been much merger and acquisition activity through 2020. This diminished activity comes...

Managing Drug Costs

Managing Drug Costs How can households meet the challenge? Provided by Peter Livingston Are prescription drug costs burdening your finances? Some people find it a challenge to manage the cost of prescription drugs. Americans pay an...

Managing Money as a Couple

Managing Money as a Couple What are the keys to prepare to grow wealthy together? Provided by Peter Livingston When you marry or simply share a household with someone, your financial life changes—and your approach to managing...

How and When to Sign Up for Medicare

How and When to Sign Up for Medicare Breaking down the enrollment periods and eligibility. Provided by Peter Livingston Medicare enrollment is automatic for some. For those receiving Social Security benefits, the coverage starts on the...

2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and More

2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and More Numbers to know for the new year. Provided by Peter Livingston On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings. Although these adjustments...

Long-Term Rates Are Creeping Higher

Long-Term Rates Are Creeping Higher What's fueling the rally? Provided by Peter Livingston With all the election chatter and stock market volatility, it may have been easy to miss the ongoing uptrend in long-term interest rates. The...

Your Year-End Financial Checklist

Your Year-End Financial Checklist Aspects of your financial life to review as the year draws to a close. Provided by Peter Livingston The end of the year can help remind us of last-minute things we need to address and the goals we want...

2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and More

2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and More Numbers to know for the new year. Provided by Peter Livingston On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings. Although these adjustments...

Robo-Advisors vs. Human Financial Professionals

Robo-Advisors vs. Human Financial Professionals If an investor chooses a non-human financial advisor, what price could they end up paying? Provided by Peter Livingston Investors have a choice today that they did not have a decade ago....

Year-End Estate Strategies

Year-End Estate Strategies What you need to know to get ready for the end of the year. Provided by Peter Livingston With one year ending and a new one on the cusp of starting, many people will consider their resolutions—not their...

Annual Financial To-Do List

Annual Financial To-Do List Things you can do for your future as the year unfolds. Provided by Peter Livingston What financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address for the coming year? Now is an excellent time to think...

Election 2020: Biden’s Policy Initiatives

Election 2020: Biden’s Policy Initiatives Potential proposals and their legislative requirements. Provided by Peter Livingston Now that several major news groups have projected Joe Biden the winner of the presidential...

Is Masters Golf A Bogey Or Hole-In-One Market Predictor?

Is Masters Golf A Bogey Or Hole-In-One Market Predictor? Posted by lplresearch Economic Blog This year’s Masters Golf Tournament teed off Thursday at the Augusta National Course in Georgia. While there will be some familiar...

Election 2020

Election 2020 Wall Street reacts to a potentially divided government. Provided by Peter Livingston After many weeks of telegraphing a long and careful ballot count, this week’s election lived up to that prediction in races for...

How Medigap Choices Have Changed

How Medigap Choices Have Changed What you need to know about Plan F and Plan G. Provided by Peter Livingston As many may recall, seniors who previously enrolled in Medicare are facing some changes. Medigap Plan F might not be sold...

The Social Security Administration Announces 2021 COLA

The Social Security Administration Announces 2021 COLA What you should know about the most recent cost-of-living adjustment. Provided by Peter Livingston On October 13, 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially...

TIPS for Inflation

TIPS for Inflation A look at these securities, in light of the Federal Reserve’s new outlook. Provided by Peter Livingston This summer, the Federal Reserve made a key policy shift. It announced that it would focus on promoting...

Home Improvements Trending Higher

Home Improvements Trending Higher More time at home, more home improvements Provided by Peter Livingston Due to COVID-19, Americans are spending more time at home than ever before, leading to a record amount of spending on home...

Facts About Medicare Open Enrollment

Facts About Medicare Open Enrollment How much do you know about the different coverage options? Provided by Peter Livingston Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. If you are enrolling in Medicare...

Election 2020

Election 2020 A Dose of Patience. Provided by Peter Livingston 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...

Election 2020

Election 2020 Preparing for Any Outcome. Provided by Peter Livingston 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...

Election 2020

Election 2020 Managing Your Emotions. Provided by Peter Livingston 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 No matter how you...

October Is Financial Planning Month

October Is Financial Planning Month Six areas of personal finance to review. Provided by Peter Livingston When training to become a financial professional, much of our course work centers on the six critical areas of creating a...

FAFSA Applications Are Now Open

FAFSA Applications Are Now Open Federal Student Aid opportunities are often first-come, first-served. Provided by Peter Livingston Applications for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are now open for the academic year...

Budgeting for Beginners

Budgeting for Beginners Getting started with you household budget. Provided by Peter Livingston Budgeting towards needs and goals. One of the objectives of creating a household budget is that, as time moves on and the various household...

Election 2020: Economic Issues in the Crosshairs

Election 2020: Economic Issues in the Crosshairs Here’s what you need to know. Provided by Peter Livingston It should come as no surprise to hear the economy is the top issue for voters in the 2020 election. Nearly 8 in ten...

Ouch: September’s Market Correction Hurt

Ouch: September’s Market Correction Hurt Here’s what you need to know. Provided by Peter Livingston In theory, investors understand that stock market corrections are part of the investing process. But experiencing a...

End-of-the-Year Money Moves

End-of-the-Year Money Moves Here are some things you might consider before saying goodbye to 2020. Provided by Peter Livingston What has changed for you in 2020? For many, this year has been as complicated as learning a new dance. Did...

Extraordinary Times Mean Extra Federal Debt

Extraordinary Times Mean Extra Federal Debt Federal borrowing has increased due to the coronavirus pandemic. Provided by Peter Livingston America’s debt is now nearly as large as its economy. On September 2, the Congressional...

Football Is Back

Football Is Back America is “ready for football,” while financial professionals are ready for volatility. Provided by Peter Livingston Football is back, which means Summer is coming to a close, days will get shorter, and...

Race for a Vaccine

Race for a Vaccine Here’s what you need to know. Provided by Peter Livingston 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...

Dow 30 Changes Its Starting Lineup

Dow 30 Changes Its Starting Lineup What you should know about the change. Provided by Peter Livingston The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), one of the most widely followed stock market indices, has made some key changes to its...

When the Fed Talks Inflation, Bond Investors Listen

When the Fed Talks Inflation, Bond Investors Listen What the Fed’s new policy may mean for you. Provided by Peter Livingston Most recently, you may have read that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced a change in how the...

Home Builders Confident In Economic Rebound

Home Builders Confident In Economic Rebound Here’s what you need to know about the housing market. Provided by Peter Livingston To some, this may hardly feel like an economy headed for a bright future. But don’t tell that...

Has the Stock Market Rally Left You Behind?

Has the Stock Market Rally Left You Behind? Here’s what the recent rally could mean for you. Provided by Peter Livingston Some people in recent weeks may have been feeling that “the stock market seems to be doing so well...

Why Roth IRA Conversions May Now Be Advantageous

Why Roth IRA Conversions May Now Be Advantageous Thanks to a couple of factors, some investors are thinking about this move before 2020 ends. Provided by Jamie Hansman Roth IRAs have attracted retirement savers since their introduction...

Conquering Retirement Challenges for Women

Conquering Retirement Challenges for Women Looking ahead can help you conquer these unique obstacles. Provided by Peter Livingston When it comes to retirement, some women face obstacles that can make saving for retirement a challenge....

What Are Stock Splits?

What Are Stock Splits? Here’s what you need to know. Provided by Peter Livingston Two high-profile companies—Apple and Tesla—have announced stock splits in the past few weeks, which makes it a great time to discuss...

Why Regular Rebalancing Makes Sense

Why Regular Rebalancing Makes Sense Your investment portfolio may be off-kilter, and you may not even know it. Provided by Peter Livingston Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick...

Superior Customer Service

Superior Customer Service Why is it so rare? How can we make it the norm? Provided by Peter Livingston The customer experience is one of the keys to business success. In some industries, it can mean the difference between success and...

Taxable Events in Retirement Accounts

Taxable Events in Retirement Accounts What triggers a tax liability for an individual or a trust? Provided by Peter Livingston When you distribute, sell, or receive assets from a retirement account, taxes usually follow. It is true for...

Get Your FAFSA Ready

Get Your FAFSA Ready The application window for federal student loans opens on October 1. Provided by Peter Livingston Mark this date on your calendar: October 1. That is the day when current and future traditional college students can...

Is Inflation On The Rise?

Is Inflation On The Rise? What to keep in mind regarding the recent CPI numbers.. Provided by Peter Livingston Right now, many Americans are worried about their financial health due to the impact COVID-19 has had on the country. Adding...

Why Medicare Should Be Part of Your Retirement Strategy

Why Medicare Should Be Part of Your Retirement Strategy The premiums and coverages vary, and you must realize the differences. Provided by Peter Livingston Medicare takes a little time to understand. As you approach age 65, familiarize...

Tax & Estate Strategies Update for Married LGBTQ+ Couples

Tax & Estate Strategies Update for Married LGBTQ+ Couples In this age of marriage equality, there are new possibilities. Provided by Peter Livingston The 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision streamlined tax and estate...

A Checklist for When a Spouse or Parent Passes

A Checklist for When a Spouse or Parent Passes An overview of some of the fundamental steps to take. Provided by Peter Livingston When you lose a spouse, partner, or parent, the grief can be overwhelming. In the midst of that grief,...

How Much Money Will You Need for Retirement?

How Much Money Will You Need for Retirement? It depends on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Provided by Jamie Hansman "Will I outlive my retirement money?" That's one of the top fears for people who are starting to prepare...

The A, B, C, & D of Medicare

The A, B, C, & D of Medicare Breaking down the basics. Provided by Peter Livingston Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored...

The Fed’s Year-Long Review Expected in September

The Fed’s Year-Long Review Expected in September Changes may be on the way. Provided by Peter Livingston As many of you know, the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee has eight scheduled meetings each year when the seven board...

Before You Claim Social Security

Before You Claim Social Security A few things you may want to think about before filing for benefits. Provided by Peter Livingston Determining when to take Social Security benefits is a complicated financial decision. Here are a few...

A Corporate Trustee Could Be a Smart Choice

A Corporate Trustee Could Be a Smart Choice Trust administration is more difficult than many families presume. Provided by Peter Livingston In an ideal world, managing a family trust would be simple. There would be no stress, no big...

The Cost of Medical Care

The Cost of Medical Care The expense of insuring yourself may be minor compared to the price of surgeries and procedures. Provided by Peter Livingston When uninsured people end up in the hospital, “sticker shock” can follow...

Will Political Changes Affect the Economy?

Will Political Changes Affect the Economy? Election years cause some anxiety. Provided by Peter Livingston With all of the storm and stress of the year 2020, you’d be forgiven if you momentarily forgot that we’re due for...

Financial Strategies for Young Families

Financial Strategies for Young Families It’s never too late to start. Provided by Peter Livingston The hardest part is getting started. Even though more than half of U.S. households have some form of investment in the stock...

The Taxation of Restricted Stock Units

The Taxation of Restricted Stock Units What employees need to know. Provided by Peter Livingston Is your employer giving you restricted stock units (RSUs)? Here are some details about RSUs, which differ from stock options in both their...

Keep an Eye on Buying & Selling by Corporate Executives

Keep an Eye on Buying & Selling by Corporate Executives A look at “insider” trading. Provided by Peter Livingston To some, the buying and selling of a company’s stock by corporate officers and directors can be an...

The 2020 RMD Income Tax Relief Deadline Is Almost Here

The 2020 RMD Income Tax Relief Deadline Is Almost Here Important facts and a date to remember. Provided by Peter Livingston Are you one of the many retirement account holders who took a mandatory distribution this year? If so, you may...

Don’t Overreact In August

Don’t Overreact In August Understanding summer volatility. Provided by Peter Livingston One of my favorite Wall Street quotes is from Mark Twain, who said: “October: This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to...

Starting a Roth IRA for a Teen

Starting a Roth IRA for a Teen This early financial decision could prove helpful over time. Provided by Peter Livingston Want to give your child or grandchild a great financial start? A Roth IRA might be a choice to consider. There are...

The I.R.S. Has Enhanced the 2020 RMD Waivers

The I.R.S. Has Enhanced the 2020 RMD Waivers Investors may be eligible to “undo” certain retirement account withdrawals before September. Provided by Peter Livingston In March, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic...

Should You Consider Refinancing Your Mortgage?

Should You Consider Refinancing Your Mortgage? Market sees historic lows in mortgage rates. Provided by Peter Livingston On July 16, mortgage giant Freddie Mac announced that the average interest rate for a 30-year home loan had fallen...

