Blog
Rising Yields
On Thursday, there was a historically unusual economic event. Treasury notes briefly matched the dividend yield for the S&P 500 Index. Normally, Treasuries tend to have higher yields... but these are not normal times.
Read MoreContrarian’s Dream
Contrarian investors like to buck the trend. They buy when other investors are selling and sell when others are buying. Equities are at an all time high and asset managers are almost fully invested. Contrarians ears are starting to perk up
Read MoreSteepening of the Curve
The yield curve for U.S. Treasuries is steeper than it has been in a while. Yield curves provide insight to bond investors’ perceptions about the economy. Under current conditions, the steepening of the curve is a good sign.
Read MoreViews on Volatility
People often see different things while watching the same event. The social-media fueled volatility in some companies proved that. That activity overshadowed some events that will likely have more impact. Is this another new norm?
Read MoreFinancial Literacy
Market optimism continues as vaccinations roll out but there are many reasons asset prices have remained high. Or are these just bubbles? What else might affect our recovery? Financial literacy helps. And, if you need help, give us a call!
Read MoreShow All
What's Next?
The continuing economic damage caused by the rising number of coronavirus cases is slamming recovery. What should we expect next? Inauguration riots? (In)effective stimulus? Inflation? Lockdowns? What's next?
Read MoreStock Market Melt-UP?
Events at the U.S. Capitol didn’t deter global stock markets. The disruption to the democratic process was less significant than the Georgia run-offs. Add poor employment numbers and rising virus cases. Is this a stock market melt-UP?
Read MoreYear in Review
Last week was the cherry on top of a turbulent year. No one expected a global pandemic. Markets fell but rebounded as central banks took action. Optimism has kept the markets afloat, buoyed by new stimulus and vaccine rollouts. What a year!
Read MoreAs We Happily Leave 2020 and Jump into 2021...
As we gladly leave 2020 and jump into 2021, risks are everywhere. Investor optimism is high, which fuels the markets. Stimulus was passed by Congress and Trump finally signed it, adding to optimism. Just in time to have a happy new year!
Read MoreReasons to be Bullish
We are finally seeing a stimulus package from Congress. The Fed will keep rates near zero. Investor confidence remains high. There are all sorts of reasons to be bullish right now! Happy holidays to all!
Read MoreWhat Kind of Shopper (Investor) Are You?
Frothy beverages can be delicious. Are frothy markets good too? IPO's are hot as bullish investors want in. With contrarian indicators high, what kind of shopper (investor) are you? Do you enjoy a delicious frothy holiday beverage?
Read MoreWhen is Bad News Good News?
When is bad news good news? Last week, major stock indices hit all-time highs, despite dismal employment report and a surge in COVID-19 cases. Considering this news, why were markets bullish? Could stimulus be coming?
Read MoreAnxiety and Optimism for the Holidays
Vaccine optimism immunized investors against signs of economic weakness. Anxiety is high, unemployment is ending and stimulus is needed but people are shopping. Narratives are influencing all of it. Watch the trends for new opportunities.
Read MoreAn Amazing Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is going to be different this year and Americans are rising to the challenge. People are getting very creative with how they share the holidays and their meals. Whatever you do with the day, make it an amazing Thanksgiving!
Read More“Vaccine” Can be a Powerful Word
The word "vaccine" is very powerful right now. Reports of a vaccine with positive results moved markets higher but a surge in cases, new restrictions and a lack of stimulus dampened enthusiasm. Stay calm and focus on the long-term.
Read MoreA Salute to Our Veterans!
Despite uncertainty about the U.S. elections, positive economic data boosted investor confidence and major stock indices moved higher last week. These are good signs but we'd like to pause and thank our veterans for their service.
Read MoreWe Are All In This Together
Two economic stories are emerging. The economy grew, unemployment decreased and spending increased, yet coronavirus rose, stimulus is delayed and the election looms. Even with our differences, remember, we are more alike than we realize.
Read MoreElection Day is Almost Here!
Markets react to stimulus but it's unsure whether a new package will be approved prior to the election, which is just eight day away. People are worried about how the results will affect the markets. All you can do is get out and vote!
Read MoreMental Accounting
Waves of good and bad news hit markets last week: upbeat earnings and retail sales, while the virus surges and vaccine trials pause. In a time when our mental accounting habits are important, don't let this hold you back from opportunity.
Read MoreYES. NO. MAYBE?
Markets focused on the on/off status of stimulus talks last week but global indices were bullish at the possibility of a deal. Earnings season starts this week but many companies will not offer annual guidance. More yes, no, maybes to come
Read MoreOctober Surprise
In Q3, stocks moved higher then pulled back. The economy improved but the pace is slowing. Stimulus talks resumed. Then the first day of Q4 delivered a doozy - the President has coronavirus. Will we have more October surprises?
Read MorePandemic Halloween
The U.S. stock market has sparked and sputtered, with pandemic-driven demand fueling investors. New innovations and vaccines are in development to meet the needs of the new normal. Traditional Halloween celebrations are changing too.
Read MoreUnsettled Markets
Investors were not happy with central banks last week. After the FOMC meeting, stocks dropped sharply. The Bank of England rattled markets after noting they will study negative interest rates. Is this just unsettling or worst-case scenario?
Read MoreThe Power of the Wind
The incredible speed at which events have flown through financial markets is incredible. Although, this can be somewhat explained by COVID-19 and the upcoming election, it almost feels like the wind at times. Wind really does have power too
Read MoreThe New Normal
COVID-19 has reshaped our world. Everything from how we work, educate, shop and interact has changed. Even the we breath is different. We have also seen extreme changes in the market behavior. What exactly is the "new normal?"
Read MorePassing the Test
One test we use to gauge the markets, company earnings, doesn't pass. Yet the markets rallied in August. The new tests tend towards optimism and fiscal stimulus. What test do you use? Would you pass a test in stocks or American history?
Read MoreUnderstanding What We Don't Know
There are many things we don't know. Market indices hit record highs but the reasons are unclear. There are fewer job postings yet unemployment is improving. There is research everywhere but how can we understand what we just don't know?
Read MoreOne Hundred Seventy-Five Days
Markets have recovered in just 175 days. This is remarkable in the midst of a recession and weak earnings. The economy has contracted sharply while valuations have rocketed higher. No one is certain what the next 175 days will bring.
Read MoreBetter but Not Great
We got good and bad news last week. There was positive data about employment but it is still high. The economy is improving but not in great shape. Pro-sports resumed but with empty seats. Better but not great. What's the flip side?
Read MoreAn Economic Mixed Bag and the Cost of a Big Mac
Last week delivered a mixed bag of news. Earnings are up, GDP is down, federal benefits are ending and stimulus has stalled. For some fun, we use the Big Mac Index to assess global currencies, which is another mixed bag!
Read MoreWhere Are We?
Where are we on vaccines? Governments around the world are funding research to accelerate the development of vaccines for COVID-19. This virus has wrought economic havoc! It's hard to know where we're at. Let's hope we find a vaccine soon!
Read MoreNothing Is Making Cents These Days
Is the economy recovering or faltering? It depends which data you consider. There are divergent stories everywhere. The U.S. Mint has even reported that it costs more to produce a penny than a penny is worth! Nothing is making cents today!
Read MoreDon't Scream!
A Japanese theme park recently asked patrons not to scream on the rollercoaster. How do you not? If the current financial rollercoaster, inspired by twists and turns of the coronavirus, has you thinking, come review your financial goals.
Read MoreWho Could Have Guessed?
Who could have thought a pandemic would inflate the markets? Who would have imagined we'd be facing a pandemic? Who would have guessed that drive-in movies would make a comeback? Economic recovery is tenuous. What's your guess?
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Coping with Pandemic Stress
If your stress and anxiety levels are reaching a breaking point, you’re not alone. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) poll found 45 percent of adults in the United States are feeling worry and stress related to the coronavirus....
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Happy Birthday, America!
2020 is destined to become an indelible chapter in American history. In just six months, we have suffered a pandemic, encountered economic and financial disruption, and tackled civil justice issues. After all that, we deserve a...
Read MoreHas the Economy Begun to Recover?
As coronavirus restrictions ease and businesses reopen, the American economy should gain steam. Data released in May and June, including employment, payroll, and manufacturing numbers, suggested the economy may have hit bottom in April...
