Tag: charlotte NC

An Estate Strategy for Your Digital Assets

Jul 5, 2021

Three computer monitors
What should you know? What should your executor know?

When you think about your estate, you may think about your personal property, real estate, or investments. You also have other, less-tangible assets – and they deserve your attention as well.

Your digital assets should not disappear into a void when you die. Nor should they be stolen by thieves. You can direct that they be transferred, preserved, or destroyed per your instructions. Your digital assets may include information on your phone and computer, content that you uploaded to Facebook, Instagram, or other websites, your intellectual/creative stake in certain digital property, and records stemming from online communications. (That last category includes your emails and text messages.)

Think of it this way: each password-protected account that you have signifies a digital asset. You may feel that some of these accounts have little (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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How COVID-19 Caused a “She-Cession”

May 19, 2021

Several women-dominated industries were hit hardest by the pandemic.

Since the 1980s, unemployment rates have trended higher amongst men than women during a recession. In previous periods of economic downturn, this made sense. Male-dominated industries, like construction and finance, were typically some of the most impacted by a recession. (more…)

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Do Your Investments Match Your Risk Tolerance?

Feb 8, 2021

dice risk risky staircase
When was the last time you checked the contents of your portfolio?

From time to time, it is a good idea to review how your portfolio assets are allocated – how they are divided among asset classes – and make sure they still match with your risk tolerance.

At the inception of your investment strategy, your target asset allocations reflect your tolerance for risk. Over time, though, your portfolio may need adjustments to maintain those target allocations. (more…)

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Managing Drug Costs

Nov 27, 2020

Drug Costs medicine in bottle on money
How can households meet the challenge?

Are prescription drug costs burdening your finances? Some people find it a challenge to manage the cost of prescription drugs. Americans pay an average of $1,200 per year for medicine. For those facing greater and more dangerous ailments, some drug costs are $10,000 per month or even lump sums in excess of $80,000 for certain drug therapies. Yes, health insurance and Medicare Part D can help you, but not everyone has access to Medicare, and not every insurance company has the same formulary. This means that your coverage may fall short—not something you want to hear when wrestling with a major diagnosis.1 (more…)

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Coronavirus Vaccines and the Economy

Nov 23, 2020

COVID Coronavirus Vaccine Vaccines Syringe Pulling vaccine out
Hopeful markets react to good news.

As the United States sees a rise in cases of COVID-19 across the nation, news of two promising vaccines out of hundreds being tested has offered a ray of hope for a fatigued world.1

A positive reaction to these vaccines affects every aspect of human life, including the financial world. On Monday, November 16th, The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 450 points on the news of a second effective vaccine, hitting a record high.2

Markets are not merely reacting to the positive news, but what a vaccine might mean for the economy. Investors are likely picturing people returning to something resembling their old lives. Stocks related to travel, such as airlines and cruise holidays, have seen an uptick. (more…)

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Speed Bumps and Vaccine Headlines

Nov 18, 2020

row of speedbumps
Focus on your overall approach during times of short-term volatility

As an investor, it can be tempting to get caught up in daily news headlines. From election news to vaccine updates, these headlines can lead to additional volatility in the markets. Consider how news about the election and COVID-19 vaccines have moved the markets over the past several weeks. But having a financial strategy can help you ignore short-term volatility and focus on your long-term vision. (more…)

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Election 2020: Wall Street

Nov 6, 2020

Vote
Wall Street reacts to a potentially divided government

After many weeks of telegraphing a long and careful ballot count, this week’s election lived up to that prediction in races for the Senate, the House, and the presidency. While Americans voted Tuesday, Wall Street cast its ballot Wednesday.

The S&P 500 rose 2.2% on Wednesday, November 4, as it appeared a divided government would be the outcome of election 2020. The Nasdaq, which has led all year, picked up 3.9%.1 (more…)

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2020 Election Aftermath

Nov 4, 2020

I Voted White Sticker American Flag Post Election Day
What this election could mean for the markets in the days and weeks to come

The American people have voted, casting a record number of ballots under extraordinary circumstances, which is a testament to the enduring resilience of our democracy. Determining the outcome of our elections is a process, but it usually moves so quickly it barely gets noticed. This year it will take longer, but the process itself hasn’t changed. For many, this uncertainty on top of an already heated election season has created additional anxiety and frustration. (more…)

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Election 2020: Be Confident. Be Bold. Be Patient.

Oct 28, 2020

election 2020
Be bold, be patient, be confident.

It should come as no surprise that the economy is the most crucial issue in the upcoming election.

But here’s something that may surprise you. More than 90% of investors say they plan to change their portfolio in the 12 months following the election.1 (more…)

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More Insights

A 6.1% Bump in Social Security?
Jul 22, 2021

The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients. It’s now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1,2

Coping with an Inheritance
Jul 21, 2021

Inheriting wealth can be a burden and a blessing. Even if you have an inclination that a family member may remember you in their last will and testament, there are many facets to the process of inheritance that you may not have considered. Here are some things you may want to keep in mind if … Continue reading “Coping with an Inheritance”

Billionaires and Space Travel
Jul 19, 2021

It’s long been an aspirational target for entrepreneurs. It literally goes beyond “blue sky,” in terms of location, to a place no business has gone before: Outer Space! The name of the game is commercial space travel.

The Quiet Fall in Bond Yields
Jul 16, 2021

With all the attention given to inflation, stock prices, and job reports, it’s been easy to overlook the remarkable move in the bond market during the past few months as bond yields have fallen. The yield on the 10-year treasury closed at 1.37% on Friday, July 9, down from its 2021 high of 1.74% in … Continue reading “The Quiet Fall in Bond Yields”

Oil Prices Hit Six-Year High
Jul 14, 2021

On July 6, oil prices reached a six-year high of $76.98 a barrel. This benchmark came as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies failed to reach an agreement regarding an increase in production.1 This rise in cost follows a year in which OPEC and allies cut production amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. … Continue reading “Oil Prices Hit Six-Year High”

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