Little-Known Homeowners Insurance Facts

Little-Known Homeowners Insurance Facts You may be surprised to learn what is and is not covered. Provided by If you have a homeowners insurance policy, you should be aware of what this insurance does and does not cover. These policies...

What Is Earnings Season?

What Is Earnings Season? Financial results are reported each quarter. Provided by Peter Livingston Every few months, you may hear the phrase “we’re entering earnings season” as you read financial news. But what...

30-year Home Loans Fall to Historic Lows

30-year Home Loans Fall to Historic Lows Investors and homebuyers take note. Provided by Peter Livingston Lately, it can feel like each day brings a new headline about fluctuating market behavior. But amid the ups and downs of 2020,...

Keep Your Life Insurance When You Retire

Keep Your Life Insurance When You Retire Some good reasons to retain it. Provided by Peter Livingston Do you need a life insurance policy in retirement? One school of thought says no. The kids are grown, and the need to financially...

What is Reg BI?

What is Reg BI? A look at Regulation Best Interest. Provided by Peter Livingston Recently, you may have heard that financial industry regulators established a new set of rules designed to guide investors who work with an investment...

Real-Time Data Recovery Stalled Amid COVID-19 Resurgence

Real-Time Data Recovery Stalled Amid COVID-19 Resurgence Posted by lplresearch Economic Blog We check in again today on some of the real-time economic data that LPL Research is monitoring to provide insight into how the latest...

Labor Market Continues Its Momentum

Labor Market Continues Its Momentum Posted by lplresearch Economic Blog Following the massive beat in May nonfarm payrolls, many wondered if last month’s job gains pulled forward hiring ahead of the expiration of the Paycheck...

What Determines Car Insurance Rates?

What Determines Car Insurance Rates? Driver history is just one factor; there are many others. Provided by Peter Livingston Your auto insurance premium is based on more than your driving history. The amount you pay for auto insurance...

Why Stocks Can Predict The Next President

Why Stocks Can Predict The Next President Posted by lplresearch Market Blog Although the fight against COVID-19 continues to dominate the headlines and our thoughts are with those affected, this is an election year and as we get...

Coupon Clipping for Investment Income

Coupon Clipping for Investment Income Posted by lplresearch Economic Blog What can we learn about investment income opportunities from coupon-clipping environments? From 1977 to 2019, the price of the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate...

Saving Early & Letting Time Work for You

Saving Early & Letting Time Work for You The earlier you start pursuing financial goals, the better your outcome may be. Provided by Peter Livingston As a young investor, you have a powerful ally on your side: time. When you start...

Before You Claim Social Security

Before You Claim Social Security A few things you may want to think about before filing for benefits. Provided by Peter Livingston Whether you want to leave work at 62, 67, or 72, claiming the retirement benefits you are entitled to by...

Retirement Plan Options for Small Businesses

Retirement Plan Options for Small Businesses The SECURE Act and CARES Act may complicate the decision. Provided by Peter Livingston As a small-business owner, figuring out retirement choices can be a little intimidating. How do you...

Market Update - DAILY INSIGHTS

Market Update: Thurs, Jun 11, 2020 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch DAILY INSIGHTS Stocks opened lower. A down day today would deliver the S&P 500 Index’s first three-day losing streak since March. A potential...

It’s Official, We’re In A Recession

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College Funding Options

College Funding Options You can plan to meet the costs through a variety of methods. Provided by Peter Livingston How can you cover your child’s future college costs? Saving early (and often) may be key for most families. Here...

2020 In Charts

2020 In Charts Posted by lplresearch Market Blog 2020 is only five months old, but in many ways it is one of the most historic years we’ve ever seen. “2020 went from moving along nicely, to seeing the worst recession in a...

Eldercare Choices in the COVID-19 Era

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Making a Charitable Contribution

Making a Charitable Contribution There are benefits and limitations when you decide to donate stock. Provided by Peter Livingston Why sell shares when you can gift them? If you have appreciated stocks in your portfolio, you might want...

Corporate Bond Spreads Decline as Fed Increases ETF Purchases

Corporate Bond Spreads Decline as Fed Increases ETF Purchases Posted by lplresearch Economic Blog The Federal Reserve (Fed) increased its bond exchange-traded funds (ETF) purchases in the week ending May 20 (the most recent data...

“Backdoor” Roth IRAs

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What Happens When The Bear Ends?

What Happens When The Bear Ends? Posted by lplresearch Market Blog The incredible rally off the March 23 lows continues for equities, with the S&P 500 Index now up more than 32% in 40 trading days. As impressive as the rally has been,...

A Look at Recent Weakness

A Look at Recent Weakness Posted by lplresearch Market Blog As we discussed in earlier this week in Markets Due for a Pause, there were multiple technical reasons to believe that US equities were due for some sort a pullback following...

How Expensive Are Stocks Right Now?

How Expensive Are Stocks Right Now? Posted by lplresearch Market Blog As stocks rallied 30% off the March 23 lows and earnings expectations were cut dramatically, valuations have become increasingly concerning for many investors...

Mortgage-Backed Securities Attractive for High Quality Income

Mortgage-Backed Securities Attractive for High Quality Income Posted by lplresearch Economic Blog Like most major segments of the bond market outside Treasuries, mortgage-backed securities (MBS) experienced increased market stress as...

May Is Disability Insurance Awareness Month

May Is Disability Insurance Awareness Month What it is, and why it's important. Provided by Peter Livingston Did you know that May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month? First started in 2007, the month of May was the first time that...

Record COVID-19 Testing

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Details on the Tax Deadline Extension

Details on the Tax Deadline Extension The I.R.S. is giving you three additional months to file and pay. Provided by Peter Livingston The Internal Revenue Service knows that many taxpayers have had a stressful spring. So, it has reset...

Tax-Loss Harvesting

Tax-Loss Harvesting A useful year-end move to counteract capital gains. Provided by Peter Livingston Even though this may end up being a subpar year for stocks, you may realize capital gains, which is a taxable event. What can you do...

FAQs About the 2020 Stimulus Checks

FAQs About the 2020 Stimulus Checks Answers to some frequently asked questions. Provided by Peter Livingston The federal government is providing a little economic relief to many taxpayers. The Internal Revenue Service is sending...

A Stock Market Lesson to Remember

A Stock Market Lesson to Remember Confidence can quickly erode, but it can also quickly emerge. Provided by Peter Livingston Undeniably, spring 2020 has tried the patience of investors. An 11-year bull market ended. Key economic...

Market Update: Thur, Apr 30, 2020

Market Update: Thur, Apr 30, 2020 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch DAILY INSIGHTS Earnings standouts helping the Nasdaq. The broad S&P 500 Index opened lower this morning amid some skepticism about whether the rally off...

Silver Lining in Consumer Confidence Data

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Market Update: Tues, Apr 28, 2020

Market Update: Tues, Apr 28, 2020 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch DAILY INSIGHTS US markets continue to push higher. After closing at a multi-week high Monday, the S&P 500 is looking at a strong start this morning....

Street View: Gas Guzzling Contracts

Street View: Gas Guzzling Contracts Posted by lplresearch Market Blog Oil had a wild week last week, even turning negative on Monday, April 20, as worries about lower demand in a sharp recession and where to store the actual barrels...

The Federal Reserve’s Unprecedented Moves

The Federal Reserve’s Unprecedented Moves What they are. How they help. Provided by Peter Livingston In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, almost every state in America is under some sort of stay-at-home order. This unprecedented...

Negative Oil Futures Price Creates Confusion

Negative Oil Futures Price Creates Confusion Posted by lplresearch Market Blog Headlines had oil selling at -$37.63 per barrel at close on Monday, April 20. The negative sign in front? Sellers had to pay buyers $37.63 to take the oil...

What Might Future Bond Returns Look Like?

What Might Future Bond Returns Look Like? Posted by lplresearch Market Blog Stock returns get all the headlines, and with US equities entering their first bear market since 2008, there is good reason for that. However, fixed income...

Roth IRA Conversion in the Era of COVID-19

Roth IRA Conversion in the Era of COVID-19 Is it right for you? Provided by Peter Livingston 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....

Gaining Confidence in a COVID-19 Peak

Gaining Confidence in a COVID-19 Peak Posted by lplresearch Markets Blog We continue to follow our Road to Recovery Playbook for help determining where the market is in its bottoming process. Today we are making two changes. The first...

Weekly Market Commentary: A Recession is Here

A Recession Is Here The economy has halted for the past several weeks, and with it the longest economic expansion ever has ended, meaning we are now in a recession. What makes this recession unique is the government intentionally...

Big Annual Declines Are Rare

Big Annual Declines Are Rare Posted by lplresearch Market Blog Stocks have rallied nicely off the March 23 lows on the back of a bold policy response from the Federal Reserve (Fed) and lawmakers in Washington, DC, which was followed...

Business Continuity Plans

Business Continuity Plans Prepare now to better protect your business in the future. Provided by Peter Livingston As a business owner, you’ve worked hard for your success. The long hours, the difficult decisions, and the...

Key Provisions of the CARES Act

Key Provisions of the CARES Act Distributions can be waived in 2020 for Inherited Accounts, 401(k)s, and IRAs. Provided by Peter Livingston Recently, the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security”...

Road to Recovery Playbook Factor #1: COVID-19 Case Update

Road to Recovery Playbook Factor #1: COVID-19 Case Update Posted by lplresearch Market Blog Factor #1 in our Road to Recovery Playbook is finding confidence in the peak of COVID-19 cases in the United States. At LPL Research we are...

Market Update: Mon, Mar 30, 2020

Market Update: Mon, Mar 30, 2020 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch DAILY INSIGHTS Another big week. Stocks opened higher on the heels of huge gains last week. President Trump extended the CDC’s social distancing...

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets What’s the difference? What do these terms mean for you? Provided by Peter Livingston The COVID-19 outbreak has put tremendous pressure on stock prices, prompting some investors to blindly...

Road to Recovery Playbook Factor #1: Peak COVID-19 Cases

Road to Recovery Playbook Factor #1: Peak COVID-19 Cases Posted by lplresearch Market Blog As COVID-19-related fear continues grip global financial markets, we wanted to take a closer look at factor #1 in our Road to Recovery...

Bear Markets Come and Go

Bear Markets Come and Go The longest bull market in history lasted almost 11 years before coronavirus fears and the realities of a seriously disrupted U.S. economy brought it to an end. If you are losing sleep over volatility driven by...

Traditional Vs. Roth IRA

Traditional Vs. Roth IRA Do you know the difference? Provided by Peter Livingston Traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 33.2 million U.S. households. Roth IRAs, however, were...

How Quickly Can Stocks Recover From COVID-19?

How Quickly Can Stocks Recover From COVID-19? Posted by lplresearch Market Blog The market volatility continues, as the S&P 500 Index has closed either up or down 4% or more for a record 7 consecutive days. With the S&P 500 Index down...

The Fastest Bear Market Ever

The Fastest Bear Market Ever Posted by lplresearch Market Blog The historic volatility continues, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average officially setting its fastest move from a new all-time high to a bear market (down 20% from the...

Signs Of A Washout?

Signs Of A Washout? Posted by lplresearch Market Blog The S&P 500 Index’s historic slide continued yesterday, culminating in nearly a 10% loss for the day, and leaving the benchmark index officially in bear market territory,...

Positive Signs From China on COVID-19

Positive Signs From China on COVID-19 Posted by lplresearch Market Blog COVID-19 related fear has gripped markets, driving the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 Index into bear territory. As difficult as these markets are...

Essential Financial Figures

PRESENTED BY Peter Livingston This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and the information given has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. This is not intended as a guide for the preparation of tax returns, nor...

Coronavirus Concerns? Consider Past Health Crises

Coronavirus Concerns? Consider Past Health Crises During the last week of February 2020, the S&P 500 lost 11.49% — the worst week for stocks since the 2008 financial crisis — only to jump by 4.6% on the first Monday in...

10-Year Treasury Yield Breaks Below 1%

10-Year Treasury Yield Breaks Below 1% Posted by lplresearch Economic Blog Despite strong market gains on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, the on-the-run 10-year Treasury yield ended the day below 1% for the first time ever and has posted...

U.S. Manufacturing Sector Holds Up

U.S. Manufacturing Sector Holds Up Posted by lplresearch Economic Blog Amid all of the attention on the coronavirus outbreak and related market volatility, and rightly so, we did get one of the most impactful U.S. economic data points...

