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Monday, May 29, 2023

Parenthood can be both wonderfully rewarding and frighteningly challenging. Children give gifts only a parent can understand — from sticky-finger hugs to heartfelt pleas to tag along on Saturday morning errands. You raise them...

Monday, May 22, 2023

529 plans are tax-advantaged savings vehicles designed to accumulate contributions and help pay for the beneficiary's qualifying education expenses. Sometimes, 529 plans have unused funds after the beneficiary graduates or decide to...

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Life insurance has many uses, including income replacement, business continuation, and estate preservation. Long-term care insurance helps provide financial protection against the potentially high cost of long-term care. If you find...

Monday, May 8, 2023

When people think of life insurance, what usually comes to mind is settling the deceased's final expenses and providing financial support for their beneficiaries. Although these are the most common uses of life insurance, cash value...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Spring is often thought of as an uplifting time, marked by growth and renewed hope as we emerge from the long months of winter and look ahead to the rest of year. Investors saw signs of such renewed hope in recent weeks, especially on...

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Saturday, April 22, 2023

Financial literacy is crucial, not only for adults but for everyone in the family. When you have a good foundation of financial literacy, you will have a greater understanding of money and prepare yourself for a brighter financial future.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Money worries may be one of the biggest sources of stress—from wondering how to pay for an unexpected expense to making retirement calculations when considering leaving a job. In the midst of inflation, war, and stock market volatility...

Monday, April 10, 2023

Planning for retirement is exciting, but it may come with a bit of stress. If you worked hard all your life, now might be the time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. One of the things that you may need to consider is when it is...

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

The financial markets’ resilient performance during March was striking, despite pockets of uncertainty surrounding the strength of the economy—and not to mention concerns over the durability of the banking system. The ability of the market

Monday, April 3, 2023

Getting ready for retirement involves more than just calculating how much you will need and the rate you can draw down your savings. The years before you retire is a crucial time to prepare both financially and psychologically.

Thursday, March 16, 2023

The events of the past few days have many people asking questions about the health of the financial services companies they entrust with their money and investments. And to the extent that you may have similar questions, we want to...

Friday, March 3, 2023

Spring cleaning presents a great opportunity to clear out any items you no longer need—and the same goes for your finances. Reviewing your finances during tax time can help this year's taxes as well as the next. In this article...

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning. In this article, we discuss six strategies to help you reduce SS taxes by minimizing your adjusted gross income (AGI). Depending on your situation

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

The strategy takes advantage of a loophole in the tax code that allows individuals to convert their traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, regardless of their income level. This type of conversion has become increasingly popular in recent years...

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months. We started the year hopeful that stocks would benefit from a better economic and monetary policy environment by the spring, but recent...

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Americans are preparing for the countdown to Tax Day. But before you rush to get that return out the door, are you confident you have everything in order to make your tax filing go as smoothly as possible? Here are five last-minute details

Saturday, February 25, 2023

American workers find it difficult to save for retirement because their distant financial needs tend to take a backseat to more immediate economic concerns, even if they have their day-to-day finances under control or are financially litera

Monday, February 20, 2023

A surprising two out of every three American adults do not have any kind of written estate plan. 1 For adults who also serve as family caregivers, not having a plan in place can pose major risks for them and their entire family if they die

Monday, February 13, 2023

Hopefully, you’re planning to give all of your loved ones plenty of affection this Valentine's Day. But what if you weren’t around? To make sure everyone is fully protected when you’re gone, you need an estate plan. This year, show everyone

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Whether you’re one to set ambitious New Year’s resolutions or simply use the beginning of the year to reset on a few habits, there’s almost always some value in reflecting on the past year before looking ahead. The...

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

It's easy to carry the stress of work to home and home to work. Budget your time accordingly for each aspect of life to avoid the chaos that comes with overlapping the two. Follow these tips and tailor them accordingly.

Saturday, January 28, 2023

When you think of identity theft, you may think of unauthorized credit card payments or new lines of credit. However, tax identity theft is one of the most common types of identity theft — and it’s also the most common...

Monday, January 23, 2023

Getting married is a joyous time, but one that comes with numerous considerations. From living arrangements to future goals, marriage may quickly change a lot of things in your life. One thing that may drastically change after your...

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

As people begin to age, having worked hard their entire lives and accumulated significant wealth in savings and investments, it becomes very important for many to evaluate strategies for leaving their wealth to loved ones. Luckily,...

