Blog
12/15/25 Weekly Market Commentary
Last week… The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) reduced interest rates by 25 basis points, as expected, to a new range of 3.50% to 3.75%. In what was the final meeting of the year, the FOMC voted 9-3 in favor of a third consecutive...
Read More12/8/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… Netflix (NFLX) has won the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) film studio and streaming service. The enterprise value of the deal is $82.7 billion. The acquisition is expected to close in 12 to 18...
Read More12/1/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… All three major indices had strong performances to end the final week of November: DJIA (3.18%), S&P 500 (3.73%), NASDAQ (4.91%). Both the DJIA and the S&P 500 extended their monthly winning streaks....
Read More11/24/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What Happened last week… Though Stock Market Indexes were down for the week, the reopening of the Government has allowed for investors to regain insight into how the overall economy is preforming. For the week, the S&P 500 was down 1...
Read More11/10/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… On Sunday night, the Senate passed a key measure to advance a bill that could fund most of the government until January. This is a step forward to end the longest government shutdown in US History. Amazon...
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11/17/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… The government shutdown ended with the signing of a funding bill, which will keep the government open through the end of January. Both the DJIA (0.34%) and the S&P 500 (0.08%) notched positive weekly gains....
Read MoreBuilding out a Portfolio Framework
Check out our video on this topic here In today’s blog, we’re going to walk through the framework that we use when building out our clients financial and investment planning. We're going to cover concepts like portfolio structure,...
Read More10/27/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… Earnings season continues, with about one-third of S&P 500 companies reporting results. Meanwhile, the United States and Australia struck a deal on critical minerals and rare earths. Stocks hit new highs after...
Read MoreTax Planning for Your RMDs
Check out our Video on this topic here! Many retirees might not realize it yet, but one of the biggest tax implications you can face after in your years after working is that of Required Minimum Distributions. You’ve spent decades...
Read More10/20/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… All three major indices finished higher for the week: DJIA (1.56%), S&P 500 (1.70%), NASDAQ (2.14%). Year-to-date performances are as follows: DJIA (8.57%), S&P 500 (13.30%), NASDAQ (17.45%). JPMorgan Chase...
Read More10/13/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… Meeting minutes were released from the Federal Reserve’s September gathering where interest rates were reduced by 25 basis points to 4.00% to 4.25%. According to the minutes, “Participants expressed a range of...
Read MoreWhat is a Roth Conversion Ladder?
Check out our Video on this topic here! In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss how a Roth Conversion Ladder works, how it could potentially allow you to access retirement funds before age 59½ without the 10% penalty, and how important...
Read More10/6/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… Monthly winning streaks were extended for the three major indices with the DJIA and the S&P 500 both in the green for five straight months while NASDAQ was higher for six consecutive months. Third quarter...
Read MoreWhat Are Target Date Funds?
Check out our Video on this topic here! In today’s blog, we are going to discuss an investment vehicle that many people who have an employer sponsored retirement plan may be exposed to but might not necessarily understand. And those...
Read More9/22/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… On Friday, the DJIA, S&P 500, and NASDAQ all closed at record highs. The DJIA is positive in back-to-back weeks, while the S&P 500 and NASDAQ extended their win streak to three weeks. Performances last week...
Read More9/29/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… The DJIA, S&P 500, and NASDAQ all closed Friday’s session in the green. All three major indices are currently positive in September: DJIA (1.54%), S&P 500 (2.84%), NASDAQ (4.79%). Should each index finish the...
Read MoreCharitable Donations & Tax Planning
Check out our Video on this topic here! In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss 4 specific methods that folks can utilize charitable giving for. Charitable giving isn’t only to show generosity but can also be utilized for tax planning...
Read MoreRecent Changes To Catch-Up Contributions
Check out our Video on this topic here! In today’s blog, we’re going to break down some of the changes retirement savers age 50 and over should know when it comes to catch-up contributions. We’ll dive into the limits for 2025, the...
Read More9/15/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… All three major indices finished in the green last week with performances as follows: DJIA (0.95%), S&P 500 (1.59%), NADAQ (2.03%). Both the S&P 500 and NASDAQ notched back-to-back weekly gains. During the week...
Read MoreWhat To Know About IRMAA
Check out our video on this topic here! In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss 2025 Medicare Premiums and how a little-known factor called IRMAA can potentially inflate them by thousands of dollars per year. We will also discuss the...