Coronavirus & More

Coronavirus & More The 24-Hour News Cycle moves from Impeachment to COVID-19 to the Primaries – What’s next? Provided by Peter Livingston In recent weeks, we’ve seen several major stories in the news. On the political...

Approaches to Business Valuation

Approaches to Business Valuation Here’s what you need to know. Provided by Peter Livingston In the third quarter of 2019, more than 2,400 small businesses were sold. The median sale price was roughly $278,000, up 3.3% from 2018.1...

Gauging Potential Economic Impact of Covid-19

Gauging Potential Economic Impact of Covid-19 Posted by lplresearch Economic Blog The coronavirus outbreak—or Covid-19 —has caused significant market volatility over the past week. Our approach as always is to focus on...

The Coronavirus Outbreak Is Spreading

The Coronavirus Outbreak Is Spreading Posted by lplresearch Market Blog News that the coronavirus—known as COVID-19—has spread to South Korea, Italy, Japan, and Iran, has led to massive selling around the globe, with many...

A Roth IRA’s Many Benefits

A Roth IRA’s Many Benefits Why do so many people choose them over traditional IRAs? Provided by Peter Livingston The IRA that changed the whole retirement savings perspective. Since the Roth IRA was introduced in 1998, its...

Tax Considerations for Retirees

Tax Considerations for Retirees Are you aware of these potential tax breaks and tax-saving opportunities? Provided by Peter Livingston The federal government offers some major tax breaks for older Americans. Some of these perks deserve...

That First Distribution from Your IRA

That First Distribution from Your IRA What you need to know. Provided by Jamie Hansman When you are in your seventies, Internal Revenue Service rules say that you must start making withdrawals from your traditional IRA(s). In I.R.S....

How to Prepare for Tax Season

How to Prepare for Tax Season Presented by Jamie Hansman In this guide, we’ll explore ways to help you prepare for the upcoming tax season. Keep in mind, this guide is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for...

Closer Look At February

Closer Look At February Posted by lplresearch A late month selloff in January saw the S&P 500 Index close marginally lower for the month. But stocks have taken off in February, with the S&P 500 up nearly 4% this month, as US economic...

ABLE Accounts for Loved Ones with Disabilities

ABLE Accounts for Loved Ones with Disabilities More families should know about these tax-advantaged savings vehicles. Provided by Peter Livingston Families with special needs children have a new tax-deferred savings option. The ABLE...

Market Update: Tues, Feb 4, 2020

Market Update: Tues, Feb 4, 2020 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch LPL Research on CNBC. LPL Financial Senior Market Strategist Ryan Detrick was on CNBC’s Squawk Box yesterday with Becky Quick. You can watch the...

Investing for Impact

Investing for Impact Socially responsible investment strategies and you. Provided by Peter Livingston SRI (Socially Responsible Investing), Impact Investing, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Investing belong to a growing...

Annual Financial To-Do List

Annual Financial To-Do List Things you can do for your future as the year unfolds. Provided by Peter Livingston What financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address for the coming year? Now is a good time to think about...

An Average Year for GDP Growth

An Average Year for GDP Growth Posted by lplresearch ECONOMIC BLOG The U.S. economy notched an average year of growth in 2019. Gross domestic product (GDP) rose 2.1% in the fourth quarter of 2019, according to Bureau of Economic...

Viral Outbreak Ends Period of Market Calm

Viral Outbreak Ends Period of Market Calm Posted by lplresearch Market Blog Fears that the deadly coronavirus would spread further around the globe intensified Monday and led to the biggest one-day drop in the S&P 500 Index since...

Ways to Fund Special Needs Trusts

Ways to Fund Special Needs Trusts A look at the different options & strategies. Provided by Peter Livingston If you have a child with special needs, a trust may be a financial priority. There are many crucial goods and services that...

2019 IRA Deadlines Are Approaching

2019 IRA Deadlines Are Approaching Here is what you need to know. Provided by Peter Livingston Financially, many of us associate April with taxes – but we should also associate April with important IRA deadlines. April 1, 2020 is...

Small Caps Struggle in Record-High Drought

Small Caps Struggle in Record-High Drought Posted by lplresearch MARKET BLOG Stock markets around the world have hit new record highs this year, but U.S. small cap stocks have yet to join the party. As shown in the LPL Chart of the...

Tremendous Gains Since 2009

Tremendous Gains Since 2009 A look at where stocks were in 2009 and how they have performed since. Provided by Peter Livingston Where were you on March 9, 2009? Do you remember the headwinds hitting Wall Street then? When the closing...

New I.R.S. Contribution Limits

New I.R.S. Contribution Limits A look at the maximum amounts you can put into retirement accounts this year. Provided by Peter Livingston The I.R.S. just announced the annual contribution limits on IRAs, 401(k)s, and other widely used...

Main Street’s Sentiment Perks Up

Main Street’s Sentiment Perks Up Posted by lplresearch A milestone in the U.S.-China trade dispute has boosted corporate sentiment, according to the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) latest Beige Book. In the Beige Book, the Fed...

Q4 Earnings Season is All About 2020

Q4 Earnings Season is All About 2020 Posted by lplresearch MARKET BLOG Fourth quarter earnings season kicked off this week with 24 S&P 500 Index companies slated to report results. Our expectations are for a marginal increase in S&P...

Health Care Costs Are Cutting into Retirement Preparations

Health Care Costs Are Cutting into Retirement Preparations This is happening in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. Provided by Peter Livingston You may have seen this statistic before or one resembling it: the average 65-year-old retiring...

The SECURE Act

The SECURE Act Long-established retirement account rules change. Provided by Peter Livingston The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act is now law. With it, comes some of the biggest changes to retirement...

How Stocks Do During Geopolitical Events

How Stocks Do During Geopolitical Events Posted by lplresearch Market Blog It was a volatile night for the U.S.-Iran conflict. S&P 500 Index futures dipped 1.5% and global markets swung after Iran shot several ballistic missiles at U...

What Mideast Escalation Means for Markets

What Mideast Escalation Means for Markets Posted by lplresearch The U.S. airstrike that killed the top Iranian military commander last week was a major escalation in Mideast tensions. In fact, it would be difficult to overstate the...

2019 IRA Deadlines Are Approaching

2019 IRA Deadlines Are Approaching Here is what you need to know. Provided by Peter Livingston Financially, many of us associate April with taxes – but we should also associate April with important IRA deadlines. April 1, 2020 is...

Buy-Sell Agreements for Businesses

Buy-Sell Agreements for Businesses Planning for your future and beyond. Provided by Peter Livingston For most, creating an estate strategy is important to make sure your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone. But it may...

Market Update: Thurs, Jan 2, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, Jan 2, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights A new year. It’s a new year for U.S. stocks, which are higher amid headlines on new monetary stimulus measures in China. The...

Market Update: Tues, Dec 31, 2019

Market Update: Tues, Dec 31, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Last day of the year. U.S. stocks are relatively unchanged on the last trading day of 2019. Stocks may meander into the New Year in the...

Don't Let Your Retirement Savings Goal Get You Down

Don'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...

The Major Retirement Planning Mistakes

The Major Retirement Planning Mistakes Why are they made again and again? Provided by Peter Livingston Much is out there about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Aside...

Market Update: Thurs, Dec 19, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, Dec 19, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Markets largely quiet overnight. Asian and European markets saw marginal declines overnight, while U.S. futures sat near flat. Whatever...

Don’t Fear the Repo

Don’t Fear the Repo Posted by lplresearch Economic BlogDecember 18, 2019 The fourth quarter is winding down, and investors are getting nervous that volatility in the short-term lending market could flare up once again. Rates on...

Is It Time For Santa?

Is It Time For Santa? Posted by lplresearch Economic BlogDecember 17, 2019 December has been widely viewed as a strong month for stocks, with this year following suit so far. What many probably don’t realize, however, is the...

Teach Your Children Well: Basic Financial Education

As soon as your children begin to handle money, start teaching them how to handle it wisely. Teach Your Children Well: Basic Financial Education Even before your children can count, they already know something about money: it's what...

Market Update: Mon, Dec 16, 2019

Market Update: Mon, Dec 16, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Stocks higher. Stocks are higher this morning, adding to gains after the S&P 500 Index capped its ninth weekly increase in 10 weeks. The U...

A Retirement Fact Sheet

A Retirement Fact Sheet Some specifics about the “second act.” Provided by «representativename» Does your vision of retirement align with the facts? Here are some noteworthy financial and lifestyle facts about...

Market Update: Thurs, Dec 12, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, Dec 12, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Central bank watch. Stocks are unchanged this morning as investors digest two pivotal central bank decisions. On Wednesday, the Federal...

Four Fed Hikes, One Year Later

Four Fed Hikes, One Year Later Posted by lplresearch The Federal Reserve’s (Fed) final policy meeting of 2019 starts today and will conclude tomorrow with the release of the Fed’s policy statement, updated economic...

2020 Key Numbers

2020 Key Numbers Individual Income Tax Planning Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), child tax credit, earned income tax credit, itemized deductions, kiddie tax, personal exemptions, and more. More Details 2020 Federal Income Tax Rate...

New I.R.S. Contribution Limits

New I.R.S. Contribution Limits Changes for 2020. Provided by Peter Livingston The I.R.S. just increased the annual contribution limits on IRAs, 401(k)s, and other widely used retirement plan accounts for 2020. Here’s a quick look...

Market Update: Mon, Dec 9, 2019

Market Update: Mon, Dec 9, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Trade continues to lead headlines. The S&P 500 Index is set to open modestly lower amid concerns of impending December tariffs as investors...

Market Update: Thurs, Dec 5, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, Dec 5, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Stocks rebound. Stocks are up this morning, adding to the S&P 500 Index’s 0.6% gain on Wednesday. Trade sentiment has shifted once...

Reasons We Still Believe In December

Reasons We Still Believe In December Posted by lplresearch Market BlogDecember 4, 2019 It has been a rough start to the most wonderful month of them all, with the S&P 500 Index down each of the first two days of December. Don’t...

Market Update: Wed, Dec 4, 2019

Market Update: Wed, Dec 4, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Stocks bounce back. Stocks are bouncing back this morning after they kicked off December with a two-day slide. The S&P 500 Index has dropped...

Bringing Markets Into Focus in Outlook 2020

Bringing Markets Into Focus in Outlook 2020 Posted by lplresearch Outlook 2020 BlogDecember 3, 2019 Hindsight is 20/20, but finding clarity in future uncertainty can be fuzzy. As we look forward to the year 2020 and a new decade, some...

What's your risk tolerance?

Debunking Common Retirement Assumptions

Debunking Common Retirement Assumptions Don’t fall for these misconceptions. Provided by Peter Livingston Financial generalizations are as old as time. Some have been around for decades, while others have only recently joined...

Creating a Retirement Strategy

Creating a Retirement Strategy Most people just invest for the future. You have a chance to do more. Provided by Peter Livingston Across the country, people are saving for that “someday” called retirement. Someday, their...

Market Update: Tues, Nov 26, 2019

Market Update: Tues, Nov 26, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Stocks little changed. U.S. stocks are little changed this morning after the S&P 500 Index notched its 11th record high since the end of...

Cash Flow Management

Cash Flow Management An underappreciated fundamental in financial planning. Provided by Peter Livingston You’ve probably heard the saying that “cash is king,” and that truth applies whether you own a business or not....

Ways to Repair Your Credit Score

Ways to Repair Your Credit Score Steps to get your credit rating back toward 720. Provided by Peter Livingston We all know the value of a good credit score. We all try to maintain one. Sometimes, though, life throws us a financial...

Coping with College Loans

Coping with College Loans Paying them down and managing their financial impact. Provided by Peter Livingston Total student loan debt in America is now around $1.6 trillion. Since 2008, it has more than doubled. Federal Reserve data...

Measuring the Value of a Financial Advisor

Measuring the Value of a Financial Advisor One study asserts that these relationships can make a difference for investors. Provided by Brooke Graham What is a relationship with a financial advisor worth to an investor? A 2019 study by...

Fed Feeling Upbeat

Fed Feeling Upbeat Posted by lplresearch Economic BlogNovember 21, 2019 An upbeat economic outlook may be edging out elevated downside risks in the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) decision-making. Minutes from the Fed’s October...

Market Update: Thurs, Nov 21, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, Nov 21, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Conflicting signals. U.S. stocks are little changed this morning as conflicting trade headlines pour in. The S&P 500 Index declined on...

