Category: Epic Insights

Thinking About Summer Travel

Jul 2, 2021

Summer Travel Packed Bag
This summer presents travel challenges

Summertime rouses our desire to hit the road (or the airport) and travel. Here are a few things you’ll want to consider before you take off. (more…)



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

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…)



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…)

Tags: ,



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…)

Tags: , , , ,



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…)

Tags: , , , ,



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…)

Tags: , , , , , ,



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…)

Tags: , , ,



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.

Insights + Resources >
We are preparing the questionnaire, please let us know through the contact page if you want to be notified when it's available.
Thank you.

Epic IMPACT Quarterly Newsletter

To Receive Our Quarterly Impact Newsletter:

 
Your privacy is important to us. We will not rent or sell your information.

Epic Market Commentaries

To Receive Our Market and Economic Commentaries

Your privacy is important to us. We will not rent or sell your information.

7 Steps for Investing with Impact

 
Your privacy is important to us. We will not rent or sell your information.