April 2025 Market Commentary
1st Quarter Recap After the last two years, during which the S&P 500 saw solid and consistent returns, volatility came back beginning in mid-February. The unpredictability surrounding tariffs has created uncertainty for the markets and the future of our economy. Tariffs- a partial timeline through March 31st On the campaign trail, President Trump promised to […]
Continue reading ›Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft
According to a recent survey conducted by Experian, 24% of people reported being a victim of identity theft or fraud during the holidays. During the holidays, we’re often so distracted while out shopping or searching for bargains online that we let our guard down. Before you go shopping, take some steps to help protect your identity. Online Data– Be […]
Continue reading ›Planning for Diminished Financial Capacity
Planning for Diminished Financial Capacity According to the SEC, “’Diminished financial capacity’ is a term used to describe a decline in a person’s ability to manage money and financial assets to serve his or her best interests, including the inability to understand the consequences of investment decisions.”1 Of all the things we plan for, it’s […]
Continue reading ›College Transition Tips for Parents and Kids: How to Prepare for the Big Move
College Transition Tips for Parents and Kids: How to Prepare for the Big Move The time has come; your child is heading off to college! This can be a bittersweet event for you as a parent. If you feel a little lost, don’t worry, it is normal and expected. We have some tips for parents […]
Continue reading ›Q1 2022 Passionate Investor
Q4 2021 Market Review and Commentary Market Review* Equity markets generally outperformed fixed-incom e markets with the S&P 500 falling 4.60% (including dividends) and the Barclay’s Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond index falling 5.93%. Small caps underperformed large cap stocks (S&P 500) as the Russell 2000 small cap stock index returned -7.53%. Value outperformed Growth during […]
Continue reading ›Retirement Planning: Our Best Tips for Finding Your “Forever” Home
Retirement Planning: Our Best Tips for Finding Your “Forever” Home What comes to mind when you hear the term retirement planning? Probably determining how you will pay for your final decades on the planet. What is not often discussed is where you’re going to live those decades out. But this is arguably almost as important […]
Continue reading ›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 ›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 […]
Continue reading ›Q1 2021 Passionate Investor
Q1 2021 Passionate Investor Market Review Equity markets generally outperformed fixed-income markets with the S&P 500 rising 6.17% (including dividends) and the Barclay’s Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond index falling 3.37%. Small caps outperformed large-cap stocks (S&P 500) as the Russell 2000 small-cap stock index returned +12.70%. Value outperformed growth during the quarter (as determined by […]
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