Read More9/8/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… The S&P 500 and NASDAQ reached new intraday all-time highs on Friday and closed out the week with weekly gains of 0.33% and 1.14%, respectively. Odds continue to project that the Federal Reserve will cut...
Read More2026 Tax Planning Changes
Check out our Video on this topic here! As you may know, there was recent tax legislation put into place which has many caveats that could potentially affect your tax planning. In today’s blog, we are going to dive in and break down...
Read More9/2/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… The S&P 500 achieved new record highs during the week as all three major indices finished higher in the month of August: DJIA (3.20%), S&P 500 (1.91%), NASDAQ (1.58%). Both the DJIA and the S&P 500 have...
Read MorePension vs. Lump Sum
Check out our Video on this topic here! Retirement could be one of the biggest decisions of your life, and if you’re faced with having to choose between taking a pension versus taking the money in a lump sum, it can make this situation...
Read More8/25/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… At the annual Jackson Hole economic policy symposium, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said, “With policy in restrictive territory, the baseline outlook and the shifting balance of risks may warrant...
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before You Retire?
Check out our video on this topic here! In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss the pros and cons of paying off your mortgage before you retire. The answer to this question isn’t always black and white but there are certain steps you...
Read More8/18/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… Back-to-back weekly gains were achieved for each of the three major indices with performances as follows: DJIA (1.74%), S&P 500 (0.94%), NASDAQ (0.81%). Year-to-date performances are: DJIA (5.65%), S&P 500 (9...
Read MoreHow AI is Redefining Retirement
Check out our Video on this topic here! In today’s blog, we’re going to break down some of the top ways we think Artificial Intelligence will begin to impact the lives of retirees, how in many cases it’s helping make life a bit easier,...
Read More8/11/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… The three major indices notched sizable gains and each had its best weekly performance since June: DJIA (1.35%), S&P 500 (2.43%), NASDAQ (3.87%). During the week NASDAQ achieved a new intraday all-time high and...
Read MoreShould You Buy or Lease Your Next Car in Retirement?
Check out our video on this topic here! In today’s blog, we are going to speak about a highly debated topic: Should you lease or buy your next car? Whether your trimming expenses, accumulating wealth, or preparing for retirement, this...
Read More8/4/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) left interest rates unchanged at 4.25% to 4.50% in a 9-2 vote. It was the first time since 1993 more than one Fed governor dissented as both Governor Christopher Waller...
Read MorePotential Regrets in Retirement and How to Avoid Them
Check out our Video on this topic here! In today’s blog, we want to break down the top regrets that we see retirees face in addition to the roadmap we use to try to help them through their golden years. Time and time again, like a...
Read More7/28/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… The S&P 500 and NASDAQ notched back-to-back weekly gains as both continued to achieve new record highs. President Donald Trump announced a trade agreement between the United States and Japan and over the...
Read MoreChasing Your Dreams In Retirement
Check out our video on this topic here! Retirement is supposed to be the golden years of one’s life but when there isn’t a plan in place on how they will fund those years, it could lead to anxiety ridden times. Today we’re going to...
Read More7/21/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… Both the S&P 500 and NASDAQ rebounded with weekly gains, up 0.59% and 1.51%, respectively. Each index continued to notch new record highs during the week. Year-to-date performances for the three major indices...
Read MoreA Mindset Shift for Paycheck Allocation
Check out our video on this topic here! Today we want to break down one of the most common things we hear from clients when reflecting back on how they handled their paycheck during their working years. In addition we will speak about...
Read More7/14/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… Meeting minutes were released from the Federal Reserve’s June gathering where interest rates were kept at 4.25% to 4.50%. According to the minutes, “The Committee was well positioned to wait for more clarity on...
Read MoreAverage 401(k) Balances: Do They Matter To You?
Check out our video on this topic here! Today we want to break down the average 401k balance by age, how to actually compare your situation to others in your age group, and the strategies that you can consider during planning to...
Read More7/7/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… The three major indices notched another week in the green, marking back-to-back weekly gains for the S&P 500 and three straight weeks in positive territory for both the DJIA and NASDAQ. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ...
Read MoreWithdrawal Strategies in Retirement
Check out our Video on this topic here! Building a retirement nest egg is no easy feat. After years of working and saving, the ability for you to feel a sense of comfort that you are financially secure in retirement can bring...
