Challenges in the Health Care System The older we get, the more likely we are to need medical care, which is why health insurance premiums are higher for mature adults.1 Unfortunately, most doctors are given the least medical training...
Read MoreAssessing Your Mortgage Situation in Retirement When it comes to retirement preparation, a common benchmark goal is having one’s mortgage paid off. This typically removes a large, ongoing payment from the budget and can reduce...
Read MoreAccording to IRS estimates, taxpayers collectively pay about 82 percent of taxes they legitimately owe. This amounts to about $458 billion annually in lost taxes, based on data from 2008 to 2010.1 Of course, we do not recommend...
Read MoreThe Week on Wall Street U.S. stock benchmarks opened a new quarter positively. The S&P 500 gained 1.65% in the opening week of July; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 1.21%; the Nasdaq Composite, 1.94%. Overseas, stocks in developed...
Read MoreThe Week on Wall Street Friday, the S&P 500 settled above 3,000 for the first time, after rising 0.78% for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average chalked up a milestone of its own: the blue chips ended the week above 27,000,...
Read MoreBetween 1926 and 2018, the S&P 500 experienced double-digit annual losses only 11 times. Not only did the market recover, but the index has never permanently lost ground in any rolling 15-year period during that time frame.1 While...
Read MoreCompanies are constantly trying to find new ways to reduce their expenses and generate revenue each year; some in quite innovative ways. The insurance industry is no different. On the health insurance side, one example is...
Read MoreThe Week on Wall Street A month of gains for stocks ended with a weekly retreat. The S&P 500 lost 0.30%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.32%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.45%. In contrast, overseas shares, tracked by the MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreThe No. 1 reason to purchase an insurance policy is to cover expenses that would otherwise create a financial hardship for you or your family. Many policies are often employer-sponsored, but if you don’t have access to...
Read MoreWhy Buy an Annuity When the Market is Up? Perhaps you are familiar with an annuity. The basic premise is that you convert a lump sum of money into a stream of income. Unlike an investment, once you commit a fixed amount of money to the...
Read MoreThe Week on Wall Street Stocks rallied during a week in which Wall Street was buffeted by headlines. The S&P 500 rose 4.41%. The Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average respectively added 3.88% and 4.71%. The MSCI EAFE index...
Read MoreThe Week on Wall Street Stocks just posted their second straight weekly gain. Investors were encouraged by the latest jobs report and new signs of progress on a U.S.-China trade deal. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.17% in...
Read MoreThe Week on Wall Street Friday, the yield of the 3-month Treasury bill exceeded the yield of the 10-year Treasury note for the first time in 12 years. For some analysts, this "inverted yield curve" may imply a short-term lessening of...
Read MoreWomen in the Workplace People are living longer, which also means more people are working longer, either because they want to stay engaged or they need more time to prepare for a longer retirement. Unfortunately, these trends...
Read MoreThe Week on Wall Street The big story last week was the sudden grounding of Boeing 737 Max 8 and 9 passenger jets in dozens of countries. The financial effects of this ban could potentially impact the airline industry and segments of...
Read MoreThe Week on Wall Street As in February, investors spent most of the first full trading week of March hoping for new details in U.S.-China trade negotiations. While they waited, stock benchmarks drifted downward. From Monday's open to...
Read MoreThe Week on Wall Street Stocks lost a little ground as February gave way to March. While domestic and overseas political developments made headlines, the market stayed relatively calm: from Monday's open through Friday's close, the...
Read MoreThe Week on Wall Street Stocks ended a good week on a high note, as hints of progress in U.S.-China trade talks encouraged investors. When the closing bell rang Friday, the S&P 500 settled at 2,775.60, after rising 2.50% in five days....
Read MoreThe Week on Wall Street Major U.S. stock benchmarks eked out slight gains last week, with corporate profit reports and news about U.S.-China trade negotiations vying for investor attention over five trading sessions. The big three...
Read MoreLast week closed out one of stocks' top January performances in years. In fact, both the S&P 500 and Dow posted their best January results in at least 3 decades.[1] For the week, major domestic indexes were also up. The S&P 500 gained...
Read MoreThe close of the year provides an opportunity for investors to step back and consider the wider financial landscape. This week, we're reviewing some key issues that defined 2018, as well as some factors that may influence financial...
Read MoreLast week, the East Coast prepared for Hurricane Florence, which roared through the Carolinas and Georgia. As investors kept their eyes on the weather and its potential for destruction, estimates emerged of up to $27 billion in...
Read MoreDomestic markets fell last week due to negative trade news and declining tech stocks, with the S&P 500 and Dow both breaking their multi-week winning streaks. Meanwhile, the NASDAQ posted losses for 4 days in a row for the first time...