Read MoreThe New Leading Indicator
Markets retreated last week as new COVID-19 cases increased in America. We can't currently rely on traditional performance-drivers of economic growth. Leading indicators are now lagging and Covid-impaired results add to the puzzle.
Read MoreThe Stories Investors Tell
U.S. markets marched higher despite a pandemic, an economic downturn, and social justice protests – many wonder why. Investors tell themselves varied stories resulting in confirmation bias and diverse outcomes. What story do you tell?
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - It’s Dad’s Day!
Break out the socks and neckties! It’s time to celebrate your dad. See what you know about Father’s Day by taking this quick trivia quiz: 1. When is Father’s Day in the United States? a. Second Sunday in Mayb. Third Sunday in Junec....
Read MoreAre You Questioning Your Choices?
Stock indices rallied last week on optimism about the reopening of businesses, then sputtered out. Market performance is inconsistent with the slow economic recovery path. Investors suffer "recency bias" and question their choices.
Read MoreA Few Silver Linings
U.S. stock markets responded enthusiastically to the news unemployment decreased to 13.3% in May, a silver lining in today's world. Many would prefer to be employed but some are creating innovative solutions for interesting questions.
Read MoreGreen Shoots Starting to Sprout
If you have been paying attention, you may have seen a few green shoots last week, aka signs of improvement in a downturn. Restrictions ease, businesses reopen and consumer sentiment improves. Also, June is a month of holidays to enjoy!
Read MoreLife and Finances in a Pandemic World
Life as we know it has changed dramatically during 2020. As the coronavirus spread across the United States, cities and states issued shelter-in-place orders to slow the spread of the coronavirus and prevent healthcare facilities from...
Read MoreOptimism, Trouble and Many Unknowns
While U.S. stock rallied, we saw trouble in Hong Kong. Optimism for vaccines, followed by contradictory reports. The fates of small businesses and employees are still great unknowns. So many outcomes to consider and anything is possible.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Showing Gratitude on Memorial Day
At 3:00 p.m. local time on Monday, May 25, 2020, the National Moment of Remembrance takes place by silently thanking the men and women of the United States military who gave their lives for our country.1 Originally, Memorial Day was...
Read MoreFar From Business As Usual
America is reopening but it's far from business as usual. Unemployment benefits have increased salaries for some. Will this support consumer spending and sustain demand to match production? Recovery strategies differ and the debate goes on.
Read MoreThe Stock Market Is Not the Economy
The U.S. stock markets are moving higher while the U.S. economy is contracting, leading to the conclusion that the stock markets are just not mindful of the present moment. Maybe, but the definitions and drivers can also be very different.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Moms are Priceless
Whether they stay at home or work for a company, moms rarely have just one job. They’re event planners, coaches, interior designers, chefs, art directors, judges (and juries), housekeepers, maintenance supervisors, network...
Read MorePandemic Life
The corona virus starts to retreat but we're still stuck at home. Between Zoom meetings, emails and kids, working from home and homeschooling present challenges. That's Pandemic Life! At least we can find some humor in it.
Read MoreInteresting Times
We live in interesting and unprecedented times. Negative oil prices. Stimulus Checks. Coronavirus restrictions. Do what you can now and hope for the future.
Read MoreStay Optimistic. There Are Things You Can Do.
Last week’s economic data was about what you might expect. Demand is down. Earning are weak. Unemployment has skyrocketed. The crisis continues. Stay optimistic! There are a few bright spots and things you can do if you lose you job.
Read MoreResources to Help You Through the Coronavirus Crisis
If you have ever been flattened by a rogue wave while fishing or sunbathing on the shore, you probably recognize the emotional responses that have accompanied the pandemic wave crashing across the United States – shock, anxiety, and...
Read MoreCreativity and Quarantine
Why is the stock market doing so well when the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to peak? While we wait, many people are getting creative while they quarantine.
Read MoreWe're Not in Kansas Anymore
In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy says to her little dog, “Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.” Today, many of us understand Dorothy’s trepidation and uncertainty better than ever before....
Read MoreThe United States Set Some Records Last Week
The Markets The United States set some records last week. First, we became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Popular Science explained: “An increase of 15,000 known cases in just one day pushed the United States past Italy..
Read MoreTimes Are Changing
The Markets The coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to spread across the United States last week. On Friday, March 13, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported there were 1,629 confirmed and presumptive cases and 41 deaths.
Read MoreOne For The History Books
The Markets Last week was one for the history books. Mid-week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus a global pandemic.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - A Celebration of Irish Culture on St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is a day of unity. In the past, St. Patrick was celebrated by Irish Protestants and Irish Catholics. As it has been said, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. See what you know about this celebration of Irish...
Read MoreMarkets Remain Volatile
The Markets Last week, market volatility reached levels that make many investors uncomfortable. On Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged higher, delivering its biggest one-day point gain in history.
Read MoreThe Coronavirus Correction
In late February, concern that efforts to contain Coronavirus Disease 2019 (a.k.a. COVID-19) might result in slower global economic growth disrupted global markets. Share prices fell as economists and financial analysts revised growth...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Coronavirus 101: The Basics
The coronavirus, which is now officially called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has received a lot of attention. Since the outbreak began in China, late in 2019, the disease and efforts to understand and manage it have made...
Read MoreTake A Deep Breath
Take a deep breath. We have experienced downturns before. Think back to 2018. During the last quarter of the year, major stock indices in the Unites States suffered double-digit losses, much of it during December.
Read MoreThe SECURE Act Changed Retirement, Estate, and College Plans
There was a little something for everyone in the ‘Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement’ (SECURE) Act, a piece of bipartisan legislation that was attached to the United States federal spending bill and signed into law...
Read MoreRisk On or Risk Off?
Risk on or risk off? The coronavirus appears to have inspired two distinct schools of thought among investors.
Read MoreKey Stock Markets Hovering Close To Record Highs
Many stock markets around the world moved higher last week. Investors’ optimism in the face of economic headwinds has confounded some in the financial services industry.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - The Changing Soundtrack of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day and love songs go hand-in-hand. If you’re looking for a way to show love and appreciation, consider sharing some of the most popular love songs of all time. Here are a few of the most popular, according to Billboard...
Read MoreFourth Quarter Earnings Season Is Underway
The Markets Last week, major U.S. indices posted strong gains. That’s welcome news, but the drivers behind share price appreciation appear to have little to do with company fundamentals.
Read MorePrepare Yourself
There is a good chance markets will be volatile in the coming weeks.
Read MoreWhere is Your Best Place to Retire?
The best place to retire in the United States is in dispute. There’s no formal debate, but a review of reliable publications showed surveys have named different states and cities as the “best” place to retire. For instance: • Iowa was...
Read MoreMarkets Hunkered Down Last Week
News of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China unsettled investors around the world.
Read MoreThe New Trade Deals Are Here!
The Markets The new trade deals are here! The United States and China signed a preliminary trade deal last week. The next day, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement was approved by the Senate.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Hang On to Your Optimism!
In 2019, a Pew Research Center survey reported many Americans were pessimistic about the future. Their worries included the national debt, the gap between the rich and the poor, and automation.1 Martin Luther King was sometimes...
Read MoreIt Was A Nerve-Wracking Week
U.S. Treasury bond yields dropped sharply last week before rebounding. Financial Times reported the possibility of war caused global investors to seek out investments perceived to be safe havens.
Read MoreAbout Face!
2019 was a remarkable year for investors with many asset classes delivering positive performance.
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Do You Know What Your Smartphone Can Do?
Since 2011, the number of Americans owning smartphones has increased from 35 percent to 81 percent, although there remains a significant digital divide, demographically. A Pew Research survey found the vast majority of younger...
Read MoreRetirement: You’ve Got This!
Not everyone is financially prepared for retirement. Earlier this year, the Employee Benefit Research Institute estimated almost 41 percent of American households will run short of money in retirement. That’s an improvement over 2014...
Read MoreHard Act to Follow
The Markets 2019 will be a hard act to follow. Investors may find themselves reluctant to ring out the old and ring in the new this week. During 2019, stock and bond markets delivered exceptional returns.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Celebrate the New Year Your Way
If you’re not fond of New Year’s resolutions, then start or adopt new traditions that help get the year off to a positive start. Your new tradition should be something you can repeat each year with family and friends. Here are a few...
Read MoreLet’s Hear It For 2019!