Read More6/30/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… On Friday, the S&P 500 achieved a new all-time high of 6,187.68. The index had its best week out of the previous six weeks and is on pace for back-to-back months in the green, currently up 4.42% in June....
Read More4 Step Process of Retirement Budgeting
Check out our video on this topic here! Something that many fail to talk about when thinking about retirement is not having an understanding where your money is going until it's too late. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,...
Read More6/23/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What Happened last week… The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) kept interest rates at 4.25% to 4.50%, as expected. The rate has been unchanged since December. According to the Fed’s dot plot, two quarter-point rate reductions are...
Read MoreWhy the "80% Replacement Rule" isn't for Everyone
Check out our video on this topic here What if the "80% replacement rule" that many advisors preach could be costing you years of freedom? In our opinion, this widely accepted benchmark might be one of the most significant...
Read More6/16/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… The S&P 500 has made gains in seven of the past 10 trading sessions and is up 6.51% in the quarter. The United States and China have agreed upon the framework of a trade deal, which will require approval from...
Read MoreShould You Delay Your Social Security Benefits?
Check out our video on this topic here! What if the cookie cutter retirement advice you’ve been following for years could be costing you a significant sum of your wealth? The “wait until 70” social security strategy that many financial...
Read More6/9/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… All three major indices recorded gains, making it back-to-back weeks in the green. Performances were as follows: DJIA (1.17%), S&P 500 (1.50%), NASDAQ (2.18%). The S&P 500 surpassed the 6,000 level for the...
Read MoreA Tale of Social Security Claiming Strategies
Let’s imagine two retirement scenarios: Claiming Social Security at 62 with smaller checks versus waiting until 70 for checks potentially 76% larger. Which path leads to more money in your lifetime? And how might this decision impact...
Read More6/2/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… The S&P 500 closed with its strongest gains in the month of May since 1990. The 6% gain was driven by easing trade tensions, a better than expected inflation reading and solid corporate earnings. For the week,...
Read MoreIs Your Estate Plan in Order?
Check out our Video on this topic here! Did you know that 60% of Americans don't have a will? This means more than half of us risk having our hard-earned assets distributed by state laws rather than our own wishes. It's like building a...
Read More5/27/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… A few headlines that the markets kept a close eye on last week included Moody’s downgrade of the United States’ credit rating, a proposed tax bill, and a tariff threat on the European Union. The three major...
Read MoreNavigating through a Childfree Retirement
Check out our Video on this topic here! "Who's going to take care of you when you're older?" If you're childfree, you've probably heard this question more times than you can count. Of course, having children brings no guarantee that...
Read More5/19/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… Moody's, a credit rating agency, downgraded US debt from AAA status to Aa1 on Friday citing increased spending and mounting debt as potential issues for one of the worlds most trusted debt issuers. A trade deal...
Read More5 Tax Implications You May Face In Retirement
In today’s blog, we want to explore some of the most common potential tax implications retired people may face and why it is important to have the proper planning in place. We will discuss what those tax scenarios are and different...
Read More5/12/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… Over the weekend, the US and China agreed to a 90 day reprieve on their substantially high tariff rates. Both parties agreed to cut their reciprocal tariffs to 10% while the US will still charge a 20% fentanyl...
Read MoreChoosing Your Path: Retire Now or Continue Working
We’ve worked with hundreds of families at Rockline and in today's blog, we want to share the tale of two fictional retirees - one who kept working despite financial security and another who confidently stepped away. We'll explore how...
Read More5/5/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… The three major indices notched back-to-back weeks in the green with last week’s performances as follows: DJIA (3.00%), S&P 500 (2.92%), NASDAQ (3.42%). Both the DJIA and the S&P 500 have made gains in nine...
Read MoreAre you part of the "Sandwich Generation"?
Are you worried that caring for your parents and supporting your kids is destroying your retirement plans? With long-term care costs averaging upwards of $100,000 annually and college tuition continuing to skyrocket each year, the math...
Read More4/28/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… Two news items pleased the stock market last week. First, President Donald Trump said he has “no intention of firing” Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who has been pressured by Trump to lower interest...
Read MoreLiving the Life you Deserve in Retirement
Have you been saving your entire life for retirement but instead of making the shift to spending your income and enjoying it, you find yourself too nervous to spend and live out the life you want? If so, you’re not alone. According to...
