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Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Nobody ever said you have to like a pullback in stock prices. But it's critical to understand 1) why they happen and 2) why they are challenging.

Thursday, August 17, 2023

In 2023 the projected average household cost for back-to-college shopping is $1,367, while back-to-school shopping may average $890 per household.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Make a Will Month allows us to reflect on our circumstances and take proactive steps to help our loved ones in the event of our passing. By creating a will, we are taking the first step toward providing clarity and guidance...

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Why is August a volatile month? One simple reason: many people are on vacation. And when people are out of the office, the financial markets often see less trading, which can cause big price swings following news events.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Labor shortages in 2022 pressured businesses to lift wages, which, in turn, put more money in people’s pockets. More money leads to more spending, which can produce inflation.

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Monday, July 31, 2023

Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose just 0.16 percent for the month, the lowest reading in more than two years and a significant downside break.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

In advance of 2023, the recession drum beats were so loud it was deafening. Market pundits warned that as the Fed raised interest rates, it was just a matter of time before the economy entered a recession.

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

As the Fed continues its fight against inflation, one of the more challenging parts of the economy is gauging what's happening in the jobs market.

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Market timing is exhausting. And sometimes, it can be expensive. When you time the markets, you have to be right twice – first when getting out and second when getting back in.

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

The U.S. Department of Education has officially announced that student loan payments will resume in October, ending the three-year-long pause that was implemented due to the pandemic. Starting September 1, interest will begin accruing.

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Jerome Powell skipped an interest rate hike at the Fed’s June meeting, but the market isn’t buying what the Fed Chair is selling about what’s next with short-term rates.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Here’s a riddle. “I’m a two-word phrase that we heard almost every day for two years, but it has dropped from almost all economic talk in 2023?” Answer: Supply chain.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Now that the debt ceiling negotiations are behind us and President Biden has signed the measure, what will Wall Street's wandering eye focus on next? Inflation? Interest rates? Recession? Artificial intelligence?

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

From my perspective, we can't hear the word "better" enough in the weeks ahead.

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

What is a bull market, and more importantly, who determines if we are in one? Technically speaking, a bull market is defined as a 20% gain in a stock market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500, from a closing low.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Wall Street has shifted its attention to Washington’s budget negotiations and how the debt ceiling will be resolved. But how long will that shift in focus last?

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Powell delivered on his March promise at the most recent Fed meeting by increasing short-term rates by 0.25%, just as the financial markets expected. No surprise.

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Each May is Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate the wisdom of aging people, recognize their many contributions, and facilitate discussions related to older adults.

Monday, May 1, 2023

As I'm sure you know, the Social Security Administration calculates annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Since 1970, the celebration of Earth Day on April 22 has raised awareness surrounding environmental protection. Each year, awareness grows, and more people think about how they might contribute to that effort.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Over the next several weeks, we will hear from corporate leaders as they update investors on their first-quarter financials and provide a glimpse into the rest of the year.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Always moving in and out of the markets based on economic analysis or business headlines must be so challenging. Investors tend to pull money from the financial markets and retreat to money market funds during periods of uncertainty.

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Recently, you may have seen reports that the so-called “depletion date” for Social Security was adjusted. This refers to the predicted date when the long-running program will no longer be able to pay full benefits.

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Watching the news cycle isn't healthy for your portfolio. Some good news here and some bad news there, and you might start to rethink a well-constructed investment strategy. You may find yourself always searching for that...

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the average price of eggs increased by 60 percent in 2022. That means their price rose faster than almost any other good or service in a year characterized by painfully high inflation.

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

March 31 is World Backup Day, a worldwide reminder to back up your important files and information.

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Powell told the financial markets to prepare for a 25 basis points increase in short-term rates in early February following the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) March meeting. And that's what he delivered.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

At this point, speculators are now anticipating the Fed will drop interest rates to between 3.5% and 3.75% by late this year. The lower rates would bring some welcomed relief to the banking sector.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Many investors may be tempted to react in the wake of both the Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank's financial troubles. After all, the unprecedented events of last week would test the mettle of even the most seasoned investor.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

When events like Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank happen, it's natural to wonder how a bank safeguards your funds. Fortunately, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance was designed for this very reason.

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

2022's rapid rise in interest rates appears to be a stressor on the banking system. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), in recent days, took control of both Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank (SB).

Monday, March 6, 2023

March is Women's History Month, a time to recognize the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. This year's theme is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories".

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

In the past few weeks, CEOs seem to have changed their tune. In fact, only 12 percent mentioned the word “recession” in the Q4 2022 calls with investors. So what changed?

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

The time following Valentine's Day has always served as a reminder that Spring is on the way. Something about the Spring causes us to look to the future, which can sometimes mean assessing any less-than-ideal financial behaviors.

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

It seems like only a few months ago, European economies appeared to be wrestling with several serious issues, including the Ukraine war, supply chain disruptions, and red-hot inflation. So what happened?

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

As the biggest sporting event of the year approaches, football fans all over the nation (including us) are gearing up for the Big Game on Sunday, February 12, at 6:30 PM ET.

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

The stock market can provide some head-scratching moments, which is why I like Warren Buffet’s quote, “...don’t watch the market closely.”

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

January 30 to February 3, 2023, is Identity Theft Awareness Week. Anytime is a good time to tighten up your identity security, but if you haven’t been as careful as you intended, consider this your annual reminder.

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

"Is the bear market over?"That's a question I've been asked a number of times in recent weeks. And my answer is the same, "Let's give it a little time."But people are quick to remind me that stocks are off to a good start in 2023...

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

The GDPNow estimate and projected growth in Q4 mean any recession talk may move to 2023. But we will have to wait until April 27, 2023, to get an initial estimate of Q1 GDP for 2023.

Monday, January 23, 2023

Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to?

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

The December inflation report had some encouraging news. It showed that consumer prices trended lower for the month, but more importantly, it confirmed that overall prices have been trending lower for the past six months.

Friday, January 13, 2023

You may have heard the saying, “inflation hurts savers and benefits borrowers.” 

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Social Security benefits are available for both retirees and the disabled. If you collect or plan to collect soon, it is important to understand how certain things you do—or don’t—can affect how much you receive, or...

Thursday, January 5, 2023

When markets cycle lower as they have been lately, perspective is critical. If you’re not connected to someone with experience, it can be easy to miss the big picture.

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Congress spent the final days of 2022 on new reforms designed to help Americans save more for retirement.

Thursday, December 29, 2022

A new year is on the horizon. Each day that comes presents something new and exciting both for you and the people in your life.

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

As the new year approaches, many people are thinking about their financial goals and making plans for the coming year. If you want to start the new year off on the right foot financially, there are several steps you can take to...

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Fed officials recently have said that short-term rates will need to climb to over 5 percent to bring inflation under control.

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

No, Santa is not a “REAL” person. But Santa is all those things we need to believe in that we can’t see or touch: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness...

Friday, December 16, 2022

Starting in January, beneficiaries will see an 8.7% increase to help offset inflation and its effects on day-to-day costs. This means a $146 increase in the monthly benefit for most retirees.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Oil prices surged to over $120 a barrel in the first half of 2022 on concerns over how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would influence crude supply. But in the second half, oil prices have trended lower...

Friday, December 9, 2022

As your family gathers for the holidays, it may be a perfect opportunity to share your estate strategy and explain your decisions regarding your wealth.

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

It appears that America’s corporate leaders are preparing for the worst while hoping for the best...

Friday, December 2, 2022

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period, allowing recipients to make changes to their coverage for 2023, ends Wednesday, December 7, 2022.

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Over the years, the Fed has followed a similar pattern with interest rates. It raises interest rates, then pauses, so it can see how the economy is adjusting to the higher rates.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and observing gratitude. So, as you gather around the table, look around and give thanks for the family and friends surrounding you.

Friday, November 18, 2022

Warren Buffett has one of Wall Street’s most famous quotes about contrarian investing. He suggested investors “be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

There have been several major events recently that will, perhaps, give us some idea where the market is headed in the future.  

Friday, November 11, 2022

The financial markets are on edge this year each time Fed Chair Jerome Powell takes the podium following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Medicare is a government-sponsored health insurance program for people aged 65 and older and those with certain disabilities or medical conditions. But did you know that not everyone will qualify?

Friday, November 4, 2022

The results of elections almost always influence the economy, whether that be an immediate reaction from Wall Street or a long-term reaction due to policy changes. Midterm elections, in particular, can shake things up.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

The Internal Revenue Service has released new retirement contribution limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.

Friday, October 28, 2022

Lately, "inflation" seems to be the media's favorite word. Everywhere you turn, there's another story about the impact of inflation. For example, many news outlets have reported that confectionary prices have surged over 30% from last year.

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

There is no place to hide in this market. Even money in a bank is being held hostage by inflation. At this point, we do not know where capitulation (finding the bottom) is. There will be bull runs inside bear markets...

Friday, October 21, 2022

We measure the jobs market in many ways, but the Job Opening and Labor Turnover Survey or JOLTS report seems to be of particular interest to Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

As inflation rates continue to rise, you may need to reevaluate your emergency fund. With the cost of living increasing, your emergency fund may not go as far as it once did.

Friday, October 14, 2022

Medicare open enrollment begins October 15th and runs through December 7th and is the period in which you can sign up for or make changes to your Medicare coverage.

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Retirees currently dealing with the cost of skyrocketing inflation may receive some exciting news this week when the Social Security Administration announces the 2023 cost-of-living-adjustment.

Friday, October 7, 2022

Did you know that October is National Financial Planning Month? The holidays are fast approaching, and this month is the perfect time to get your budgets and finances in order before life gets busy.

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Traditionally, we’ve been a little cautious when....

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Wall Street is always searching for a hero to embrace or a villain to blame. And right now....

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

We are in the midst of hurricane season....are you prepared?

Saturday, September 24, 2022

We are hearing a lot of mixed messages these days about the economy. Some headlines say….

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Believe me, everyone on Wall Street wants inflation to go away, or at least....

