Tag: Personal Finance

Home Builders Confident in Economic Rebound

Sep 25, 2020

To some, this may hardly feel like an economy headed for a bright future. But don’t tell that to home builders.

Builder confidence in August jumped to an eye-popping 78 in August, according to the Housing Market Index courtesy of the National Association of Home Builders. To put that number in perspective, anything over 50 is considered positive.1 (more…)

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Women Facing and Conquering Retirement Challenges

Sep 23, 2020

Challenges Facing Women in the Workplace
Looking ahead can help you conquer these unique obstacles

When it comes to retirement, some women face obstacles that can make saving for retirement a challenge. Women typically earn less than their male counterparts and often take time out of the workforce to care for children or other family members. Added to the fact that women typically live longer than men, retirement money for women may need to stretch even further.1 (more…)

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Football is Back

Sep 21, 2020

Football is back, which means Summer is coming to a close, days will get shorter, and sweaters will soon be in play.

This year, there was no pre-season, so professional football started in September, which coincidentally, is a perennial month for stock market volatility.1 (more…)

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Why A Roth IRA Conversion May Now Be Advantageous

Sep 18, 2020

Roth IRA Conversion decisions have attracted retirement savers since their introduction in 1998. They offer the potential for tax-free retirement income, provided Internal Revenue Service rules are followed. (more…)

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Have Stocks Left You Behind?

Sep 11, 2020

Some people in recent weeks may have been feeling that “the market seems to be doing so well but I’m not participating in any of these high-flying stocks.”

A look behind the headlines helps tell the story. (more…)

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Inflation on the Rise

Sep 2, 2020

Right now, many Americans are worried about their financial health due to the impact COVID-19 has had on the country. Adding to these concerns were July’s consumer prices— excluding food and energy—which rose at the highest rate in nearly 30 years. However, this jump may not be as scary as it looks on the surface. Let’s dive into inflation on the rise. (more…)

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Social Security Questions to ask Before Claiming

Aug 17, 2020

Determining when to take Social Security benefits is a complicated financial decision. Here are a few things to think about and discuss with your financial professional. (more…)

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The I.R.S. Has Enhanced the 2020 RMD Waivers

Jul 29, 2020

In March, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act became law. It was designed to help Americans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.1

The new law offered investors a financial break. It gave people the option to skip required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)-style plans in 2020. (Original owners of Roth IRAs never have to take RMDs from those accounts.)2,3 (more…)

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30 Year Home Loans Fall to Historic Lows

Jul 27, 2020

Lately, it can feel like each day brings a new headline about fluctuating market behavior. But amid the ups and downs of 2020, there may be some potential good news on the horizon. On July 16, 2020, the interest rate for 30-year home loans have fallen to 2.98%. In addition, the average interest rate for a 15-year home loan had declined to 2.48%.1,2,3 (more…)

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What is Earnings Season

Jul 22, 2020

Every few months, you may hear the phrase “we’re entering earnings season” as you read financial news.

But what exactly is “earnings season” and why is it important to Wall Street? (more…)

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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.

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