Read More4/21/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What Happened Last week… In tariff news, President Donald Trump said he is looking to “help some of the car companies” since they “need a little bit of time” to switch production to the U.S. Trump’s statement came after the prior...
Read MoreDoes Downsizing in Retirement Make Sense?
Did you know that over 18 million homeowners in the United States are considered to be house poor according to recent analysis by Lending Tree? As the cost of home ownership continues to rise across the country a consistent theme we’re...
Read More4/14/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, lowering it to a baseline of 10% on imports, for some countries after reportedly more than 75 countries have contacted U.S....
Read More5 Critical Pillars of Medicare and Long Term Care Planning
Check out our video on this topic here! Do you have a few hundred thousand dollars saved up to pay for healthcare costs in retirement? According to a recent study by Jackson National, nearly two thirds of pre-retired investors surveyed...
Read More4/7/25 Weekly Market Commentary
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced tariffs on more than 180 countries and territories. Trump imposed a 10% baseline for tariffs, but many countries are subject to vastly higher rates.
Read More4 Strategies to Save For Retirement
A staggering 55% of Americans surveyed stated that they were concerned that they cannot achieve financial security in retirement according to a survey by the National Institute on Retirement Security.
Read More3/31/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What happened last week… The S&P 500 landed in negative territory for the fifth time over the past six weeks. After a down day to close the week, weekly performances for the three major indices were as follows: DJIA (-0.96%), S&P 500...
Read MorePros and Cons of Gifting Money to Your Heirs
Should I gift the money to my kids now or should I make them wait until I’m gone?
Read More3/24/25 Weekly Market Commentary
What Happened Last Week: The Federal Open Market Committee kept interest rates unchanged at 4.25% to 4.50%, as expected. It marks back-to-back meetings of unchanged rates after the committee previously had three straight meetings of...
Read More7 Key Retirement Ages to be Aware of
Although very commonly, people think of age 65 when they think retirement, this is not the first landmark age to be aware of when planning for yours.
Read More3/17/25 Weekly Market Commentary
Tariff news continues to dominate headlines.
Read MoreUnexpected Setbacks to Your Retirement Plan
In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about 3 potential setbacks that we’ve seen spouses encounter leading up to and in retirement and the reasons we feel working as a team with your spouse can help you navigate them.
Read More3/10/25 Weekly Market Commentary
The 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, as well as the additional 10% tariff on China, went into effect on Tuesday. In response, Mexico, Canada, and China announced plans to put retaliatory tariffs on the United States.
Read More10 Annual Elements of a Retirement Plan
In today’s blog, we’re going to outline 10 Elements that may be crucial to the Retirement Planning Process.
Read More3/3/25 Weekly Market Commentary
President Donald Trump said the 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, which were delayed from implementation for one month, will go into effect on March 4.
Read MoreAsset Allocation In Retirement
In today’s blog, we are going to talk about 3 major stages of retirement planning, and how mindset shifts may call for allocation changes during those times.
Read More2/24/25 Weekly Market Commentary
Meeting minutes were released from the Federal Reserve’s January decision, where interest rates were unanimously left unchanged at 4.25% to 4.50%.
Read MoreWhat Can You Do In A Market Downturn?
Did You know that dating back to the 1950’s the Stock Market has experienced a decline of 10% or more roughly every 1.8 years?*
Read More2/18/25 Weekly Market Commentary
The three major indices rebounded with weekly gains: DJIA (0.55%), S&P 500 (1.47%), NASDAQ (2.58%).
Read MorePreparing for Retirement
Are you ready to retire but you’re worried about the what-ifs and potential for blind spots that come with making this leap of faith?
Read More2/10/25 Weekly Market Commentary
In the week where President Donald Trump paused the 25% tariffs on both Mexico and Canada for one month and more earnings reports were announced, the three major indices finished lower with weekly performances as follows:
Read MoreIs a Phased Retirement Right For You?
Have you ever heard of a phased retirement? It’s becoming a popular trend and in this week’s blog, we wanted to discuss what it means and how it works.
Read More2/3/25 Weekly Market Commentary
The White House confirmed there will be a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10% tariff on imports from China, which will begin on February 1.
Read MoreReview Your Pension With These 5 Steps
How do you know which options to choose and what to consider when reviewing your Pension Plan?