Monday, January 9, 2023

As an investor, you may be impacted by capital gains if you sell your investment – whether at a gain or loss. Understanding capital gains may help with your overall investment strategy and the potential to preserve your wealth....

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

We wish you a happy New Year and hope you were able to close out 2022 with friends and family. The beginning of a calendar year is often the time when the previous year’s reflections transition to a new year’s hopes....

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

For many people, a new year provides a new start—and nothing says "new start" like a fresh new set of financial goals. But setting these goals is easier said than done. What steps should you take to get the most bang for your...

Monday, December 26, 2022

For many investors, this year has been a wild ride. But the end of the year is the perfect time to take stock of your investments, evaluating what worked, what didn’t, and what you might do better next year. Here are four key opportunities

Friday, December 16, 2022

While you will likely see a reduction in the amount of taxes you owe after the age of 65, you still need to plan ahead if you want to minimize your tax bill from the IRS. In this article, we take a look at some strategies you can use to min

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Taxes, like death, are inevitable. But why pay more than you have to? Getting the most out of your tax planning opportunities is key to minimizing your federal income tax liability. Utilize your deductions as efficiently as possible and tak

Monday, December 5, 2022

The end of the year is a great time to review your trust document, update information, buy or sell assets or even cancel your trust if you choose. Here is a checklist to help you complete your trust and year-end planning.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

The basic strategy for year-end planning is both to time your income so that it will be taxed at a lower rate, and to time your deductible expenses so that they may be claimed in years when you are in a higher tax bracket.

Sunday, November 27, 2022

In unpredictable economic times, many donors may be wary of making large donations of cash, even to charities they would otherwise like to support. Nonprofits are therefore increasingly encouraging donors to make gifts of non-liquid...

Saturday, November 19, 2022

Black Friday is sometimes the largest shopping holiday of the entire year. Millions of people typically shop in stores or online on Black Friday to score the top deals on must-have holiday gifts. While it may be easy to become...

Monday, November 14, 2022

As we approach the end of the year, you may want to review areas that may impact your wealth and estate planning next year. In this year-end planning guide, we examine four critical areas to consider that may affect your finances:...

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Even if you never thought of yourself as especially wealthy, there may be a fair chance that you fall into the category of "high net worth individuals"—those who have liquid assets of $1 million or more.1 For many individuals who...

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

October is now behind us and it has delivered on its track record as a historically favorable month for stocks, offering some respite for investors as major equity indices rose for the month. The downside pressure on equities had...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

A solid estate plan should not only provide for your assets after you pass, but also plan for your long-term care while you're alive. With the median cost of a long-term care facility approaching $8,000 per month, paying for long-term...

Monday, October 24, 2022

Those turning 65 this year have a 7 in 10 chance of needing long-term care (LTC) at some point.1 With the cost of a private room in a nursing home now topping $100,000 per year, the thought of paying this — or for a loved...

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

What is gifting? Transfer of ownership without receiving valueBroadly speaking, a gift occurs when you transfer something (e.g., your business interests) to another party without receiving something of at least equal value in return....

Thursday, October 6, 2022

First, we want to acknowledge the tremendous damage and displacement caused by Hurricane Ian. Our thoughts are with those impacted by this devastating storm.This has clearly been a challenging year for households. Stocks and bonds are...

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

High Net-Worth executives and those that have been self-employed, can experience common problems in their financial planning journey. Often, they have missed opportunities in their financial planning because they haven’t planned...

Monday, September 26, 2022

The uncertainty of today's economy, rising interest rates, and market volatility may have you concerned about your 529 plan's performance over the past months. If your child or grandchild has an upcoming tuition bill soon, now may be...

Friday, September 23, 2022

The primary purpose of life insurance is to provide financial resources for those that depend on you when you die. However, you can lessen the complexity of charitable giving through wealth transfer by using life insurance as a gifting...

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

One of the main concerns about retirement is health care. As healthcare costs continue to rise, medical bills may quickly derail your retirement plan. The good news is when you turn 65, you will be able to apply for Medicare, which...

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

When it comes to stock market performance, August was “the best of times, and the worst of times.” The strong market rally that peaked in mid-August was viewed by many analysts as a transition from a bear to bull market,...

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) can be a highly effective financial and estate planning tool. The CRT can allow you to: avoid capital gains taxes on highly appreciated assets, however when income is distributed to the income...