Market Update: Wed, Nov 20, 2019

Market Update: Wed, Nov 20, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights On the Recession Watch. With the S&P 500 Index at record highs, our outlook remains optimistic, but we don’t want to be complacent....

A look back at 2019, thus far…

A look back at 2019, thus far… Presented by Peter Livingston The year in brief. 2019 brought three quarters of disagreement over trade issues between the U.S. and China… followed by fourth-quarter hints that a partial...

Your Year-End Financial Checklist

Your Year-End Financial Checklist Six aspects of your financial life to review as the year draws to a close. Provided by Peter Livingston The end of the year can help remind us of last-minute things we need to address and long-term...

What if You Get Audited?

What if You Get Audited? What the I.R.S. looks for and why. Provided by Peter Livingston “Audit” is a word that can strike fear into the hearts of taxpayers. However, the chances of an Internal Revenue Service audit...

Facts About Medicare Open Enrollment

Facts About Medicare Open Enrollment How much do you know about the different coverage options? Provided by Peter Livingston Medicare’s open enrollment period runs through December 7. If you are enrolling in Medicare for the...

Market Update: Tues, Nov 19, 2019

Market Update: Tues, Nov 19, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights On the Recession Watch. With the S&P 500 Index at record highs, our outlook remains optimistic, but we don’t want to be complacent....

Market Update: Mon, Nov 18, 2019

Market Update: Mon, Nov 18, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Big week for retailers. Third quarter S&P 500 Index earnings growth is tracking to a 2.3% year-over-year decline, nearly 2 percentage...

Global Growth Stabilizing

Global Growth Stabilizing Posted by lplresearch Economic BlogNovember 14, 2019 The long wait may be over. No, we aren’t talking about a U.S.-China trade agreement, though that may come before the end of this year. The two sides...

Market Update: Thurs, Nov 14, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, Nov 14, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Another record high. U.S. stocks are lower this morning, taking a step back after the S&P 500 Index’s seventh record high in three...

Market Update: Wed, Nov 13, 2019

Market Update: Wed, Nov 13, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights More negative headlines. U.S. stocks are lower this morning after President Donald Trump said on November 12 that the United States would...

Trust Deed Investments

Trust Deed Investments Though sometimes profitable, they also carry heavy risk. Provided by Peter Livingston Trust deeds may seem to be a fairly straightforward form of financial investment. You may have heard of them in passing...

Market Update: Tues, Nov 12, 2019

Market Update: Tues, Nov 12, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Two Sides of One Economy. The S&P 500 Index gained for the fifth consecutive week, making many new all-time highs in the process. Positive...

Market Update: Mon, Nov 11, 2019

Market Update: Mon, Nov 11, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Better than feared. With over 450 S&P 500 Index companies having reported, third quarter 2019 earnings growth is tracking to a 2.4%...

Reducing the Risk of Outliving Your Money

Reducing the Risk of Outliving Your Money What steps might help you sustain and grow your retirement savings? Provided by Peter Livingston “What is your greatest retirement fear?” If you ask any group of retirees and...

Top Year-End Investment Tips

Three tips on year-end giving 1. You may be able to sidestep capital gains taxes and get a deduction by making a charitable donation of securities that have risen in value but no longer fit your strategy. 2. If you make a charitable...

Productivity Growth Fades

Productivity Growth Fades Posted by lplresearch Economic BlogNovember 7, 2019 Stalled business spending is having ripple effects on U.S. company efficiency. Nonfarm productivity (output per worker) unexpectedly slid 0.3% in the third...

Bulls Stay in Motion

Bulls Stay in Motion Posted by lplresearch Market BlogNovember 5, 2019 “An object in motion tends to remain in motion along a straight line unless acted upon by an outside force.” Sir Isaac Newton What a year it has been...

Three and Done

Three and Done Posted by lplresearch Economic BlogOctober 31, 2019 The Federal Reserve (Fed) could be three and done with interest rate cuts. On October 30, the Fed reduced interest rates by 25 basis points (0.25%) in its third rate...

Market Update: Thurs, Oct 31, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, Oct 31, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights A Fed-fueled record high. Stocks are lower this morning after the S&P 500 Index closed at a record high yesterday. Pessimistic trade...

Spotting Credit Trouble

Spotting Credit Trouble How to check for problems. Provided by Peter Livingston Americans aged 45 to 54, who have credit card balances, carry an average debt of $9,096 per individual.1 The wise use of credit is a critical skill in...

Making Sense of a Home Warranty

Making Sense of a Home Warranty Are you covered for that? Provided by Peter Livingston As a consumer, when you purchase an expensive item, like a car or refrigerator, you expect to receive a warranty that the manufacturer will repair...

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Protecting yourself from potential calamity. Provided by Peter Livingston Cybercrime affects both large corporations and private individuals. You’ve likely read about the large data breaches in the business world....

The U.S. Economy Chugs Along

The U.S. Economy Chugs Along Posted by lplresearch Gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed for a third quarter, but the U.S. economy is still chugging along at an average pace. GDP grew 1.9% in the third quarter, its slowest pace...

Market Update: Wed, Oct 30, 2019

Market Update: Wed, Oct 30, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Busy day. Stocks are little changed this morning as investors digest third quarter gross domestic product (GDP) data before a Federal...

Market Update: Mon, Oct 28, 2019

Market Update: Mon, Oct 28, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Earnings season producing modest–but many–upside surprises. With 200 S&P 500 Index companies having reported so far, third...

Reaching Retirement: Now What?

1When considering a rollover, to either an IRA or to another employer's retirement plan, you should consider carefully the investment options, fees and expenses, services, ability to make penalty-free withdrawals, degree of creditor...

Six Steps to Consider Before Tapping Your Retirement Savings Plan

Six Steps to Consider Before Tapping Your Retirement Savings Plan You've worked long and hard for years, saving diligently through your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. Now, with retirement on the horizon, it's time to...

Market Update: Thurs, Oct 24, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, Oct 24, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Stocks cheer positive headlines. Stocks are higher this morning amid an optimistic turn in global headlines. The European Central Bank...

2019 May Be One of the Best Years Ever

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Market Update: Wed, Oct 23, 2019

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Financial Basics for Millennials

Millennials face financial challenges that are unique to their generation. One of the first steps in overcoming them is to understand some basic financial concepts. Millennials are the largest living adult generation. Source:...

Buying a Home

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Another Brexit Delay Likely

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Market Update: Mon, Oct 21, 2019

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End-of-the-Year Money Moves

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Uncertainty Persists on Main Street

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Retirement Planning Key Numbers

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Don't Let Your Retirement Savings Goal Get You Down

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Market Update: Tues, Oct 15, 2019

Market Update: Tues, Oct 15, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Earnings season kicks off. U.S. stocks are higher this morning as third quarter earnings season kicks off with a slew of big bank reports....

Market Update: Mon, Oct 14, 2019

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Market Update: Fri, Oct 11, 2019 | LPL Financial Research

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Overlooked Tax Deductions for Small-Business Owners

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Market Update: Thurs, Oct 10, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, Oct 10, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Talks set to begin. Stocks are down this morning, taking a breather after a volatile start to the week. Investors have focused primarily...

China’s Growth Shows Signs of Stability

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Market Update: Wed, Oct 9, 2019

Market Update: Wed, Oct 9, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights A partial trade deal. Trade is dominating headlines once again, just a day before U.S. and China officials are slated to kick off...

Market Update: Tues, Oct 8, 2019

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Can The Economy Predict The Next President?

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Raising Healthy Children

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Market Update: Mon, Oct 7, 2019

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Annual Financial To-Do List

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Labor Market Chugs Along

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Welcome To The Fourth Quarter

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That First RMD from Your IRA

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Systematic Withdrawal Strategies

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The Solo 401(k)

The Solo 401(k) A retirement savings vehicle designed for the smallest businesses. Provided by Peter Livingston Do you work for yourself? Then take a look at the solo 401(k), which marries a traditional employee retirement savings...

Upside Down: What Does the Yield Curve Suggest About Growth?

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Survey Details Back-to-School Spending for 2019

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Data Breaches: Tips for Protecting Your Identity and Your Money

A data breach is an incident in which private, personal information is exposed, viewed without authorization, or stolen. Data Breaches: Tips for Protecting Your Identity and Your Money Large-scale data breaches are in the news again,...

The ABCs of Mutual Fund Share Classes

Do your homework · Before investing in a mutual fund, carefully consider its investment objectives, risks, fees, and expenses, which are contained in the prospectus available from the fund. Review the prospectus carefully...

Investing as a Couple: Getting to Yes

Coming to a general agreement on what your priorities are and roughly when you hope to achieve each one can greatly simplify the process of deciding how to invest. Making sure both spouses know how and (equally important) why their...

Eleven Ways to Help Yourself Stay Sane in a Crazy Market

Words to ponder "Investors should remember that excitement and expenses are their enemies. And if they insist on trying to time their participation in equities, they should try to be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when...

Insurance Needs when Married with Children

Insurance Needs when Married with Children Considering coverage for your household. Provided by Peter Livingston A growing family, by definition, means growing financial obligations – both in the present and in the future....

Your Extended Care Strategy

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Cash Balance Plans

Cash Balance Plans More professional practices (and practice groups) should look into them. Provided by Peter Livingston In corporate America, pension plans are fading away. Only 16% of Fortune 500 companies offered them to full-time...

Leading Indicators Signal Growth Ahead

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When Powell Speaks, Markets Listen

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Global vs. International: What’s the Difference?

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A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List

A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List A way to help you prepare. Provided by Peter Livingston The baby boomers redefined everything they touched, from music to marriage to parenting and even what “old” means – 60...

Technicals Support the Market

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Your Diversified Portfolio vs. the S&P 500

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A Retirement Fact Sheet

A Retirement Fact Sheet Some specifics about the “second act.” Provided by Peter Livingston Does your vision of retirement align with the facts? Here are some noteworthy financial and lifestyle facts about life after 50...

Investing Basics

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CBO Report Looks at Effect of Raising the Federal Minimum Wage

What is the Congressional Budget Office? The Congressional Budget Office is a nonpartisan agency that produces independent analyses of budgetary and economic issues to support the congressional budget process. Each year, the agency's...

Thoughts on the Fed Rate Cut

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Financials Appear Poised For a Strong Second Half

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How Medigap Choices Are Changing

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S&P 500 Hit Our Target—Time to Sell?

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401(k) Loan Repayment

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Put it in a Letter

Put it in a Letter Express your wishes. Provided by Peter Livingston Actor Lee Marvin once said, “As soon as people see my face on a movie screen, they [know] two things: first, I’m not going to get the girl, and second,...

Eight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement

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Will You Avoid These Estate Planning Mistakes?

Will You Avoid These Estate Planning Mistakes? Too many wealthy households commit these common blunders. Provided by Peter Livingston Many people plan their estates diligently, with input from legal, tax, and financial professionals....

Tax Moves to Consider in Summer

Tax Moves to Consider in Summer Now is a good time to think about a few financial matters. Provided by Peter Livingston Consider making tax moves earlier rather than later. If you own a business, earn significant investment income, are...

Investment Policy Statements

Investment Policy Statements What are they? Why are they important? Provided by Peter Livingston A self-fulfilling policy. An investment policy statement (IPS) is a document which helps the client and advisor stay “on the same...

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency Three important factors when it comes to your financial life. Provided by Peter Livingston Regardless of how the markets may perform, consider making the following part of your investment...

Tax Efficiency

Tax Efficiency What it means; why it counts. Provided by Peter Livingston The after-tax return vs. the pretax return. Everyone wants their investments to perform well. But for many investors it’s their after-tax return that may...

LPL Midyear Outlook: Emerging Markets Pacing Global Growth

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Keep Calm, Stay On Plan

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The Financial Realities of Longevity

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Weekly Market Drivers

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Can Stocks Really Gain 20% This Year?

Can Stocks Really Gain 20% This Year? Posted by lplresearch U.S. stocks could have a big year if LPL Research’s forecasts prove correct. All year, we’ve maintained our fair value target on the S&P 500 Index of 3,000,...

Cash Could Soon Be Kaput

Cash Could Soon Be Kaput The rise of mobile pay and what it might mean for your personal finances. The growth of mobile payments has far outpaced that of credit cards, making a cashless society much more likely in the near future....

The FIRE Movement

The FIRE Movement A radical new approach to working, saving, and retiring. Provided by Peter Livingston Retire before 50 and live your best life. That is the message of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, which is...