Friday, September 16, 2022

If you’ve felt like stock prices were a little more volatile in 2022 than in recent years, your “spidey senses” are….

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. If you haven’t reviewed your insurance profile in a while, you may be....

Saturday, September 10, 2022

Have you heard? The Inflation Reduction Act....

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

We’re entering a tricky time of year. September and October have....

Friday, July 29, 2022

Retirement planning is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. By taking the time to plan now, you can ensure a comfortable retirement later. Here are some key steps to take...

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Inheritance is the process by which property or assets are transferred from one person to another upon their death. There are several different types of inheritance, including bequests...

Monday, July 25, 2022

As college costs continue to rise, it can be difficult for parents to help their children secure the funds they need for education without taking on...

Friday, July 22, 2022

When your child reaches adulthood, one of the biggest hurdles they'll face is building credit. A strong credit score is essential for renting an apartment, taking out a loan and even landing a job...

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Estate planning is the process of making arrangements for the management and disposal of your estate in the event of your death or incapacity. It can be a complex and daunting task, but it is...

Monday, July 18, 2022

Saving money can be difficult, but it's one of the most important things you can do for your future. A good place to start is by talking to a financial advisor. They can help you create a budget and figure out...

Thursday, July 14, 2022

As a young adult, you are likely beginning to think about your finances and how to budget your money. This can be a daunting task, but it is important to start developing healthy financial habits now.

Monday, July 11, 2022

A financial advisor is a professional who helps you manage your money and make financial decisions. A financial planner, on the other hand, is a professional who helps you plan for your future and reach your financial goals. Both types...

Thursday, July 7, 2022

A financial planner is a professional who helps you manage your money and make financial decisions. They can help you save for retirement, buy a home, invest in a business, pay for college and more...

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

The best time to hire a financial planner depends on your specific circumstances and what you hope to gain from professional help. No matter what stage of life you're in, if you're having trouble managing your finances...

Friday, July 1, 2022

When you're looking for someone to help you manage your finances, it's important to find a financial advisor that you can trust. Here are some questions to ask...

Thursday, June 30, 2022

PATIENCE, PATIENCE PATIENCE!!!! Information to help us all gain a better perspective as to where the market is and some possible indications as to where it might be headed in the future based upon history.

Thursday, June 16, 2022

What is Capitulation? According to Investopedia, capitulation is defined as “the dramatic surge of selling pressure in a declining market or security that marks a mass surrender by investors. The resulting dramatic drop in...

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Summer’s here, and the time is right for vacations, outdoor activities, and fun. It’s also a good time to....

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Some gloomy headlines are coming out of Wall Street lately. Have you noticed? In recent days, I’ve read things like....

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

As you might have heard, people are talking about a big….

Thursday, May 26, 2022

As we go into the holiday weekend, I wanted to wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day. For me....

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

The number one question I’m hearing this week is....

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

When markets cycle lower like they have been lately, perspective is….

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Few investors should have been surprised when the Federal Reserve....

Thursday, May 5, 2022

May is a month to celebrate the older Americans in our country and honor their lives and the accomplishments they still have ahead of them. Older Americans Month….

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are….

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Lately, the "Great Resignation" has led many Americans to....

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

The advanced report on first-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be out later this week. Perhaps no economic report this year will be….

Friday, April 22, 2022

Recently, you might have heard about Twitter using a “poison pill” option to….

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

If you have a balance on a credit card or an adjustable rate mortgage, you might be....

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

The Federal Reserve, in recent years, has been committed to being....

Friday, April 8, 2022

Knowing when it’s the right time to retire can be difficult, especially if you...

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

In recent weeks, the word recession has started creeping into business news and financial market coverage. Is that cause for....

Friday, April 1, 2022

April marks the start of Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized movement to promote and support financial understanding in children and teens. For many, it's a...

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

What do The Dukes of Hazzard, M*A*S*H, and The Love Boat all have in common? They were....

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Monday, March 21, 2022

You may have heard that both Amazon and Alphabet recently announced....

Thursday, March 17, 2022

The Federal Reserve recently announced that for the first time in three years, it would....

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Staying positive these days is a lot easier said than done....

Friday, March 11, 2022

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report was recently released and confirmed….

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

2022 is off to a challenging start for most investors. Stock prices have….

Thursday, March 3, 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has made the Fed’s interest rate decision a little more complicated. The Fed appears set to….

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

It’s easy to get excited reading the news. With all of the...

Thursday, February 24, 2022

It’s been a difficult 24 hours, with many of us….

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

There is plenty to worry about these days. Top of mind is....

Friday, February 18, 2022

Like many Americans, you probably saw at least a few Super Bowl advertisements for….

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

You may have heard the saying, “inflation hurts savers and benefits borrowers.”  The expression suggests....

Friday, February 11, 2022

February 14 is Valentine's Day. It’s time to….

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

One way to measure how an economy performs is to see the number of jobs created. The trouble is….

Friday, February 4, 2022

The motivations and mechanics of personal travel are undergoing real change. Vacations are becoming....

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

If you’re concerned about today’s market volatility, you might....

Friday, January 28, 2022

The Federal Reserve met in mid-January, and clarified its position on....

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

When markets fall, it’s easy to forget that....

Friday, January 21, 2022

For the first time in nearly 20 years, the IRS has....

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

When bond yields go up, bond prices go down. It’s a time-tested principle, but it’s also....

Thursday, January 13, 2022

It was interesting to note, amid other economic indicators, that many of the highest of the high-end auto brands are....

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

You may have heard the old Wall Street saying, “Don’t fight the Fed.” It suggests that....

Friday, January 7, 2022

With the new year still fresh in our minds, it’s a good time to....

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

By any measure, 2021 was a strong year for investors. But what’s in store for 2022....

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Every year, the government prints millions of notes a day. Here's a quick look at....

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Most people have heard about the Federal Reserve, but we’ve found that….

Friday, December 17, 2021

If your home is anything like mine, the holidays can be….

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

If you’ve been watching inflation news in recent months, you might have found...

Friday, December 10, 2021

If you weren’t paying close attention, you might have missed....

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

In Hawaii, among the verdant natural beauty and warm and welcoming waters, there stands....

Friday, December 3, 2021

As Medicare’s open enrollment period is due to end December 7, recipients of the program are....

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

A confident consumer can be a powerful ally in an economy. But when the consumer….

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

The holiday season is often a quiet, positive time for the financial markets. The phrase “Santa Claus Rally” was....

Friday, November 19, 2021

You see it in prices at the grocery store and the gas station. You feel it in your....

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

At the White House on Monday, President Biden signed a $1T bipartisan bill set to....

Friday, November 12, 2021

2022 Contribution Limits Offered by Rob Taylor Preparing for retirement just got a little more financial wiggle room. This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new contribution limits for 2022. Staying put for 2022 are...

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Financial markets can be challenging to understand. But when markets....

Friday, November 5, 2021

CNBC’s Mad Money host Jim Cramer created the popular FAANG acronym to denote....

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

While it’s still too early to draw any final conclusions, Congress is getting closer to....

Thursday, October 28, 2021

With temperatures falling and the nights growing longer, goblins, ghouls, and ghosts across America are preparing for our second-largest commercial holiday: Halloween. With this....

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Estate Taxes May Be Amended Soon Offered by Rob Taylor To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes. One of the...

Friday, October 22, 2021

While the world has begun to recover from the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the delayed reaction has been felt in the supply chain. Industrial shutdowns around the world slowed production to a relative crawl, leaving...

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

There are a lot of questions about President Biden’s Build Back Better plan and potential tax law changes, including an adjustment to capital gains taxes.One of the proposals Congress is considering sets the top rate for taxing...

Friday, October 15, 2021

On October 13, 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive....

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period begins October 15 and ends December 7. During this time, current Medicare beneficiaries have the option to....

Friday, October 8, 2021

Considerations During Medicare’s Open Enrollment Offered by Rob Taylor How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment fast approaching, there are a few questions you may want to ask...

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Roller-Coaster Week in Washington Offered by Rob Taylor Debates over government debt, taxes, and infrastructure have captured the attention of the nation this week. All eyes are on Washington and Wall Street as these events play out,...

Friday, October 1, 2021

A funny thing happened in the investment markets the other day. September was living up to its reputation as a volatile month, but then the Federal Reserve came to the rescue.The Fed concluded its Federal Open Market Committee meeting...

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Fallout from the Chinese Property MarketOffered by Rob Taylor There’s a famous saying about a hurricane starting from a butterfly flapping its wings on the other side of the world. That “butterfly effect” is...

Thursday, September 23, 2021

The Underutilized Benefits of a Health Savings Account Offered by Rob Taylor Healthcare can be one of the priciest yet essential parts of life’s journey. And yet, many struggle to utilize the financial tools that may help. Take...

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Are Your Taxes Going to Change? Offered by Rob Taylor Most likely, you’ve heard what’s brewing in Washington, D.C., called by one of these names. The Build Back Better Act. Or the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill....

Friday, September 17, 2021

You Could Disinherit Your Children By Mistake Unless You Understand This Little Known Rule Here’s an example: A Parent with children could name the children as beneficiaries of a company sponsored retirement account – but...

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

The Best, the Brightest, and Inflation Offered by Rob Taylor If you are feeling a bit confused about the direction of inflation, you’re in good company. Some of the best and brightest economists in the country are having a tough...

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

A Dividend of Confidence Offered by Rob Taylor The most recent stats on corporate dividends suggest that global companies are bullish on the world’s economic recovery. Dividends paid to investors are on track to hit $1.4...

Friday, September 3, 2021

Social Security Benefits May Be Cut By 2034 Offered by Rob Taylor The economic impact of COVID-19 has been felt from coast to coast. And, unfortunately for many pre-retirees, it could potentially impact Social Security benefits as...

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

401(k) Millionaires Offered by Rob Taylor Your workplace retirement account can play a critical role in your overall retirement strategy. However, some have gone further with the accounts than others, especially recently. CNBC...