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Smart self-care does not just mean spa days and movie nights: there are other therapeutic ways to reduce your mental and physical stresses, including how you manage your money. If your goal is to create healthier habits...

Friday, August 26, 2022

More women are working and taking charge of their own retirement planning than ever before. What does retirement mean to you? Do you dream of traveling? Pursuing a hobby? Volunteering your time, or starting a new career or business?...

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Understanding your style of investing is an important step – especially todayAre you a Growth investor or a Value investor? Or do you prefer a mix of the two?Understanding your style of investing is an important step in deciding...

Friday, August 19, 2022

In 2022, U.S. inflation hit a 40-year high, with prices for food, housing, gasoline, and other key staples increasing by nearly 10% over the previous year.1 During these uncertain times, stocks have continued a roller-coaster ride that...

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Smart self-care does not just mean spa days and movie nights: there are other therapeutic ways to reduce your mental and physical stresses, including how you manage your money. If your goal is to create healthier habits involving your...

Monday, August 8, 2022

Economies and markets are cyclical. They may include periods of wealth creation and times of bursting bubbles that bankrupt companies in a major downturn." Boom and bust" cycles may last anywhere from a few months to a few years or...

Thursday, August 4, 2022

Investing for your retirement isn't about getting rich quick. More often, it's about having a game plan that you can live with over a long time. You wouldn't expect to be able to play the piano without learning the basics and...

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Last week was epic for market-watchers. A Federal Reserve (Fed) rate hike, a much-anticipated gross domestic product (GDP) report, and the busiest week of earnings season got most of the headlines. There was even a surprise out of...

Monday, July 25, 2022

Today, many individuals are finding it necessary to help elderly parents or relatives manage their personal finances. One area of particular concern is property management. This issue may arise when seniors reach their late seventies...

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

When it comes to investing, having fewer investments might help streamline your portfolio to manage stress better. Here are some benefits of a simple portfolio and some ways to help you create one.The Benefits of SimplicityUnless you...

Monday, July 11, 2022

For members of the "Sandwich Generation"—those currently in their 40s and 50s who are caring for children and their parents who are over 65-years old—estate planning may seem like a low priority. After all, when you're...

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

July 6, 2022As the calendar has turned to July, investors would certainly like to forget the first six months of 2022. However, the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday does bring with it reason for celebration. Not only is it the...

Monday, July 4, 2022

Working towards financial independence can often be a lifelong process. But for many, financial freedom may come far sooner—and include some fun along the way. What are the differences between financial independence and financial...

Monday, June 27, 2022

Estate planning is critical for efficiently transferring your money, property, and assets to your beneficiaries after you die. The reason people choose an estate plan is that it avoids probate. One thing to keep in mind about your...

Monday, June 20, 2022

A regular program of disciplined financial practices can help you in the long-runMany people realize that the best way to stay in shape is to develop an appropriate fitness regimen and then stick with it. If you start a fitness program...

Monday, June 13, 2022

Through charitable giving, you can support causes or organizations you believe in and lock in tax benefits simultaneously. Whether you’re new to charitable giving or a veteran, there are several strategies you should keep in mind...

Monday, June 6, 2022

If you plan to gift a sizable amount of money to a loved one, gift tax should be on your radar. Gift tax is a federal tax imposed on transfers of cash or property valued above a certain threshold. Gift tax is paid by the gift giver,...

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

When you prepare to have your first child, the to-do list may seem endless—from purchasing a car seat to furnishing a nursery, lining up day care options, and planning for time off from work. These tasks, while sometimes...

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

The bull market that began in March of 2020 came dangerously close to an end. From March 23, 2020 through January 3, 2022, the S&P 500 Index gained 114% (excluding dividends). From that January 3 closing high through the recent low on...

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Monday, May 16, 2022

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Monday, April 25, 2022

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

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Thursday, March 3, 2022

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Monday, February 28, 2022

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Monday, February 14, 2022

Monday, February 7, 2022

Friday, February 4, 2022

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Monday, January 17, 2022

Monday, January 10, 2022

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Monday, December 20, 2021

Spend as much time fixing your mistakes as you do planning the holidays You probably spend more time planning your holiday gathering than preparing for your golden years. As a result, you make basic mistakes in trying to fund your...

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Although you don't have to wait until January to begin working on your financial goals, a new year may bring a much-needed fresh start on your spending and saving goals. Read on for three financial moves you may want to consider before...

