Tag: financial advisor

Spotting Credit Trouble

Oct 11, 2021

Credit Cards
How to check for problems.

Americans aged 45 to 54, who have credit card balances, carry an average debt of $9,096 per individual.

The wise use of credit is a critical skill in today’s world. Used unwisely, however, credit can rapidly turn from a useful tool to a crippling burden. There are several warning signs that you may be approaching credit problems: (more…)

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Starting a Roth IRA for a Teen

Sep 17, 2021

Roth IRA
This early financial decision could prove helpful over time.

Want to give your child or grandchild a great financial start? A Roth IRA might be a choice to consider. There are many reasons why starting a Roth IRA for a teenager may be a sound financial strategy. Read on to learn more about how doing this may benefit both of you. (more…)

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Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor

Jul 30, 2021

Maze
Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy.

High net worth investors face investment challenges that some would consider unique to their financial status. The fundamental tenets of investing apply just as equally to them as any other investor, but these investors need to be mindful of issues that typically arise only from substantial wealth.

Let’s examine a few of these.

(more…)

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Conducting Your Mid Year Financial Review

Jul 9, 2021

Mid Year Review time
The midpoint of the year is a great time to review your financial position

With June officially behind us, it’s time to face the facts: we’re headed toward the second half of 2021. While there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the rest of summer, we encourage you to slow down and check up on your financial well-being. Is your mid year review scheduled? (more…)

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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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Inflation Boogeyman

Apr 7, 2021

inflation
What to keep in mind as fears of inflation creep in

Inflation has emerged as one of the top financial concerns for investors as they size up the economy for the rest of the year.

According to research by Deutsche Bank, Google searches for “inflation” are rising rapidly and recently hit a peak not seen since the tracking began 13 years ago. (more…)

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How the Internet Gamed Wall Street’s Short Sellers

Feb 1, 2021

Gamestop Gamestock stock
Some believe the “hockey stick” spike originated on internet discussion boards

You may have heard the news about stocks for certain companies suddenly ballooning, quickly going from lunch money prices to several hundred dollars a share. In one case, the shares rose over 1700% since December 2020.1

So, what gives? (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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More Insights

Why DIY Investment Management Is Such a Risk
Oct 20, 2021

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 … Continue reading “Why DIY Investment Management Is Such a Risk”

An Executor Checklist
Oct 18, 2021

If you are an executor to an estate, you must carry out your duties responsibly. Fulfilling these duties is not only a measure of your ability, but a measure of your character.You can approach these tasks methodically. In fact, it is probably best if you do. Here are the common steps required of executors, before … Continue reading “An Executor Checklist”

Understanding Long-Term Care
Oct 18, 2021

Addressing the potential threat of long-term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for individuals who are developing a retirement strategy. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 69% of people over age 65 can expect to need extended care services at some point in their lives. So, understanding … Continue reading “Understanding Long-Term Care”

Market Update: Change May Bring Opportunities
Oct 15, 2021

One constant in life is change. During the past year and a half, we have experienced more change than any of us bargained for. Change is disruptive—but also brings opportunities. For investors right now, there is no shortage of changes to think about, but those changes may set the stage for the next leg higher … Continue reading “Market Update: Change May Bring Opportunities”

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

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