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Distracted America Offered by Rob Taylor Over the last year, many have seen their lives impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ways in which we work, live, and communicate have drastically changed, to say the least. It’s...

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

If you have a secret, don’t tell anyone at the Federal Reserve Bank. They may leak the story before you’d like.In early August, multiple regional Federal Reserve Bank presidents hit the speaking tour. They made headlines...

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Mixed Signals on Inflation Offered by Rob Taylor Are you having a tough time keeping track of inflation's mixed signals? You’re not alone. Consumer prices in July climbed at their fastest rate since August 2008. Worse, producer...

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Will Air Travel Problems Persist? Offered by Rob Taylor The airline industry plotted a course for recovery in 2021, but recent difficulties may have put that plan into a holding pattern. While major airlines checked in with improving...

Thursday, August 12, 2021

Have you ever heard the Wall Street expression, "markets climb a wall of worry?"It's the idea that financial markets are constantly on edge. Traders fret about how long a market rally can continue before it runs into trouble. Worry...

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics wrap up with closing ceremonies on August 8, and it’s been an Olympic games like no other. We’ve watched the world’s finest athletes go for the gold. Which leads many to wonder: what exactly...

Thursday, August 5, 2021

Chinese Stocks Under Pressure Offered by Rob Taylor With overseas investments, we remind people that, “international markets carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange...

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Teenage Wage-Land Offered by Rob Taylor Summer jobs are a perennial aspect of the American workforce. It’s a time when teenagers are filling out applications and, in many cases, earning wages of their own for the first time. But...

Thursday, July 29, 2021

A Roaring Start to Earnings Season Offered by Rob Taylor Corporate earnings season has begun, and the results are turning heads on Wall Street. Of the 120 companies in the S&P 500 index that reported numbers as of Friday, July 23, 89%...

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

After a year of delays due to the coronavirus, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are officially here. With an opening ceremony set for July 23, events will take place over the next two weeks with closing ceremonies on August 8.Modern-day...

Thursday, July 22, 2021

A 6.1% Bump in Social Security? Offered by Rob Taylor The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients. It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would...

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Billionaires in Space Offered By Rob Taylor It’s long been an aspirational target for entrepreneurs. It literally goes beyond “blue sky,” in terms of location, to a place no business has gone before: Outer Space!...

Thursday, July 15, 2021

The Quiet Fall in Bond Yields Offered By Rob Taylor With all the attention given to inflation, stock prices, and job reports, it’s been easy to overlook the remarkable move in the bond market during the past few months. The...

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Oil Prices Hit Six-Year High Offered by Rob Taylor On July 6, oil prices reached a six-year high of $76.98 a barrel. This benchmark came as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies failed to reach an...

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Conducting Your Mid-Year Financial CheckupOffered by Rob Taylor With June officially behind us, it’s time to face the facts: we’re headed toward the second half of 2021. While there’s still plenty of time to enjoy...

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Inflation is defined as the general upward price movement of goods and services in an economy. The key word is “general.” Inflation tends to be uneven and affects the price of some items more than others.If you’ve...

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Thinking About Summer Travel Plans Offered by Rob Taylor Summertime rouses our desire to hit the road (or the airport) and travel. Here are a few things you’ll want to consider before you take off. Employment Issues for...

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

The Cryptocurrency Conundrum Offered by Rob Taylor Recently, you may have seen a number of major cryptocurrencies fall thanks to a continuing sell-off that began last week. In fact, over $250 billion was lost in the crypto market...

Friday, June 25, 2021

The Fed Acknowledges Inflation Offered by Rob Taylor At its June meeting, the Federal Reserve confirmed what many of us have suspected for some time: prices are rising. In fact, prices are climbing faster than many expected. In...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Summer Travel is Back! Offered by Rob Taylor One of the most anticipated comebacks of 2021 isn’t an athlete, rock star, or movie franchise. It’s summer travel, and it appears to be back with a vengeance. Travel agents are...

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Inflation & the Real Rate of Return Offered by Rob Taylor The real rate of return is an important personal finance concept to understand. It’s the rate of return on your investments after inflation. The real rate of return...

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Are You Ready for the Second Act of the Secure Act? Offered by Rob Taylor Recently, you may have seen headlines regarding the Securing a Strong Retirement Act, also referred to as the second version of the SECURE Act, or SECURE Act 2...

Thursday, June 10, 2021

A COLA with Your Social Security? Provided by Rob Taylor If there is a "silver lining" to all the inflation talk, it may be that Social Security benefits are expected to see a larger-than-normal increase in 2022. Preliminary estimates...

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

A Seven-Year High for Gas Prices Provided by Rob Taylor Over Memorial Day weekend, gasoline prices hit the highest for this holiday weekend since 2014.1 With the Colonial Pipeline outage in the rear-view mirror and an ever-increasing...

Thursday, June 3, 2021

With COVID, there were some who believed that progress on this health issue was a necessary precondition to economic recovery.In recent weeks, we have seen some promising trends emerge on the health front. The CDC is reporting the...

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

As our nation continues to recover from the effects of COVID-19, one economic trend has been....

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Only 45 percent of adults have a will or other estate documents in place, which may not be entirely surprising. No one....

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

The talk is of tapering, and it’s making investors nervous.The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) released the minutes of its April meeting last week. The report suggested that should the economy continue to make progress, it...

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Inflation Can Be a Scary Word Offered by Rob Taylor Inflation can be a scary word for people who are retired. It’s code for “prices are going up, but my income may stay the same.” The most recent reading on consumer...

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Baseball’s 300 Million Dollar Players Offered by Rob Taylor The San Diego Padres signed infielder Fernando Tatis, Jr., to a 14-year, $340 million contract roughly one year after the Los Angeles Dodgers inked outfielder Mookie...

Friday, May 14, 2021

A cyberattack shut down a major gas and energy pipeline supplying the East Coast of the United States for several days. The actual pipelines themselves are still functional and have since started running again, but it’s led to...

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

What does it mean when two of the most powerful voices in American financial life seem to be saying two different things?In one corner, we have the “Oracle of Omaha,” investor Warren Buffett. As one of the nation’s...

Thursday, May 6, 2021

2021 Retirement Confidence SurveyOffered by Rob Taylor Will your retirement dreams match your reality? That's perhaps the most critical question to ask people who are currently retired. Was your retirement what you expected, or was it...

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

A recent survey shows that 63% of investors are more interested in protecting their financial assets and planning for uncertainty in the future than anything else.1There are many reasons for this change, but here are a few of the most...

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Pay Yourself First Offered by Rob Taylor Each month, you settle down to pay bills. You pay your mortgage lender. You pay the electric company. You pay the trash collector. But do you pay yourself? One of the most-basic tenets of sound...

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Important Birthdays Over 50 offered by Rob Taylor Most children stop being “and-a-half” somewhere around age 12. Kids add “and-a-half“ to make sure everyone knows they’re closer to the next age than the...

Friday, April 23, 2021

Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have been the recipient of the latest buzz. NFTs are digital files attached to blockchain codes. If you know anything about digital currencies, you’re probably aware that these blockchain codes are...

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

“Green Shoots” in the Economy provided by Rob Taylor Investors looking for "green shoots" to confirm that the economy is on the mend have seen plenty of examples in recent weeks. Retail sales rose 9.8% in March, the...

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Green shoots is a term used to indicate signs of economic recovery after a downturn. It's a reference to when plants start to show signs of life again.

Friday, April 16, 2021

What Forces Are Driving the Housing Market? offered by Rob Taylor Recently, you may have seen reports that a record-low number of homes are available for sale—roughly 1.03 million nationwide. If you compare that to the average...

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

The Whims of Wall Streetoffered by Rob Taylor It can be exhausting trying to keep up with the whims of Wall Street. Lately, the financial markets have been fixated on federal taxes and what may be proposed on Capitol Hill in the weeks...

Thursday, April 8, 2021

President Joe Biden introduced the much-anticipated American Jobs Plan, which outlines an approach to spend roughly $2.2 trillion on the nation's infrastructure and other projects.As part of the legislative process, the Biden...

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Tax Deductions You Won't Believe Offered by Rob Taylor While Americans are entitled to take every legitimate deduction to manage their taxes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) places limits on your creativity. Here are some examples...

Friday, April 2, 2021

Are Americans Saving Too Much? by Rob Taylor Among the many changes arising from the pandemic, one of the most noticeable was a change in American spending habits. A survey released in March 2021 by Pew Research shows that Americans...

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Inflation has emerged as one of the top financial concerns for investors as they size up the economy for the rest of the year.According to research by Deutsche Bank, Google searches for “inflation” are rising rapidly and...

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Financial Literacy Month - Budgeting Today for Wealth Tomorrow by Rob Taylor Spend today, save tomorrow? Okay, we've all been there. But if it seems you're always living paycheck-to-paycheck and never able to save anything for the...

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

It’s All About Bonds by Rob Taylor There’s an old Wall Street maxim that says, “markets climb a wall of worry.” And these days, there’s plenty to worry about with the trend in long-term interest rates....

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Less than one month ahead of the traditional date, the I.R.S. has delayed the deadline for filing and paying taxes. The new deadline is May 17, 2021.1,2,3The delay follows continued disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic and a late...

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Major League Baseball scheduled Opening Day for April 1, but two states have already scored with spring training underway.Every year, spring training divides the 30 MLB teams into two squads. Half of the teams travel to Florida as...

Friday, March 12, 2021

COVID-19 Relief Bill Signed Into Law by Rob Taylor The House of Representatives passed a $1.9 trillion relief package focused on economic relief following the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was signed into law at the White House on...

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Volatility Tests Your Mettleby Rob Taylor Most people understand that stock prices don't go straight up. But when market volatility increases, the price action can test the mettle of even the most seasoned investor. In recent weeks,...

Friday, March 5, 2021

I’m sure you’ve heard that the House recently passed the Senate another round of stimulus to try and counteract the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new stimulus package could narrow income eligibility to...