Major stock indices in the United States and overseas are poised to deliver double-digit gains for the year.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Wishing Joy and Laughter this Holiday Season
No matter what holiday you celebrate, we hope it’s filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt happiness. That said, we know holiday cheer can be overwhelmed by the pursuit of perfection and opinions of relatives. Just in case your...
Read MoreSo, What Comes Next?
Last week was a good week for investors. Ben Levisohn of Barron's explained: "The Federal Reserve and European Central Bank both pledged to do what they could to underpin their respective economies.
Read MoreAhh, The Power of Distraction
On Friday, the unemployment report flashed its numbers like a hair model in a shampoo commercial. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 266,000 new jobs were created in November.
Read MoreIt's A Shopping Revolution!
Sometime, probably not so long ago, comedian Dave Barry wrote, "Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice."
Read MoreWhat’s the Best Gift this Holiday Season?
You’ve probably never asked your adult children and younger relatives whether they have security software on their computers and devices. Why would you? They’re digital natives, born with keyboards under their fingertips.It may be time...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Are You Thankful For?
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists shared an autumn feast with the Wampanoag Indians. They were celebrating survival and friendship. It’s also a poignant story.1About one-half of the passengers who...
Read MoreThanksgiving Is In The Air!
Year-to-date, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite have all gained more than 20 percent with dividends reinvested. The MSCI World Index also is up 20 percent year-to-date.
Read MoreNo Signs of Slowing
U.S. stock markets climbed higher for the sixth week straight - the longest rally in U.S. markets in two years - and the Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassed 28,000 for the very first time, reported Bloomberg.
Read MoreHistoric Highs
Last week, major United States stock indices finished at historic highs.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About Veterans Day?
After World War I, many nations celebrated the end of “The Great War” by establishing Armistice Day. Eventually, the holiday was broadened to celebrate those who served in all wars. In the United States after World War II and the...
Read MoreThey Did It
The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates last week, as expected. There were no enthusiastic fans singing the Baby Shark song, but the Federal Open Market Committee's decision was well received.
Read MoreDoes Your Company Offer a Retirement Plan?
One of the most discussed topics in the United States is retirement security. Few Americans have set aside enough savings to live comfortably throughout retirement. In fact, the most recent National Retirement Risk Index (NRRI)*...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Save Money with a Green Halloween!
Americans expect to spend $8.8 billion on costumes, decorations, candy, and other Halloween purchases, according to the National Retail Federation.1That’s enough money to purchase the New England Patriots ($3.8 billion), the Los...
Read MoreMoney Managers Are Feeling Less Bullish
2019 has been a tremendous year for U.S. stocks. Through the end of last week, the S&P 500 Index had gained more than 20% year-to-date, the Dow Jones Industrial Index was up more than 15%, and the Nasdaq Composite had risen more than 24%.
Read MoreUnpacking Last Week
Last week was like an overstuffed suitcase that busts open on the baggage carousel. A lot was unpacked in a surprising and disorderly fashion.
Read MoreSteps Toward A Trade War Truce
The United States agreed to not increase tariffs from 25 percent to 30 percent on $250 billion of Chinese imports next week. In return, China agreed to purchase $40 to $50 billion of agricultural goods, including soybeans and pork.
Read MoreIs Recession Looming Closer?
From trade wars to impeachment inquiries, investors had a lot to ponder during the third quarter.
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - The Secret Life of Data
What data about you is most important?The data that identity thieves are after – social security, credit card, and bank account numbers – is important, as well as more basic data which is being collected by companies whose devices you...
Read MoreWill There Be A Recession?
The simple answer is probably.Historically, the American economy has grown in fits and starts, otherwise known as recessions and expansions. As a result, it is likely there will be another recession in the United States.What are...
Read MoreThey Say Bull Markets Climb A Wall Of Worry
The University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers indicated confidence improved in September, which appeared to be positive news. However, the report suggested positive sentiment is eroding.
Read MoreThere's A New Theory In Town
Renowned economist Robert Shiller's new book suggests investors may be able to predict and prepare for economic events by tracking popular stories. Applying the theory might have been a challenge last week.
Read MoreWhere's Inflation?
If you enjoy searching for Waldo, the visual nemesis in a red-striped sweater and cap, you may appreciate the quandary of central bankers in many wealthy nations. For almost a decade, they've been trying to find inflation.
Read MoreRemember the Movie Groundhog Day?
Bill Murray's character is a crotchety newsman who lives the same day over and over again. The movie came to mind last week when the United States and China headed to the negotiating table. Again. Global stocks rallied on the news. Again.
Read MoreWhat, Me Worry?
Last week finally brought some relief. It was the best week for major U.S. stock indices since June. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite all gained between 2 and 3 percent.
Read MoreUnused Vacation Days Can Be Costly
Would you give up a share of $62 billion?Would you give up a share of $62 billion?If your answer is no, then you may be a member of the relatively small group of Americans (36 percent) that takes all of the vacation days available to...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Labor Day is an Important Day
Just over 100 years ago, Americans typically worked physically demanding jobs. Adults toiled 12 hours a day, seven days a week for low wages. Americans did not take lunch breaks. They did not get sick days or vacations. They were not...
Read MoreMarkets Unsettled
The Markets Have you ever watched a lake in a thunderstorm? Heavy rain pummels the surface. Dark clouds drop the sky closer to the water. Gusty winds crash waves ashore. Up top, on land, damage may occur. Underneath, in the deeper...
Read MoreDon't Let Volatility Get You Down
It's possible we're nearing the end of the longest bull market for U.S. stocks. Further inversion of the yield curve last week suggested recession could be ahead. However, it's unlikely to arrive immediately.
Read MoreGlobal Selloff. Quick Comeback.
Investors boomeranged from stocks to safe havens and back as trade tensions between the United States and China intensified last week.
Read MoreTariffs Strike Again
The Markets The Federal Open Market Committee completed what it called 'a mid-cycle adjustment' with a quarter-point rate cut last week.
Read MoreProtect Yourself in a Smart and Connected World
The world is becoming smarter and more connected all the time – and that has serious implications for people who want to protect their personal data and their privacy. If you’ve been enjoying the convenience of smart utilities and...
Read MoreTwo Sides To Every Story
It has been said there are two sides to every story. Just look at world financial markets. Stock markets and bond markets are telling very different stories.
Read MoreRate Cut Likely?
Did last week mark the start of a new policy for the Federal Reserve? The U.S. Federal Reserve has a reputation for providing little transparency about the timing and direction of potential rate changes.
Read MoreLifestyle Newsletter - A Prescription for Dementia Prevention
A Prescription for Dementia Prevention If you’ve ever played a party game that asks you to make difficult decisions, you may have run into a question like this one: Would you rather enjoy good physical health all of your life or good...
Read MoreWhat Will The Federal Reserve Do Now?
The Markets There was unexpected economic news last week. On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced 224,000 new jobs were added in June, which was more than analysts had anticipated.
Read MoreWho'd A Thunk It?
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index finished the second quarter up about 17 percent year-to-date, according to Ben Levisohn of Barron's. The index gained 6.9 percent in June, its best performance since 1955.
Read MoreLife, Liberty, and Tax-Advantaged Investing
Life, Liberty, and Tax-Advantaged InvestingAmericans are passionate about taxes. We have reason to be. In recent years, Americans have spent more on taxes than on food, clothing, and housing combined.1 The Tax Foundation estimates...
Read MoreEverything Went Up - And That's Unusual
The FOMC met last week (they decide whether the central bank of the United States should push rates higher or move them lower). It left rates unchanged but indicated a willingness to lower rates in support of economic expansion.
Read MoreAre We On The Cusp of Change?
The economic facts are encouraging, but recent events have potential to knock the U.S. economy off its tracks. The most significant threat may be a second round of oil tanker explosions in the Gulf of Oman.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Collect the Best Recipes for Dads’ Cook Book
Most dads have at least one recipe they like to cook for family and friends. Some have dozens. This year, celebrate Father’s Day by collecting the recipes from the men in your family. Bring a notebook to your next family celebration...
Read MoreSurprise! It Was a Great Week for Markets
Since the U.S.-China trade conflict resumed in early May, investors have been off balance. The possibility of escalating tariffs on Mexico heightened economic uncertainty.
Read MoreTariff Trouble
The Markets Just two weeks ago, the U.S. government lifted tariffs on Mexico and Canada. So, it was a surprise last week when President Trump tweeted the United States would impose an escalating tariff on all goods imported from Mexico...
