Month: June 2021

Economic Lessons from Used-Car Inflation

Jun 30, 2021

Car Prices Rising from Inflation
Various factors drive used car prices

Inflation is defined as the general upward price movement of goods and services in an economy. The key word is “general.” Inflation tends to be uneven and affects the price of some items more than others. (more…)



The Cryptocurrency Conundrum

Jun 25, 2021

Cryptocurrency crash
It’s more important than ever to be aware of your risk tolerance

Recently, you may have seen a number of major cryptocurrencies fall thanks to a continuing sell-off that began last week. In fact, over $250 billion was lost in the crypto market alone.1

It may be more tempting to view this as another volatile moment in the crypto markets, but there’s more at work here than a temporary trend towards selling. (more…)



The Fed Acknowledges Inflation

Jun 23, 2021

Inflation
As inflation climbs, the Fed reacts.

At its June meeting, the Federal Reserve confirmed what many of us have suspected for some time: prices are rising. In fact, prices are climbing faster than many expected. In response, the Fed raised its inflation expectation to 3.4%, up from its March projection of 2.4%, effectively raising its inflation expectation by 42%.1 (more…)



Invest in Others Selects Wine to Water for $25,000 Grant!

Jun 22, 2021

We are so excited to announce that Wine To Water and their new Navajo and Hopi Nations water project has been selected as a recipient for a $25,000 grant from the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation!! What a blessing, and what an impact it will have on the indigenous peoples right here in the United States.



Summer Travel is Back

Jun 21, 2021

summer travel in airport
Summer travel stats show an industry in recovery

One of the most anticipated comebacks of 2021 isn’t an athlete, rock star, or movie franchise. It’s summer travel, and it appears to be back with a vengeance.

Travel agents are working 14-hour days to meet the needs of eager travelers. People aren’t just taking road trips, either; airports are reporting being at 80% of pre-COVID capacity, while the TSA screenings reached two million for the first time since the pandemic. (more…)

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FAFSA Simplification Act

Jun 18, 2021

As a parent or grandparent, you know firsthand the challenges of funding a child’s education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Act was passed at the end of 2020 and has changed some of the qualifications for students to receive financial aid. (more…)

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Inflation & the Real Rate of Return

Jun 16, 2021

The real rate of return is an important personal finance concept to understand. And it goes hand-in-hand with the rate of inflation.

It’s the rate of return on your investments after inflation. The real rate of return indicates whether you are gaining or losing purchasing power with your money. (more…)

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Are You Ready for the Second Act of the Secure Act?

Jun 14, 2021

Secure Act
Some potential benefits are coming

Recently, you may have seen headlines regarding the Securing a Strong Retirement Act, also referred to as the second version of the SECURE Act, or SECURE Act 2.0. (more…)

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A COLA With Your Social Security?

Jun 11, 2021

If there is a “silver lining” to all the inflation talk, it may be that Social Security benefits are expected to see a larger-than-normal increase in 2022.

Preliminary COLA Social Security estimates call for a 4.7% cost-of-living increase (COLA) in Social Security benefits next year, which would be the highest since 2009. Benefits rose 1.3% in 2021.1 (more…)



America’s Economy Recovering from COVID

Jun 9, 2021

With COVID, there were some who believed that progress on this health issue was a necessary precondition to economic recovery.

In recent weeks, we have seen some promising trends emerge on the health front. The CDC is reporting the provision of 295 million vaccinations; 51% of Americans have had at least one injection.1 (more…)

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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 >