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Spotlight Shifts to Bonds by Rob Taylor One time-tested principle of investing is, "when bond yields move higher, bond prices tend to move lower." Investors are doing a "double take" on the 10-year Treasury yield, which recently...

Friday, February 26, 2021

Healthy Body, Healthy Pocketbook by Rob Taylor Many people have a clear vision of what their ideal retirement looks like. Some desire vacation homes in tropical destinations, while others plan to spend quality time with their...

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Oil Prices on the Move by Rob Taylor At this time last year, it was still unknown that a deadly global pandemic was on the rise, eventually stalling economic growth and sending crude oil prices into negative territory. But recently,...

Friday, February 19, 2021

Economic Predictions: What Lies Ahead? by Rob Taylor It can be easy to overlook the nation’s solid economic fundamentals when the financial media splashes stories every day about an army of amateur traders, short-selling mania,...

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

How Soon Might the Stimulus Arrive? by Rob Taylor While many in the United States are beginning to receive vaccinations and people are starting to foresee a life after COVID-19, it remains clear that things aren’t yet back to...

Thursday, February 11, 2021

It Was Goliath vs. Goliath All Along By Rob Taylor What's your "go-to" source for financial information? "Family and friends" is the #1 answer given in the annual Retirement Confidence Survey. But a close second is search engines and...

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Markets Roiled by Recent Events by Rob Taylor Recently, the world has watched with great interest as a few companies have seen surprising rallies in their stock prices. You may have read stories of individual investors gaining massive...

Friday, February 5, 2021

Recently, Jeff Bezos, one of the wealthiest people in the world, announced he would take a different role at his company. Corporate moves make the news all the time, but for the largest companies, the story can jump from the business...

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Janet Yellen Becomes Treasury Secretary by Rob Taylor Former Federal Reserve chair Janet L. Yellen was sworn in as the 78th Secretary of the Treasury on January 26, 2021. This was a moment for historical reflection, as Yellen is the...

Friday, January 29, 2021

You may have heard the news about stocks for certain companies suddenly ballooning, quickly going from lunch money prices to several hundred dollars a share. In one case, the shares rose over 1700% since December 2020.1 So, what...

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Earnings Season Gets Underway By Rob Taylor Every few months, you may hear the phrase “earnings season” as you listen to financial news. But what exactly is “earnings season,” and why is it important to Wall...

Friday, January 22, 2021

Tax Filing Season Is a Little Later This Year by Rob Taylor Recently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that tax season will start a little later than usual. This year the IRS will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax...

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Personal Savings Rate by Rob Taylor The personal savings rate in the United States, which is the amount of income left after taxes and household spending, has reached some significant milestones. In April, when much of the country...

Friday, January 15, 2021

Election Update: 2021 May Bring Some Changes by Rob Taylor As election season draws to a close, it's a great time to review what type of legislative support would be needed to pass certain policy proposals that may come forward from...

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

2021 Opens With a Bangby Rob Taylor The first week of 2021 has already had many ups and downs. Just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean that the 2020 issues go away, and so far, 2021 has been no exception to this rule....

Friday, January 8, 2021

January Is Financial Wellness Month by Rob Taylor January is Financial Wellness Month, a time to remind people to make arrangements for their financial strategy. For me, it’s time for me to connect with new clients and discuss...

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

5 Highlights of the New Stimulus Package by Rob Taylor After a bit of political posturing in December, the $900 billion Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (2021 CAA) was signed into law by President Trump as the COVID-19 pandemic...

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

What’s the Buzz with Bitcoin? by Rob Taylor Hardly a day goes by that the topic of bitcoin or other cryptocurrency assets doesn’t come up in meetings with clients and prospects or from friends and relatives who want to...

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Distributions from Mutual Funds by Rob Taylor This time of year, you might glance at an account statement and see there has been an adjustment. But there may not be any cause for concern. Many mutual funds in December pay shareholders...

Friday, December 11, 2020

Markets & Marriage by Rob Taylor Your investment strategy is a lot like a marriage. One day you may feel like everything’s going swimmingly. The next day, there might be an argument over who forgot to load the dishwasher. And...

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Will the Grinch Steal Christmas? by Rob Taylor The start of the holiday shopping season can provide important clues about the economy's state and, more importantly, overall consumer confidence. So far, the results have been a...

Friday, December 4, 2020

Does Main Street Need a Wall Street Strategy? By Rob Taylor As Wall Street pushes higher, a pandemic-weary Main Street is relearning how to manage cash flow with the hope of keeping its retirement dreams alive. Self-employed Americans...

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Pandemic Tax Changes You Need To Know Now By Rob Taylor As the year comes to a close many of us are longing to spend time with friends and family and planning how to safely navigate the holidays. No one really wants to think about...

Friday, November 27, 2020

Coronavirus Vaccines and the Economy by Rob Taylor As the United States sees a rise in cases of COVID-19 across the nation, news of two promising vaccines out of hundreds being tested has offered a ray of hope for a fatigued world.1 A...

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Perhaps this year, more than ever, Thanksgiving gives us a chance to appreciate what we have – friendships, relationships, and a sense of connection. These gifts are priceless. I also want to thank you for choosing me as your...

Friday, November 20, 2020

Speed Bumps & Headlines by Rob Taylor As an investor, it can be tempting to get caught up in daily news headlines. Consider how news about the election and COVID-19 vaccines have moved the markets over the past several weeks. But...

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Election 2020: Biden’s Policy Initiatives by Rob Taylor Now that several major news groups have projected Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election—and Congress appears divided with Democrats in control of the...

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Weekly Market Insights: Markets React to Election by Rob Taylor Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated that a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to changing corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of...

Friday, November 6, 2020

After many weeks of telegraphing a long and careful ballot count, this week’s election lived up to that prediction in races for the Senate, the House, and the presidency. While Americans voted Tuesday, Wall Street cast its...

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Election 2020: Be Confident. Be Bold. Be Patient. by Rob Taylor It should come as no surprise that the economy is the most crucial issue in the upcoming election. But here's something that may surprise you. More than 90% of investors...

Friday, October 23, 2020

Election 2020: A Dose of Patienceby Rob Taylor The upcoming election is prompting some people to reconsider their investment strategy. In fact, 45% of consumers with $100,000 or more investable assets expect to make changes to their...

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

The Social Security Administration Announces 2021 COLAby Rob Taylor On October 13, 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 1.3 percent cost-of-living...

Friday, October 16, 2020

Election 2020: Managing Your Emotions by Rob Taylor It’s a startling statistic. 45% of consumers with $100,000 or more investable assets expect to make changes to their investments due to the upcoming 2020 presidential election...

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

FAFSA Applications Are Now Open by Rob Taylor Applications for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are now open for the academic year 2021-22. Applying for the FAFSA allows you to qualify for grants, scholarships, and...

Friday, October 9, 2020

October Is Financial Planning Month by Rob Taylor When training to become a financial professional, much of our course work centers on the six critical areas of creating a financial strategy. Some recognize October as Financial...

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Election 2020: Economic Issues in the Crosshairs by Rob Taylor It should come as no surprise to hear the economy is the top issue for voters in the 2020 election. Nearly 8 in ten voters say that the economy will be very important to...

Friday, October 2, 2020

Ouch! September’s Market Correction Hurt by Rob Taylor In theory, investors understand that stock market corrections are part of the investing process. But experiencing a setback—like the one we’ve witnessed in the...

Friday, September 25, 2020

Election 2020: Preparing for Any Outcomeby Rob Taylor As the U.S. presidential election draws near, expect to see more and more headlines that propose, "What will happen next if this person is elected?" or, "What policy changes to...

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Please Leave Home Without It by Rob Taylor Concerns over identity theft continue to grow, especially with the news of data breaches at major companies and financial institutions. Unfortunately, you have little control over when a...

Friday, September 18, 2020

Home Improvements Trending Higher by Rob Taylor Due to COVID-19, Americans are spending more time at home than ever before, leading to a record amount of spending on home improvement.1 It’s not that big of a surprise since many...

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Race for a Vaccine by Rob Taylor A U.S. drug company recently said that it’s in late-stage trials for its coronavirus vaccine and reported that it could be given to Americans as early as the end of the year.1 Great news. But it...

Friday, September 11, 2020

Football Is Back by Rob Taylor Football is back, which means Summer is coming to a close, days will get shorter, and sweaters will soon be in play. This year, there was no pre-season, so professional football started in September,...

Friday, September 4, 2020

Home Builders Confident In Economic Rebound by Rob Taylor To some, this may hardly feel like an economy headed for a bright future. But don’t tell that to home builders. Builder confidence in August jumped to an eye-popping 78...

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Has the Stock Market Rally Left You Behind? by Rob Taylor Some people in recent weeks may have been feeling that “the stock market seems to be doing so well but I’m not participating.” A look behind the headlines...

Friday, August 28, 2020

Your Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough? by Rob Taylor Have you ever had one of those months? The water heater stops heating, the dishwasher stops washing, and your family ends up on a first-name basis with the nurse at urgent care....

Monday, August 24, 2020

Right now, many Americans are worried about their financial health due to the impact COVID-19 has had on the country. Adding to these concerns were July's consumer prices— excluding food and energy—which rose at the...

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Federal Student Loan payments paused due to COVID-19 by Rob Taylor This month, many universities and colleges are welcoming students back to campus, even if most campuses are largely online this year. But that's not all that's...

Monday, August 17, 2020

How Much Money Will You Need for Retirement? by Rob Taylor "Will I outlive my retirement money?" That's one of the top fears for people who are starting to prepare for their retirement years. So I have to chuckle a bit when I see...

Monday, August 10, 2020

2020 RMD Income Tax Relief is Possible by Rob Taylor Are you one of the many retirement account holders who took a mandatory distribution this year? If so, you may be able to manage the taxes associated with Required Minimum...

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Don’t Overreact in August by Rob Taylor One of my favorite Wall Street quotes is from Mark Twain, who said: “October: This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January,...

Monday, August 3, 2020

Will Political Changes Affect the Economy? by Rob Taylor With all of the storm and stress of the year 2020, you’d be forgiven if you momentarily forgot that we’re due for another national election in November. Many states...

