Blog
Here’s the Scoop: A Diversified Portfolio Requires Diversified Sources of Investment Information
Long-term portfolio diversification, like journalism, requires diversified (and credible) “sources.” Investors can get the scoop from Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, company announcements, financial news organizations, and other publicly available...
Market Outlook 2021: 6 Themes to Watch in the Coming Year
The last time we experienced a major pandemic 100 years ago, Wall Street followed up with the “Roaring 20s.” Needless to say, there’s no guarantee of that kind of rebound after COVID-19, and the economy might have more dark days ahead in 2021. Still, the brightest...
Retirement & Tax Strategies for Income Protection
Retirement is full of possibilities. Will you travel? Pursue a new career or hobby? Volunteer in your community? Spend more time with friends and family? No matter your vision, you need a plan to help ensure you have sufficient income to enjoy this chapter of...
Why Investors Should Consider Staying the Course
The “fight or flight” instincts of humans long predate stock markets and even Warren Buffett, and many investors today are surely familiar with these basic impulses. Should you stand up to a threat and put up your dukes? Or turn tail and run away? Market...
Every goal starts with a plan
We want to help you stay on course as you pursue your financial goals. A complimentary goal planning session with one of our Financial Consultants helps you assess your current financial situation and create a personalized plan for the future that's focused on your...
Planning For Retirement
Access professional guidance for planning your retirement Your retirement plan isn’t something you set up once and then leave unattended. A successful retirement plan takes patience, attention, and discipline. To help you plan your retirement, we’ve created a list of...
Rough Q1 for Big Banks, but Executives’ Confidence Provides Early Lift
The wildest and most unpredictable earnings season many of us are likely to ever see starts today. It begins with markets moving higher as political leaders sound more optimistic about bending the virus curve and the first reporting companies strike a relatively...
April Markets: Curtain Raising on Earnings, but Guidance May Take Center Stage
Key Takeaways Many analysts forecasting a recession in Q2 and Q3 Banks to kick off earnings season mid-month, followed by big tech and energy firms Comparing Q1 earnings data to those from previous quarters or years might offer very little insight Instead of checking...
Funny Conference Calls Video, for those working from home.
Conference calls can be excruciating. If you’re the first one in, you have to make the most awkward of small talk–yes, it sure is cold–and if you’re last then you’re a jerk. They’re like meetings, only worse. This video from comedians Tripp and Tyler perfectly...
Tips for Working From Home
The global spread of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, is keeping people at home. Major conferences, including Mobile World Congress and Google I/O have been canceled to decrease the risk of infection. Some employers are encouraging or requiring people to work...
Is the IRS Really Calling You? How to Spot an IRS Phone Scam
About a year ago, Alex Reffett got a call from someone saying he owed thousands of dollars in taxes. The person gave him a bank account where he could wire the money, and Reffett said would go to the bank to complete the transfer. But when he began showing some...
Roth or Traditional: Which IRA is right for you?
Roth or Traditional IRA If you're looking for a tax-advantaged way to save for retirement, two good options are the Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA. Each have their unique advantages, and the one you choose will largely depend on your earnings needs and...
What Is Dividend Yield?
What Is Dividend Yield?Let’s say you plant a tree in your yard to add beauty to your view and value to your home. And maybe you choose a tree that bears fruit to give you an epicurean delight in addition to that beauty and value. In other words, certain trees may put...
3 Strategies for Financial Gift Giving
3 Strategies for Financial Gift GivingSome people can come up with incredible gift ideas effortlessly, while others rack their brains trying to come up with the perfect gift for loved ones. If you’re ever strapped for a meaningful gift idea, consider stocks or another...
Learn to Invest: Your Goals, Objectives, and Investments
Learn to Invest: Your Goals, Objectives, and InvestmentsAre you learning the basics of investing? If so, it might help to think of it as if you were moving to a large and unfamiliar city. Your first inclination is to find your way around, to really “learn” your...
There’s only one way to retire: yours
There's only one way to retire: yoursWe offer solutions, resources, tools, and guidance to help you develop and manage your retirement strategy. And our knowledgeable representatives will be here every step of the way to help you plan your journey towards your...