Read More1/27/25 Weekly Market Commentary
President Donald Trump announced Stargate, an artificial intelligence joint venture between OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank that could see the investment worth up to $500 billion over the next four years.
Read MoreDo you have a Retirement Checklist?
In today’s blog, we’re going to share a list of some of the most common themes we’ve seen help out client’s when thinking about retirement in hopes they can benefit you!
Read MoreCan I Retire Early?
There are many layers that need to be unpacked when discussing this with our clients and in today’s blog, we want to go over some talking points for how to go about answering this.
Read MoreInherited IRA... What to Know
Over the past few years, legislative changes and regulatory updates have reshaped the way beneficiaries handle these inherited accounts.
Read More1/6/25 Weekly Market Commentary
The three major indices all recorded solid gains for 2024: DJIA (12.88%), S&P 500 (23.31%), NASDAQ (28.64%).
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before You Retire?
It’s a goal for many, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. In this blog, we are going to talk about different situations where it may or may not make sense to pay off your mortgage before retirement.
Read More12/30/24 Weekly Market Commentary
With two final trading days of the year coming up, here is where the stock market stands. Each of the three major indices currently have double-digit gains for the year: DJIA (14.07%), S&P 500 (25.18%), NASDAQ (31.38%).
Read MoreThe Season of Giving
During the holiday season, giving back can be one of the most fulfilling things one can do. On top of the pleasure of seeing your gift make an impact in the community, it may also help lower your taxable income for the year.
Read More12/23/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered interest rates by 25 basis points, as expected, to a new range of 4.25% to 4.50%. It was the third consecutive rate cut in what was the final FOMC meeting for the year.
Read MoreWhat is Tax Loss Harvesting?
During this time of year, you may be getting calls from your financial advisor about tax loss harvesting some of your investments in your portfolio. But what does it actually mean?
Read More12/16/24 Weekly Market Commentary
Both the DJIA (-1.82%) and the S&P 500 (-0.64%) finished lower for the week while tech-heavy NASDAQ gained 0.34%. NASDAQ extended its streak of gains to four weeks, while the S&P 500 saw its winning streak end at three weeks.
Read MoreShould I Buy a Second Home in Retirement?
When working with client’s to and through their retirement, a question that often comes up is if they could afford or should buy a second home.
Read More12/9/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The ADP employment change fell below expectations (163,000) as it decreased to 146,000 from the downwardly revised 184,000 (from 233,000). The unemployment rate matched expectations as it increased to 4.2% from 4.1%.
Read MoreWhat's a Roth 401(k)?
Do you have a 401(k) plan at work? If so, are you taking advantage of the Roth option for it if available?
Read More12/2/24 Weekly Market Commentary
All three major indices finished November higher with performances as follows: DJIA (7.54%), S&P 500 (5.73%), NASDAQ (6.21%).
Read More11/25/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The stock market rebounded with weekly gains for all three major indices: DJIA (1.96%), S&P 500 (1.68%), NASDAQ (1.73%). Each index is positive for November with a final, shortened week remaining.
Read MoreSequence of Return Risk
In this week’s blog, our team will dive into one of the most overlooked potential risks to retirement planning, as well as three strategies that you might be able to implement to combat it.
Read More11/18/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The three major indices each finished the week in the red with performances as follows: DJIA (-1.24%), S&P 500 (-2.08%), NASDAQ (-3.15%). All three indices remain positive on the month: DJIA (4.03%), S&P 500 (2.89%), NASDAQ (3.22%).
Read MorePassing On Your Legacy
Many of the families that we help put passing on their legacy at the tip of their priority list. The harsh reality is that preserving and passing their wealth to the next generation is one of the most difficult challenges there are.
Read More11/11/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The day after the election the stock market rallied with the three major indices performances as follows: DJIA (3.57%), S&P 500 (2.53%), NASDAQ (2.95%). Weekly performances were: DJIA (4.61%), S&P 500 (4.66%), NASDAQ (5.74%).
Read MoreThe Importance of Routine Investment Check-ins
Investing is not a “set it and forget it” activity. While building a plan that reflects your goals, risk tolerance and long-term vision is essential, it’s equally crucial to regularly review and update your plan when necessary.