Helping Your Parents Manage Financial Tasks

Helping Your Parents Manage Financial Tasks How can you make things easier on them later in life? Provided by Peter Livingston Worldwide, the number of people aged 60 and older is growing. By 2050, this demographic will be more than...

The Gift Tax

The Gift Tax Not all gifts are taxable. Provided by Peter Livingston I’d like for you to meet my friend, Hugh. He’s a retired film stuntman who, after a long career, is enjoying his retirement. Some of what he’s...

Retiring Single

Retiring Single If you are retiring single, income replacement and staying socially engaged should be considerations. Provided by Peter Livingston About 6% of Americans 65 and older have never married. That statistic comes from a 2018...

Main Street’s Sentiment Improves

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Market Update: Thur, June 6, 2019

Market Update: Thur, June 6, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Trade negotiations with Mexico continue. Progress has been made but “not nearly enough” according to President Trump, setting...

Smart Financial Moves in Your 20s, 30s, 40s, & 50s

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Is Your Company’s 401(k) Plan as Good as It Could Be?

Is Your Company’s 401(k) Plan as Good as It Could Be? A recent court ruling may make you want to double-check. Provided by Peter Livingston How often do retirement plan sponsors check up on 401(k)s? Some small businesses may not...

Financial Strategy for Athletes

Financial Strategy for Athletes Step One: Find a trusted financial coach; Step Two: Listen to your coach. Provided by Peter Livingston Whether you are a professional athlete, a college amateur, or an aspiring Olympian, you probably...

Market Update: Thurs, May 30, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, May 30, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights GDP’s first revision. Gross domestic product (GDP) rose 3.1% in the first quarter, according to the first revision, lower than the...

Time For A June Swoon?

Time For A June Swoon? Posted by lplresearch Well, it finally happened. The S&P 500 Index pulled back more than 5% from its all-time high, marking the first 5% pullback of 2019. As we have discussed many times over the past two months...

Market Update: Wed, May 29, 2019

Market Update: Wed, May 29, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights China may weaponize rare earths. Reports from Chinese media suggest China may be considering weaponizing rare earths as a retaliatory...

Market Update: Tue, May 28, 2019

Market Update: Tue, May 28, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Stocks continue their slide. U.S. stocks continued their slide last week, as the S&P 500 Index fell for the third straight week. Global...

Checking In On The Five Forecasters

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The Problem of Money Paralysis

The Problem of Money Paralysis Not making a move may not always be the best move to make. Provided by Peter Livingston A decision not made may have financial consequences. Sometimes, we fall prey to a kind of money paralysis, in which...

Red Flags for Tax Auditors

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Do Millennial's Play a Role in America’s Future?

Do Millennial's Play a Role in America’s Future? Ronald Reagan once stated “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for,...

Retirement and Adult Children

Retirement and Adult Children Supporting family can put a crimp in your strategy. Provided by Peter Livingston Families are one of the great joys in life, and part of the love you show to your family is making sure that their basic...

An Estate Strategy for Your Digital Assets

An Estate Strategy for Your Digital Assets What should you know? What should your executor know? Provided by Peter Livingston When you think about your estate, you may think about your personal property, real estate, or investments....

Stocks Stand Tall Against Headwinds

Stocks Stand Tall Against Headwinds Posted by lplresearch Renewed trade tensions have led to this latest bout of volatility. The recent drop in the S&P 500 Index felt worse because of how quickly it happened—from new highs to...

Compounding Interest: The 8th Wonder Of The World

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TOD or Living Trust?

TOD or Living Trust? A look at two basic methods for shielding assets from probate. Provided by Peter Livingston How do you keep assets out of probate? If that estate planning question is on your mind, you should know that there are...

The Shred Party

The Shred Party What should you get rid of and hold on to? When and why? Provided by Peter Livingston If a shred party happens to spring up in your area, you may want to mark your calendar. For many years, shred parties, where a...

The Chapters of Retirement

The Chapters of Retirement The five phases of life after 50 & the considerations that accompany them. Provided by Peter Livingston The journey to and through retirement occurs gradually, like successive chapters in a book. Each chapter...

Three Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security

Three Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security When to start? Should I continue to work? How can I maximize my benefit? Provided by Peter Livingston Social Security will be a critical component of your financial strategy...

Time to Sell in May? Part Deux

Time to Sell in May? Part Deux Posted by lplresearch As we noted earlier this week, these next six months historically have been the worst for stocks. That is why there’s a well-known investment axiom to “Sell in May and...

Market Update: Wed, May 1, 2019

Market Update: Wed, May 1, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights More new highs. The S&P 500 Index closed at a new all-time high for the third consecutive day, capping its best April since 2009. This is...

Rate Cut Bets on the Rise

Rate Cut Bets on the Rise Posted by lplresearch Markets have frequently underestimated Federal Reserve (Fed) actions over the last few years, but lately the skepticism has been striking. Fed fund futures traders are increasingly...

Market Update: Tue, Apr 30, 2019

Market Update: Tue, Apr 30, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Inflation dips ahead of Fed meeting. March core personal consumption expenditures, the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) preferred inflation...

How to Roll Over Your Employer Retirement Plan Assets

Time to Sell in May?

Time to Sell in May? Posted by lplresearch One of the most popular investment axioms is about to take over the airwaves: “Sell in May and Go Away.” That’s because the upcoming six months(from May until the end of...

Market Update: Mon, Apr 29, 2019

Market Update: Mon, Apr 29, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights New high (lights). The S&P 500 Index completed a V-shaped recovery last week to register its first record high since September 20,...

The Cost of Procrastination

The Cost of Procrastination Don't let procrastination keep you from pursuing your financial goals. Provided by Peter Livingston Some of us share a common experience. You’re driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you...

Taking Charge of Your Financial Life

Taking Charge of Your Financial Life Delegating responsibilities to others may lead to problems down the road. Provided by Peter Livingston When you are putting together a household, it isn’t unusual to delegate responsibilities....

A Surprising End to a Perplexing Quarter

A Surprising End to a Perplexing Quarter Posted by lplresearch We’ve finally closed the book on a perplexing first quarter. Gross domestic product (GDP) rose 3.2% last quarter, as shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the best...

10 Observations on New Highs

10 Observations on New Highs Posted by lplresearch We wrote about the new record high for the S&P 500 Index Wednesday . This is such a big market event we wanted to share some additional thoughts—10 of them in fact—on this...

The Waiting Game for Record Highs

The Waiting Game for Record Highs Posted by lplresearch The wait is over. After more than seven months, the S&P 500 Index notched a fresh all-time closing high of 2,933.68 on April 23. To get here, investors have weathered...

Market Update: Wed, Apr 24, 2019

Market Update: Wed, Apr 24, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch The wait is over. Yesterday, the S&P 500 Index notched a fresh all-time closing high of 2,933.68, while the Nasdaq Composite reached its own record high...

Signs of Steepening

Signs of Steepening Posted by lplresearch In March, we wrote that the Treasury yield curve was sound asleep. Since then, a quick inversion has jolted it awake. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the spread between the 2-year and...

Market Update: Tues, Apr 23, 2019

Market Update: Tues, Apr 23, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Hovering near new highs. U.S. stocks have stalled near record highs as investors sort through first-quarter earnings and a slowly improving global...

Digging Out of a Soft Patch

Digging Out of a Soft Patch Posted by lplresearch Leading data released recently have confirmed the U.S. economy could be digging out of its soft patch. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the Conference Board’s Leading...

Market Update: Mon, Apr 22, 2019

Market Update: Mon, Apr 22, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Less than 1% from all-time highs, now what? U.S. equity markets have staged a remarkable comeback over the course of 2019, and the S&P 500...

Weekly Market Drivers

Weekly Market Drivers | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Stocks Meander Through Holiday-Shortened Week. US: S&P 500 Index -0.1%, Dow +0.6%, Nasdaq +0.2%Europe: STOXX Europe 600 +0.8%, German DAX +1.9% France CAC 40 +1.4%,...

Ten Years, Tremendous Gains

Ten Years, Tremendous Gains A look at where stocks were in 2009 and how they have performed since. Provided by Peter Livingston Where were you on March 9, 2009? Do you remember the headwinds hitting Wall Street then? When the closing...

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices? Even the most seasoned investors are prone to their influence. Provided by Peter Livingston Investors are routinely warned about allowing their emotions to influence their decisions. They are...

Green Shoots on Main Street

Green Shoots on Main Street Posted by lplresearch We’ve talked a lot about green shoots in the U.S. economy recently. A slew of recent data is pointing to a rebound in growth from a disappointing first quarter hampered by global...

Market Update: Thurs, Apr 18, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, Apr 18, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Healthcare continues to exhibit weakness. While the S&P 500 Index remains less than 2% from all-time highs, the second largest sector...

What’s Priced In?

What’s Priced In? Posted by lplresearch After such a strong rally this year, you may be wondering what could drive stocks higher from here. With the S&P 500 Index near its all-time high, a lot of good news could be priced in to...

Market Update: Wed, Apr 17, 2019

Market Update: Wed, Apr 17, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Another round of upbeat China data. Targeted stimulus appears to be working following a series of better-than-expected data that included...

Too High or Too Low?

Too High or Too Low? Posted by lplresearch The U.S. inflation narrative has flipped, which has caused some bond-market angst recently. Deteriorating global conditions have shifted the economic landscape and fueled concerns that...

Market Update: Tue, Apr 16, 2019

Market Update: Tue, Apr 16, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Global rate rally. Long-term rates have rallied around the world recently, likely in response to a Brexit delay, progress in trade talks,...

Market Update: Mon, Apr 15, 2019

Market Update: Mon, Apr 15, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Weekly Market Drivers: Last week’s market drivers included solid U.S. labor market data, the unofficial start of first quarter...

Teaching Your Heirs to Value Your Wealth

Teaching Your Heirs to Value Your Wealth Values can help determine goals & a clear purpose. Provided by Peter Livingston Some millionaires are reluctant to talk to their kids about family wealth. Perhaps they are afraid of what their...

Could Social Security Really Go Away?

Could Social Security Really Go Away? That may be unlikely, but the program does face financial challenges. Provided by Peter Livingston Will Social Security run out of money in the 2030s? You may have heard warnings about this dire...

Sectors to Watch This Earnings Season

Sectors to Watch This Earnings Season Posted by lplresearch First quarter earnings season begins this week with some big banks reporting on Friday. While we think profit growth will finish around flat overall, an improving macro...

Market Update: Thurs, Apr 11, 2019 | LPL Financial Research

Market Update: Thurs, Apr 11, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Brexit decision delayed-again. Last night EU leaders approved a six-month delay for a Brexit decision, through October 31, though an...

The December Low Indicator Has Bulls Smiling

The December Low Indicator Has Bulls Smiling Posted by lplresearch After the best first quarter for the S&P 500 Index since 1998, the big question is: What happens next? We’ve already discussed why a good start to a year could...

Market Update: Wed, Apr 10, 2019

Market Update: Wed, Apr 10, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights ECB left interest rates unchanged. In a surprise to no one, the European Central Bank (ECB) left rates unchanged and reiterated its plans...

The Yield Curve’s “False Positive”

The Yield Curve’s “False Positive” Posted by lplresearch March’s yield curve commotion now looks like the first “false positive” of this expansion. While a prolonged yield curve inversion, or...

Market Update: Tue, Apr 9, 2019

Market Update: Tue, Apr 9, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Long-term rates sprouting. Last week, the 10-year Treasuryyield posted its biggest gain since the beginning of March, rising nine basis...

Lucky Number Seven

Lucky Number Seven Posted by lplresearch Seven has been a lucky number for U.S. stocks. The S&P 500 Index just notched its first seven-day winning streak since October 2017. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, this feat has occurred...

Market Update: Mon, Apr 8, 2019

Market Update: Mon, Apr 8, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights First quarter earnings season kicks off this week and the bar seems low. Consensus estimates for first quarter earnings season are calling...

The Retirement We Imagine, the Retirement We Live

The Retirement We Imagine, the Retirement We Live Examining the potential differences between assumption and reality. Provided by Peter Livingston Financially speaking, retirement might differ from your expectations. Just as few...

Why Does the Wage Gap Between Men & Women Persist?

Why Does the Wage Gap Between Men & Women Persist? While it has narrowed, a notable inequality remains. Provided by Peter Livingston First, what wage gap are we talking about? There is a commonly cited statistic that American women...