Thursday, July 30, 2020

What's driving current market behavior? By Rob Taylor In the era of COVID-19, and the financial woes it has created, I often get asked, “Why is the stock market holding up so well when the economy appears to be...

Monday, July 27, 2020

With the economy and financial markets flashing mixed signals, it’s no wonder that lawmakers are deadlocked on whether to pass a Phase 4 of the CARES Act.

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Stimulus Checks From The Treasury Department Frequently Asked Questions As of Friday, April 24, the Internal Revenue Service said it had issued 88 million payments to individuals across the country. It plans to send out more than 150...

Friday, April 24, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up nearly every aspect of American life. To say it’s been a difficult time would be an understatement. However, difficult times may open doors to new possibilities. Businesses are changing their...

Friday, April 10, 2020

Is it a Bear Market rally? Helpful Information and Graphs...

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Temporary Penalty-Free Early Distributions from Retirement Funds Everything you may need to know. By the numbers: The usual 10% withdrawal penalty on Qualified Retirement Plan (QRP) distributions taken prior to age 59 ½ is...

Friday, April 3, 2020

Are you eligible? Who is eligible for a recovery rebate? The CARE Act provides a $1,200 refundable tax credit for individuals ($2,400 for taxpayers filing jointly) plus $500 for each child. The...

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Social Security Recipients Will Automatically Receive Economic Impact Payments According to an IRS press release dated April 1st, 2020; Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to...

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

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Monday, March 30, 2020

Some Good News! 90 Day Tax Deadline Delay In light of current events and potential financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has postponed the 2019 federal income tax filing and payment...

Monday, March 16, 2020

CRASH WARNING! It's Official Well, it’s official! President Trump has just declared a national emergency and we are in a bear market. Markets have declined anywhere from 25-35% in a mere 3-4 weeks … an unprecedented...

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Rattled by the Market Drop? You’re Not Alone - We witnessed an extraordinary move in the financial markets on Monday, March 9. The Dow Industrials lost over 2,000 points, as Coronavirus fears continued to worry investors.

Monday, March 2, 2020

The Coronavirus Outbreak Is It Time To Go Defensive? Since the great Financial Crisis in 2008, the U.S. stock market has seen 27 pullbacks and corrections of at least 5% or greater. Is this time different? Not in terms of amplitude,...

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

The 24 Hour News Cycle Non Stop News - How it may affect you investments. Provided by Rob Taylor In recent weeks, we’ve seen several major stories in the news. On the political front, in addition to the arrival of the...

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

What should I be doing with my investmentsnow that the President has been impeached?Since September 24, 2019, when the impeachment inquiry wasinitiated, the equity markets have been relatively calm while theS&P 500 has actually gained...

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Being a small-business owner isn’t easy. Luckily, the Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) allows small-business owners to take some surprising deductions, which may help come tax time. Did you know....

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

What financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address for the coming year? Now is a good time to think about the investing, saving, or budgeting methods you could employ toward specific future objectives. You could....

Thursday, September 26, 2019

When you reach age 70½, the Internal Revenue Service instructs you to start making withdrawals from your traditional IRA(s). These withdrawals are also called Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). You will make them, annually, from now on.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Do you need to access your retirement money early? Maybe you just want to retire before you turn 50 and plan a lifelong income stream from the money you have saved and invested. You can....

Thursday, September 19, 2019

How healthy a retirement do you think you will have? If you stay fairly healthy, there could be a nice financial side effect: an exemption, for the present, from expenses that some of your peers could be dealing with.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Estate planning is not just for the very wealthy. It doesn’t matter if you own a mansion or a motor home. Rich or poor, when you die you leave behind an estate.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Some investors are puzzled when a financial professional recommends third-party asset managers to supervise their portfolios. Why would they recommend turning over the active management of the portfolio to someone else?

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

It’s great to have insurance against damage and loss, but if you can’t show proof of your possessions, it may result in a protracted settlement process with your insurance company. Have you....

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Are you prepared for the possibility – and expense – of eldercare? Any retiree or retirement saver needs to keep the possibility of extended care expenses in mind. It's never too soon to explore your options to try and meet this challenge.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

New divorce agreements will be subject to new tax rules starting in 2019, thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. There a two surprising ways the new alimony tax rules affect your retirement savings. How will ....

Thursday, August 29, 2019

A growing family, by definition, means growing financial obligations – both in the present and in the future. Raising children can increase your insurance needs and heightens the urgency for being properly prepared.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

What kind of role can a financial professional play for an investor? The answer: a very important one. While the value of such a relationship is hard to quantify, the intangible benefits may be significant and long-lasting. Do you...

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

When it comes to your long-term care needs, many look to select a strategy that may help them protect assets, preserve dignity, and maintain independence. If those concepts are important to you, consider your approach for long-term care.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

The transition to adulthood is an exciting new stage that marks true independence. With this new freedom comes real responsibilities, including protecting yourself from the financial risks that life presents. Have you....

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Does your vision of retirement align with the facts? What monetary realities might you need to acknowledge as your retirement progresses from one phase to the next?

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be that stunning. If your parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, how can you help them as they strive to make the most of the years ahead?

Thursday, August 1, 2019

About 13 percent of all motorists, or one-in-eight drivers, do not have automobile insurance. Getting in an accident with an uninsured driver might be costly.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Medicare provides seniors with some great benefits. Even so, it does not pay for dental care, vision care, medicines or any real degree of long-term care. Before you enroll, take note of what Medicare does not cover and the changes ahead.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about their own funeral, and yet, many of us have a vision about our memorial service or the handling of our remains. A letter of instruction can help you accomplish that goal. Have you....

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible. Have you....

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

The conventional wisdom about taking a loan from your 401(k) plan is often boiled down to: not unless absolutely necessary. In a true emergency, if you had no alternative, the rules do allow for a loan, but they....

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Soon, two types of Medigap policies will no longer be sold. Seniors who enroll in Medicare in 2020 or later will be unable to buy Medigap Plan F or Plan C. This change impacts.....

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Many people plan their estates diligently, with input from legal, tax, and financial professionals. Others plan earnestly but make mistakes that can potentially affect both the transfer and destiny of family wealth. Here are some common....

Thursday, July 4, 2019

The American family with a child born today can expect to spend about $233,610 to raise that child to the age of 18. And, you can expect your little one’s college education to cost as much as $198,000. Do you....

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

You may know someone who has been forced to seek out the generosity of their own network in order to cover the costs of health care. It may put you in mind of your own family and how you or they might deal with such a situation.

Thursday, June 27, 2019

If you follow national news, you may have heard of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act. If the SECURE Act becomes law, it could change retirement goals for many folks.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Consider making tax moves earlier rather than later. While next April may seem far off, this is an excellent time to think about tax-saving possibilities. You have plenty of time to ......

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Not all gifts are taxable. When sharing your wealth you may want to make sure you aren't giving the I.R.S. any overtime. Knowledge about the gift tax can help you give such gifts without creating a taxable situation. Are you...

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

The FIRE movement contend that many young adults can pursue financial freedom and retire in their 40s (or 30s) through sufficient commitment, investment, and resourcefulness.

Thursday, June 13, 2019

In a recent study, 35% of married couples described money issues as their primary source of stress. Potential causes of such financial stress may....

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Worldwide, the number of people aged 60 and older is growing. How can you make things easier for your parents later in life? Your parents may....

Thursday, June 6, 2019

About 6% of Americans 65 and older have never married. If you think you will retire alone and unmarried, you will want to pay special attention to both your financial and social qualities of life.

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

A decision not made may have financial consequences. Sometimes, we fall prey to a kind of money paralysis, in which financial indecision is regarded as a form of “safety.”

Thursday, May 30, 2019

The stock market is always dynamic. Episodes of upward and downward volatility come and go. Expect volatility, but a wise investor....

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

At every company, there are certain people who are essential to day-to-day operations. If they die, the business may face an operational or financial crisis. Is your company without key person insurance?

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Is someone taking advantage of someone you love? Whether elder abuse is intentional or unintentional, the harm done can be shameful. Warning signals are....

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

All too often, family wealth fails to last. Often, families fall prey to serious money blunders. Classic mistakes are....

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

An IRA is a retirement savings account, right? Indeed. IRA stands for Individual Retirement Arrangement. Even with that definition there is no prohibition on using an IRA to save for other purposes, such as funding a college education.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Some of us will marry again in retirement. How many of us will thoroughly understand the financial implications that may come with tying the knot later in life?

Thursday, May 9, 2019

If life has not allowed you to build substantial retirement savings, what possible steps could you take in an effort to improve your retirement prospects?

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Social Security will be a critical component of your financial strategy in retirement, so before you begin taking it, you should consider three important questions.

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

When you are putting together a household, it isn’t unusual to delegate responsibilities. However, delegating some responsibilities to others may lead to problems down the road. Both partners should....

Monday, April 29, 2019

A new term has made its way into today’s financial jargon: de-risking. Anyone with assets in an old-school pension plan should know what it signifies.

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

You learn lessons as you invest in pursuit of long-run goals. Some of these lessons are conveyed and reinforced when you begin saving for retirement, and others, you glean along the way.

Monday, April 22, 2019

An IRA, or Individual Retirement Account, is a tax-advantaged savings account that is subject to special rules regarding contributions and withdrawals. One of the central rules of IRAs is that withdrawals prior to age 59½ are....

Thursday, April 18, 2019

If you ever have the inkling to manage your own investments, that inkling is worth reconsidering. Do-it-yourself investment management is generally a bad idea for the retail investor for many reasons.

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Will Social Security run out of money in the 2030s? That may be unlikely, but the program does face financial challenges. In the future, Social Security might....

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Who among us wants to pay the Internal Revenue Service more taxes than we have to? Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible. Are you one of them?

Monday, April 8, 2019

If you weren’t around, what would happen to your investments? Many investors have built impressive and varied portfolios, but lack long-term wealth management strategies.