Read MoreTrade continued to dominate the news last week and cause market volatility as investors monitored discussions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and tension with China. While Mexico and the U.S. reached a new trade...
Read MoreLast week marked a noteworthy milestone in our economy: On Wednesday, August 22, the bull market entered its 3,453rd day, the longest such run in U.S. history. In the past 9 plus years, domestic indexes have come quite a ways since...
Read MoreChallenges in emerging markets affected both U.S. and global stock performance last week, with the S&P 500 experiencing several down days.[1] By market close on Friday, however, two of the three major domestics posted gains for the...
Read MoreStocks ended the week in mixed territory as trouble with Turkey's currency affected U.S. equity performance on Friday, August 10.[1] For the week, the S&P lost 0.25%, the Dow declined 0.59%, and the NASDAQ increased 0.35%.[2]...
Read MoreDomestic markets ended last week in positive territory, as the S&P gained 0.76%, the Dow was up 0.05%, and the NASDAQ increased 0.96%.[1] This performance marked the 5th week in a row that the S&P 500 and Dow posted gains.[2]...
Read MoreBefore we begin our usual weekly commentary, we wanted to take a moment to honor the victims of Sunday's terrible attack in Las Vegas. Though details are still scarce, it is the most devastating mass shooting in U.S. history. Our...
Read MoreDomestic indexes were mixed last week, as the Dow gained 0.36%, the S&P 500 eked out a 0.08% increase, and the NASDAQ lost 0.33%.[1] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE added a solid 0.68%.[2] Three stories that have dominated...
Read MoreAfter briefly stumbling the week of September 4, domestic indexes notched significant gains last week and hit record highs. By Friday, the S&P 500 exceeded 2,500 for the first time, the Dow closed at its highest level ever, and the...
Read MoreLast week, the markets closed for Labor Day, and in the subsequent four trading days, all three domestic indexes gave back some recent gains. The S&P 500 declined 0.61%, the Dow lost 0.86%, and the NASDAQ slid 1.17%.[1] International...
Read MoreLast week gave a number of things for both investors and non-investors to think - and worry - about. From North Korea's missiles to Hurricane Harvey's devastation to an unemployment uptick, the headlines were busy. Yet, despite these...
Read MoreAfter several weekly losses, the major domestic indexes all ended in positive territory on Friday, August 25. The S&P 500 gained 0.72%, the Dow was up 0.64%, and the NASDAQ added 0.79% for the week.[1] International stocks in the MSCI...
Read MoreFrom domestic unrest to international terrorism, last week provided many headlines that could easily rattle the markets. While we did see days with volatility and declines, the major indexes remained relatively flat.[1]sup> For the...
Read MoreLast week, rising tension between North Korea and the U.S. rattled the world's markets. As the two countries traded tough words, concerns escalated and markets reacted emotionally to the news.[1] Though stress is building...
Read MoreAnother week of economic performance brought more news that the markets continue their bullish streak. After eight consecutive record-high closings, the Dow rose above 22,000 for the first time ever and finished the week up 1.20%.[1]...
Read MoreLast week, markets marched ahead within a busy reporting week. The Dow rose 1.16% to close Friday on another new high.[1] The S&P 500 notched a record high during the week, despite closing the week slightly down 0.02%.[2] Meanwhile,...
Read MoreLast week, the Dow, S&P 500, and NASDAQ again hit record highs. The midweek peaks fell by Friday, though market performance remained strong.[1] By week's end, the Dow dropped 0.27%, and the S&P 500 and NASDAQ dipped on Friday but...
Read MoreLast Friday, stocks closed on more record highs. The S&P 500 rose 1.41% and the Dow climbed 1.04% - both closing at new peaks.[1] The NASDAQ reported a 2.58% gain and the MSCI EAFE posted a 2.38% increase.[2] Despite continuing...
Read MoreAs the country celebrated the Fourth of July last week, the markets experienced some volatility, though they finished a bit flat overall.[1] The Dow fell then rose to close the week up 0.30%.[2] The S&P 500 climbed a modest 0.07% for...
Read MoreAs Q2 ended, markets hit a six-week volatility high.[1] While the tech sector declined during the week, consumer discretionary and industrial sectors drove stocks higher on Friday.[2] On Friday, the tech-heavy NASDAQ slumped 1.99%.[3]...
Read MoreLast week, markets kept relatively quiet despite the continuing drop in oil prices. The S&P 500 rose by 0.21%, the Dow increased by 0.05%, and the NASDAQ - the week's best performer - jumped 1.84%.[1] Internationally, the MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreLast week, markets kept relatively quiet despite the continuing drop in oil prices. The S&P 500 rose by 0.21%, the Dow increased by 0.05%, and the NASDAQ - the week's best performer - jumped 1.84%.[1] Internationally, the MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreMarkets remained mixed last week as the Dow closed at another record high, while the NASDAQ fell and the S&P 500 held steady.[1] By Friday, the Dow gained 0.52%, the NASDAQ fell -0.92%, and the S&P 500 gained a slight 0.05%.[2]...