7 Financial Steps For Newlyweds
7 Financial Steps For Newlyweds If you’re about to wed, now’s the time to discuss your finances in marriage. It’s among the most important conversations the two of you will have as you embark on your lifelong journey together.“When it comes to money and...
How to Alleviate Four Common Fears for Retirees
After working and planning for years, the sweet stuff of retirement is supposed to follow. However, even after long-term planning, there can still be some concerns about retirement.You never know what the future may bring, especially when it comes to stagnant markets...
One and Done? Fed Cuts Rates, But Stocks Plunge as Powell Calls it “Adjustment”
After a decade without cutting interest rates, the Fed announced a quarter-point easing Wednesday and also ended its balance sheet reduction program earlier than expected. However, stocks fell sharply after the decision, possibly because in its post-meeting statement...
Avoid Costly Mistakes: IRA & 401(k) Withdrawal Tax Penalties
Tax penalties usually occur when taxpayers don’t file returns or extensions or make other errors that raise red flags with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).But retirement accounts can also be subject to tax penalties if investors make mistakes. Christine Russell,...
Volatile Could Mean Vulnerable: Despite Big Rally, Anxiety Seems Elevated
For a market nearing all-time highs, volatility remains curiously elevated. The message, in a slow news cycle like the one we’re currently in, could be that one tweet or statement has the chance to set things in a bad way quickly, especially considering how far the...
What Baby Boomers Can Do When Volatility Hits Near Retirement
In 2011, the first of the baby boomers reached retirement age. And according to the Social Security Administration, about 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day. That’s a lot of baby boomer retirement, as well as a lot of concern among retiring boomers about the impact of...
Teaching a Child to Save Money
An interesting read on how one person taught his children about money: “As a small child, my parents would talk to me about saving money but no strategy complemented the narrative, making the end result more coercive than cooperative. When my own children reached ages...
What Strategies Create Millionaires?
How do millionaires make their money? Where do they invest? The facts are interesting.In the United States, 11.3 million people are worth $1 million - $5 million. Another 1.3 million are worth $5 million - $10 million.The majority of these people invest their assets...
Grow Your Retirement Savings to Keep Up With Inflation
Most of us probably strived for better-than-average grades at school and better-than-average salaries at work. That being the case, it’s kind of surprising that so many investors seem to be comfortable having “average” retirement savings for their age.Unfortunately,...
Retirement Updates: 2019 IRA & 401(k) Contribution Limits
The IRS has announced the new contribution limits for tax-advantaged retirement plans. Find out the IRA and 401(k) contribution limits for 2019.Key TakeawaysIRA and 401(k) contribution limits have been raised for 2019The change offers an opportunity to increase your...
Tony Robbins: 5 money mistakes investors need to avoid in today’s choppy market
Tony Robbins: 5 money mistakes investors need to avoid in today's choppy market Tony Robbins, renown life and business strategist who has coached more than 50 million people, has dedicated himself to spreading personal finance literacy across America. And his mantra...
How Much Insurance Do You Need?
How Much Insurance Do You Need? When you think of insurance, you may first think of coverage for your auto and home. But have you considered coverage for your family’s financial security? Circumstances such as an extended illness, accidental injury or the death of a...
The stock market’s severe drop: Normal pullback or an ominous sign?
The stock market's severe drop: Normal pullback or an ominous sign? Last week, it felt like the bottom dropped out of the stock market. The blue-chip Dow Jones industrial average plunged 4.5% for the week, ending with a 559-point rout Friday that left the index in...
LOCAL ARTISTS OPEN HOUSE
LOCAL ARTISTS OPEN HOUSE WE INVITE YOU TO A LOCAL ARTISTS OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY DEC 8th FROM 2-4 P.M.HOT CIDER AND COOKIES!Come Join us after the Parade! Featuring 4 Local Artists’ original works: Daryl ShanklandJill WolfeAnnelle MetskerMaizie Belser On Route 64, 2nd...