Friday, December 10, 2021

Running a business without a written business plan is like heading out on a cross-country trip without a map or GPS. Although you may be able to make it to your destination, you may spend far more time and money navigating through...

Monday, December 6, 2021

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Regardless of size, companies can benefit when the community in which they do business thrives. For entrepreneurs, giving back to the community may be more than just a charitable act; it can also make good business sense. If you have...

Friday, November 12, 2021

Life insurance can be an excellent tool for charitable giving. Not only does life insurance allow you to make a substantial gift to charity at relatively little cost to you, but you may also benefit from tax rules that apply to gifts...

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

It may be better to give than to receive, but it may be even better to give and see your generosity rewarded. Charitable giving can play a valuable role in your financial and tax strategies. A well-planned gift to charity could provide...

Friday, November 5, 2021

When you donate to a charity, you want to know that your donation is going to its highest and best purpose—which means minimizing the tax exposure of the donated assets. One way to accomplish this, whether you're hoping to donate...

Thursday, November 4, 2021

November 4, 2021 The past year and a half have tested all of us, but overall, the economy continues to strengthen, COVID-19 trends are greatly improving, and this still relatively young bull market is alive and well. As the leaves turn...

Monday, November 1, 2021

There are countless benefits of charitable giving. Through generous donations, you can make a difference in your community and society. You may also feel happier and even save on your taxes. On September 5th, consider participating in...

Monday, October 18, 2021

Long-Term Care: Exploring Your Options Have you ever thought about what would happen if you or a family member were no longer able to live independently? What if your elderly parents were no longer able to drive or perform basic...

Friday, October 8, 2021

October 7, 2021 Dear Valued Investor: One constant in life is change. During the past year and a half, we have experienced more change than any of us bargained for. Change is disruptive—but also brings opportunities. For...

Friday, October 8, 2021

Paving Your Road to Retirement Whatever your age, it’s never too soon to look ahead and begin giving thought to your retirement. With proper planning, you can make the transition to retirement a smooth, comfortable and confident...

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

A “Recipe” for Retirement Savings Do you ever dream of the day when you can retire and pursue your interests, travel, or simply relax from the pressure of the daily grind? In the past, retirement planning was a simpler...

Friday, October 1, 2021

Financial Planning at Every Age In 2013, a Gallup poll found that only about one in every three U.S. households maintained a budget.1 A 2021 survey of 1,000 Americans found that 80% now say they have a budget.2 Americans are budgeting...

Friday, October 1, 2021

Achieving Superior Customer Service In this competitive and recession-squeezed market, providing superior customer service can make all the difference in both your reputation and your success. All business owners would like to believe...

Friday, September 10, 2021

Have you ever made a purchase that has thrown your monthly budget off-kilter? Or maybe you’ve put financial restrictions on yourself that push you away from spending on things that bring you joy. The phrase “treat...

Thursday, September 9, 2021

The bull market continues, with the S&P 500 Index now up seven months in a row. Stocks have impressively gained 20% year-to-date, with the S&P 500 making 53 new all-time highs before the end of August—another new record. All of...

Friday, September 3, 2021

Nine of every 10 U.S. families with children have at least one working parent.1 Though working parents make up one of the largest demographic groups in the country, they face many challenges—from the cost of childcare to...

Friday, September 3, 2021

Charitable giving is a term often heard around the holidays, or in some cases, around tax season. Nonprofit charitable organizations often rely on contributions from businesses and individuals to help them accomplish their goals and...

Monday, August 30, 2021

When it comes to planning for retirement, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Putting together a financial strategy can be complicated at any time of life, what with changing regulations, ups and downs in the market, and disagreements...

Thursday, August 5, 2021

Six months and counting. That is the current monthly winning streak for the S&P 500 Index. To take that a step further, this key equity benchmark has posted gains in 13 of the last 16 months—dating back to the March 2020 low....

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

As the saying goes, "50 is the new 40"—and with Americans living longer than ever before, it's not unusual for those in their 50s, 60s, or even 70s to be in their peak earning years.1 But for those who would prefer the option of...

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

It’s so easy to get caught up in the bliss of summer that, before you know it, the new school year is a week away. To avoid being struck with last minute panic, here are a few things to ask yourself before the first day of school...

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

As of 2017, about two-thirds of all nonprofit organizations in the U.S. had annual budgets of less than $1 million.[1] For these non-profit organizations where every penny has a purpose, having the services of a financial professional...

