Insights + Resources

Epic Insights

Market Update – The Patient Pause

Apr 26, 2024

It seems like we just can’t stop talking about the Federal Reserve (Fed). After an aggressive rate hiking campaign that we think ended last year, markets were expecting the Fed to start cutting interest rates as early as next month. But withan economy that continues to surprise to the upside, along with inflationary pressures that are still too hot, it seems it will still be a few months before we get any of those rate cuts.

(more…)

Tags: ,



How Market Cycles Can Impact Retirements

Apr 24, 2024

stock market
Sequence of returns can play a role in your overall portfolio

A thoughtful retirement strategy may help you pursue your many retirement goals. That strategy must consider many factors, and here are just a few: your income needs, the order of your withdrawals from taxable and tax-advantaged retirement accounts, the income tax implications of those withdrawals, and sequence of return risk. (more…)

Tags: ,



My Spouse Passed Away What Do I Do?

Apr 22, 2024

Losing a spouse is a stressful transition. And the added pressure of having to settle the estate and organize finances can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make dealing with these matters less difficult.

(more…)



Do I Need Critical Illness Insurance?

Apr 19, 2024

What is Critical Illness Insurance
What it is, why people opt for it.

Ever hear of critical illness insurance? This isn’t standard-issue disability insurance, but a cousin of sorts. With people living longer, it is a risk management option entering more people’s lives. (more…)



Middle East Conflict: How Do Stocks React to Geopolitical Shocks?

Apr 17, 2024

Market Update
Market Update

Following Iran’s missile and drone strikes on Israel over the weekend and the apparent escalation likely in any Israeli response, stocks fell sharply during Monday’s trading session. We examine the latest developments in the Middle East conflict, how stocks have reacted historically to geopolitical events, and the possible impact on markets moving forward. (more…)



How US Savings Bonds Work

Apr 15, 2024

US Savings Bonds instead of Chinese products for Christmas - Home | FacebookDid you buy U.S. Savings Bonds decades ago? Or did your parents or grandparents purchase them for you? If they’re collecting dust in a drawer, you may want to take a look at them to see if any of your bonds have matured. If your bonds have matured, that means they are no longer earning interest, and it also means you may want to consider cashing them in.1 (more…)

Tags: , , , ,



Market Update – Assessing the Prospect for a Pullback

Apr 12, 2024

In baseball, three strikes and you’re out. With inflation, a third straight month of hotter-than-expected consumer inflation data nearly ruled out probabilities for a June rate cut yesterday (now less than a 25% chance, according to fed funds futures). The core Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.4% in March, or 3.8% when compared on a 12-month basis, topping respective estimates of 0.3% and 3.7%. Investors quickly dialed back rate-cut expectations on the news, pushing Treasury yields up by 0.15% to 0.20% and stocks down around 1%.

(more…)



See More >

Resources

Outlook 2024

thumbnail of Outlook 2024 – LPL Financial

2024 Annual Limits for Financial Planning

thumbnail of 2024 Annual Limits for Financial Planning

SECURE ACT 2.0 – Top 10 Provisions

thumbnail of top-10-provisions-in-SECURE 2.0

2023 Annual Limits for Financial Planning

thumbnail of 2023 Annual Limits for Financial Planning

See More >