Read MoreWhere There’s a Will, There’s a Plan
Throughout history people have made inheritance choices that are inexplicable to others. In 1926, Harry Houdini left his magical equipment to his brother, his pulled-from-the-hat rabbits to the children of friends, and a series of...
Read MoreUS Stocks Have Had A Great Run
The Markets During the past decade, the profitability of U.S. companies increased rapidly. Strong corporate earnings helped the U.S. stock market outperform markets in other nations by a significant margin.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Memorial Day Quiz
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. It’s the time when we pay our respects to the men and women who died fighting for our country. See what you know about this important holiday by taking our Memorial Day quiz.1. What did the...
Read MoreTrade War Trade-Off
There was some good news on trade, last week. The United States took steps to reduce trade friction with the European Union, Canada, Mexico, and Japan.
Read MoreTrade Talk Trouble Took a Toll Last Week
Major U.S. stock indices moved lower when trade talks between the United States and China broke down.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Moms are Unique
Moms are like snowflakes. No two are exactly alike. So, when you’re thinking about what to give your mom for Mother’s Day, consider a gift that is as unique as she is -- share your memories with her. Here are some prompts to get you...
Read MoreOff to the Races
Despite the exceptional performance of U.S. stock markets year-to-date, and data that suggest economic growth remains steady, some analysts and investors have been pecking at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Read MoreWell Above Consensus
Economic growth in the United States was strong during the first quarter. The Bureau Of Economic Analysis announced gross domestic product (GDP), which is the value of all goods and services produced in the United States, increased by 3.2%.
Read MoreFinding the ‘Goldilocks’ Retirement Plan
Where do you set aside the money you’re saving for retirement? If you’re like many Americans, you save for retirement primarily through an employer’s retirement plan, according to Pew Research.1Unfortunately, less than one-half of...
Read MoreAnd The Answer Is...
A Jeopardy! contestant captured the nation's attention last week by setting multiple records for the most money earned in a single episode. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index has been setting some records, too.
Read MoreInvestors Took An Intermission
The curtain appeared to close on the first act of 2019 last week - and what an impressive act it was. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index delivered some dramatic returns and is less than 1 percent away from a new all-time high.
Read MoreThe First Quarter of 2019 Brought A Welcome Reversal
While the U.S. stock market has delivered attractive returns year-to-date, suggesting investors anticipate strong economic growth ahead, the bond market has been telling a different story.
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Sleep: It’s More Elusive as We Get Older
If someone tells you older people need less sleep than younger people do, don’t believe it. Older Americans need about eight hours of sleep, just like everybody else. What’s different is quality sleep is harder to come by as you age....
Read MoreFascinatingly Counterintuitive
Through the end of last week, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index was up more than 13 percent year-to-date, despite falling corporate earnings and modest consumer spending gains.
Read MoreHow Will Rising Healthcare Costs Affect Your Retirement?
It’s no secret healthcare costs are going up. Medical expenses have been steadily increasing for years. In 2007, costs were up almost 12 percent. However, the rate of increase slowed to 6 percent during the past five years and that...
Read MoreThe Fed Revises Guidance
Wonder what the Federal Reserve's 40-yard dash time is? On Wednesday, the Fed juked like an NFL running back and left investors wondering whether they should buy or sell.
Read MoreStock and Bond Markets Rallied
Last week, major U.S. stock indices finished higher for the 10th time in 12 weeks.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
On St. Patrick’s Day, it’s okay to celebrate even if you’re not Irish. St. Patrick himself wasn’t Irish. As we celebrate, we would like to share some of our favorite facts and tidbits about St. Patrick’s Day:1 • St. Patrick’s Day is an...
Read MoreMarkets Were Rattled Last Week
The market hates surprises, especially when the surprise comes from a central bank. Last week, the European Central Bank (ECB) unexpectedly reversed course and took a more accommodative stance on monetary policy.
Read MoreIs It A Soft Landing?
If the Federal Reserve lifts rates enough to prevent the economy from overheating without jolting it into recession, then it has engineered a soft landing.
Read MoreBaby Boomers and Digital Assets
How many password-protected accounts do you have?If you keep mental inventory, use a password manager, or have a written record of your passwords (which is not recommended by anyone), take a quick count. You’re likely to find you may...
Read MoreThe Fed In Focus
The Fed delivered its semi-annual Monetary Policy Report to Congress last week.
Read MoreWhy Did The Stock Market Do That?
With no clear driver, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained more than 3 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite and Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index moved higher by about 2.5 percent. It was a puzzler.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Valentine’s Day Spending
Valentine’s Day means different things to different people. Some welcome Valentine’s Day as a time for romance, while others see it as an opportunity to cherish friends and family. No matter how it’s celebrated, Valentine’s Day...
Read MoreCentral Banks Take A Turn
At its first policy meeting of 2019, the U.S. Federal Reserve changed direction. After four rate increases in 2018, Chair Jerome Powell announced interest rates were on hold.
Read MoreTime for Celebration
The FOMC met on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, to discuss the state of the economy and determine policy. After the meeting, Fed Chair Jerome Powell offered a positive assessment of U.S. economic strength that was leavened with a few concerns.
Read MoreMake Sure Your Smart Home is Safe from Cyber Attack
Whether you own a house or rent an apartment, building a smart home is easier than it has ever been. Homeowners and renters can purchase kits that integrate specific smart items or they can select smart home products, such as light...
Read MoreTaking a Breather
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index, which has gotten off to its best start since 1987, ended the week with a slight loss, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite finished slightly higher.
Read MoreWe're Off To A Good Start
Investors who remained steady during December's wild ride are probably pleased with their decision as stocks have gotten off to a strong start in 2019.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - A Day On, Not a Day Off
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation establishing the third Monday of January as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.1 Dr. King, who is remembered for his powerful oratory and transformative ideas, once said, “Life’s most...
Read MoreThe January Effect
The original theory of the January Effect held that tax-loss harvesting pushed stock prices lower in December, making shares more attractive to investors the following month.
Read MoreJust Another Member of the Family
Bella. Coco. Charlie. Lucy. Max. No matter the name, many pets are considered to be members of the family, providing companionship, protection, and unconditional love. The pet-owner relationship has some powerful benefits, which may...
Read MoreGrowth Slowdown
Investors will think of the last quarter of 2018 for years to come, but they won't remember it fondly. Last quarter's volatility and the slide in share prices owed much to uncertainty about economic growth.
Read MoreTax Season is Here Again
It’s only January, but you may want to jumpstart your 2018 taxes since there are a slew of new regulations that may affect you. The Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 goes into effect this year so make sure you understand how tax...
Read MoreDecember Debacle
Investing during the month of December was like traversing an icy mountain stream. It delivered a staggering shock to the senses that triggered the instinct to, “Get Out!”
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - How to Keep a New Year's Resolution
Eat healthier. Get more exercise. Save more money. Those were the top New Year's resolutions for 2018, according to Statista.1 Few people achieved them. One of the reasons so few resolutions become reality is because people tend to...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Fill Your Holidays with Happiness
Holidays can be joyful and a little stressful. Here are a few ways to bring a moment of happiness into your life and the lives of those around you:1 • Take time to call an old friend.• Buy coffee for a stranger.• Briefly chat with your...
Read MoreWe're Off To A Slow Start
December is usually the best month of the year for the stock market. It has been since 1950, according to Randall Forsyth of Barron's, but not so far this year. Two issues made investors particularly uncomfortable last week...
Read MoreAre Future Rate Hikes On Pause?
Powell on Wednesday said that rates were 'just below' the level that would be neutral for the economy - meaning they would neither speed up nor slow down economic growth.
Read MoreAre Volatile Stock Markets Good for Investors?
When the ups and downs of stock markets leave you stressed and wondering whether stocks really will help you pursue your long-term financial goals, there are two things to remember:1. Historically, over long periods, stocks have tended...
Read MoreAre Volatile Stock Markets Good for Investors?
When the ups and downs of stock markets leave you stressed and wondering whether stocks really will help you pursue your long-term financial goals, there are two things to remember:1. Historically, over long periods, stocks have tended...