Read More11/4/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The three major indices finished October in the red: DJIA (-1.34%), S&P 500 (-0.99%), NASDAQ (-0.52%). Each index remains positive year-to-date: DJIA (11.58%), S&P 500 (20.10%), NASDAQ (21.51%).
Read MoreEnd of Year Tax Planning Tips
In working with clients and their accountants over the years, we’ve seen how proper tax planning can make some pretty significant differences to one’s pocket each year.
Read More10/28/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The six-week winning streak for both the DJIA (-2.68%) and S&P 500 (-0.96%) ended last week while the tech-heavy NASDAQ (0.16%) extended its streak of weekly gains to seven weeks.
Read MoreEmotions of Retirement and Ways To Combat Them
We speak with clients and prospects all the time who feel like they’ve lost a sense of themselves once they retired. So today, we’d like to share four strategies to help if the retirement blues get the best of you.
Read More10/21/24 Weekly Market Commentary
Stocks continued their winning streak as all three major indices finished the week higher: DJIA (0.96%), S&P 500 (0.85%), NASDAQ (0.80%).
Read MoreSpending Through Retirement
In this blog, we wanted to address a couple of key factors we take into consideration when retirement planning and hope that this could bring value to your overall process.
Read More10/14/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The inflation rate year-over-year for September landed higher than expectations (2.3%) but decreased to 2.4% from 2.5%, making it the sixth straight monthly decline and the lowest reading since February 2021 (1.7%).
Read MoreDifferent Type of Retirement Accounts
In this blog, we wanted to discuss some of the most common retirement accounts, give you and understanding of who has access to each of them and show some of the features as well.
Read More10/7/24 Weekly Market Commentary
This week, the read for the inflation rate year-over-year for September is expected to decrease to 2.3% from 2.5%, which was the fifth straight monthly decline and the lowest reading since February 2021 (1.7%).
Read MoreWhat’s an RMD and why do I have to take it?
RMD stands for Required Minimum Distribution. This is a value given by the IRS that determines the minimum amount of money one has to withdraw from their taxable retirement account each year.
Read More9/30/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The three major indices continued to make gains as the weekly performances were as follows: DJIA (0.59%), S&P 500 (0.62%), NASDAQ (0.95%).
Read MoreUnderstanding Your Investment Risk Tolerance
Having a good understanding of both how much risk someone can and is willing to take with their investment portfolio will help to build a base for the type of assets their money should be invested in.
Read More9/23/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) reduced interest rates by 50-basis points to a range of 4.75% to 5.00%. It is the first rate cut in more than four years and comes after the Fed kept rates unchanged after the previous eight meetings
Read More5 W's of Retirement Planning
When we sit with clients and start working on their plan, we ask a series of questions to ensure we are properly informed about their situation. Some of the first questions we ask are what we consider the 5 W’s of retirement planning.
Read More9/16/24 Weekly Market Commentary
On Wednesday, the Federal Open Market Committee is widely expected to reduce interest rates from the current range of 5.25% to 5.50%.
Read MoreBenefits and Drawbacks of a Roth IRA Conversion
There are a few different factors to take into consideration when pondering if you should convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
Read More9/9/24 Weekly Market Commentary
All three indices finished lower for the week: DJIA (-2.93%), S&P 500 (-4.25%), NASDAQ (-5.77%). It was the worst performance for the S&P 500 since March 2023.
Read More5 investment mistakes to avoid
Investing in the stock market can sometimes feel like a roller coaster ride. As stock prices move up and down, the effect on your portfolio can have you riding high one day but feeling low the next.
Read More9/3/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The three major indices all finished the month of August in positive territory: DJIA (1.76%), S&P 500 (2.28%), NASDAQ (0.65%).
Read More5 Retirement Planning Tips
No matter your age, starting your savings plan and building out your retirement path can go a long way to bringing you confidence once the moment comes for you.
Read More8/26/24 Weekly Market Commentary
At the annual economic conference in Jackson Hole, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said, “The time has come for policy to adjust..."
Read MoreThe Importance of Starting an Emergency Fund
Time and time again when speaking with our clients, we like to stress the importance of creating an emergency savings sleeve in their budget and the numbers back up our thought process.
Read More8/19/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The inflation rate year-over-year for July beat expectations (3.0%) as it decreased to 2.9% from 3.0%, making it the fourth straight monthly decline and the lowest reading since March 2021 (2.6%).