Weekly Market Drivers | LPL Financial Research

Weekly Market Drivers | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Second Quarter Kicks Off With Flowers, Not Showers. US: S&P 500 Index +2.1%, Dow +1.9%, Nasdaq +2.7%Europe: STOXX Europe 600 +2.4%, German DAX +4.2% France CAC 40 +2...

Market Update: Fri, Apr 5, 2019

Market Update: Fri, Apr 5, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights S&P looks to continue winning streak. Yesterday’s modest gain for the S&P 500 Index gave the index its sixth consecutive higher close,...

Jobs Rebound in March

Jobs Rebound in March Posted by lplresearch Job growth rebounded strongly in March, allaying concerns that a February slowdown was signaling the possibility of extended economic weakness. Nonfarm payrolls rose 196,000 in March,...

Fed Patience Tops Our Economic Final Four

Fed Patience Tops Our Economic Final Four Posted by lplresearch Wall Street is watching a litany of telling economic and market signals, but the rest of the country is watching the NCAA men’s and women’s college basketball...

Market Update: Thurs, Apr 4, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, Apr 4, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights March global manufacturing surveys point to stable overseas growth. Markit’s global manufacturing PMI was unchanged at 50.6 in March...

What Happens When January, February, and March Are All Higher?

What Happens When January, February, and March Are All Higher? Posted by lplresearch What a start to 2019! The S&P 500 Index had its best first quarter since 1998—gaining 13.1%. Taking a deeper look at the data reveals another...

Market Update: Wed, Apr 4, 2019

Market Update: Wed, Apr 4, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights China, Eurozone PMIs ease global growth fears. Services data out of China and the Eurozone allayed some jitters after March PMIs for both...

Cooking at Home vs. Eating Out

Cooking at Home vs. Eating Out Who doesn’t like to eat out here in Mooresville, North Carolina? From great options such as Carusos, Epic Chophouse, Kindred in Davidson, and Hello Sailor on Lake Norman. Even if it is once in...

The U.S. Debt Binge

The U.S. Debt Binge Posted by lplresearch U.S. bond bulls are winning in the global search for yield. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, negative-yielding debt around the world has grown to $10.4 trillion, its highest point since...

Market Update: Tue, Apr 2, 2019

Market Update: Tue, Apr 2, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights The U.S. debt binge. U.S. bond bulls are winning in the global search for yield. Negative-yielding debt has climbed to $10.4 trillion, its...

April’s Bullish History

April’s Bullish History Posted by lplresearch Seasonality could be on the bull’s side, especially after U.S. stocks’ best first quarter in 20 years. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, April has consistently been...

Market Update: Mon, Apr 1, 2019

Market Update: Mon, Apr 1, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Chinese manufacturing unexpectedly rebounds. Two separate reports showed that manufacturing activity in China expanded month over month and...

What we’re reading this week.

What we’re reading this week. Here’s a list of articles we came across from numerous news publications this week, maybe one or two may have some interest to you. The Motley Fool identifies 3 reasons not to rely too heavily...

Earnings for All Seasons

Earnings for All Seasons What is it and why is it important? Provided by Peter Livingston While nature offers four seasons, Wall Street offers only one – four times a year. It’s called “earnings season,” and it...

Behind on Your Retirement Savings?

Behind on Your Retirement Savings? What steps could you take to try and catch up? Provided by Peter Livingston If life has not allowed you to build substantial retirement savings, what possible steps could you take in an effort to...

Weekly Market Drivers

Weekly Market Drivers | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Stocks Rebound Despite Continued Downward Pressure on Rates US: S&P 500 Index +1.2%, Dow +1.7%, Nasdaq +1.1%Europe: STOXX Europe 600 +0.8%, German DAX +1.4% France...

What Does A Big First Quarter Mean?

What Does A Big First Quarter Mean? Posted by lplresearch With a day to go, this is one of the best first quarters for the S&P 500 Index ever. Of course, it comes on the heels of the worst fourth quarter since the financial crisis and...

The S&P 500 Index is on pace for one of its best first-quarter returns ever

Market Update: Fri, Mar 29, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Big Q1. The S&P 500 Index is on pace for one of its best first-quarter returns ever, and history suggests more gains could follow. Going...

Market Update: Thurs, Mar 28, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, Mar 28, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Global valuation check-in. Developed international equities have gotten relatively cheaper following recent underperformance compared...

11 Things You Need To Know About The Yield Curve

11 Things You Need To Know About The Yield Curve Posted by lplresearch Well, it finally happened—the yield curve inverted. Now note that it was the shorter end of the curve that inverted, as the 3-month Treasury bill (and 1-year...

Good News Indicators

Good News Indicators Posted by lplresearch The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index (LEI) is one of our favorite economic indicators. It is designed to predict future movements in the economy based on a composite of 10...

Market Update: Wed, Mar 27, 2019

Market Update: Wed, Mar 27, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Trade deficit shrinks as U.S.-China talks set to resume. Monthly U.S. figures showed the trade deficit narrowed in January to $51.1B, while...

March Madness for Yields

March Madness for Yields Posted by lplresearch Bonds are sending a potentially ominous signal about the U.S. economy. The 10-year Treasury yield fell below the 3-month Treasury yield on March 22 for the first time since August 2007....

Market Update: Tue, Mar 26, 2019

Market Update: Tue, Mar 26, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Fed presidents comment on yield curve inversion, balance sheet plans. Chicago Federal Reserve (Fed) president Evans acknowledged...

Social Security Matters

Here we provide you with a curated list of public resources which are educational in nature and meant to help you find the information you are looking for regarding Social Security Benefits. General information on Social Security...

Bringing Domestic Equities Recommendation Back to Market Weight

Bringing Domestic Equities Recommendation Back to Market Weight Posted by lplresearch Stocks have had quite a run since the December 24 lows, with the S&P 500 Index up 19% to within 5% of last year’s record highs. Given this...

Market Update: Mon, Mar 25, 2019

Market Update: Mon, Mar 25, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights We are bringing our recommended domestic equity allocation back to market weight. Stocks have had quite a run this year, with the S&P 500...

Are You Committing These Financial Illegalities?

Are You Committing These Financial Illegalities? Some people make money moves that may get them in trouble. Provided by Peter Livingston Americans do many things with their money and invested assets, most of them on the up and up....

Yes, Young Growing Families Can Save & Invest

Yes, Young Growing Families Can Save & Invest It may seem like a tall order, but it can be accomplished. Provided by Peter Livingston Put yourself steps ahead of your peers. If you have a young, growing family, no doubt your to-do list...

Are You Retiring Within the Next 5 Years?

Are You Retiring Within the Next 5 Years? What should you focus on as the transition approaches? Provided by Peter Livingston You can prepare for your retirement transition years before it occurs. In doing so, you can do your best to...

What we’re reading this week.

What we’re reading this week. Here’s a list of articles we came across from numerous news publications this week, maybe one or two may have some interest to you. The Motley Fool identifies 3 major money risks that tend to...

Working a Little After You Retire

Working a Little After You Retire What should you remember as you look for a job?Finding work at age 60 or 65 is decidedly harder than finding work at 30 or 35. It can be done, but there are key things tokeep in mind. You should be...

Stocks Drop, Yield Curve Inverts on Renewed Global Growth Concerns.

Weekly Market Drivers | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Stocks Drop, Yield Curve Inverts on Renewed Global Growth Concerns. US: S&P 500 Index -0.8%%, Dow -1.3%, Nasdaq -0.6%Europe: STOXX Europe 600 -1.3%, German DAX -2.8%...

Market Update: Fri, Mar 22, 2019

Market Update: Fri, Mar 22, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Markets rally Thursday, look to end week on high note. One day after the Federal Reserve (Fed) doubled down on its “patient”...

Market Update: Thurs, Mar 21, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, Mar 21, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights The Fed on Reserve. The Federal Reserve (Fed) doubled down on its patient stance in yesterday’s rate announcement, as policymakers...

The Fed on Reserve

The Fed on Reserve Posted by lplresearch The Federal Reserve (Fed) has doubled down on its patient stance. Policymakers signaled a complete pause in policy at the conclusion of the Fed’s March meeting, with a nod to a slowing...

Time For New Highs?

Time For New Highs? Posted by lplresearch After dropping nearly 20% late last year, the S&P 500 Index has officially bounced up more than 20% from the December 24 lows. As we noted at the time, most bear markets that take place in a...

Market Update: Wed, Mar 20, 2019

Market Update: Wed, Mar 20, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Awaiting the Fed. The Federal Reserve (Fed) concludes its two-day policy meeting this afternoon. Though no rate hike is expected, investors...

Thinking about early retirement?

Retirement: a state of mind Don't underestimate the psychological issues involved in deciding when to retire. Many people welcome the opportunity to reinvent themselves. Others postpone retirement or return to some form of work so...

The Fed’s High Hurdle

The Fed’s High Hurdle Posted by lplresearch Today, the Federal Reserve (Fed) kicks off its second two-day meeting of 2019, and financial markets have high expectations for the outcome. The Fed will likely hold steady on the...

Market Update: Tue, Mar 19, 2019

Market Update: Tue, Mar 19, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights The Fed’s high hurdle. Today, the Federal Reserve (Fed) kicks off its second two-day meeting of 2019, and market participants are...

Time For a Small Break?

Time For a Small Break? Posted by lplresearch Small cap stocks staged a furious rally to kick off 2019, with the Russell 2000 Index up nearly 18% year to date at the early March peak. Of course, you may remember that small caps were...

Market Update: Mon, Mar 18, 2019

Market Update: Mon, Mar 18, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Large caps may be better positioned than small caps given where we are in the business cycle. Small cap stocks have performed well so far...

The Millennial Guide for Apps

We all know, more or less, who millennial's are: We’re obsessed with sushi and our dogs, we’ve grown up socializing on the Internet, we also prefer to order food off an app rather calling in a To-Go order. The actual years...

Gradual Retirement

Gradual Retirement Not everyone retires the same way – or at the same pace. Provided by Peter Livingston Are you in a hurry to retire? Not everyone is rushing to that particular finish line. According to the 2018 retirement...

Long-Term Investing Truths

Long-Term Investing Truths Key lessons for retirement savers. Provided by Peter Livingston You learn lessons as you invest in pursuit of long-run goals. Some of these lessons are conveyed and reinforced when you begin saving for...

Stocks Resume Upward Momentum, Dow Lags on Boeing’s Woes.

Weekly Market Drivers | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Stocks Resume Upward Momentum, Dow Lags on Boeing’s Woes. US: S&P 500 Index +2.9%, Dow +1.6%, Nasdaq +3.8%Europe: STOXX Europe 600 +2.8%, German DAX +2.0%...

Market Update: Friday, Mar 15, 2019

Market Update: Friday, Mar 15, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights S&P 500 gives resistance another try. With the S&P 500 Index’s move higher this morning, it appears to finally be taking out the...

Will Brexit Go on Forever, Like Pi?

Will Brexit Go on Forever, Like Pi? Posted by lplresearch The Brexit saga seems like it has no end—sort of like the digits of pi as we celebrate National Pi Day today. On Tuesday, March 12, U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May...

Market Update: Thursday, Mar 14, 2019

Market Update: Thursday, Mar 14, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights China trade deal coming together. The latest news out of Washington, D.C., continues to point to an agreement fairly soon, one of the...

What Type of Pullback Could We See?

What Type of Pullback Could We See? Posted by lplresearch The S&P 500 Index corrected nearly 20% from the September peak until December 24 before staging a furious rally of 19%. What could happen next? A well-deserved pullback would...

Market Update: Wednesday, Mar 13, 2019

Market Update: Wednesday, Mar 13, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Durable goods orders up, producer prices dip. Headline durable goods orders rose for a third consecutive month in January, down from...

Waking Up the Yield Curve

Waking Up the Yield Curve Posted by lplresearch The Federal Reserve (Fed) heard the market’s alarm and shifted its stance, but the U.S. yield curve hasn’t woken up yet. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the spread...

Market Update: Tuesday, Mar 12, 2019

Market Update: Tuesday, Mar 12, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Inflation remains contained. Readings on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February were largely as expected. The 1.5% year-over-year...

The Importance of TOD & JTWROS Designations

The Importance of TOD & JTWROS Designations A convenient move that could ward off probate on your accounts. Provided by Peter Livingston TOD, JTWROS – what do these obscure acronyms signify? They are shorthand for transfer on...

Main Street’s Sentiment Falls to 7-Year Low

Main Street’s Sentiment Falls to 7-Year Low Posted by lplresearch Pessimism has rapidly infiltrated Main Street’s outlook, according to the latest Federal Reserve (Fed) Beige Book. LPL Research maintains a straightforward...