Monday, July 19, 2021

Market risk is something all investors may worry about, but those close to retirement have limited time to recover from market loss. If you are within ten years of retirement, now is a critical time for your portfolio to continue to...

Sunday, July 18, 2021

Though U.S. taxpayers received an extra month to file and pay their federal income taxes in 2021, some are still smarting from having to write a check to the IRS.[1] For many, it can be tough to make the connection between those...

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

In the first half of 2021, the U.S. economy powered forward faster than nearly anyone had expected. Speed can be exhilarating, but it can also be dangerous. In our view, the overall economic picture remains sound and will likely...

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

There are several ways you might consider gifting money to your loved ones. In 2017, the IRS allows you to give up to $14,000 annually (or $28,000 if you give jointly with your spouse) in cash, investments, and/or property to each of...

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Many people associate the term "financial wellness" with things like saving for retirement, paying down high-interest debt, or creating an emergency fund. But when you're living with a disability (or caring for a loved one who is...

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

For many people, turning 65 provides one of the keys to retirement: access to affordable healthcare. Whether you're enrolling in the Medicare program for the first time or have been a Medicare enrollee for years, it's important to stay...

Monday, June 28, 2021

Ideally, nearly everyone has some safe, ready money on deposit with a bank or credit union. But… when that amount is in the hundreds of thousands, a different set of risks (and alternatives) emerge – “gotchas”...

Friday, June 11, 2021

As we move into June, a path to normalcy is coming quickly with stadiums allowing full capacity, restaurants filling up, and summer vacations in full swing. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy continues to recover remarkably quickly and the...

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Graduation is an exciting time for many. But now repaying student loans will start for the new graduates. While some lenders give you a sixth month grace period before you start to repay, starting to pay your loads right away save you...

Monday, May 31, 2021

As temperatures start to heat up and the days get longer, summer fun can kick into gear. Looking for things to do this summer? Then, check out this list of fun and relaxing summertime ideas. Be a tourist in your own area You don't have...

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

The popular “Sell in May and Go Away” stock market cliché is getting a lot of airtime. This is the idea that the stock market tends to be weakest between May and October (and strongest between November and April)....

Sunday, May 16, 2021

Americans are starting to experience the impact of increasing prices at the supermarket and the start of inflation. Also, clothing at retail stores is depleting as manufacturing has halted, creating demand for products ordinarily...

Friday, April 30, 2021

Small business owners should conduct an annual assessment of their personal finances. Owners of small businesses have much the same concerns as everyone else, except they are personally responsible for the fortunes of their enterprise....

Friday, April 30, 2021

Your life insurance needs change as your life changes. When you are young, you may not have a need for life insurance. However, as you take on more responsibility and your family grows, your life insurance needs increase. Your needs...

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

“The real key to making money in stocks is not to get scared out of them.” - Peter Lynch They say April showers bring May flowers. Well, after a lot of showers and storms over the past year, flowers are starting to bloom...

Monday, March 29, 2021

Whether you've been wondering about boosting your investments' rates of return or are concerned that your financial affairs are a bit too complicated for your next of kin to handle, it may be time to seek advice from a financial...

Monday, March 29, 2021

When you invest funds, you are preparing for your retirement and your future. But at the same time, you may also want to consider the impact your money has on the world. Ethical investment strategies seek to balance these two concepts....

Monday, March 29, 2021

When saving for retirement, it often makes sense to contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans to take advantage of any available employer match opportunities. However, not everyone has access to an employer-sponsored plan. Even...

Monday, March 29, 2021

Financial feats that were once unheard of—from investing in cryptocurrency to instantly paying someone through an online payment system—have now become commonplace in many parts of the country. But these sophisticated tasks...

Sunday, March 28, 2021

Five common retirement planning misperceptions and how to avoid... Many of us remember the phrase “too big to fail” from the 2008 financial crisis and cringe now that its use has been resurrected during the coronavirus...

Sunday, March 28, 2021

Remember, it is never too early to start planning for your future... The time to begin planning for your financial future is now. So, when it comes to preparing for retirement, the earlier you start, the better. Here are some steps to...

Sunday, March 28, 2021

Your financial professional can help you navigate the ever-changing IRS rules... Taxpayers of all ages may be able to claim a deduction on their 2020 tax return for contributions made to their Individual Retirement Account made through...

Sunday, March 28, 2021

But ask yourself whether there is any real benefit to waiting to file your taxes... The U.S. Department of the Treasury is delaying the April 15th deadline to file and pay taxes until May 17, giving individuals and businesses another...

