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 ›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 ›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 ›Mutual Funds, ETFs or Stocks?
Are Mutual Funds Always a Better Choice Than Individual Stocks? Over the past few decades, mutual funds, along with their newer cousin, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), have ballooned in popularity. These financial tools provide convenience: you can diversify your investments in one fell swoop, so you are less subject to loss if any one company fails. Mutual funds can also help you buy an entire index or industry […]
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