Read MoreThe U.S. and China Continue to Spar Over Trade
The Organization for Economic Coordination and Development (OECD) anticipates global economic growth could stumble if trade tensions escalate.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Thanksgiving: A True American Holiday
Thanksgiving is a true American holiday. It celebrates generosity and gratitude, and it recognizes the relationships that helped colonists who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 survive beyond their first winter. History.com explained:1...
Read MoreKeep Your Eyes On The Horizon
Last week, stock markets finished lower. MarketWatch reported U.S. stocks moved higher on Friday after President Trump indicated he might not pursue tariffs against China.
Read MoreMid-Term Elections in the Rear-View Mirror
Some votes are still being counted but investors appear to be happy with the outcome of mid-term elections. Major U.S. stock indices in the United States moved higher last week...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Gratitude for Our Veterans
There are more than 20 million veterans living across the United States. These men and women fought in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Iraq War, the War in Afghanistan, which continues today, and many...
Read MoreUnemployment Rate Remains at Record Low Levels
Major U.S. stock indices faltered Friday after the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported on a popular 'lagging' economic indicator - unemployment.
Read MoreShould Parents Pay for College Tuition?
It’s a pricey question.It’s a pricey question.College Board estimated the average cost for full-time, in-state students who live on campus at four-year public colleges or universities during the 2017-18 school year is $25,290...
Read MoreRisk Factors That Are Concerning Investors
You have probably heard the saying, "Markets hate uncertainty." Recent volatility seems to be the result of uncertainty and it is possible uncertainty will cause stock markets to bounce around for some time.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Halloween Jokes for Children
If trick-or-treating in your neighborhood requires a trick to get a treat, your little ghosts and goblins will need some short and easy-to-remember options. Here are a few that were recommended by Reader’s Digest:1• What has hundreds...
Read MoreWorldwide Markets
Strong economic growth and robust earnings helped U.S. stocks significantly outperform other regions of the world during the third quarter of 2018.
Read MoreOur Old Friend Volatility
Like an unexpected gust of wind that blows the hat off your head or flips your umbrella inside out, last week's stock market performance startled investors.
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Just Give Me that Countryside…
Remember the television classic, Green Acres? Eddie Albert, who portrayed a New York City lawyer, and Eva Gabor, who portrayed his sophisticated spouse, move from the big city to the country – and it’s not quite what they expected...
Read MoreYields On The Rise
Last week offered some insight to economics and stock market behavior. The U.S. unemployment rate reached its lowest level since 1969 and wages moved higher, yet major U.S. stock indices lost value.
Read MoreThe Fed Is At It Again
The Federal Reserve raised rates for the third time in 2018, as expected. In addition, the Federal Open Market Committee projects economic growth will continue for three more years.
Read MoreWomen and the Retirement Crisis
Here’s a number that will knock your socks off: $400 trillion.1By 2050, the retirement savings shortfall in eight of the world’s largest economies is expected to reach $400 trillion, according to estimates from the World Economic Forum...
Read MoreGet Ready For Smart Microwaves
A tech company introduced a microwave you can turn on using Wi-Fi - as long as you have one of the company's voice assistants at home.
Read MoreAll Investors Are Consumers, but Not All Consumers Are Investors
The September installment of University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Survey reported Americans are feeling pretty optimistic. Consumer sentiment rose to the second highest level since 2004, and consumer expectations reached the...
Read MoreRemember: Volatility is Normal
Major U.S. stock market indices climbed into record territory during August. They gave back some gains last week. Peter Wells of Financial Times explained: "Speculation about a fresh round of tariffs on Chinese imports from the Trump...
Read MoreCanadian Conundrum
Markets were fired up last week after the United States and Mexico agreed on new trade rules. The Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) Index reached an all-time high and finished the month of August up about 3 percent.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Labor Day and Labor Unions
Labor Day is set aside to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers. It was proposed as a holiday by Matthew Maguire in 1882 while he served as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York, NY. The labor...
Read MoreCan Social Security Benefits Help with Longevity Risk?
How long will you live? How long will you live? It’s not a question anyone can answer with any certainty, and that creates a significant risk when planning for retirement. Your retirement may last for a long time, and you will need to...
Read MoreFederal Reserve Minutes In Focus
Not everybody loves meetings and even fewer enjoy reading the minutes, but investors make an exception with the Federal Reserve. This week the Fed published the minutes from its August 1st meeting.
Read MoreCorporate Buybacks Are Shrinking The Global Markets
The global equity market is shrinking at the fastest pace in at least two decades, as a wave of corporate share buybacks swamps the overall volume of companies going public, issuing new stock or selling convertible debt.
Read MoreTurkey Sparks a Global Selloff
So, how did a country that represents just about 1.4 percent of the world's economy spark a global selloff?
Read MorePay for Gains - Not Inflation
A capital gain is any increase in the value of an asset, such as an investment, a home, land, etc., between its purchase and its sale. The amount of a gain is determined by subtracting the purchase price from the sale price.
Read MoreReady, Set, Trade War?
In recent years, investors have largely ignored geopolitical risks. Russia’s invasion of the Crimean Peninsula, the Brits’ vote to leave the European Union (EU), unrest in the Middle East, and other global events have not affected...
Read MoreStrong Second Quarter Results
Economic growth in the United States was strong during the second quarter. Gross domestic product (GDP), the value of all goods and services produced in the United States, grew by 4.1 percent. That's the fastest growth in four years.
Read MoreLower Tax Rates Are Offsetting Rising Costs
Corporate earnings have been strong. As of July 20, 17 percent of the companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index had reported second quarter results. More than 85 percent of those companies reported positive earnings surprises.
Read MoreThe Market Tide Isn't Lifting All Stocks
Investors are becoming more discriminating. Trade tensions escalated as the U.S. administration expanded tariffs on Chinese goods last week. You wouldn't have known by watching the performance of benchmark indices, though.
Read MoreQuarterly Earnings Are In!
As the second quarter of 2018 began, investors were feeling less optimistic than usual. As the quarter progressed, investor optimism increased on signs of economic strength.
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Are You a Subscriber?
In the olden days, the word ‘subscription’ typically was applied to just magazines and newspapers. Today, that’s not the case. Americans are buying everything from meal kits to baby products to vitamins by subscription. A McKinsey &...
Read MoreChina in Bear Market Territory
There's a bear in China - and it's not a panda. The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) Composite Index, which reflects the performance of all shares that trade on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, dropped into bear market territory last week.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Out of Revolution a New Nation was Born
On July 4, 1776, the American colonies banded together and declared independence from Great Britain. The countries had been at war for more than a year due to a number of issues, particularly in regards to harsh taxation and a lack of...
Read MoreWhat Happens When the Well Runs Dry?
To the relief of many South Africans, Day Zero has been pushed back to 2019. Day Zero is the date on which Cape Town will run out of water, and its four million residents will begin to collect daily water rations of about seven gallons...
Read MoreThe Yield Curve Is Looking a Bit Flat
The yield curve may be the pocket watch of economic indicators. It's been around for a long time and it's often right, but not always.
Read MoreTrade Tensions
Last week opened with heightened trade tensions between the United States and its allies. It closed with the United States imposing new tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese goods. The Chinese declared it was the start of a trade war.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Make It All About Dad
There are many perceived requirements of being a dad. “One of the jobs of a good dad is to help kids become a little tougher, a little more resilient, a little more separate…dads push kids to leave the nest; they brush off the dirt...
Read MoreG7 Meeting Makes for Good Reality TV
G whiz! Never before could the Group of 7 (G7) Summit have been mistaken for reality TV. The generally dignified annual meeting of leaders from the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom...
Read MoreHow to Prepare for a Changing Bond Market
The words ‘bear market’ have been bandied about a lot lately. When you read or hear them, remember to respond the same way you would if you saw an actual bear in the woods – by staying calm and keeping your wits about you. A changing...
Read MoreCapturing the Media's Attention with the Good, Bad, and Unexpected
World markets were buffeted by a clamor of good, bad, and unexpected news last week. Events that captured media and investor attention...
Read MoreU.S. Markets Move Higher in the Face of Global Uncertainty
Geopolitics is the intersection of geography, economics, and politics. Last week, there were some fine examples of the ways geopolitical events can create uncertainty.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Mindfulness and Memorial Day
If you’ve ever composed a grocery list in your head while driving carpool and listening to your children discuss who got in trouble at school and why, then you know what it’s like to have your attention divided. If you’ve ever worked...
