Balance is seen as one of the keys to making the most of your investments. But what does a balanced portfolio look like?
2021 Market Outlook Inflation & Asset Prices 2020 left us with some of the most volatile markets ever seen. The S&P 500 fell over 30% in about a month. Followed by the government and central bank coming to the rescue. With stimulus on both the fiscal and monetary fronts, this propelled markets to a new all-time high. Consumers received direct payments from the US Treasury in an unprecedented fiscal stimulus that left the average person...
If you and your spouse are making plans to retire, you’re probably wondering whether it’s a good idea to retire at the same time. Many couples go through the same thought process and, in fact, one in four couples quit their jobs within a year of each other. But retirement is a decision that should be carefully thought out. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to retire at the same time as...
The Bull Is Back... Will It Keep Charging? On August 18, 2020, the S&P 500 set a record high for the first time since COVID-19 ushered in a bear market on February 19. The cycle from peak to peak was just 126 trading days, the fastest recovery in the history of the index, erasing losses from an equally historic plunge of almost 34% in February and March. 1 Based on the traditional definition of market...
Robo-advisors are evolving, but they will never compete with a live person in determining how to invest your money. While working on a sensitive thing, like investments, you probably want a personal touch. A financial advisor can help you identify your goals, look at the future, and divise a way to get you where you want to be financially. You also want to be involved in the investment process. When you learn what works, and...
Health insurance used to be a fairly simple process. But today, whether obtaining health insurance privately or through an employer, we’re being offered a variety of insurance plans with varying benefit levels, making the choice more difficult. Before you enroll in another health insurance plan, here are some common terms you need to know – and understand: Co-Insurance – Co-insurance is the amount that you are responsible for out-of-pocket. Most plans have levels such as...
The Coronavirus pandemic has affected us all in ways that we didn’t anticipate at the start of the year, especially when it comes to our finances. And unfortunately, just as federal emergency benefits are starting to run out, signs of a second wave of the virus are looming—and some may even say it’s already here. The good news is that there are ways to protect your finances in the event of a second wave of...
More Americans are retiring earlier than you might think Planning for retirement is without a doubt a long-term project that takes years of saving and adjusting to prepare for successfully. It certainly isn’t a fix it and forget it endeavor. But no matter how well you prepare or how diligently you save, the reality is that health issues, company downsizing, a worldwide pandemic, or simply personal preference may put you face to face with an...
During a crisis, you need answers, and your financial advisor knows this. It is a scramble to find the right information, and sometimes you do not even know whom to call. So, what do you do? Well, luckily for you, we have spent some time thinking about this and have come up with some of the most important things to do to during a crisis. Before the Crisis First and foremost, you should chat with...
The digital world has transformed professional industries in unique ways that prior to internet access would have been impossible. Doctors can monitor patients remotely, lawyers can offer counsel online, software can complete your taxes for you, and even financial investments and advertisements can be made without any face-to-face contact. To some this would sound ludicrous and to others it sounds convenient, but one thing is for certain—the robo-advisor is another option that’s here to stay...
Are you anxious about rising higher education costs? College can be a valuable experience, but it’s becoming less affordable since costs are growing at approximately 6% each year, which is more than twice the inflation rate. However, with the proper foresight and knowledge, you can utilize different investment vehicles to increase the likelihood that your loved ones will have minimal or no student debt. Some accounts, such as 529 plans, have multiple tax advantages that...
When it comes to managing your personal finances, paying someone else to decide where to put your money may feel counter-intuitive. After all, who knows and understands your financial needs and goals better than you? Well, the truth is that a financial professional is far better suited to the task. Hiring a financial professional could be one of the best financial moves you make this year. Their utility is far greater than your capacity to...