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Some people retire at the first opportunity, only to wish they had waited longer. Waiting a bit longer to retire might be advantageous to your bottom line.

Sunday, March 31, 2019

Elders are financially defrauded in this country on a daily basis. The Senate Special Committee on Aging says that American elders lose $2.9 billion in fraud per year.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

If you have a young, growing family, no doubt your to-do list is pretty long on any given day. For some families, saving and investing never quite ranks high enough – and it never becomes the priority it should become.

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Americans do many things with their money and invested assets, most of them on the up and up. However, there are cases which people unintentionally bend or break the law. Here are a few examples....

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

“What is your greatest retirement fear?” “Outliving my money” will likely be one of the top answers. With luck and a favorable investing climate, your retirement savings may last a long time.

Monday, March 18, 2019

When it comes to retirement saving, many women lag behind many men. Historically, that has been the case.

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Mistakes happen, even for people who have some life experience under their belt. Your retirement strategy is one area of life where you want to avoid having some fundamental misconceptions.

Monday, March 11, 2019

Many Americans have taken steps in recent years to protect their personal information, but savvy cybercrooks have overcome some of those defenses. If you have not taken measures to protect yourself, it may be a good idea to....

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Remember that good strategies also change over time, and you will probably want some help along the way. These three common assumptions, and how to avoid them, are ...

Friday, March 1, 2019

What raises eyebrows at the Internal Revenue Service?

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

So many people wish they had begun saving for retirement sooner. A Roth IRA might give your child or grandchild a chance at a great financial start.

Monday, February 25, 2019

Do bad money habits constrain your financial progress?

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Social Security has been a pillar of retirement life for several decades, but how much do you really know about it?

Friday, February 15, 2019

Retiring without a financial strategy is an enormous risk. Are you ready?

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

The financial uncertainties we face in retirement may risk reducing our sense of confidence. Today, retirees face two overarching uncertainties....

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

What is a 1099 form?

Monday, February 4, 2019

Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, you should understand the parts of Medicare – what they cover and where they come from.

Friday, February 1, 2019

The changes to the Internal Revenue Code (I.R.C.) for 2019 are certainly less extensive than the ones made for 2018. Some significant alterations and adjustments to the I.R.C. are evident this year.

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Among the big changes in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) were new limits on standard and itemized deductions.

Saturday, January 26, 2019

For many people, college sets the stage for life. Making sure your children have options when it comes to choosing a university can help shape their future.

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

An emergency fund may help alleviate the stress associated with a financial crisis. How healthy is your emergency fund? This article may help with your diagnosis.

Monday, January 21, 2019

What options do furloughed workers have? As the gridlock continues, people are showing great patience and resourcefulness.

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Who Wins: Traditional vs Roth? Perhaps both traditional and Roth IRAs can play a part in your retirement plans.

Saturday, January 12, 2019

The Anatomy of an Index The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market Provided by Rob Taylor Did you know that nearly $10 trillion in assets are benchmarked to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite...

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Why Do You Need a Will? Creating a will puts power in your hands. A recent study proves more than half of Americans will die without a will. This will leave the decisions about giving their property in the hands of others.

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

What exactly is the “sequence of returns”? What you don't know may hurt you ...

Friday, December 28, 2018

It is almost time to ring in the New Year! As December makes way for January, you may be excited thinking about new possibilities. Perhaps you want to take a moment to “refresh"...

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Being healthy not only makes you feel good, it may also help you financially. If you’re wondering how your health habits might be affecting your bottom line, consider the following ...

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Very few families start discrete savings accounts or trusts for children with disabilities. ABLE accounts address this under-publicized financial need.

Monday, December 17, 2018

The passing of a loved one irrevocably alters family life. Here, then, is a list of what commonly needs to be looked after.

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

According to a new Elder Needs Survey, almost half of Americans know a victim of financial elder abuse.

Monday, December 10, 2018

Important Market Commentary - Global View Capital December 7, 2018

Monday, December 10, 2018

Here are some noteworthy financial and lifestyle facts about life after 50 that...

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Your 2019 Financial To-Do List. Poential priorities you may need to address for 2019?

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Follow the rules, and you might get a big federal tax break. Is your annual IRA withdrawal a bother? A charitable IRA gift could be a highly tax-efficient move!

Thursday, November 29, 2018

How much could a college education cost in the 2030s? You may want to take a deep breath and sit down before reading...

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Social Security Gets Its Biggest Boost in Years Seniors will see their retirement benefits increase by an average of 2.8% in 2019. Provided by Rob Taylor Social Security will soon give seniors their largest “raise” since...

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

What you should know about some phone scams being perpetrated by criminals claiming to be the I.R.S. (or representatives of investment firms)...

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Will you be the 75-year-old who takes any job no matter how unsatisfying or awkward, who moves in with their children's family out of financial desperation...

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

COBRA Coverage - How much do you know about it? You likely know that if you are laid off from a big company, you will be offered COBRA health insurance benefits after your departure. But do you know about...

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Dear Friends, On November 11, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served America in the armed forces. It is also a time to appreciate the commitment of our active military personnel and their dedicated families. Let us...

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

What has changed for you in 2018? Even if your 2018 has been relatively uneventful, the end of the year is still a good time to get cracking and see where you can plan to save some taxes and/or build a little more wealth and ...

Monday, November 5, 2018

Plan F is fading away, and Plan G may become the most selected option. Soon, the most popular Medigap policy will no longer be sold. Seniors will lose the chance to buy Plan F in...

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Remember, you can’t control the market, but you can hire a Tactical Money Manager.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Who Is Your Trusted Contact? This vital investment account question should be answered sooner rather than later...

Monday, October 22, 2018

Do you know how much money you have in your checking account? Balancing, reconciling, whatever you want to call it, is a core financial skill...

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Why Did Treasury Yields Jump? A look at the early October selloff of U.S. government bonds. Investors raised eyebrows in early October as long-dated Treasury yields soared.

Saturday, October 13, 2018

How have things changed regarding charitable donations? Are most miscellaneous itemized deductions are gone? Can you still claim a deduction for continuing education expenses? Is the employee vehicle use deductions gone? Sweeping changes...

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Why You Should Have an Online Social Security Account In monitoring your Social Security profile, you may help to thwart fraud. Provided by Rob Taylor Could your personal information soon be stolen? The possibility cannot be dismissed....

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Before you enroll, take note of what the insurance does not cover and the changes ahead.

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

There's really no reason to wait. The average FAFSA applicant for the 2015-16 school year received roughly $8,500. A FAFSA costs nothing to fill out or send around, and there is absolutely nothing to lose in submitting one.

Friday, September 28, 2018

The last few months of 2018 give you a prime time to examine critical areas of your finances.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

After reading all this, you may feel like you need to be a millionaire to raise a child. Whether you're wealthy or not, you'll want to consider these financial and insurance essentials when you bring your newborn home.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

When a unexpected money comes your way, what do you do with a big windfall!

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

What can you do to lessen the costly impact of probate for your heirs?

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Usually, anyone who takes money out of an IRA or a retirement plan prior to age 59½ faces a 10% early withdrawal penalty. That isn’t always the case, however. You may be able to avoid the penalty ....

Monday, August 27, 2018

The Turkish Currency Crisis A look at why it matters so much to the world, and the risk of a domino effect. Provided by Rob Taylor The collapse of the Turkish lira has become a major financial story. You may wonder why the financial...

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Now is a good time to think about a few financial matters: Making changes earlier rather than later. Do you now need to pay estimated income tax? Has your household size changed? Think about how your FSA dollars.

Friday, June 22, 2018

How Much Do You Really Know About Long-Term Care? Separating some eldercare facts from some eldercare myths. Provided by Rob Taylor How much does eldercare cost, and how do you arrange it when it is needed? The average person might...

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Do You Know Who Your Beneficiaries Are? Why you should periodically review beneficiary designations. Provided by Rob Taylor Your beneficiary choices may need to change with the times. When did you open your first IRA? When did you buy...

Monday, June 18, 2018

College Funding Options You can plan to meet the costs through a variety of methods. Provided by Rob Taylor How can you cover your child’s future college costs? Saving early (and often) may be the key for most families. Here are...

Friday, June 15, 2018

What Women Shouldn’t Retire Without A practical financial checklist for the future. Provided by Rob Taylor When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a...

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Will Teachers Get the Retirement That They Deserve? Classroom educators are coping with hybrid plans and pension fund shortfalls. Provided by Rob Taylor Arizona. Kentucky. Massachusetts. Michigan. Pennsylvania. Rhode Island. Tennessee....

Monday, June 11, 2018

Retirement Planning Weak Spots They are all too common. Provided by Rob Taylor Many households think they are planning carefully for retirement. In many cases, they are not. Weak spots in their retirement planning and saving may go...

Friday, June 8, 2018

Managing Money Well as a Couple What are the keys in planning to grow wealthy together? Provided by Rob Taylor When you marry or simply share a household with someone, your financial life changes – and your approach to managing...

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

The Backdoor Roth IRA A move that high earners can make in pursuit of tax-free retirement income. Provided by Rob Taylor Does your high income stop you from contributing to a Roth IRA? It does not necessarily prohibit you from having...

Monday, June 4, 2018

The Saver’s Credit A special tax break for part-time, low-income, and moderate-income workers. Provided by Rob Taylor Do you work part-time, or earn less than $65,000 a year? If so, you might be eligible to fully or partly claim...

Friday, June 1, 2018

Set Goals as You Save & Invest Turn your intent into a commitment. Provided by Rob Taylor Goals give you focus. To find and establish your investing and saving goals, first ask yourself what you want to accomplish. Do you want to build...

Thursday, May 31, 2018

The Different Types of IRAs This popular retirement savings vehicle comes in several varieties. Provided by Rob Taylor What don’t you know? Many Americans know about Roth and traditional IRAs, but there are other types of...

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

New Medicare Cards Are on the Way In the coming months, they will reach retiree mailboxes. Provided by Rob Taylor New Medicare cards will be mailed out between now and next April. They have an 11-digit I.D. number instead of your SSN,...