Read MoreOil and Yields Are On the Rise
US stock markets were relatively calm, although they finished the week lower. US Treasury yields hit a 7-year high and finished the week above 3%. While these were notable, the most remarkable events last week occurred beyond our borders.
Read MoreTightening Labor Markets
How do employers lure staff in a tightening labor market? The curly tail grubs and spinnies of the business world are higher wages and better benefits.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - 10 Reasons Moms are Important
Mother’s Day is almost here! We all have moms and, whether they gave birth to us or not, they have helped us become the people we are today. Here are 10 reasons moms are so important, adapted from Psychology Today:11. She gave birth to...
Read MoreRecord Low U.S. Unemployment
U.S. unemployment fell to 3.9 percent, which is the lowest it has been since 2000. Typically, low employment is a sign of a strong economy.
Read MoreThe Search for Yield
The Federal Reserve and the U.S. bond market appear to be in agreement about the direction of interest rates. The latest increase, along with signs of higher inflation, helped push bond rates higher.
Read MoreKnowledge is Power, Especially When It Comes to Money
Understanding family attitudes towards money may improve financial decisions and reduce financial stress. Understanding family attitudes towards money may improve financial decisions and reduce financial stress. People inherit more...
Read MoreReasons Debt is a Cause for Concern
There are numerous reasons high levels of government debt (the amount a government owes) and significant deficits (the difference between how much a government takes in from taxes and how much it spends) are a cause for concern including...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Life in the Future
Technology is a life changer. GPS has improved interpersonal relations by eliminating arguments about asking for directions. Apps for car services, food delivery, video streaming, news media, and social media have changed the way we...
Read MoreHome is Wherever You Make It
“There’s no place like home.”1Conjuring an image of ‘home’ was a lot easier for Dorothy than it is for people who are on the cusp of retirement. After all, isn’t retirement supposed to be a new start? Aren’t retirees supposed to wave...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - St. Patrick and the Irish
It’s almost time to don green and gold. That’s right, March 17 is upon us. There’s more to the holiday, however, than eating corned beef and cabbage and celebrating the Irish. For instance, St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland,...
Read MoreTwo Ideas Worth Thinking About When Markets are Moving
Here’s a number most people would like to see on an annual statement: 21.6 percent. That was the annual return for the Standard & Poor (S&P) 500 Index during 2017. In general, U.S. stock indices did quite well last year – and the year...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - It’s Almost Valentine’s Day
If you’re looking for a gift that will express your love better than chocolates or a bouquet of flowers, don’t fret. Trendhunter.com has some innovative and unconventional suggestions:• Literary love tattoos. Perhaps, you’d like Rainer...
Read MoreWhat Would You Do?
Here’s a riddle for you: Some people are reluctant to start me, unless I’m automatic. I’m frequently exhausted when I don’t roll over. I’m sometimes left behind. Retirees devour me. What am I? Answer: A retirement savings plan.New jobs...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Most Americans know Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Baptist minister and the leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States until he was assassinated in 1968. Test your knowledge with this quiz about Dr. King.1. Before...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Are We Ready for the Baby Boom Retirement?
Fifteen years ago, a Health Services Research report described the challenges ahead for the United States as the Baby Boom generation aged into retirement. Four issues were paramount: 1) improving payment and insurance systems for...
Read MoreWill Interest Rates Move Higher?
The last bear market in bonds began in the middle of the last century and lasted for about 31 years. Some investors who bought bonds in 1950 locked in relatively low rates of return for a very long time. On January 1, 1950, 10-year U.S...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - 2018: A Really Big Year!
New years bring new adventures, and 2018 is no different. To paraphrase Ed Sullivan: 2018 could be a really big year. Here are a few of the events we can look forward to:• Men’s World Cup in Russia. CBS’s power rankings put Brazil at...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Finding Joy During the Holidays
“The holidays are often seen as a time of joy: ruddy cheeks, festive parties, and twinkling laughter, all wrapped in a warm, tinsel-framed glow. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It may be the ‘season to be jolly,’ but not...
Read MoreAre You Ready to Retire?
There is a simple and unsettling reality in the United States. Most Americans are not financially prepared for retirement. There is a simple and unsettling reality in the United States. Most Americans are not financially prepared for...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Let’s Talk Turkey!
Thanksgiving is the mother of all family dinners. It’s a celebration of our great nation and the many blessings that occur when people unite together in the spirit of communication. As you’re gathered around the table this year, here’s...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Fight for the Brave Men and Women Who Fought for Us
All too often, we assume the men and women who fought for our country can take care of themselves. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. There are some important ways ordinary Americans can help those who are returning from battle...
Read MoreMaximizing Your Social Security Benefits
Retirement and Social Security are inextricably linked. Not only did Social Security help establish the official U.S. retirement age at 65, it also provides a significant portion of today’s retirees’ incomes. Retirement and Social...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Halloween Trivia Anyone?
Halloween is almost upon us! Whether you’re wearing a costume, decorating your yard/house, or handing out treats, you won’t be alone. More than 179 million Americans are expected to participate in 2017’s Halloween festivities – and...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - A Sturdy Case Isn’t All You Need to Protect Your Smartphone
Smartphones are incredibly handy. That may be why about three of every four Americans own them.1 On average, smartphone users spend almost three hours a day – 86 hours every month – using their phones. They send texts and email,...
Read MoreCollege is Coming – Have You Started Saving Yet?
How times change! In 1940, half of Americans finished their education in eighth grade. College degrees were relatively rare. Just 6 percent of men and 4 percent of women had one.1During the past 80 years, college has become far more...
Read MoreEquifax Data Breach
Greetings, Last week, one of the big four credit reporting agencies, Equifax, announced it experienced a security breach resulting in criminals accessing personal information of approximately 143 million Americans between May and July...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Happy Labor Day!
Labor Day is about a lot more than the end of summer and the start of a new school year. The holiday, which celebrates American workers, became a federal holiday in 1894 and was created to recognize the contributions and achievements...
Read MoreAfter the Diagnosis: Making a Plan for Alzheimer’s
In a 2002 interview with Mike Wallace, former First Lady Nancy Reagan said she often reread the love letters written by her husband, former President Ronald Reagan. The letters, which had sustained and enriched their relationship,...
Read MoreBeware of Spam!
While some may be concerned about the iconic American meat that arrives in a rectangular 12-ounce tin (and is inexplicably popular in certain island states and American territories), more should be wary of its namesake – the spam that...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Artificial Intelligence Deserves Some Thought
The idea of Artificial Intelligence (AI) may bring to mind movies like Terminator, Wall-E, and Transcendence, but the reality of AI is expected to help people find answers to some significant issues. For example, a PwC survey found:1 •...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Happy Birthday, United States of America!
On July 4, 1776, the American colonies claimed independence from Britain. This declaration eventually led to the formation of the United States. As we celebrate the birth of our great nation, test your knowledge with this brief quiz.1...
Read MoreWhat Comes Next? Bull, Bear, Correction?
The bull market in U.S. stocks has been charging ahead for more than eight years.1 While that’s young in people years, it’s ancient in bull market terms. Since World War II, the longest bull market in U.S. stocks lasted for almost...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Getting to Know Your Dad
You’re probably familiar with ‘20 Questions.’ It’s a classic long-distance-car-trip game that encourages creativity and deductive reasoning. On this Father’s Day, try playing a version that can help you learn a lot more about your...
Read MoreSupersize Me: Here’s a Way to Fatten Up Your Retirement Savings
Wouldn’t it be something if you could plump up your retirement savings as easily as you can put on a few pounds eating fast food? Here’s one way to do it: Open a health savings account (HSA). It offers a triple tax advantage and you...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have given their lives in the service of our country. See what you know about Memorial Day by answering a few questions from an AARP quiz.1 1. Memorial Day was created to honor...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - The Joys and Doubts of Motherhood
Changing diapers, arranging play dates, driving car pools, calming squabbling siblings, attending musicals and sporting events, chaperoning proms, coaching teams, helping with college applications…moms have a lot of responsibilities....
Read MoreIt's Time to Talk About Aging
We are all, inexorably, marching toward old age. By 2030, 72 million Americans will be age 65 or older.1 The good news is longevity has been improving, and people are remaining healthy and vibrant at older ages. The bad news is...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Name a Device – Any Device – That You Can't Live Without
Some people may name a medical device or implant, such as a hearing aid, an artificial joint, or a pacemaker. Others may say they couldn't live without their electric bikes, GPS devices, tablets, or food processors. A surprisingly...
