Month: March 2021

Investing During Periods of Inflation

Mar 31, 2021

Back in August of 2020, the Fed announced that it is willing to allow inflation to run higher than normal in order to support the labor market and broader economy. This major policy shift allows inflation to run above the Fed’s 2% goal for some time before the Fed would consider increasing short-term interest rates in an attempt to combat higher prices.1 (more…)



Financial Strategies for Athletes

Mar 29, 2021

Whether you are a professional athlete, a college amateur, or an aspiring Olympian, you probably know what success feels like. You also know a thing or two about being a good sport when things don’t go your way. Good news: this means you already have some of the basics needed to create a financial strategy.

Don’t think so? Building a strategy is all about having distinct goals, knowing the risks, and determining how much time you have ahead of you. It’s also about surrounding yourself with people who have your best interests in mind and share your goals. (more…)

Tags: , , , ,



Tax Filing Delays from IRS and Payment Deadlines

Mar 26, 2021

IRS Delays Tax Deadline
The new deadline is April 17, 2021

Less than one month ahead of the traditional date, the I.R.S. has delayed the deadline for filing and paying taxes. The new deadline is May 17, 2021.1,2,3

The delay follows continued disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic and a late start to the tax-filing season, which the I.R.S. delayed to start on February 12. It also follows the agency’s decision to postpone the deadline to June 15 for the states of Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, still recovering from disastrous winter storm activity. Other states may now extend their local filing and payment deadlines.1,3 (more…)



The Shred Party – Identity Theft Protection

Mar 24, 2021

If a shred party happens to spring up in your area, you may want to mark your calendar for some spring cleaning and protection from identity theft. For many years, shred parties, where a business or organization hosts clients or the public to the use of giant paper shredders, have presented a fun and easy way for folks to rid themselves of paper clutter. Sometimes, it’s more than just paper, as some industrial-sized shredders even have the ability to destroy hard drives and other electronic storage devices. (more…)

Tags:



Qualified Charitable Distributions

Mar 22, 2021

Do you have an I.R.A.? As you enter your 70s, you may start to look at that I.R.A. not only as an asset, but also as a problem. By law, you must take required minimum distributions (R.M.D.s) from a Traditional I.R.A. once you reach age 72; there are very few exceptions to this. The downside of these R.M.D.s? The entire distribution is taxable. (You never have to take R.M.D.s from a Roth I.R.A., provided you are its original owner.) Qualified Charitable Distributions are a way you can take that RMD, but also reap tax-benefits as well. (more…)

Tags: , , , , , , ,



Volatility Tests Your Mettle

Mar 15, 2021

Reflecting on Stock Market Volatility
Some changes may be unsettling

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 most seasoned investor.

In recent weeks, stock prices have trended lower with a few eye-popping, one-day rallies as the financial markets appear to adjust to higher interest rates on long-term Treasuries. Since the beginning of the year, we’ve seen a jump in the yield of the 10-year treasury. (more…)

Tags: , , , , ,



The Emergence of ESG Investing

Mar 12, 2021

ESG: what does that acronym stand for? Those three letters stand for “Environmental, Social, and Governance” and signify an investment that has particular merit to investors of all ages.

A recent Morgan Stanley Bank survey found that almost 90% of millennials would prefer to have investments that suit their values. With young adults, ESG investing could become more and more of an element in investing strategies.1 (more…)

Tags: , , , , , ,



Spotlight Shifts to Bonds

Mar 10, 2021

One time-tested principle of investing is, “when yields on bonds move higher, bond prices tend to move lower.”

Investors are doing a “double take” on the 10-year Treasury yield, which recently topped 1.5% — its highest level in about a year. With the increase in yield comes a drop in price.1

For some, the first time they experience a change in bond prices is when they open their monthly statement and review their investments. (more…)

Tags: ,



The Shadow of Inflation

Mar 8, 2021

I’m sure you’ve heard that the House recently passed the Senate another round of stimulus to try and counteract the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new stimulus package could narrow income eligibility to receive a stimulus check, while expanding other types of eligibility and broadening unemployment benefits. But is inflation looming? (more…)

Tags: ,



Changes to Paycheck Protection Program

Mar 5, 2021

On Monday, Feb. 22, the White House announced several changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that went into effect on Wednesday, Feb. 24. These changes are intended to further target “the smallest businesses and those that have been left behind in previous relief efforts.”1

If you’re a small business owner in need of financial assistance, you may find these changes helpful in securing a Paycheck Protection Program loan: (more…)

Tags: , , ,



More Insights

Mar 18, 2024

The year 1995 was an exciting one. Michael Jordan came back from retirement, digital video disks (DVDs) were invented, Netscape went public after introducing the world to the internet via its web browser, and Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” was the song of the year. It was also an exciting year for investors.

Mar 15, 2024

You want to retire comfortably when the time comes. You also want to help your child go to college. So how do you juggle the two? The truth is, saving for your retirement and your child or grandchild’s education at the same time can be a challenge. But take heart — you may be able … Continue reading “Saving for College and Retirement Together”

Mar 13, 2024

As spring approaches, the weather is starting to warm up. For the stock market, the temperature has been rising for a while now. In fact, since December 2023, the S&P 500 has not experienced a pullback of even 2%. Strong starts to years tend to signal more gains ahead, so this calm market may not … Continue reading “Market Update – Markets Warming Up”

Mar 11, 2024

Identity theft is a growing concern, impacting 14.4 million U.S. Consumers in 2019. Armed with your Social Security number, a criminal can use that information to commit tax- and other financial-related crimes in your name.

Mar 7, 2024

There is almost nothing stronger than the unconditional loving bond between grandparents and grandchildren. And for many grandparents, they recognize the importance of family legacies, the passing of the torch to the youngest generation.

Insights + Resources >