Category: Epic Insights

Market Update: Volatility Continues

May 18, 2022

Market Update
Market Update

2022 has been a challenging year for investors so far. The S&P 500 Index just had one of its worst Aprils in decades, and May is off to a rocky start. Bond investors have not fared much better as rising interest rates have pushed down bond prices. Bond losses have made the stock market volatility feel even worse than usual. Markets don’t like uncertainty but it’s getting a healthy dose of it this year, dealing with high inflation, tighter Federal Reserve monetary policy, COVID-19 shutdowns in China, and snarling global supply chains, all while the war in Ukraine continues. (more…)

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The Retirement Reality Check

May 9, 2022

chairs on beach
Little things to keep in mind for life after work

Decades ago, there was a book entitled What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School. Perhaps someday, another book will appear to discuss certain aspects of the retirement experience that go unrecognized – the “fine print”, if you will. Here are some little things that can be frequently overlooked. (more…)



Market Update: April Showers Bring May Flowers

May 6, 2022

Market Update
Market Update

As we move into spring and leave behind the last signs of a long winter, many worries from a chilly start to the year for markets, unfortunately, are still with us. The S&P 500 Index had its worst April in more than 40 years, leaving the index down over 13% for the year. Previously highflying stocks have come back to earth, with many of them cut in half or more. And bonds, which have historically provided support during times of stock market volatility, have done little to protect portfolios. (more…)



Market Update: An Attractive Entry Point?

May 2, 2022

Market Update
Market Update

It has been a turbulent 2022 so far for investors. The S&P 500 Index is on track for its worst April in more than 40 years, the Nasdaq entered a bear market on April 26 with its more than 20% decline, and bonds, which typically provide ballast for diversified portfolios during periods of stock market volatility, have not protected. (more…)



The Cost of Procrastination

Apr 25, 2022

Some of us share a common experience. You’re driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over, the officer gets out, and your heart drops.

“Are you aware the registration on your car has expired?”

You’d been meaning to take care of it for some time. For weeks, you had told yourself that you’d go to renew your registration tomorrow, and then, when the morning comes, you repeat it again.

Procrastination is avoiding a task that needs to be done – postponing until tomorrow what could be done, today. Procrastinators can sabotage themselves. They often put obstacles in their own path. They may choose paths that hurt their performance. (more…)

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The FIRE Movement

Apr 22, 2022

Man working on his laptop
A radical new approach to working, saving, and retiring.

Retire before 50 and live your best life. That is the message of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, which is drawing interest worldwide.

Adherents of the FIRE movement contend that many young adults can pursue financial freedom and retire in their 40s (or 30s) through sufficient commitment, investment, and resourcefulness. Detractors think this idea is not only radical, but also radically unrealistic for many.

Is it really possible to retire so young? Actually, yes – there are people who have done it, and their stories often appear on financial websites. These early retirees tend to have some things in common. (more…)



Inflation Creeping Into Personal Finances

Apr 20, 2022

Inflation written on blackboard
Inflation Creep is Real

If you have a balance on a credit card or an adjustable rate mortgage, you might be noticing changes in your payments. Higher interest rates are starting to ripple through the personal finance landscape, and it doesn’t look like that trend will change anytime soon. (more…)



The Major Retirement Planning Mistakes

Apr 18, 2022

Coffe spilled over retirement plans
Why are they made again and again?

Much is out there about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Aside from these blunders, some classic financial missteps plague retirees.

Calling them “mistakes” may be a bit harsh, as not all of them represent errors in judgment. Yet whether they result from ignorance or fate, we need to be aware of them as we plan for and enter retirement. (more…)

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Protecting Yourself While Shopping Online

Apr 15, 2022

Shopping Online Computers Credit Card
What steps should you take?

We’re all at home now and shopping online has become commonplace. Whether you shop online routinely or infrequently, the risk of identity theft rises as you offer more and more information about yourself online. (more…)

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Estate Planning for Baseball’s $300 Million Players

Apr 13, 2022

Baseball glove and baseball in field
Ballplayers shouldn’t be the only ones preparing for the future

The San Diego Padres signed infielder Fernando Tatis, Jr., to a 14-year, $340 million contract roughly one year after the Los Angeles Dodgers inked outfielder Mookie Betts to a 12-year, $365 million deal. That brings the total to 8 baseball players who have signed long-term, $300+ million contracts. Think he needs estate planning? (more…)

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More Insights

Jul 9, 2025

Few terms in personal finance are as important, or used as frequently, as “risk.” Nevertheless, few terms are as imprecisely defined. Generally, when financial advisors or the media talk about investment risk, their focus is on the historical price volatility of the asset or investment under discussion.

Jul 7, 2025

As Americans get their grills and beach chairs ready for the July 4th holiday, the stock market and the weather across much of the country have both been on heaters. Stocks and bonds continue to effectively navigate a complex policy landscape shaped by evolving trade dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and fiscal stimulus. The market’s resilience in … Continue reading “Market Update – America Gets Record High Stock Prices for Its Birthday”

Jun 20, 2025

Birthdays may seem less important as you grow older. They may not offer the impact of watershed moments such as getting a driver’s license at 16 and voting at 18. But beginning at age 50, there are several key birthdays that can affect your tax situation, health-care eligibility, and retirement benefits.

Jun 18, 2025

During times like these when geopolitical headlines can be unsettling for investors, we at LPL Research like to remind ourselves of one of our key investing principles. Markets have always faced challenges —ranging from geopolitical conflicts and economic downturns to natural disasters, political upheaval and health crises. These events often trigger short-term volatility and shake … Continue reading “Why Long Term Investing Beats Selling in Volatile Times”

Jun 16, 2025

Are you concerned about the inheritance taxes your heirs may have to pay? Then you may want to consider creating charitable lead trusts.

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