Tag: financial advisor charlotte nc

Appetite for Risk

Oct 28, 2021

risk dice

Risk and Return: A Closer Look

Many prospective investors eventually shy away from a commitment when they hear the dreaded “R” word: risk. By itself, risk is innocuous, carrying no special meaning or predictive result. But the idea that investing one’s money is not foolproof; that there are risks involved, and that a return is speculative — the very idea is enough to burrow one’s savings into a secure bank account that earns a predictable interest rate (never mind that the figure is minuscule by any metric).

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Cash Alternatives for Charitable Giving

Oct 27, 2021

Charitable Giving
Thinking about donating? Think of these choices.

The year is winding down, and you may be thinking of giving. In fact, you may want to explore the different ways in which you can donate to a charity or non-profit organization, apart from just making a cash gift. Consider some of the alternatives of charitable giving.  (more…)

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Why DIY Investment Management Is Such a Risk

Oct 20, 2021

DIY Project
Paying attention to the wrong things becomes all too easy.

If you ever have the inkling to manage your investments on your own, that inkling is worth reconsidering. Do-it-yourself or DIY investment management can be a bad idea for the retail investor for myriad reasons.

Getting caught up in the moment. When you are watching your investments day to day, you can lose a sense of historical perspective. This may be especially true in longstanding bull markets, in which investors are sometimes lulled into assuming that the big indices will move in only one direction. (more…)

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Will Fed Chair Powell Get a Second Term?

Oct 13, 2021

Financial markets tend to function best when they have clear, strong leadership. When there’s concern about who’s the boss, markets can struggle.  Jerome Powell is finishing his first term as Fed Chair in February 2022. Until the past few weeks, Wall Street overwhelmingly believed he would be nominated to a second term by President Biden.1 (more…)

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Government Debt Goes on a Roller Coaster Ride

Oct 6, 2021

debt ceiling crisis
Investors may find themselves with an uneasy feeling

Debates over government debt, taxes, and infrastructure have captured the attention of the nation this week. All eyes are on Washington and Wall Street as these events play out, with potentially far-reaching consequences that seem to shift hour by hour. (more…)

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Talking to Your Heirs About Your Estate Plan

Sep 27, 2021

People working at a table
They should not be left ill-informed or unaware.

Talking about “the end” is not the easiest thing to do, and this is one reason why some people never adequately plan for the transfer of their wealth. Those who do create estate plans with help from financial and legal professionals sometimes leave their heirs out of the conversation. (more…)

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Are Your Taxes Going to Change?

Sep 24, 2021

changes in legislation
Wise investors take the “big picture” view when it comes to taxes

Most likely, you’ve heard what’s brewing in Washington, D.C. called by one of these names. The Build Back Better Act. Or the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill. Or the Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan for Working Families. But could it affect your taxes? (more…)

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The Under Utilized Benefits of a Health Savings Account

Sep 22, 2021

Health Savings Account
Tax benefits and new contribution limits for you Health Savings Account

Healthcare can be one of the priciest yet essential parts of life’s journey. And yet, many struggle to utilize the financial tools that may help. Take Health Saving Account (HSAs), for example. (more…)

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The Bull Market Continues … For Now

Sep 15, 2021

Worries are adding up, even as stocks hit new highs.

The bull market continues, with the S&P 500 Index now up seven months in a row. Stocks have impressively gained 20% year-to-date, with the S&P 500 making 53 new all-time highs before the end of August—another new record. All of this has happened with very little volatility, as the S&P 500 hasn’t had so much as a 5% pullback since last October. (more…)

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The September Market Weakness Effect

Sep 10, 2021

September Market Weakness
Investors ending their fiscal year can lead to some market weakness

The stock market notched its 7th straight month of gains in August, and the Standard & Poor’s 500 index has set 53 new highs so far in 2021.1  But stormy clouds may be on the horizon as we roll into the September market weakness effect. (more…)

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More Insights

Estimating Your Retirement Income Needs
Jun 6, 2025

You know how important it is to plan for your retirement, but where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you’ll need to fund your retirement. That’s not as easy as it sounds, because retirement planning is not an exact science. Your specific needs depend on your … Continue reading “Estimating Your Retirement Income Needs”

Market Update – Volatility Likely to Bring Opportunities as Trade Uncertainty Continues
Jun 4, 2025

As June begins, markets continue to navigate a complex landscape shaped by trade policy shifts, an uncertain economic and earnings outlook, and bond market headwinds. Several key developments in recent weeks may have implications for markets:

Market Update – Tariffs Bring April Showers
Apr 4, 2025

April showers came a month early as stocks fell in March. Tariffs were the primary cause of the market jitters, although that uncertainty became too much for markets to shrug off once economic data started to weaken.

Six Keys to Investing
Apr 2, 2025

A successful investor maximizes gain and minimizes loss. Though there can be no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful and all investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, here are six basic principles that may help you invest more successfully.

Organizing Your Finances When Your Spouse Has Passed
Mar 31, 2025

Losing a spouse is a stressful transition. And the added pressure of having to settle the estate and organize finances can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make dealing with these matters less difficult.

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