Market Update: Monday, Mar 11, 2019

Market Update: Monday, Mar 11, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights China exports surged in early March, according to China. Official data released over the weekend showed that exports surged 39.9% year...

Qualified Charitable Distributions

Qualified Charitable Distributions When you reach age 70½, they can be a new way of giving. Provided by Peter Livingston As the owner of a traditional IRA, you are likely aware that you are obligated to make required minimum...

Your Financial Strategy

Your Financial Strategy Like a chess grandmaster, it’s worth thinking a few moves ahead. Provided by Peter Livingston Thinking about retirement might seem unpleasant. As you budget your monthly bills, you might feel as if you...

Weekly Market Drivers

Global growth concerns outweigh positive trade developments, sending stocks deep into the red.

Don’t Fret About the February Jobs Report

Don’t Fret About the February Jobs Report Posted by lplresearch February’s smaller-than-expected jobs gain may put investors on edge, but underlying details show there isn’t much to fret about. Nonfarm payrolls rose...

10 Years And Counting

10 Years And Counting Posted by lplresearch This Saturday, March 9, 2019, marks the 10-year anniversary of the end to the worst bear market for U.S. stocks since the Great Depression. Although at that time no one could have imaged...

Market Update: Wed, Mar 7, 2019

Market Update: Wed, Mar 7, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights ECB changes guidance, acknowledges weaker economy. In what we would call a bit of a surprise, the European Central Bank (ECB) this morning...

The Nasdaq’s 10 Weeks of Green

The Nasdaq’s 10 Weeks of Green Posted by lplresearch U.S. stocks’ recent momentum has been historically impressive by many measures, and the Nasdaq Composite Index notched another milestone last week. The Nasdaq has risen...

Market Update: Wed, Mar 6, 2019

Market Update: Wed, Mar 6, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights New business drives growth in U.S. services sector. The ISM non-manufacturing index showed that activity in February came in at a very...

A Historic Quiet for Rates

A Historic Quiet for Rates Posted by lplresearch Treasury yields have been historically quiet this year. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the 10-year Treasury yield has bounced around in a 23-basis point (bps) (.23%) range year...

Market Update: Tue, Mar 5, 2019

Market Update: Tue, Mar 5, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Credit leads fixed income sectors over past month. With interest rates moving higher over the past month, accompanied by a...

Slow, But Steady

Slow, But Steady Posted by lplresearch Slow but steady growth may win the race again as the economic expansion nears the 10-year mark. While muted growth in the current economic expansion has been frustrating at times, especially...

Market Update: Mon, Mar 4, 2019

Market Update: Mon, Mar 4, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Earnings picked up a bit of ground last week. With 484 S&P 500 Index companies having reported, fourth quarter 2018 earnings growth is...

Midlife Money Errors

Midlife Money Errors If you are between 40 & 60, beware of these financial blunders & assumptions. Provided by Peter Livingston Mistakes happen, even for people who have some life experience under their belt. That said, your retirement...

Have You Budgeted for Retirement?

Have You Budgeted for Retirement? Creating a strategy for success. Provided by Peter Livingston Run the numbers. There is a rule of thumb for retirees suggesting that retirement income has a target of 70-80% of the household’s...

March Higher?

March Higher? Posted by lplresearch “March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb.” What a start to 2019, with the S&P 500 Index up 11.1% after the first two months of 2019 for its best start to a year since 1991....

Market Update: Fri, Mar 1, 2019

Market Update: Fri, Mar 1, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Here comes March. The S&P 500 Index is off to its best start to a year after the first two months since 1991 (and 1987 for the Dow), and...

Consumer, Business Spending Propel Solid GDP Growth

Consumer, Business Spending Propel Solid GDP Growth Posted by lplresearch After a month-long delay, investors finally have crucial context on economic growth through the end of 2018. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, fourth...

Market Update: Thurs, Feb 28, 2019

Market Update: Thurs, Feb 28, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights China, Japan feeling the effects of U.S.-imposed tariffs. In China, official Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data showed...

Market Update: Wed, Feb 27, 2019

Market Update: Wed, Feb 27, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Powell day-one testimony takeaways. In the first of two-days of testimony before Congress, Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Jerome Powell...

Why A Green January and February Have Bulls Smiling

Why A Green January and February Have Bulls Smiling Posted by lplresearch After gaining 7.8% in January, the S&P 500 Index has added another 3.3% so far in February for a grand total year-to-date return of 11.4%. With two days to go,...

Investment-Grade Debt Shines as Fixed Income Sweet Spot

Investment-Grade Debt Shines as Fixed Income Sweet Spot Posted by lplresearch Over the past three months, investment-grade (IG) corporate debt has posted its strongest rally in more than two years as investors look for the sweet spot...

Market Update: Tue, Feb 26, 2019

Market Update: Tue, Feb 26, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Historically quiet rate environment. It’s been a quiet year for interest rates as fixed income traders reconcile a Federal Reserve...

Maintaining Your Financial Records: The Importance of Being Organized

Maintaining Your Financial Records: The Importance of Being Organized An important part of managing your personal finances is keeping your financial records organized. Whether it's a utility bill to show proof of residency or a Social...

About That Dow 9-Week Win Streak

About That Dow 9-Week Win Streak Posted by lplresearch The strong move in stocks continues. The S&P 500 Index has risen nearly 19% (as of February 22) from the December 24 lows, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (Dow) has posted an...

Market Update: Mon, Feb 25, 2019

Market Update: Mon, Feb 25, 2019 | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights President delays tariff increase amid “substantial progress.” In a widely-expected move, President Trump indicated that tariff...

Bad Money Habits to Break

Bad Money Habits to Break Behaviors worth changing. Provided by Peter Livingston Do bad money habits constrain your financial progress? Many people fall into the same financial behavior patterns, year after year. If you sometimes...

Is America Prepared to Retire?

Is America Prepared to Retire? A look at some ways to get ready. Provided by Peter Livingston Are Americans saving enough? Only 19% of U.S. adults describe themselves as “very confident” when asked about their savings....

Weekly Market Drivers

Weekly Market Drivers | LPL Financial Research Posted by lplresearch Trade Progress Buoys Markets Amid Lackluster Economic Data US: S&P 500 Index +0.6%, Dow +0.6%, Nasdaq +0.7%Europe: STOXX Europe 600 +0.6%, German DAX +1.4% France...

When Is Overbought Bullish?

When Is Overbought Bullish? What more can we say about the amazing rebound of the stock market since December 24? For the first time since 1997, the S&P 500 Index is up more than 10% for the year through this point in February. Of...

More Good News

More Good News As this week’s Weekly Market Commentary suggested, over the near term equities appear quite stretched, but overall we continue to think the bull market has plenty of life left. Today, we’ll take a look at...

Trimming Our 2019 GDP Forecast

Trimming Our 2019 GDP Forecast Economic data have consistently missed expectations recently as investors and Wall Street have struggled to quantify the impact of global trade and political risks. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day,...

Social Security by the Numbers

Social Security by the Numbers Facts about the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program. Provided by Peter Livingston Social Security has been a pillar of retirement life for several decades, but how much do...

Changing Our 10-Year Yield Forecast

Changing Our 10-Year Yield Forecast Economic growth could be lower than we initially expected this year, which could weigh on long-term rates. We’ve seen enough evidence recently to think 2019 gross domestic product (GDP) growth...

Should Investors Love A Great Start to 2019?

Should Investors Love A Great Start to 2019? Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! With the S&P 500 Index up 9.8% for the year as of yesterday, this is its best start up to this point since 1991. So should investors love to see this...

Charitable Contribution Limits

Charitable Contribution Limits What are the limits for Donor-Advised Funds and Private Foundations? Provided by Peter Livingston Among the big changes in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) were new limits on standard and itemized...

A Steep Drop in Confidence

A Steep Drop in Confidence Four months ago, the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index reached an 18-year high. Since then, consumer sentiment has deteriorated rapidly, leading some investors to wonder if a drop in...

Your Emergency Fund: How Much is Enough?

Your Emergency Fund: How Much is Enough? An emergency fund may help alleviate the stress associated with a financial crisis. Provided by Peter Livingston Have you ever had one of those months? The water heater stops heating, the...

Before You Claim Social Security

Before You Claim Social Security A few things you may want to think about before filing for benefits. Provided by Peter Livingston Whether you want to leave work at 62, 67, or 70, claiming the retirement benefits you are entitled to by...

Coping With the Shutdown

Coping With the Shutdown A look at who is affected, and the potential economic impact. Provided by Peter Livingston Right now, many households across the country are contending with the financial pressures resulting from the partial...

Traditional vs. Roth IRAs

Traditional vs. Roth IRAs Perhaps both traditional and Roth IRAs can play a part in your retirement plans. Provided by Peter Livingston IRAs can be an important tool in your retirement savings belt, and whichever you choose to open...

Understanding Homeowners Insurance

Understanding Homeowners Insurance What all new and prospective homeowners need to know. Provided by Peter Livingston If you arrange a mortgage, your lender will want you to have homeowners insurance. This coverage is critical for...

How Warren Buffet Approaches Market Volatility

Warren Buffett, widely considered the world’s greatest investor wrote about the manic-depressive Mr. Market in his 1987 letter to shareholders. I think it’s timely to forward this along as volatility has been crazy lately....

Putting a Price Tag on Your Health

Putting a Price Tag on Your Health Being healthy not only makes you feel good, it may also help you financially. Provided by Peter Livingston We constantly hear how important it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. That is not always...

Ways to Ease the Cost of College

Ways to Ease the Cost of College A look at grants, scholarships, 529 plans, and other methods. Provided by Peter Livingston How much could a college education cost in the 2030s? You may want to take a deep breath and sit down before...

The Value of Insuring Against Life’s Risks

The Value of Insuring Against Life’s Risks Building wealth requires protection from the forces of wealth destruction. Provided by Peter Livingston When you are planning for your future, what do you think about? You may think...

A Retirement Fact Sheet

A Retirement Fact Sheet Some specifics about the “second act.” Provided by Peter Livingston Does your vision of retirement align with the facts? Here are some noteworthy financial and lifestyle facts about life after 50...

Why Do You Need a Will?

Why Do You Need a Will? It may not sound enticing, but creating a will puts power in your hands. Provided by Peter Livingston According to the global analytics firm Gallup, only about 44% of Americans have created a will. This finding...

Tax Considerations for Retirees

Tax Considerations for Retirees Are you aware of them? Provided by Peter Livingston The federal government offers some major tax breaks for older Americans. Some of these perks deserve more publicity than they receive. If you are 65 or...

Some Changes Are Coming for 401(k)s

Some Changes Are Coming for 401(k)s Take note of them for 2019. Provided by Peter Livingston Some notable developments are about to impact 401(k) plans. They follow a major change that became effective in 2018. Thanks to the Tax Cuts &...

Social Security Gets Its Biggest Boost in Years

Social Security Gets Its Biggest Boost in Years Seniors will see their retirement benefits increase by an average of 2.8% in 2019. Provided by Peter Livingston Social Security will soon give seniors their largest “raise”...

Why You Might Want to Create a Donor-Advised Fund

Why You Might Want to Create a Donor-Advised Fund A DAF can be a great way to give, with potentially great tax breaks. Provided by Peter Livingston Do you regularly donate to charities and other non-profit organizations? Then you may...

Your 2019 Financial To-Do List

Your 2019 Financial To-Do List Things you can do for your future as the year unfolds. Provided by Peter Livingston What financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address for 2019? Now is a good time to think about the...

Did you know retirement plan contributions are increasing for 2019?

The I.R.S. just increased the annual contribution limits on IRAs, 401(k)s, and other widely used retirement plan accounts for 2019. Here is a quick look at the changes. *Next year, you can put up to $6,000 in any type of IRA. The limit...

Filling Out the FAFSA

Filling Out the FAFSA There is really no reason to wait. Provided by Livingston Financial, Mooresville NC October is here – the ideal time for college students to apply for financial aid. October 1, in fact, marks the first day a...

5 Retirement Concerns Too Often Overlooked

5 Retirement Concerns Too Often Overlooked Baby boomers entering their “second acts” should think about these matters. Provided by Livingston Financial Mooresville, NC Retirement is undeniably a major life and financial...

Why the U.S. Might Be Less Affected by a Trade War

Why the U.S. Might Be Less Affected by a Trade War The nature of our economy could help it withstand the disruption. Provided by Livingston Financial of Mooresville NC A trade war does seem to be getting underway. Investors around the...

