There is no lack of unquieting news that impacts the markets daily. And volatility looks to be a big player in the markets for at least the near-term. Here are a few important reminders on the perils of trying to time the market – at any time. To take some kind of action may offer brief relief, but market-timing ultimately runs counter to your best strategies for building durable long-term wealth. … [Read more...]
Loneliness and Your Money
September 3, 2019 by
How Loneliness Can Affect Your Money Most people feel lonely at different times in their lives, but in a recent study, one person out of 10 reported being lonely or isolated from others “all or most of the time,” according to the Pew Research Center. Loneliness not only impacts mental health, it can also take a toll on finances. The Pew survey found that frequent loneliness is linked to … [Read more...]
The Federal Reserve
September 3, 2019 by
How the Federal Reserve Moves the Economy If you follow the news, you’ve probably heard references to “the Fed” as in “the Fed held interest rates,” or “market watchers are predicting what the Fed will do next.” So what exactly is the Fed and what does it do? I learned about the intricacies of central banks when I was studying at Columbia Business School, and here are some of the basics. The … [Read more...]
Reviewing Your Estate Plan
August 5, 2019 by
Reviewing Your Estate Plan Some people don’t want to create or update their estate plan - it is unpleasant to think about death. But we nudge clients to review it periodically and keep it accurate. An estate plan is basically a map that explains how you want your personal and financial affairs to be handled in case of incapacity or your death, and it should be checked as your lives change and … [Read more...]
What Is Blockchain?
August 5, 2019 by
What Is Blockchain? Clients often ask about bitcoin, but blockchain technology is more interesting and is what really makes bitcoin possible. It’s a data structure used to create a secure digital ledger shared among a distributed network of computers. It was initially designed for the peer-to-peer exchange for the virtual currency bitcoin. However, many businesses are now developing and … [Read more...]
Tax Update Post-TCJA
August 5, 2019 by
Tax Update The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) made fundamental changes to the U.S. tax code, and the 2018 returns were the first time most taxpayers felt the impact of these sometimes painful changes. Most still don’t understand it. In an April 2019 Gallup poll, 43% of Americans said they were unsure how the new tax law affected them personally. Despite a stated effort to simplify the federal … [Read more...]
The Markets in July
August 2, 2019 by
The Markets in July Stocks ran hot and cold in July, influenced by worsening global economic conditions, ongoing trade negotiations with China, and softening domestic business investment. While the Fed’s decision to reduce short-term interest rates was not unexpected, stocks reeled at month’s end. Some analysts questioned the timing of the interest rate reduction, particularly in the event of … [Read more...]
The Markets in June
July 4, 2019 by
The Markets in June 2019 June, and the whole second quarter, was full of ups and downs for stocks. The trade war between the U.S. and China ebbed and flowed as news went from positive to negative and back again. Employment was steady and the unemployment rate remained low, but wage growth was moderate at best. Manufacturing and industrial production hit a snag, as did business fixed … [Read more...]
Single women and money
July 3, 2019 by
Study: Single women and money Single women – those who have never married, those who have experienced divorce, and those who have outlived a spouse – need to take a more proactive approach to growing and protecting their finances, according to a new study. The Single Women and Money Study found that while the overwhelming majority of single women (97%) believe it is important to be engaged in … [Read more...]
Keep Your Eye Out for Scams
May 3, 2019 by
Scams to Watch Out For While scams are especially prevalent during tax season, they can take place any time during the year. A client recently had a call from someone at Social Security, or so they told her. They coaxed this very intelligent woman into revealing quite a bit about her financial life, using profoundly professional-sounding authority and a sense of urgency about her Social Security … [Read more...]
The Markets in April
May 2, 2019 by
The Markets in April As April came to a close, major benchmark indexes posted strong returns. Both the Nasdaq and S&P 500 reached new highs during the month, amid a shrinking trade deficit, favorable economic projections, low inflation, and stable interest rates. The Nasdaq led the way, nearing a monthly gain of almost 5.0%, followed by the large caps of the S&P 500, the small caps of the … [Read more...]
Talking to Your Kids About Money
May 1, 2019 by
Talking to Your Kids About Money Do you feel comfortable talking to your children about money? It can be a tricky topic, and of course it’s only one of the many tricky topics and conversations with teens. But by being open with your kids about money, you can share your values as well as teach them basic financial management skills. According to a report by the Consumer Financial Protection … [Read more...]
Why Name a “Trusted Contact”
February 3, 2019 by
Why name a “Trusted Contact” Do you need a Trusted Contact? Not everyone needs one, as cozy and protective as it sounds. We suggest that you take this step with intention and careful thought, not just because the custodian sends you a form to name someone. In an effort to prevent senior financial fraud, FINRA (the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) created a rule to allow custodians to … [Read more...]
Hidden Gem: HSAs
February 1, 2019 by
Hidden Gem: HSA in Retirement The health savings account or “HSA” is a little-understood vehicle for tax-deferred savings for medical expenses. This tax-preferred account can prove useful not only during your working years but also in retirement. Many people think it is just to defer current-year taxes for medical out-of-pocket costs, but it can be used much more strategically, even in … [Read more...]
Medicare Costs in 2019
February 1, 2019 by
What Will You Pay for Medicare in 2019? Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts change annually. Here’s a look at some of the costs for 2019 for those enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Medicare Part B premiums Most with Medicare who receive Social Security benefits will pay the standard monthly Part B premium of $135.50 in 2019. However, for some whose premiums … [Read more...]