Read MoreWhen should I consider taking Social Security?
For some, it may make sense to start taking social security once you have reached the required age to claim your benefits. For others, it may make sense to wait longer and receive the maximum benefit you would receive.
Read More8/12/24 Weekly Market Commentary
On Monday, the DJIA (-2.60%) and S&P 500 (-3.00%) had their biggest daily losses since September 2022. The NASDAQ finished -3.43%.
Read MoreHow can I create a healthier budgeting habit?
One of the most crucial elements of personal finance is budgeting, yet it isn’t universally taught in society.
Read More8/5/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The stock market was lower with weekly performances as follows: DJIA (-2.10%), S&P 500 (-2.06%), NASDAQ (-3.35%). Both the S&P 500 and NASDAQ finished in the red for three straight weeks.
Read MoreDo I have enough to Retire?
“Do I have enough money for retirement?” While it’s quite the “catch all” question, everyone has different priorities and expenses in life that make this question not as clear cut as it may sound.
Read More7/29/24 Weekly Market Commentary
On Wednesday, the S&P 500 (-2.31%) and NASDAQ (-3.64%) had their worst trading sessions since 2022. The DJIA declined -1.25% that day.
Read MoreWhat are the key considerations I should take into account when creating a succession plan?
Succession Planning is an integral part of any small business owner’s life. You’ve worked so hard to build your business to this point that having a plan for its continued success once you retire is only right.
Read More7/22/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The DJIA (0.72%) extended its winning streak to three consecutive weeks while the S&P 500 (-1.97%) and NASDAQ (-3.65%) were both in the red.
Read MoreThe Pros of investing early in your career
Investing money early in life can significantly impact your financial future and the benefits of starting earlier than you think you should could make a huge difference over the years.
Read More7/15/24 Weekly Market Commentary
In his semiannual testimony to Congress, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell appeared to signal the potential for an interest rate cut in the near-term.
Read MoreDo you have Beneficiaries on your Investment Accounts?
When was the last time you updated your account beneficiaries? Having at least one on file for your investment accounts is vital to for a multitude of reasons.
Read More7/8/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 closed above 5,500 for the first time ever on Tuesday July 2nd during this shortened trading week due to the 4th of July holiday.
Read More7/1/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The Federal Reserve said all 31 banks in its annual stress test were able to withstand a severe recession scenario and continue lending to households and businesses.
Read More6/24/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 landed in positive territory for eight of the past nine weeks while NASDAQ ended the week flat and has only had one negative week in the past nine weeks.
Read More6/10/24 Weekly Market Update
The stock market finished higher, rebounding from the previous down week. Performances were as follows:
Read More6/3/24 Weekly Market Commentary
All three major indices finished higher in May, rebounding from the down month of April. Monthly performances for May were as follows:
Read MoreIRA and 401k- What’s the difference?
Retirement accounts are some of the most important investment vehicles an individual can use to give them a nest egg once their working years are done. But what are some of the similarities and differences between the accounts?
Read More5/28/24 Weekly Market Commentary
NASDAQ closed at a new record high on Friday, propelled by gains made by Nvidia during the week.
Read More5/20/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The winning streaks continue for the three major indices and the DJIA surpassed 40,000 for the first time ever on Thursday and closed above that level for the first time ever on Friday.
Read More5/13/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 (up 1.85%) and NASDAQ (up 1.14%) both recorded three straight positive weeks while the DJIA (up 2.16%) extended its winning streak to four consecutive weeks in the green.
Read More5/6/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates at 5.25% to 5.50%, as expected. It is the sixth consecutive meeting in which rates were left unchanged, dating back to July 2023.
Read More4/29/24 Weekly Market Commentary
As of April 26, 46% of S&P 500 companies have reported earnings with 77% having a positive EPS surprise and 60% having a positive revenue surprise, according to FactSet.
Read MoreI’ve never worked with a financial advisor before. What should the experience be like?
Question: I’ve never worked with a financial advisor before. What should the experience be like? Answer: We have the pleasure of working with many clients as their first experience with a financial advisor. During the initial meetings...
Read More4/22/24 Weekly Market Commentary
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell noted that recent data has not given Fed officials greater confidence and that unless inflation trends downward, “We can maintain the current level of restriction for as long as needed.”