Starting a Roth IRA for a Child or Grandchild

Starting a Roth IRA for a Child or Grandchild This early financial decision could prove profoundly positive over time. Provided by Livingston Financial Mooresville NC Do you have a child or grandchild earning some income? Indirectly,...

The Sequence of Returns

The Sequence of Returns A look at how variable rates of return do (and do not) impact investors over time. Provided by Livingston Financial, Mooresville NC What exactly is the “sequence of returns”? The phrase simply...

The Flattening of the Yield Curve

The Flattening of the Yield Curve Why are investors and economists getting nervous about Treasury yields? Provided by Livingston Financial What is the yield curve, and why is the financial media writing about it? Here is a brief...

Why Medicare Should Be Part of Your Retirement Planning

The premiums and coverages vary, and you must realize the differences. Provided by Livingston Financial Medicare takes a little time to understand. As you approach age 65, familiarize yourself with its coverage options and their costs...

Beware of Lifestyle Creep

Beware of Lifestyle Creep Sometimes more money can mean more problems. Provided by Livingston Financial, Mooresville NC “Lifestyle creep” is an unusual phrase describing an all-too-common problem: the more money people earn...

The Major 2018 Federal Tax Changes

The Major 2018 Federal Tax Changes Comparing the old rules with the new. Provided by Livingston Financial, Mooresville NC The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made dramatic changes to federal tax law. It is worth reviewing some of these changes...

News by the Numbers for the week of April 9, 2018

News by the Numbers Five noteworthy figures from the previous week 103,000 March’s net jobs gain. This number was certainly disappointing, especially after payrolls swelled with 326,000 more jobs in February. Even so, Department...

Tracking legislation that may impact your business, your estate, your retirement, or your wallet.

SPRING 2018 Presented by Livingston Financial – Mooresville, NC. Tracking legislation that may impact your business, your estate, your retirement, or your wallet. Recent Developments Tariffs on imported metals, Chinese imports....

The Major Retirement Planning Mistakes

Why are they made again and again? Provided by Peter Livingston Much has been written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Aside from these blunders, there are also...

Tax Deductions Gone in 2018

What standbys did tax reforms eliminate? Provided by Peter Livingston - Mooresville NC Are the days of itemizing over? Not quite, but now that H.R. 1 (popularly called the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act) is the law, all kinds of itemized federal...

Ignore the Distractions

Ignore the Distractions The steady diet of headlines pouring out of the Trump administration has been unsettling for most Americans, regardless of where they sit on the political spectrum.

I am a Financial Advisor

Read about a personal experience I had with a neighbor about why hiring a financial advisor could help guide you through life's challenges and possibly help prevent a financial hardship.

When Someone Dies Without a Will

When someone dies without a will where do things proceed from that point? Please read why creating a will is necessary and important to your family.

Why Relationships Matter in Financial Planning

Read more about how financial planning across family generations can provide peace of mind and advice for all stages of life.

Little Things That May Help Your Retirement Saving

Little Things That May Help Your Retirement Saving Over time, these seemingly small factors could make a major difference. Provided by Peter Livingston Saving for retirement takes decades and demands the investment of significant...

Getting Your Financial Paperwork in Good Order

Getting Your Financial Paperwork in Good Order Help make things easier for your loved ones when you leave this world. Provided by Peter Livingston Who wants to leave this world with their financial affairs in good order? We all do,...

Do Women Face Greater Retirement Challenges Than Men?

Do Women Face Greater Retirement Challenges Than Men? If so, how can they plan to meet those challenges? Provided by Peter Livingston A new study has raised eyebrows about the retirement prospects of women. It comes from the National...

Mind Over Money

Mind Over Money Emotion often drives our financial decisions, even when logic should. Provided by Peter Livingston When we go to the grocery store, we seldom shop on logic alone. We may not even buy on price. We buy one type of yogurt...

Characteristics of the Millionaires Next Door

Characteristics of the Millionaires Next Door The habits and values of wealthy Americans. Provided by Peter Livingston Just how many millionaires does America have? By the latest estimation of Spectrem Group, a research firm studying...

The Trump & Clinton Tax Plans

The Trump & Clinton Tax Plans How do they differ? Provided by Peter Livingston Seemingly every presidential candidate offers a plan for tax reform. You can add Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to that long list. Here is a look at their...

Money Habits That May Help You Become Wealthier

Money Habits That May Help You Become Wealthier Financially speaking, what do some households do right? Provided by Peter Livingston Why do some households tread water financially while others make progress? Does it come down to...

LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2016

Midyear Outlook 2016 | July 2016 The recently released LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2016: A Vote of Confidence publication contains the guidance and investment insights to support you throughout the rest of this year. As we embark on...

Getting Your Financial Paperwork in Good Order

Getting Your Financial Paperwork in Good Order Help make things easier for your loved ones when you leave this world. Provided by Peter Livingston, Old North Wealth Management Group, Mooresville NC Who wants to leave this world with...

The Brexit Shakes Global Markets

The Brexit Shakes Global Markets A worldwide selloff occurs after the United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union. Provided by Peter Livingston, Old North Wealth Management Group, Mooresville NC A wave of anxiety hit Wall Street...

Got Brexit?

Investors worldwide are concerned about the possibility of a “Brexit”: the potential exit of “Britain” (to be precise, the United Kingdom) from the European Union. A Brexit would represent a significant crack in...

What Are Catch-Up Contributions Really Worth?

What Are Catch-Up Contributions Really Worth? What degree of difference could they make for you in retirement? Provided by Peter Livingston At a certain age, you are allowed to boost your yearly retirement account contributions. For...

Sometimes the Pundits Get It Wrong

Sometimes the Pundits Get It Wrong In fact, many predictions about Wall Street have misread the market’s direction. Provided by Peter Livingston, Old North Wealth Management Group, Mooresville NC Trying to determine how Wall...

The New Gradual Retirement

The New Gradual Retirement Working a little (or a lot) after 60 may become the norm. Provided by Peter Livingston Do we really want to retire at 65? Not according to the latest annual retirement survey from the Transamerica Center for...

The Chapters of Retirement

The Chapters of Retirement The five phases of life after 50 & the considerations that accompany them. Provided by Peter Livingston The journey to and through retirement occurs gradually, like successive chapters in a book. Each chapter...

How Can You Make Your Retirement Money Last?

How Can You Make Your Retirement Money Last? These spending and investing precepts may encourage its longevity. Provided by Peter Livingston All retirees want their money to last a lifetime. There is no guarantee it will, but, in...

Mid-Life Money Errors

Mid-Life Money Errors If you are between 40 & 60, beware of these financial blunders & assumptions. Provided by Peter Livingston Between the ages of 40 and 60, many people increase their commitment to investing and retirement saving....

Long-Term Investment Truths

Long-Term Investment Truths Key lessons for retirement savers. You learn lessons as you invest in pursuit of long-run goals. Some of these lessons are conveyed and reinforced when you begin saving for retirement, and others you glean...

Reducing the Risk of Outliving Your Money

Reducing the Risk of Outliving Your Money What steps might help you sustain and grow your retirement savings? Provided by Peter Livingston “What is your greatest retirement fear?” If you ask retirees that question,...

Taking a Loan from Your Retirement Plan = Bad Idea

Taking a Loan from Your Retirement Plan = Bad Idea Why you should refrain from making this move. Provided by Peter Livingston Thinking about borrowing money from your 401(k), 403(b), or 457 account? Think twice about that, because...

Tell Your Beneficiaries About Your Accounts and Policies

Tell Your Beneficiaries About Your Accounts and Policies Let them know how they will receive retirement assets and insurance benefits. Provided by Peter Livingston Will your heirs receive a fair share of your wealth? Will your invested...

Why Roth IRA Conversions Can Make Sense in a Down Market

Why Roth IRA Conversions Can Make Sense in a Down Market When stocks struggle or tread water, going Roth gains merit. Provided by Peter Livingston Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is no easy decision. After all, it is a...

Wisdom from Warren Buffett

Wisdom from Warren Buffett One of the world’s most heralded investors simply keeps calm and carries on. Provided by Peter Livingston If you ask someone who the “world’s greatest investor” is, the answer more...

Explaining the Basis of Inherited Real Estate

Explaining the Basis of Inherited Real Estate What is cost basis? Stepped-up basis? How does the home sale tax exclusion work? At some point in our lives, we may inherit a home or another form of real property. In such instances, we...

Financial Planning with Health Insurance in Mind

How much might health care cost you someday? “Financially speaking, what would be the worst thing that could happen to you?” If you ask a hundred people in their forties that question, you may get a dozen different answers. Some may...

Could Social Security Really Go Away?

Could Social Security Really Go Away? Just how gloomy does its future look? Will Social Security run out of money in the 2030s? For years, Americans have been warned about that possibility. Those warnings, however, assume that no...

Should You Plan to Retire on 80% of Your Income?

Should You Plan to Retire on 80% of Your Income? Examining a long-held retirement planning assumption. A classic retirement planning rule states that you should retire on 80% of the income you earned in your last year of work. Is this...

Diversification, Patience and Consistency

Diversification, Patience and Consistency Three important factors when it comes to your financial life. Regardless of how the markets may perform, consider making the following part of your investment philosophy: Diversification. The...

When Will Stocks Stabilize?

When Will Stocks Stabilize? How deep will this correction ultimately be? January may prove to be the worst month for stocks in eight years. The S&P 500 just corrected for the second time in five months, and some investors think the...

WEEKLY ECONOMIC UPDATE

WEEKLY ECONOMIC UPDATE WEEKLY QUOTE “No one is ready for a thing until he believes he can acquire it.” - Napoleon Hill WEEKLY TIP Before 2016 begins, take a look at your spending patterns. Which expenses are necessary, which less so?...

WEEKLY ECONOMIC UPDATE

WEEKLY ECONOMIC UPDATE WEEKLY QUOTE “Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish.” - Ovid WEEKLY TIP Many people stay with the same bank for decades. Online...

WEEKLY ECONOMIC UPDATE

WEEKLY ECONOMIC UPDATE WEEKLY QUOTE “We can have facts without thinking but we cannot have thinking without facts.” - John Dewey WEEKLY TIP Too many people believe they can create a great lifestyle for themselves by buying goods and...

WEEKLY ECONOMIC UPDATE

WEEKLY ECONOMIC UPDATE WEEKLY QUOTE “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or to lose.” - Lyndon B. Johnson WEEKLY TIP Most employers pay their workers 26 times per year. As a consequence, most people receive...

WEEKLY ECONOMIC UPDATE November 30, 2015

WEEKLY ECONOMIC UPDATE WEEKLY QUOTE “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” - Epictetus WEEKLY TIP Taking money out of your retirement account with the goal of using it to pay for your child’s...

Retirement Blindspots

Retirement Blindspots Some life & financial factors that can be overlooked. We all have a “blue sky” vision of the way retirement should be, yet it helps to plan for retirement with a little pragmatism. Fate may alter the course of...

Why DIY Investment Management Is Such a Risk

If you ever have the inkling to manage your investments on your own, that inkling is worth reconsidering. Do-it-yourself investment management can be a bad idea for the retail investor for myriad reasons. Getting caught up in the...

Riding Out This Volatile Market

Riding Out This Volatile Market A major global selloff unfolds. Is a bottom near? When will the stock market stabilize? As the last trading week of August began, worried investors wondered just that. Gains for the major indices were...

Another Glitch Hits Wall Street

Another Glitch Hits Wall Street The NYSE freezes floor trading for more than three hours. Floor trading was abruptly halted at the New York Stock Exchange Wednesday. At 11:32 am EST, a sudden problem forced the NYSE to interrupt...

THE MAJOR RETIREMENT PLANNING MISTAKES

THE MAJOR RETIREMENT PLANNING MISTAKES Why are they made again and again? Much has been written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations and charities. Aside from these blunders,...

Who Needs Estate Planning?

Who Needs Estate Planning? Why estate planning is so important, and not just for the rich. You have an estate. It doesn’t matter how limited (or unlimited) your means may be, and it doesn’t matter if you own a mansion or a motor home....

The Psychology of Saving

The Psychology of Saving How many households have the right outlook to build wealth? Provided by Peter Livingston Why do some households save more than others? Building household savings may depend not only on cash flow, but also on...

Creating a Budget for Retirement

Creating a Budget for Retirement It only makes sense – yet many retirees live without one. Presented by Peter Livingston The importance of budgeting. You won’t be able to withdraw an unlimited amount of money in retirement, so a...