Financial Planning Rules of Thumb: Do These Old Guidelines Actually Work?
Financial Planning Rules of Thumb: Do These Old Guidelines Actually Work? The money world is full of financial planning “rules of thumb” that are supposed to make retirement planning easier. You’ve probably heard of some of these: The 4% Rule for withdrawing from your retirement nest egg The 60/40 Rule for splitting investments between stocks […]
Continue reading ›Should the S&P 500 be Used as Your Benchmark?
Should the S&P 500 be Used as Your Benchmark? Many investors consider the S&P 500 index the best benchmark for their portfolios because of its breadth and perceived diversification. However, many might be surprised to know that the index is very concentrated in its holdings based on several measures. What’s Inside the S&P 500? As […]
Continue reading ›Q4 2021 Passionate Investor
Q4 2021 Market Review and Commentary Market Review* Equity markets generally outperformed fixed-income markets with the S&P 500 rising 11.03% (including dividends; +28.71% YTD) and the Barclay’s Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond index rising 0.01% (-1.54% YTD). Small caps underperformed large cap stocks (S&P 500) as the Russell 2000 small cap stock index returned +2.14% (+14.82% […]
Continue reading ›What Should You Look for in a Financial Advisor?
What Should You Look for in a Financial Advisor? If you’re serious about securing your financial future, you are likely considering the help of a financial advisor (or are already working with one). Without that critical relationship, it’s too easy to make mistakes or ignore a blind spot that can derail your plans. There’s simply too much at stake to go it alone. But here’s the key: it has to be the right financial […]
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Financial Planning Opportunities to Prioritize When Changing Jobs
Financial Planning Opportunities to Prioritize When Changing Jobs They call it the Great Resignation. With more jobs available than Americans looking to fill them, recent months have presented a unique opportunity for those interested in finding something better. But along with a chance to upgrade your career, changing jobs can also present other financial opportunities. Because it is a busy time, it can be easy to miss those, which can mean a […]
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Q2 2021 Passionate Investor
Q2 2021 Passionate Investor Market Review* Equity markets generally outperformed fixed-income markets with the S&P 500 rising 8.55% (including dividends; +15.25% YTD) and the Barclay’s Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond index rising 1.82% (-1.60% YTD). Small caps underperformed large-cap stocks (S&P 500) as the Russell 2000 small-cap stock index returned +5.47% (+17.54% YTD). Value outperformed growth […]
Continue reading ›Health Savings Account
About Health Savings Accounts Have you ever considered the potential benefits of contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA)? Here is your guide! A Health savings account is medical savings account with tax advantages for high deductible health plans. Did you know half of older Americans said they don’t know how they will pay […]
Continue reading ›Understanding the Differences between a Roth IRA and Traditional IRA
Understanding the Differences between a Roth IRA and Traditional IRA If you are considering a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA for retirement savings, it’s important to understand the differences and eligibility limitations for each. The biggest distinction between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA is how and when you get a tax break. Contributions […]
Continue reading ›What to Do If You Have Been Laid Off or Furloughed
What to Do If You Have Been Laid Off or Furloughed COVID-19 has impacted the lives of millions of individuals beyond just their health but to how they provide for their families. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that April unemployment rate spiked to the highest level since the Great Depression. With job security […]
Continue reading ›Quarantined at Home?
Quarantined at Home? Financial Tasks to do During Quarantine: We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone. As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the world, you are likely spending more time than ever at home now. With money at the top of mind for many during this time, you may be wondering what you […]
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