Friday, March 19, 2021

President Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus package cleared its final hurdle in Congress on Wednesday despite no Republicans voting in favor of it. The plan contains a range of measures such as a further direct round of payments to most...

Monday, March 8, 2021

It’s now been over a year since COVID-19 first hit American shores. While the pandemic has affected everyone to varying degrees, we can all agree that everyone’s life is different today than it was a year ago. It’s...

Thursday, February 25, 2021

As temperatures warm up, trees begin budding, and the days get longer, you probably throw open your windows and think about spring cleaning your home. As you tackle washing windows, cleaning carpets, and sorting out the garage,...

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Women play a central role in establishing and preserving family wealth - whether nurturing the values of children, fulfilling charitable goals, or making investment decisions that affect the financial security of themselves or their...

Thursday, February 25, 2021

If you're like many Americans, you may have a few dents and dings on your credit report. As of 2020, around one in five adults has either a "fair" or "poor" credit score, which can impact their ability to qualify for a loan, rent an...

Thursday, February 25, 2021

On Saint Patrick’s Day, towns hold festive parades, people head to restaurants to dine on Irish fare, children pinch each other if they don’t wear green, and everything from beers to milkshakes turn the color of shamrocks....

Thursday, February 25, 2021

In 2020, the average FICO score in the U.S. rose to 711, an eight-point increase from 2019.1 When it comes to having healthy credit, your score is the result of many factors. But what specifically goes into someone's credit report, and...

Thursday, February 25, 2021

You’re an entrepreneur and you’re not looking back. You’ve opened your own business, whether alone or with other partners, and you’ve found some success. You’ve hired employees, or not, depending on your...

Friday, February 5, 2021

“In the short-term, the market is a popularity contest. In the long-term, the market is a weighing machine.” Warren Buffett 2021 is under way, as our nation and the rest of the world look to begin to put the global pandemic...

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

If you've been wondering how to optimize your finances and ensure your money continues to work for you, a financial professional may be able to help. But the thought of turning over your most sensitive financial information to a...

Monday, February 1, 2021

Every year, people send 145 million Valentine’s Day cards, making this the second most popular card giving holiday besides Christmas. In the United States, Great Britain, France, Australia, Canada, and a handful of other...

Monday, February 1, 2021

Marriage affects your finances in many ways, including your ability to build wealth, plan for retirement, plan your estate, and capitalize on tax and insurance-related benefits. Here are some considerations to keep in mind: Building...

Monday, February 1, 2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its second year, President Joe Biden has begun to outline details of the "American Rescue Plan," a $1.9 trillion relief plan designed to help stem the coronavirus pandemic while giving the U.S. economy a...

Monday, February 1, 2021

Looking for a tax-advantaged college savings vehicle that has no age restrictions and no income phaseout limits — and one youcan use to pay for more than just tuition? Consider 529 savings plans, a popular way to save for...

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

LPL Research Outlook 2021: Powering Forward is designed to help you navigate a year in which economic conditions may continue to improve dramatically. Like the markets, Outlook 2021 looks ahead. 2021 will bring advances to further...

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

After months of intense debate, the House and Senate voted to pass a second COVID-19 economic stimulus bill and the President has signed it into law.1 At a total cost of $900 billion, this 5,600-page bill1 contains everything from...

Thursday, December 31, 2020

Tax identity theft is when someone steals your Social Security Number, files a tax return with your number, and directs a refund to their own bank account. In other cases, this type of identity theft may involve a scam artist calling...

Thursday, December 31, 2020

For years, you’ve diligently invested in your retirement portfolio, accumulating wealth that you hope will sustain you throughout your Golden Years. To help see that your assets are sufficient to help you support your lifestyle...

Monday, November 30, 2020

From pandemic-related stimulus payments to job losses and furloughs, for many taxpayers, next spring's tax season may be more complex than usual. With the end of 2020 rapidly approaching, you should take some time to review your tax...

Monday, November 30, 2020

2020 has been one of the most unprecedented years in recent history, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all. And with the uncertainty surrounding just about everything,...

Monday, November 30, 2020

With the end of the tax year fast approaching, you may want to find ways to minimize your tax liability. Implementing one or more of the simple strategies discussed below may allow you to hold on to more of your earnings, potentially...