Saturday, May 26, 2018

The Risks of Putting Too Much Money Into an Annuity These private income contracts do have potential flaws. Provided by Rob Taylor It may not be good to have all your eggs in an annuity basket. Or even a majority of your eggs,...

Friday, April 20, 2018

The Major 2018 Federal Tax Changes Comparing the old rules with the new. Provided by Rob Taylor The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made dramatic changes to federal tax law. It is worth reviewing some of these changes as 2019 approaches and...

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

A Setback for the Fiduciary Rule A Court of Appeals ruling could set the stage for a Supreme Court opinion. Provided by Rob Taylor The fiduciary rule is now a retirement planning standard – at least in 47 states. A recent appeals...

Friday, April 13, 2018

Could a Trade War Soon Start? The U.S. might soon impose tariffs on certain imports. Provided by Rob Taylor What if America taxes imported aluminum and steel? If it does, will other countries impose taxes in response, and what might...

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

What Should You Keep? Even with less itemizing, there are still tax documents you want to retain for years to come. Provided by Rob Taylor Fewer taxpayers are itemizing in the wake of federal tax reforms. You may be one of them, and...

Friday, April 6, 2018

A Retirement Gender Gap Why a middle-class woman may end up less ready to retire than a middle-class man. Provided by Rob Taylor What is the retirement outlook for the average fifty-something working woman? As a generalization, less...

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Why Life Insurance Matters for New Homeowners It addresses a significant financial risk. Provided by Rob Taylor If you buy a home and you have no life insurance, there is a financial risk. It may not be immediately evident, but it must...

Friday, March 30, 2018

The Medical Expense Deduction in 2018 Tax reform has lowered the threshold. Provided by Rob Taylor If you itemize, you should note the reduced medical deduction threshold for 2018. This year, you can deduct qualified medical expenses...

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Annuities for Retirement Income Why seniors choose them, and what prospective annuity holders should consider. Provided by Rob Taylor Imagine an income stream you cannot outlive. That sums up the appeal of an annuity. If you are...

Friday, March 23, 2018

Are There Really Tax-Free Retirement Plan Distributions? A look at some popular & obscure options for receiving money with little or no tax. Provided by Rob Taylor Will you receive tax-free money in retirement? Some retirees do. You...

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Are Gen Xers Planning for Retirement the Right Way? Some are planning wisely, but others are beset by mistakes. Provided by Rob Taylor Generation X has become the new “sandwich” generation. Many Americans born during the...

Friday, March 16, 2018

Millennials, Do Not Imitate Your Parents They invested heavily in what was “hot” and got burned. Provided by Rob Taylor A new generation of investors is coming to the forefront: your generation. Millennials have witnessed a...

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Investing in Your Beliefs Is your investment strategy as socially and environmentally conscious as you are? Provided by Rob Taylor It’s not uncommon – Many a well-educated, socially conscious, environmentally friendly...

Friday, March 9, 2018

Why You Want a Retirement Plan in Writing Setting a strategy down may help you define just what you need to do. Provided by Rob Taylor Many people save and invest vaguely for the future. They know they need to accumulate money for...

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Wise Money Moves Young Women Can Make Want a better financial future for yourself? Act now. Provided by Rob Taylor As a young woman, you have an opportunity to make some major financial strides. You truly have time on your side when it...

Friday, March 2, 2018

Keeping This Correction in Perspective After 20 months of relative calm, this volatility needs to be taken in stride. Provided by Rob Taylor Are you upset by what is happening on Wall Street? It may help to see this pullback within a...

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Why You Should Have an Online Social Security Account In monitoring your Social Security profile, you may help to thwart fraud. Provided by Rob Taylor Could your personal information soon be stolen? The possibility cannot be dismissed....

Friday, February 23, 2018

Actively Managed 401(k)s An option that may help your retirement efforts. Provided by Rob Taylor How should your 401(k) be invested? While some investors manage their 401(k)s themselves, others may seek a different kind of...

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Bad Money Habits to Break In 2018 Behaviors worth changing for the New Year. Provided by Rob Taylor Do bad money habits constrain your financial progress? Many people fall into the same financial behavior patterns year after year. If...

Friday, February 16, 2018

Why Having a Financial Professional Matters A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years. Provided by Rob Taylor What kind of role can a financial professional play for an investor? The answer: a very...

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Cybercurrencies: A Risky Choice in 2018 This year, we have seen the downside of bitcoin & other altcoins. Provided by Rob Taylor Bitcoin. Ethereum. Litecoin. Ripple. Ether. As 2017 ended, the prices of these cybercurrencies were...

Friday, February 9, 2018

A New Day for 529 Plans Federal tax reforms lead to new possibilities for these education savings accounts. Provided by Rob Taylor Do you have a 529 college savings plan? Have you thought about opening a 529 plan account? If the answer...

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

What Do You Have in Reserve for 2018? Build your emergency fund this year. Provided by Rob Taylor How much does the average American household have in the bank? Estimates vary, but the short answer to this question is “not enough...

Friday, February 2, 2018

The Major Retirement Planning Mistakes Why are they made again and again? Provided by Rob Taylor Much has been written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Aside...

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Tax Deductions Gone in 2018 What standbys did tax reforms eliminate? Provided by Rob Taylor Are the days of itemizing over? Not quite, but now that H.R. 1 (popularly called the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act) is the law, all kinds of itemized...

Friday, January 26, 2018

Yearly Economic Update: 2017 - The Year in Review A quick summary of economies & markets for you. Provided by Rob Taylor History will remember 2017 as a terrific year for equities. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 25.08%,...

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Crowdfunding & Taxes Information for those giving, receiving, and organizing. Provided by Rob Taylor Have you donated money to a crowdfunding campaign this year? You probably have. You may be wondering how the Internal Revenue Service...

Friday, January 19, 2018

What Are Your Odds of Being Audited? They are low, unless you show the I.R.S. some conspicuous “red flags” on your return. Provided by Rob Taylor Fewer than 1% of Americans have their federal taxes audited. The percentage...

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

When Is Social Security Income Taxable? The answer depends on your income. Provided by Rob Taylor Your Social Security income could be taxed. That may seem unfair, or unfathomable. Regardless of how you feel about it, it is a...

Friday, January 12, 2018

Things to Consider if You Plan to Retire Before 60 Financially speaking, what moves might you want to make? Provided by Rob Taylor By choice or by chance, some people wrap up their careers before turning 60. If you sense this will...

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

The Risk of Being a Suddenly Single Woman Contending with the possibility of widowhood. Provided by Rob Taylor On average, women outlive their husbands. According to the Social Security Administration’s estimate, the average...

Friday, January 5, 2018

How the Tax Reforms Will Take Effect Some of the impact of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act will be felt later than January 1. Provided by Rob Taylor President Donald Trump signed the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act into law on December 22, and on January...

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Everyone Is Talking About Bitcoin But when will the cryptocurrency bubble burst? Provided by Rob Taylor Investors are excited about bitcoin – perhaps too excited. Their fervor is easy to understand. On December 18, bitcoin closed...

Friday, December 29, 2017

Avoiding the Money Pitfalls of Past Generations Take these financial lessons to heart. Provided by Rob Taylor You have a chance to manage your money better than previous generations have. Some crucial financial steps may help you do...

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Now 64? Prepare to Sign Up for Medicare This is the time to arrange lifelong health coverage. Provided by Rob Taylor Age 64 is the age when you are reminded that you are a baby boomer growing older. Regardless of how young or old you...

Friday, December 22, 2017

A Look at Target-Date Funds Are these low-maintenance investments vital to retirement planning, or overrated? Provided by Rob Taylor Do target-date funds represent smart choices, or just convenient ones? These funds have become...

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Comprehensive Financial Planning: What It Is, Why It Matters Your approach to building wealth should be built around your goals & values. Provided by Rob Taylor Just what is comprehensive financial planning? As you invest and save for...

Friday, December 15, 2017

When Will the Business Cycle Peak? As the recovery lengthens further, this is a natural question to ask. Provided by Rob Taylor This decade has brought a long economic rebound to many parts of America. As 2017 ebbs into 2018, some of...

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Talking to Your Heirs About Your Estate Plan They should not be left ill-informed or unaware. Provided by Rob Taylor Talking about “the end” is not the easiest thing to do, and this is one reason why some people never...

Friday, December 8, 2017

Are Millennial Women Saving Enough for Retirement? The available data is more encouraging than discouraging. Provided by Rob Taylor Women 35 and younger are often hard-pressed to save money. Student loans may be outstanding; young...

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Air Travel & the Real ID Act Provided by Rob Taylor Did you know that depending on where you live, you may need a passport to board a domestic flight in 2018? The Real ID Act is being fully implemented on January 22. At that moment,...

Friday, December 1, 2017

Combining Your Finances When You Marry How separate (or intertwined) should your financial lives be? Provided by Rob Taylor Some spouses share everything with each other – including the smallest details of their personal finances...

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Could You Improve Your Personal Finances Today? Simple decisions & new habits might lead you toward a better financial future. Provided by Rob Taylor In life, there are times when simple decisions can have a profound impact. The same...

Friday, November 24, 2017

Big Spenders vs. Big Savers Who would you rather emulate? Presented by Rob Taylor You stand at your window and look across the street. Nice house, you think. Nice landscaping. Nice sports car. Nice driveway. New bikes for the kids. Wow...

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Advancing Toward Your Career Goals Should you change jobs in pursuit of them? Or position yourself in a new way at work? Provided by Rob Taylor Is your career unfolding as it should? If not, maybe it is time for a change; either a...

Friday, November 17, 2017

The Republican Tax Reform Plan What is in it? What could its changes mean for you, if they become law? Provided by Rob Taylor Major changes may be ahead for federal tax law. At the start of November, House Republicans rolled out their...

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Refrain from Tapping Your Retirement Funds Resist the temptation. Your future self will thank you. Provided by Rob Taylor Retirement accounts are not bank accounts. Nor should they be treated as such. When retirement funds are drawn...