Read MoreMarkets last week were mixed with leading tech stocks falling dramatically as some investors pulled profits.[1] The NASDAQ took the biggest hit, finishing 1.55% down on the week - its worst week of the year.[2] Meanwhile, the Dow rose...
Read MoreLast week, the S&P 500, Dow, and NASDAQ closed at all-time record highs.[1] The S&P 500 rose 0.96%, the Dow gained 0.6%, and the NASDAQ grew by 1.54%.[2] Meanwhile, the MSCI EAFE gained 1.64% for the week.[3] Despite strong equity...
Read MoreThe markets marched ahead last week with the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ reporting all-time records, albeit just slightly above previous highs.[1] The S&P rose 1.43% over last week, while the NASDAQ was up 2.08%.[2] The Dow gained 1.32%...
Read MoreEarly last week, both the S&P and NASDAQ recorded all time highs before tumbling along with the Dow as political concerns rose.[1] By Friday, though, the markets had largely rebounded and steadied. The S&P 500 closed the week down 0...
Read MoreMarkets tuned out noise from Washington last week and continued to focus on economic fundamentals. Mildly rebounding retail sales and strong consumer sentiment seem to point toward a modestly stronger second quarter.[1]After a...
Read MoreLast week, stocks rose but floated within a narrow trading range. By Friday, however, both the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ reached record highs.[1] For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.63%, the Dow finished up 0.32%, and the NASDAQ rose 0...
Read MoreStocks continued their advance on generally strong earnings reports this week despite the GDP report showing a slow first quarter economy. The S&P 500 rose 1.51%, the Dow gained 1.91%, and the NASDAQ added 2.32%.[1] On Tuesday, the...
Read MoreDomestic stocks posted losses on Friday, April 21, largely due to investor concerns about the French election.[1] Despite these daily losses, U.S. indexes broke their two-week losing streak, with the S&P 500 adding 0.85%, the Dow...
Read MoreLast week, major indexes experienced losses for the second week in a row, with the S&P 500 falling 1.21%, the Dow giving back 1.01%, the NASDAQ dropping 1.26%, and the MSCI EAFE declining 0.14%.[1] Markets closed on April 14 for the...
Read MoreThe first quarter of 2017 is now behind us, and although we won't have complete economic data for a while, we do know that domestic stocks had a solid start to the year. Last week, major indexes took a pause from some recent gains and...
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Recently, the 401K has been growing in popularity, particularly because of the decline of the traditional pension. Employees, ever-concerned about staying on budget and cutting costs, have started to phase out pensions and replace them...
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An annuity is a tax-deferred savings account issued by a financial advisor at an insurance company. It usually is part of an overall retirement strategy that can also include income sources such as pensions or even Social Security....
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A new survey by PNC Financial Services Group discovered members of Generation X are working harder to avert a retirement crisis. Meanwhile, many baby boomers in their 50s and 60s are falling behind. Although it’s not a...
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Actuarial data shows women live longer than men, but many women lag behind in retirement savings. Astute retirement planning gives modern women the edge whether they are single, married, work outside the home or manage a household....
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If you receive an inheritance, experts recommend you take at least some of the money to have fun and honor your benefactor. However, most loved ones leave you an inheritance so you can build a stable and secure future. As long as you...
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After leaving a company, former employees can usually opt to keep their 401K or move the money over into a Rollover IRA. The benefits of rolling over old employer 401ks often outweigh the negatives. Opening up new opportunitiesMost...
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Raiding your 401(k) when you are young defeats the purpose of saving early for retirement, yet millions of Americans fall into the trap. According to a recent article by time.com, 30 million people tapped their retirement money in the...
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Being a parent is extremely rewarding. However, it’s also full of stress and responsibilities. And with the cost of college tuition continually soaring at an alarming rate, saving for education definitely weighs heavy on...
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Although not everyone born 1960 and 1980 is poor, jaded and scarred by the Great Recession, many members of Generation X do face financial challenges that are unique. According to one article by Market Watch, Gen Xers dealt with many...
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Dramatic stock market declines recently shook up long-term investors. For baby boomers who have faithfully contributed to a 401(k) or other retirement account, the fact that retirement has arrived or is close at hand makes it more...
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Money gives you opportunities and freedom, yet so many people think they don’t deserve wealth or can’t achieve their financial goals. By adopting a positive money mindset, you can transform your self-sabotaging attitudes....