Read MoreBeware of Schemes During Tax Season
It’s tax season! Every year, around this time, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes its dirty dozen – a list of scams criminals use to try and ferret out personal information and/or steal money.1 For example, if you received an...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day
It has been said everyone in America is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you have Irish ancestry or merely enjoy a good celebration, test your knowledge of the old country by taking this quiz. 1. What is Gaeltacht?1a. A region of...
Read MoreMedicare Premiums and Copayments
More than one-half of working Americans know little or nothing about Medicare costs.1 Not knowing can be expensive. On average, people who haven’t yet retired estimate they’ll spend approximately $50,000 on health care after retirement...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Valentine’s Day: Why Chocolates?
The celebration of Valentine’s Day is attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer who wrote a poem about love and St. Valentine in the 1300s. Although this poem did not mention chocolate, the tasty treats have since become a Valentine’s Day...
Read MoreOnline Security: Avoiding Account Vulnerability
How many times did you login to a digital account today? It probably was more than once. Some people access digital sites via computer or tablet, but many others rely on their phones. Deloitte recently reported the essentials of life...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - The Nobel Peace Prize of 1964
In 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize. He accepted the award and took the opportunity to articulate his hope the civil rights movement would be successful, as well as his hope for all mankind:1 “…I must...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Retirement Can Be a Bed of Roses…
…And, it may have some thorns. There’s something you should know about retirement. It’s not as easy as everyone makes it seem. Remember what life was like when you tied the knot? How about once you had children? Or, when you accepted a...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - New Year's Day
Holiday Greeting - The Way You Eat in 2017 What can we expect in the New Year? If international food consultancy Baum + Whiteman is correct, we may find ourselves embracing new food trends including:1 • Restaurants without seats. We...
Read MoreRetirement Income
Retirement IncomeHere’s a million dollar question: How will you transform your savings into income that will last throughout your retirement?1There are probably as many answers to that question as there are retirees. However, all...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Stay Safe Online While Traveling and Shopping
We hope your holidays will be filled with family, friends, merry-making, and good cheer. One way to ensure a happy holiday season is to stay safe online. Here are a few tips that may help. 1. When using public Wi-Fi at a hotel, coffee...
Read MoreIs the End of the Bond Bull Market Finally Here?
For about 35 years, investors have enjoyed a bull market in bonds. At the start of 1982, the interest rate on 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds was 14.2 percent. By November 1, 2016, interest rates had fallen to 1.8 percent.1 Since bond...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Thanksgiving is Almost Here!
Thanksgiving is America’s second favorite holiday,1 and it offers something for everyone. You can enjoy family togetherness, feasting, football, school plays, parades, gratitude, and, of course, shopping. If you’re a traditionalist,...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Why Do American Soldiers Fight?
“American soldiers in battle don’t fight for what some president says on TV. They don’t fight for Mom, apple pie, the American flag. They fight for one another. ”1 Stars and Stripes used the words of Lieutenant Colonel Harold “Hal”...
Read MoreMarkets hate uncertainty - and that may create opportunities
Last week, investors experienced another bout of election jitters, and the Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) Index fell for the ninth straight session. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), a.k.a. the fear gauge, which measures the expected...
Read MoreIt's almost over...
During July 2016, Pew Research reported almost 60 percent of Americans were suffering from election fatigue. They weren't uninterested in the election. They were just worn out by never-ending news coverage that focused on candidates'...
Read MoreThe Uncovered Costs of Increased Longevity
In the 1970s, a TV episode of The Odd Couple taught viewers never to assume.1 It’s a lesson we appear to have forgotten. Many Americans assume Medicare will provide financial assistance to help with long-term care costs in retirement....
Read MoreThe Uncovered Costs of Increased Longevity
In the 1970s, a TV episode of The Odd Couple taught viewers never to assume.1 It’s a lesson we appear to have forgotten. Many Americans assume Medicare will provide financial assistance to help with long-term care costs in retirement....
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - It’s Almost All Hallows’ Eve!
People of a certain age will remember ‘It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.’ The animated television special debuted in 1966,1 way back when there were only a few channels and you had to get out of your seat to change them from one...
Read More"Verrrry interesting"
"Verrrry interesting." Arte Johnson's catch phrase from Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In may not have described U.S. stock markets last week, but there were some interesting economic, cyber-security, and consumer developments around the world...
Read More'Tis the season!
Third quarter earnings season, that is. Every quarter, companies report earnings to let investors know how profitable the companies were during the quarter. When profits grow, a company's share price may move higher. When profits...
Read MoreWhich Way...Was It Good News or Wasn't It
The U.S. unemployment rate ticked higher last week. The September jobs report showed the United States added 156,000 new jobs in September. That was 16,000 fewer than economists were expecting and 11,000 fewer than were added in...
Read MoreA Look Back...Quarter in Review
Markets were relatively calm during the third quarter of 2016, yet they delivered some attractive returns overall. In the United States, all three major U.S. indices posted record highs twice during a single 7-day period in August,...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - And, the Answer is: More than $260 Billion
That’s how much Americans had spent on pain relief medications and treatments when the Institute of Medicine (IOM) completed its report in 2011. If you factor in lost productivity, the economic cost of pain rose to more than $560...
Read MoreStart Talking About Retirement
If you ask people what creates stress in their lives, money is often at the top of the list. Stress in America: Paying With Our Health found money was a somewhat or a very significant source of stress in the lives of 64 percent of...
Read MoreAs Expected, Not Everyone Was Thrilled
The Markets As expected... The U.S. Federal Reserve left rates unchanged last week and markets celebrated. Across the globe, national stock market indices finished the week higher. In the United States, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index...
Read MoreIf it's not one thing, it may be another.
Economic data released last week will factor into this week's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decision on whether to push interest rates higher in the United States. Some of the August data supports the idea economic growth was...
Read MoreBlame it on the central banks!
After 44 consecutive sleepy, summer days when Barron's reported the Standard & Poor's 500 Index opened and closed without a 1 percent move in either direction, the index tumbled last week - and so did indices in other markets around...
Read MoreJobs, Brexit, and Priates. The Makings of a Cloudy Crystal Ball
"We can never know about the days to come, but we think about them anyway..." --Carly Simon Economists and market analysts have been thinking a lot about the Federal Reserve and the actions it may take before the end of 2016. Friday's...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - It's Almost Labor Day!
Labor Day weekend — the three days dedicated to celebrating American workers — marks the end of summer and, for some, the start of a new school year. It’s a good time to relax and ponder thoughts about work and play: “No work is...
Read MoreWhat’s New in the Longevity Market?
You may not have heard of the Longevity Market but, if you’re older than 50, you’re one of its 74.9 million members.1 It may be easiest to think of the Longevity Market as another way of describing the Baby Boom and preceding...
Read MoreU.S. interest rates may be moving up and it might happen this year.
The Market Attention investors: U.S. interest rates may be moving up and it might happen this year. During last Friday's speech at the Federal Reserve's annual economic symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen...
Read MoreOlympic Week - Clues to an Interest Rate Hike
The Markets Last week, Wall Street was speculating about monetary policy with the enthusiasm of commentators trying to predict who will bring home Olympic gold. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is expected to introduce another...
Read MoreDid You Buy Low After the Brexit Vote?
Most investors are familiar with the maxim ‘buy low and sell high.’ The unfortunate reality is that it’s a difficult principle to follow. Buying low often means investing in a company when its shares are priced below full value.Of...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Working While Retired
Would you accompany a group of high school students studying photojournalism and social change in Argentina? How about a group learning about language and culinary traditions in France? Does working for a season or two in a great place...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Fourth of July Quiz
Our Founding Fathers structured American democracy and left a legacy that has greatly influenced the world. This Fourth of July, see what you know about the Founding Fathers by taking this brief quiz. 1. Who were America’s Founding...
Read MoreWhen Your Children Leave Home, Will You Save More for Retirement?
You may be asking yourself whether that’s a trick question. After all, almost one-third of 18- to 34-year-olds are still living at home with their parents. It is, in fact, the most common living arrangement for this age group and a...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Dad: Breadwinner and Caregiver
For several years, researchers at Boston College have been studying the experiences and expectations of fathers. As you might suspect, the way in which men understand the role of ‘Dad’ has been changing. While some still believe their...