Read More4/15/23 Weekly Market Commentary
Stocks landed in the red last week with the three major indices performing as follows:
Read MoreI just turned 50. Is an Estate Plan right for me?
An Estate Plan is important to have in place for anyone who is looking to have control of passing on their assets to their desired heirs.
Read More4/8/24 Weekly Market Commentary
Regarding potential interest rate cuts, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said, “Given the strength of the economy and progress on inflation so far, we have time to let the incoming data guide our decisions on policy.”
Read More4/1/24 Weekly Market Commentary
All three major indices extended their winning streaks to five consecutive months with monthly performances as follows:
Read MoreVlog- Dollar Cost Averaging
New Video Alert! Check out our new video on Dollar Cost Averaging. Dollar Cost Averaging is an investment strategy that many people use. Using this strategy can help you maintain a disciplined approach when it comes to your investments...
Read MoreRoth or Traditional IRA. What's the Difference?
No matter what age you are or how much money you have, there isn’t a better time than now to start saving for retirement.
Read More3/25/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) kept interest rates unchanged at 5.25% to 5.50% for the fifth straight meeting, the last hike occurring last July.
Read MoreI just had a baby. How can I start saving for their future?
Giving your child a head start on their financial future is a gift that can pay major dividends for you and them for years to come.
Read More3/18/24 Weekly Market Commentary
Stocks were lower again for the week as the three major indices performed as follows:
Read MoreI just switched jobs. What do I do with my 401k account with my old employer?
I just switched jobs. What do I do with my 401k account with my old employer? Let's dive into this question and find the best option that would work for you.
Read More3/11/24 Weekly Market Commentary
In his semiannual testimony to Congress, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said, “We’re waiting to become more confident that inflation is moving sustainably at 2%...
Read More3/4/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 and NASDAQ notched back-to-back weekly gains with the tech-heavy NASDAQ achieving a new all-time high, surpassing its previous high in 2021.
Read More2/26/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The Federal Reserve released meeting minutes from its January gathering where interest rates were kept at 5.25% to 5.50%. According to the minutes...
Read More2/20/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The DJIA, S&P 500, and NASDAQ each saw their winning streaks end at five weeks after last Tuesday's session saw all three indices decline more than 1%.
Read More2/12/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 closed above the 5,000 level for the first time ever.
Read More2/5/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) kept interest rates unchanged at 5.25% to 5.50% for the fourth straight time.
Read More1/29/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 continues its strong streak of gains, now positive for three straight weeks and green in 12 of the past...
Read More1/22/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 closed at an all-time high of 4,839.81 where the technology sector led the way with a weekly gain of more than 4%.
Read More1/16/24 Weekly Market Commentary
Congress is again faced with the possibility of a government shutdown if, at the very least, a short-term funding bill is not passed before funding for some federal agencies runs out on January 19
Read More1/08/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The three major indices saw their respective nine-week winning streaks end to kick off the new year with weekly performances as follows...
Read More1/02/24 Weekly Market Commentary
The year ended on a high note with all three major indices extending their winning streaks to nine straight weeks and earning gains in back-to-back months.
Read More12/26/23 Weekly Market Commentary
The three major indices extended their winning streaks to eight consecutive weeks with last week’s performances as follows:
Read More12/18/23 Weekly Market Commentary
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted unanimously to keep interest rates at...
Read More12/11/23 Weekly Market Commentary
The stock market extended its winning streak to six straight weeks as the DJIA, S&P 500, and NASDAQ all landed in positive territory.
Read More12/4/23 Weekly Market Commentary
Stocks continued to rally as the three major indices extended their winning streaks to five consecutive weeks in the green...
Read More11/27/23 Weekly Market Commentary
Meeting minutes from the Federal Reserve’s last gathering on October 31-November 1 stated that...
Read More11/20/23 Weekly Market Commentary
The stock market continued to make gains in November as all three major indices notched three consecutive weeks in the green.
Read More11/13/23 Weekly Market Commentary
The three major indices notched back-to-back weekly gains and finished the week as follows...
Read More11/6/23 Weekly Market Commentary
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) made the unanimous decision to keep interest rates at...
Read More10/30/23 - Weekly Market Commentary
The S&P 500 and NASDAQ both closed in correction territory last week...
Read MoreWeekly Market Commentary
This blog post discusses financial news from the week of 10/16/23 and what to look for in the markets during the week of 10/23/23
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