Monday, November 30, 2020

With the year rapidly coming to a close, and the upcoming tax year looming with uncertainties, you should consider updating your tax strategy to best preserve your assets into the future. Don't wait to make these adjustments. Check out...

Monday, November 30, 2020

Life insurance can be an excellent tool for charitable giving. Not only does life insurance allow you to make a substantial gift to charity at relatively little cost to you, but you may also benefit from tax rules that apply to gifts...

Monday, October 26, 2020

The holiday season is just around the corner and many charitable organizations are in desperate need of donations to help provide the vital services needed in the community. You are most often inundated with a number of charitable...

Monday, October 26, 2020

For many of us, buying locally matters. We’ve all heard the term and seen the signs: Shop Locally. Eat Locally. But let’s extend that thought for a minute: do you consider giving to your local charities? The fact is we are...

Monday, October 26, 2020

If you are one of the 90% of taxpayers who don't itemize deductions, you cannot claim a federal deduction for charitable donations. To get past this issue, some people lump their charitable gifts together. Wondering how to claim a...

Monday, October 26, 2020

When you donate to a charity, you want to know that your donation is going to its highest and best purpose—which means minimizing the tax exposure of the donated assets. One way to accomplish this, whether you're hoping to donate...

Monday, September 28, 2020

Kelly and Bob regularly set aside a small portion of their budget for charitable donations. In addition to feeling good about supporting a number of worthy causes, they’ve been able to deduct the value of their charitable gifts...

Monday, September 28, 2020

Today's low interest rates are a far cry from the double-digit rates seen in the 1970s and 1980s when even a certificate of deposit (CD) could yield up to 20 percent per year.1 But there are some distinct advantages to a...

Monday, September 28, 2020

As the end of the year approaches, it's time to consider strategies that could help you reduce your tax bill. But most tax tips, suggestions, and strategies are of little practical help without a good understanding of your current tax...

Monday, September 28, 2020

Except for the fortunate few who don't have to worry about money, the ultimate goal for most retirees is making sure their assets last as long as they live. Once a person or household no longer can rely on earned income to pay the...

Monday, August 24, 2020

Ultimately, the goal of investing is to try to make as much money as possible, and of course, you don't want to let taxes eat into your gains. Tax aware investing helps you minimize the effect of taxes on your investment portfolio....

Monday, August 24, 2020

The more money that you can save when you are working, the easier it should be for you to retire and enjoy your golden years. Unfortunately, Social Security may no longer provide a sufficient income to live on during retirement. To...

Monday, August 24, 2020

Many self-improvement goals focus on stability and personal growth — and financial goals are often no different. From buying your first home to saving for retirement, planning your finances can also help you work toward your...

Friday, July 24, 2020

LPL Financial Research is looking ahead for new ways to face current challenges and prepare for better times. Use our Midyear Outlook 2020 to chart a path to eventual economic and market recovery. Plus, learn how stocks may predict the...

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

As a woman, you have financial needs that are unique to your situation in life. Perhaps you would like to buy your first home. Maybe you need to start saving for your child's college education. Or you might be concerned about planning...

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Charitable giving can play an important role in many estate plans. Philanthropy cannot only give you great personal satisfaction, it can also give you a current income tax deduction, let you avoid capital gains tax, and reduce the...

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

The abrupt end to the 2019-2020 school year in many parts of the U.S. left parents and students alike struggling to establish healthy routines. As many students prepare to head back to the classroom (or the remote classroom) this fall,...

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

You want to retire comfortably when the time comes. You also want to help your child go to college. So how do you juggle the two? The truth is, saving for your retirement and your child's education at the same time can be a challenge....

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Today, many people find themselves inundated by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet. Yet, does all this “information age” data really help you manage your finances any better than in...

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

At a time when your career is reaching a peak and you are looking ahead to your own retirement, you may find yourself in the position of having to help your children with college expenses while at the same time looking after the needs...

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Financial goals are essential. Setting them will help you to obtain the things you want out of life as well as live the lifestyle you desire, both during your working years and in your retirement. But obtaining these goals isn't always...

Friday, June 5, 2020

Because you've worked hard to create a secure and comfortable lifestyle for your family and loved ones, you'll want to ensure that you have a sound financial plan that includes trust and estate planning. With some forethought, you may...

Monday, June 1, 2020

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has put somewhat of a damper on the Spring 2020 homebuying season, many prospective buyers can take advantage of a slower market and lower interest rates to snap up the perfect property. But before you...