Read MoreRetirement Alchemy: Turning After-Tax Plan Contributions into Roth Savings
In medieval times, alchemists sought methods for transforming ordinary metals into gold. Today, just about every adult searches for a means of transforming savings into a retirement’s worth of income. Recently, they received help from...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Put the Memorial Back Into Memorial Day!
Before the big barbecue, take time this Memorial Day weekend to honor the men and women who gave their lives fighting for our country. If you’re looking for a way to remember those brave Americans, here are a few suggestions:1 • Raise...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - The Neuroscience of Motherhood
Scientists have been mapping our mothers’ brains! They haven’t found eyes in the back of her head, or a way to help her worry less, but they are beginning to understand the mother-child bond better:1 “After centuries of observing...
Read MoreStock Markets and Election Years
Super Bowl winners, the length of hemlines, and Sports Illustrated covers – all of these have been used to develop theories about the direction in which stock markets may be headed. Presidential elections and terms have also inspired a...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Beware Scammers Claiming to Be the IRS
If you receive a voice or email message from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or you field a phone call from an IRS agent informing you “you owe back taxes” and “you better pay now or be arrested (or deported)...
Read MoreCollege Loan Confusion
College students have steep learning curves. In high school, they were tasked with doing well academically, participating in extracurricular activities, complying with the rules of their parents’ homes and, possibly, having a job...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - If Wars Were Fought with Words…
If wars were fought with words, Ireland would be ruling the world. --Irish proverb1 The wit and humor of the Irish is legendary, as is their ability to weave words into poems, prose, folk tales, and song. On this St. Patrick’s...
Read More7 Reasons a Roth IRA May Be a Good Idea for You or Someone You Love
It’s almost tax time. During April, many people take advantage of the opportunity to reduce taxes by funding a Traditional IRA. While that makes sense for some Americans, others may benefit by contributing to a Roth IRA that...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Saying ‘I love you’ on Valentine’s Day
Are you looking for just the right Valentine’s Day message for someone you love? Here are a few suggestions that have a decidedly financial twist from 14 Ways an Economist Says I Love You by Liz Fosslien. The messages are...
Read MoreWhy is the Federal Reserve So Controversial?
The world’s first central bank offered unprecedented convenience. It gave 17th century Swedes the option to pay with paper notes rather than 40-pound copper plates, which were the currency units of the Swedish empire at the time....
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Acts of courage: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a complex man who took an unconventional approach to a difficult problem. He used non-violent protests to focus attention on civil rights in the United States. While he fought the status quo, he...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Understanding 2016’s Higher Medicare Part B Premiums
Understanding 2016’s Higher Medicare Part B PremiumsOne-in-seven Medicare enrollees will pay higher Medicare Part B monthly premiums during 2016. Their premiums will be $121.80 each month, an increase of 16 percent. While...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - How Do You Celebrate the New Year?
From early Babylonians to present-day Americans, people have been celebrating the beginning of every new year for almost four thousand years!1 Here are a few ways people celebrate the holiday in the United States:2 61 percent of...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - There is A Lot to Celebrate During December!
December is full of high spirits and good cheer. If you browse online, you’ll find some surprising holidays amidst more well-known celebrations. Just in case you need more reasons to celebrate the season, here is a list of major...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving traditions aren’t quite as straightforward as the elementary school plays about Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a feast would have us believe. History.com suggests that’s because Thanksgiving is,...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - It's Veterans Day!
Veterans are skilled leaders and problem solvers who have a lot to offer in and out of the service. Got Your 6, a campaign to empower veterans in America, offered some interesting insights about the men and women who have chosen to...
Read MoreThe Basics of Tax Loss Harvesting
You may have heard of tax loss harvesting. Some people harvest losses every year, while others do so only when they have taken significant capital gains or have received more income than expected during a given year (perhaps they sold...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting – By the Numbers
A number you’re probably not looking for is 1.5 billion. That’s the number of pounds of pumpkins grown every year. History.com said that’s more than twice the weight of the Empire State Building. Here are a few other interesting...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Uncommon Knowledge: Prescription Interactions
If you’re 57 or older, it’s a pretty good bet you take at least one prescription medication. If you take more than one, it’s really important to understand how the drugs may interact with one another in your system – particularly, if...
Read MoreA New Tool for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Twenty-five years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, guaranteeing disabled Americans – people with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities – equal opportunity in employment, transportation, government...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Food for Thought at Your Labor Day Picnic
Workers are essential to innovation and success. According to the London School of Economics (LSE), they’re a source of ideas for new products, new services, new approaches to work, and new business models.1Worker-led innovation must...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Food for Thought at Your Labor Day Picnic
Workers are essential to innovation and success. According to the London School of Economics (LSE), they’re a source of ideas for new products, new services, new approaches to work, and new business models.1Worker-led innovation must...
Read MoreStay Calm and Open a Health Savings Account
Healthcare. Retirement. Those may be two of the most stressful words in the English language today. Especially when you include them both in the same sentence. For instance, a married couple that saves $326,000 has a 90 percent chance...
Read MoreStock Buybacks
How Do You Make Money in Stocks?Have you ever watched Family Feud? Perhaps you were a child when Richard Dawson hosted the game show or maybe you enjoy the current version. No matter, take a moment and:• Name a three-letter word that...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - What is Character?
People think about character in many different ways. You have probably heard or may have commented on someone else’s character by saying:• She is a woman of good character.• What a character!• That was really out of character.• He has...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About America?
Achieving U.S. citizenship can be life changing, but it is not easy. Those who aspire to become American citizens must pass a 100-question naturalization test and answer six of 10 questions correctly during their naturalization...
Read MorePaying for College
While your high school student is taking standardized tests, parsing college choices, and raring for graduation, you’ll probably find yourself spending some time with net income calculators on college websites. Whether your family’s...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What is a Father’s Role?
Modern dads are a diverse bunch. They may go to work or stay at home with the kids. They may be single, married, or dating. They may be birth parents, adoptive parents, or step-parents.1 They may be expected to teach children morals...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - A Day for Gratitude
There are many ways to show gratitude for the sacrifices made by the men and women who have died while fighting for our freedom. In 1868, General John Logan issued a Memorial Day Order that said:1“Let us, then, at the time appointed,...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Makes Your Mom So Special?
When you think “Mom,” it’s likely your brain conjures up a scent or a story or a song that feels like home. Here are a few inspiring and heartfelt words that have been written about the value and importance of mothers:“A mother enables...
Read MoreWhere is the Best Place to Retire?
It all depends on you. Thanks to the Baby Boom generation, pre-retirees and retirees have a lot more options than did previous generations of Americans. There is a lot to consider before you decide where to live during retirement: your...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - The Future is Almost Here!
Before you know it – thanks to smart phones, tablets, and wireless technology – your home will be connected to the Internet of Things. Sure, home automation costs a few shekels, but just imagine it! You could be the envy of Jane Jetson...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About St. Patrick?
St. Patrick, the apostle of Ireland, is one of the most well known and popular Catholic saints. Of course, he wasn’t actually Irish and his birth name wasn’t Patrick! Maewyn Succat was born to Calpurnius and Conchessa, a Roman couple...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - The Economics of Love
Romantics welcome Valentine’s Day and having the opportunity to lavish loved ones with attention. Economists appreciate Valentine’s Day, too. Sure, the $13 billion spent on Valentine’s Day is just a drop in the $17 trillion bucket of...
Read MoreThe Need for Something New
You have probably heard the term ‘planned obsolescence.’ It’s also known as ‘shortening the replacement cycle.’ No matter what you call it, the strategy was developed by manufacturers to ensure consumers would buy products more than...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
If you were to create a list of Americans who’ve had great influence on our country during the past 100 years, it would not be complete without the name Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. While he’s best remembered for fighting for civil...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Giving Great Gifts
Some people have a gift when it comes to gifts. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, baby shower, Christmas, Hanukah, or some other occasion, they always seem to find just the right thing for each person. If you’re not an insightful gift...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Make Something Memorable
In addition to making wonderful memories during the holiday season, almost two-thirds of Americans – including people of all income levels – make the gifts they give to family and friends. It will come as no surprise more women than...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Get Up! Stand Up!
Sitting is bad for your health. Whether you’re sitting at a desk doing work, in a classroom listening to a lecture, or on a ship sailing the ocean, research suggests extended periods of sedentary behavior may increase the likelihood of...
Read More