Tag: Personal Finance

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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What is Reg BI?

Jul 20, 2020

Recently, you may have heard that financial industry regulators established a new set of rules designed to guide investors who work with an investment professional. This new set of rules is called “Regulation Best Interest” rule, known colloquially as “Reg BI.” 1 (more…)

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Whats Driving Current Market Behavior?

Jul 15, 2020

In the era of COVID-19, and the financial woes it has created, I often get asked, “Why is the stock market holding up so well when the economy appears to be struggling?” (more…)

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Estimating Your Retirement Income Needs
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