Friday, November 10, 2017

Retirement Plan Contribution Limits Rise for 2018 Slight increases have been made due to mild inflation. Provided by Rob Taylor You will able to put a little more into your workplace retirement account in 2018. The federal government...

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

The Importance of a Life Insurance Audit Is it time to review your policy? Provided by Rob Taylor Life insurance is hard. It’s hard to know if you have the right kind. It’s hard to know if you have enough. And it’s...

Friday, November 3, 2017

Enjoy the Rally, But Prepare for the Retreat Investors may be lulled into a false sense of security by this market. Provided by Rob Taylor Will the current bull market run for another year? How about another two or three years? Some...

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

ACA Open Enrollment Season Is Here After a November 1 start, the window closes December 15. Provided by Rob Taylor This fall, the annual enrollment period to sign up for health insurance is shorter. In many states, it lasts only six...

Friday, October 27, 2017

Retirement Plan Trusts These tools can shield inherited IRA assets from lawyers and creditors. Provided by Rob Taylor Inherited IRA assets are vulnerable in bankruptcy proceedings. Many older IRA owners and their beneficiaries do not...

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Are There Blind Spots in Your Insurance Plan? Deficient coverage may cost you someday. Provided by Rob Taylor Many households and businesses are insufficiently insured. The problem is not necessarily the quality of coverage, but the...

Friday, October 20, 2017

The Top 12 Tax Frauds A look at the IRS “dirty dozen” list. Provided by Rob Taylor Have you heard of the “dirty dozen?” Each year, the IRS lists the top 12 recurring federal tax offenses – frauds, cheats,...

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

The Pros & Cons of Roth IRA Conversions What are the potential benefits? What are the drawbacks? Provided by Rob Taylor If you own a traditional IRA, perhaps you have thought about converting it to a Roth IRA. Going Roth makes sense...

Friday, October 13, 2017

Why You Should Look for a Registered Investment Advisor Standards matter, especially in wealth management. Provided by Rob Taylor Who should manage significant wealth? In recent years, more and more high net worth households have found...

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

How Much Should You Save By Age 30, 40, 50, or 60? What number should you strive to reach? Provided by Rob Taylor It is agreed that the earlier you start saving for retirement, the better. The big question on the minds of many savers,...

Friday, October 6, 2017

Volatility Is Not Risk The two should not be confused. Provided by Rob Taylor What is risk? To the conservative investor, risk is a negative. To the opportunistic investor, risk is a factor to tolerate and accept. Whatever the...

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Tell Your Beneficiaries About Your Accounts and Policies Let them know how they will receive retirement assets and insurance benefits. Provided by Rob Taylor Will your heirs receive a fair share of your wealth? Will your invested...

Friday, September 29, 2017

Questions After the Equifax Data Breach Consumers may be at risk for many years. Provided by Rob Taylor How long should you worry about identity theft in the wake of the Equifax hack? The correct answer might turn out to be “as...

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Good Financial Steps to Take When You Get Married If you’re going to say “I do,” here are some things you might want to do. Provided by Rob Taylor Are you marrying soon? Have you recently married? As you begin your...

Friday, September 22, 2017

Is a Home an Investment? From one perspective, the answer is yes; from another, no. Provided by Rob Taylor When you buy a home, are you investing? If you buy it to flip it or buy it as a rental property, the answer is yes. If you buy a...

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

The Financial Toll of Addiction Opioid abuse threatens to wreak havoc on family finances and retirement plans. Provided by Rob Taylor Imagine your retirement dreams put on hold or compromised, your savings and investment accounts...

Friday, September 15, 2017

The Power of Consistent Savings By Rob Taylor Everyone is told to save for retirement early. Everyone is told to save consistently. You may wonder: just what kind of difference might an early start and ongoing account contributions...

Thursday, September 14, 2017

The Equifax Data Breach Have you been affected? If so, how can you try to protect yourself? Provided by Rob Taylor On September 7, credit reporting agency Equifax dropped a consumer bombshell. It revealed that cybercriminals had gained...

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Donating Highly Appreciated Stock It can give you a tax break. It can give a charity a tax break in the future. Provided by Rob Taylor Why sell shares when you can gift them? If you have appreciated stocks in your portfolio (and you...

Friday, September 8, 2017

A Look at Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts Some retirement savers choose this option in their 401(k) plan. Provided by Rob Taylor Ever hear of an SDBA? That acronym stands for self-directed brokerage account. If you are enrolled in a...

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Life Insurance Products with Long Term Care Riders Are they worthwhile alternatives to traditional LTC policies? Provided by Rob Taylor The price of long-term care insurance has really gone up. If you are a baby boomer and you have...

Friday, August 25, 2017

Has Your Identity Been Stolen? Keep an eye out for these signs. Provided by Rob Taylor As NBC News notes, identity theft hit 15.4 million Americans last year. Perhaps it hit you. You know you have been victimized when you get that...

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

How Millennials Can Get a Good Start on Retirement Planning Some simple steps may make a major financial difference over time. Provided by Rob Taylor If you are younger than 35, saving for retirement may not feel like a priority. After...

Friday, August 18, 2017

The A, B, C, & D of Medicare Breaking down the basics & what each part covers. Provided by Rob Taylor Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, you should understand the parts of Medicare – what they cover,...

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

The Current CD Quandary Economists thought inflation would pick up. Guess again. Provided by Rob Taylor The Consumer Price Index has advanced less than 2% in a year. Mortgage rates are still not far from historic lows. Low inflation is...

Friday, August 11, 2017

Do You Have a Financial Wellness Program? Companies are luring & retaining employees with this key perk Provided by Rob Taylor What do your retirement plan participants wish you would offer? Besides the chance to save and invest part...

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Medicare Enrollment Options for 2017-18 A summary of what you need to know Provided by Rob Taylor Key Medicare enrollment periods are approaching. This fall and winter, there are three periods in which Medicare beneficiaries can either...

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Investors attracted by bitcoin & other altcoins should recognize their downsides. Provided by Rob Taylor Bitcoin. Ethereum. Litecoin. Ripple. These are just four of the cybercurrencies attracting opportunistic investors today. Are they...

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

A few things you may want to think about before filing for benefits. Whether you want to leave work at 62, 67, or 70, claiming the retirement benefits you are entitled to by federal law is no casual decision. You will want to consider...

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Sometimes The Pundits Get It Wrong In fact, many predictions about Wall Street have misread the markets direction. Provided by Rob Taylor Trying to determine how Wall Street will behave next week, next month, or next year is difficult....

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Retirement Now vs. Retirement Then Today’s retirees must be more self-reliant than their predecessors. Provided by Rob Taylor Decades ago, retirement was fairly predictable: Social Security and a pension provided much of your...

Friday, March 4, 2016

Dollar Cost Averaging in a Down Market This investment technique may help you take advantage of the downturn. Provided by Rob Taylor Buying low and selling high is the oldest stock market adage. How does one put it into practice?...

Friday, March 4, 2016

Building a College Fund Do it smartly, without the all-too-common missteps. Provided by Rob Taylor According to Sallie Mae, U.S. families with one or more college students spent an average of $24,164 on tuition, housing, and linked...

Monday, February 29, 2016

The IRS Changes to 529 Plans Learn about the two new tax perks for these college savings vehicles. Provided by Rob Taylor Do you have a 529 plan account? Then you will want to know about a pair of federal tax law changes which may...

Monday, February 29, 2016

College Funding Options You can plan to meet the costs through a variety of methods. Provided by Rob Taylor How can you cover your child’s future college costs? Saving early (and often) may be the key for most families. Here are...

Monday, February 29, 2016

In-Kind Distributions from IRAs Yes, you can take an IRA distribution in the form of an investment. Provided by Rob Taylor This may surprise you: you can take an IRA distribution in a form other than cash. This may seem unorthodox,...

Monday, February 29, 2016

Holding Real Estate in an IRA Is this unorthodox investment idea underappreciated? Provided by Rob Taylor You can invest your IRA assets in different ways. Should you invest a portion of those assets in real estate? At first thought,...

Monday, February 29, 2016

The Chapters of Retirement The five phases of life after 50 & the considerations that accompany them. Provided by Rob Taylor The journey to and through retirement occurs gradually, like successive chapters in a book. Each chapter has...

Monday, February 29, 2016

When Will Stocks Stabilize? How deep will this correction ultimately be? Provided by Rob Taylor January may prove to be the worst month for stocks in eight years. The S&P 500 just corrected for the second time in five months, and some...

Monday, February 29, 2016

Should You File Jointly, Or Not? For many married couples, filing jointly is a good idea, but there are exceptions. Provided by Rob Taylor Ninety-five percent of married couples file joint federal tax returns. Filing jointly can be...

Thursday, February 4, 2016

The Lottery Is No Retirement Plan Pay yourself first instead, with your future in mind. Provided by Rob Taylor Powerball fever swept across America last week, with a record jackpot of $1.5 billion eventually being split by three...

Monday, February 1, 2016

Making and Keeping Financial Resolutions What you might do (or do differently) in the months ahead? Provided by Rob Taylor How will your money habits change in 2016? What decisions or behaviors might help your personal finances, your...

Monday, January 18, 2016

Ways to Repair Your Credit Score Steps to get your credit rating back toward 720. Provided by Rob Taylor We all know the value of a good credit score. We all try to maintain one. Sometimes, though, life throws us a financial curve and...

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Are Gen Xers Planning for Retirement the Right Way? Some are planning wisely, but others are beset by mistakes. Provided by Rob Taylor Generation X has become the new “sandwich” generation. Many Americans born during the years 1965-80...

Monday, January 11, 2016

How Could a Fed Rate Hike Affect Retirees? As the central bank starts tightening, some positives & negatives may emerge. Provided by Rob Taylor Economists widely expect the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates this month....

Monday, January 4, 2016

Smart Financial Moves in Your 20s, 30s, 40s & 50s What might you think of doing when? Provided by Rob Taylor If you had a timeline of the financial steps you should probably take in life, what would it look like? Answers to that...