Category: Epic Insights

Buffett and Powell Talk Inflation

May 10, 2021

What does it mean when two of the most powerful voices in American financial life seem to be saying two different things?

In one corner, we have the “Oracle of Omaha,” investor Warren Buffett. As one of the nation’s richest people and most frequently sought opinions on business matters, he’s a voice that gets a great deal of attention. He says that prices are going up. (more…)

Tags: Current Events, inf, Investing, retirement

2021 Retirement Confidence Survey

May 5, 2021

Will your retirement dreams match your reality?

That’s perhaps the most critical question to ask people who are currently retired. Was your retirement what you expected, or was it something else? (more…)

Market Update: Out of the Shadows

May 4, 2021

As the calendar has turned to May, the popular “Sell in May and Go Away” stock market cliché is getting a lot of airtime. This is the idea that the stock market tends to be weakest between May and October (and strongest between November and April). Stocks have done so well recently that preparing for a pause in the rally makes sense. A lot of good news is priced into stocks. Worries about the Federal Reserve tightening its monetary policy may intensify this summer as inflation picks up, potentially pushing interest rates higher. Tax increases are probably coming in 2022, and deficit spending continues largely unabated. (more…)

Investor Sentiment is Shifting

May 3, 2021

A recent survey charting investor sentiment shows that 63% of investors are more interested in protecting their financial assets and planning for uncertainty in the future than anything else.¹

There are many reasons for this change, but here are a few of the most impactful to keep in mind. (more…)

Debate Starts on Capital Gains Tax

Apr 30, 2021

Now and again, the price action on Wall Street can surprise even the most seasoned investors. Look no further than when President Biden in late April proposed an increase in the tax on capital gains to 39.6% from 20% for those Americans who earn more than $1 million. (more…)

Tags: Current Events, Investment Planning, Personal Finance, Tax Advantages, tax guide, taxes

The Call for a Minimum Global Corporate Tax

Apr 28, 2021

In a speech to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has called for a minimum corporate income tax that would be shared by countries all over the world.¹ (more…)

Tags: Current Events, taxes

The IRS Extends Additional Tax Deadlines

Apr 26, 2021

Previously, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year had been automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021.¹ (more…)

Tags: Personal Finance, Tax Advantages, tax guide, Tax Planning, tax season guide, taxes

Green Shoots in the Economy

Apr 23, 2021

Investors looking for “green shoots” to confirm that the economy is on the mend have seen plenty of examples in recent weeks. (more…)

Tags: Current Events, Investing

Market Update: Sustainable Investing on Earth Day

Apr 22, 2021

Earth Day marks a chance to learn about the environmental challenges we face, and reflect on the ways we can become more involved and make personal choices to elicit positive environmental and social changes. Increasingly, more investors are adopting a sustainable investing approach in order to align their investment portfolio with companies seeking to make a positive impact. (more…)

Forces Driving the Housing Market

Apr 21, 2021

Recently, you may have seen reports that a record-low number of homes are available for sale—roughly 1.03 million nationwide. If you compare that to the average number of homes for sale during the past 10 years, it’s no surprise that many hopeful homebuyers are having issues securing a home. But why exactly is the housing market on fire? (more…)