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One of the big goals of planning for retirement is to save enough money that you won’t have to work after you retire. Many people achieve this goal, and when they retire, they begin drawing directly from their savings. This often...
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No matter what your age or situation, it’s always a good idea to be planning for your retirement. The earlier you start, the better off you’ll be, and the more you plan, the easier you’ll find life to be once the time...
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When planning for the future, you are better off managing the money you earn and expecting no inheritance. Although some people write off Social Security, most generations will likely receive their Social Security benefits reduced up...
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It was one of those marriages that families discuss with an eye-roll. They were too young…and then they had children. Why does she put up with him? Why does he stay? Then there was a split and it was over. Weeks later, before...
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While estate planning is sometimes an uncomfortable issue that couples shy away from discussing, the importance of giving loved ones financial security makes preparing one’s estate crucial. USA Today listed some simple ways for...
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Getting more education is very rarely the wrong decision. Higher education can be helpful in so many ways. It can help raise your intelligence and your income. It can make you happier in general, and if you do it right, it can be a lot...
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Tax challenges for business owners seem to grow every year as more complex requirements keep popping up. It can seem like juggling after a while, and it’s why you should always have advisors to help you through the storm. As we...
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Annuities offer several attractive benefits including safety, a guaranteed return, and their exclusion from the probate process. Probably the primary reason, though, is that like IRAs, 401(k)s, and other traditional retirement savings...
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There are many people concerned about having enough money to last during retirement. People who retire today have a lot of financial issues they are facing. For example, interest rates are currently very low. For people living on a...
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If you sponsor or participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan such as a 401(k) or 403(b), odds are good that your fund line-up includes target date funds (also referred to as “lifecycle funds.”) These investment...
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A college selection based on prestige is the main reason students accumulate debt. As student debt continues to climb, graduating debt free is becoming everyone’s goal. To succeed at this, select the right colleges based on...
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Learning how to grow your investment portfolio can feel incredibly intimidating. Just when you think you’ve mastered one type of investing, someone comes along and insists that you diversify your portfolio. What is the importance...
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Immediate annuities such as Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIAs) are considered by many financial advisers and investors as a good way to ensure a steady retirement income. Despite the ups and downs of the financial markets and...
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If you’ve left a job with an employer-sponsored 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan, you have some decisions to make about what to do with your vested retirement dollars.One of the most common choices is transferring the account...
Read MoreWith the first quarter of 2017 now behind us, we have seen the three major indexes all gain more than 4.5% so far this year.[1] In fact, the NASDAQ just experienced its best quarter since 2013 due to tech stocks driving growth.[2]...
Read MoreLast week, all four of the indexes we discuss in these market updates saw their performance stumble. The S&P 500 lost 1.44%, the Dow was down 1.52%, the NASDAQ gave back 1.22%, and the MSCI EAFE declined 0.07%.[1] On Tuesday, March 21...
Read MoreFor the fifth time in six weeks, domestic stock indexes ended last week in positive territory. The S&P 500 gained 0.24%, the NASDAQ added 0.67%, and the Dow eked out a 0.06% increase.[1] International equities in the MSCI EAFE grew by...
Read MoreAfter at least four consecutive weeks of growth, the three major domestic indexes all lost ground this week. The S&P 500 was down 0.44%, the Dow lost 0.49%, and the NASDAQ declined 0.15%.[1] Meanwhile, international stocks in the MSCI...
Read MoreOn Wednesday, March 1, the three major domestic indexes all had their best performance in 2017 and reached record highs yet again.[1] In fact, the S&P 500 hit 2,400 for the first time ever on the same day the Dow went above 21,000 for...
Read MoreOnce again, domestic markets reached record highs last week. The S&P 500 was up by 0.69% and the NASDAQ increased by 0.12%.[1] With its 0.96% week-over-week growth, the Dow has posted gains for 11 straight days and is currently...
Read MoreAnother week, another round of record highs. Despite concerns about how France's upcoming presidential election could affect the European Union's stability, U.S. stocks ended the week up yet again.[1] The S&P 500 gained 1.51%, the Dow...
Read MoreThe political world has presented many topics of conversation lately. But one discussion has been relatively quiet: tax reform. Last week, however, the president announced that a "phenomenal" tax plan is forthcoming, and domestic...
Read MorePolitical headlines continued to fill the news last week, and while domestic markets declined during mid-week trading, they rebounded on Friday, February 3.[1] Overall, the week showed only modest movement, as the S&P 500 added 0.12%,...
Read MoreAfter a brief pause during inauguration week, stocks continued to climb last week. The S&P 500 added 1.03%, the NASDAQ was up 1.90%, and the MSCI EAFE increased by 1.29%.[1] The Dow also grew, adding 1.34%, ending the week above while...
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