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What Does Wealth Mean to You?
When people think of wealth, they might think of examples in film, such as Veruca Salt from the 1971 classic Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. Little Veruca had everything she wanted in life but desired one of Willy Wonka’s geese that laid golden eggs. When Wonka refused to sell the little girl’s father one of…
Read MoreLife Insurance as Unique as You
Your life insurance needs are unique to your situation and can change over your lifetime. For some people, life insurance is to provide assets to raise a young family in the event of early death. Other people may use life insurance to cover their debt to ensure it is taken care of if they die…
Read MoreReg BI: What Is It, and Why Should You Care?
On June 30, 2020, Regulation Best Interest, or Reg BI for short, officially went into effect. But what is Reg BI, exactly? Where did it come from, and how does it impact you, the investor? Here’s what to know about the new rule under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Read MoreThe CARES Act and RMD: Relief for Investors
YOu The CARES Act (The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) contains the legislation for Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) for those over age 70 ½ and have already started RMD. Under the CARES Act, no RMD is required for individuals or beneficiaries of inherited retirement accounts in 2020 due to COVID-19. How will this…
Read MoreThe Upside of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has pulled the rug out from under just about everyone on every continent. This pandemic has understandably had a dramatic effect on the everyday lives of most people across the globe. With stay-at-home orders to work remote and children distance-learning this past school year and possibly this fall, many cannot wait for…
Read MoreInvestment Risk During and After COVID-19
Investment risk is always present, but during COVID-19, the stock market has experienced so much volatility that investors are beginning to wonder where to invest. Investors must consider how investment risk can decline their portfolio’s value due to economic events that impact the entire stock market.
Read MoreInflation and Taxes Could Rise. Are You Ready for Retirement?
Americans are starting to see 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 accessible.
Read MoreThe Enjoyment of Remote Work
Remote work is the ‘new normal’ since businesses have transitioned to remote operations or have completely closed for the duration of COVID-19. During 2020, the remote work culture has projected forward due to necessity, and companies that made the transition swiftly have also reaped the rewards of continual revenue during this period.
Read MoreUsing Life Insurance for Charitable Giving
Many people have causes they are passionate about, whether it is a non-profit institution, animal or human rights efforts, homelessness, cancer research, or another mission that benefits society. Some of these causes represent personal experiences that donors would like to help resolve for future generations, such as giving to a cancer research fund after a loved one passes. Still, others are passionate about conservation and may donate money to save rainforests.
Read MoreNeed to Roll Over Your 401(k)? Consider a Fixed-Indexed Annuity
When you leave your employer, you also discontinue contributing to your 401(k) or receiving your employer’s match. You may be going on to another employer or possibly retiring. Either way, you may want to consider a fixed-indexed annuity when rolling over your 401(k) to avoid the following:
Read MoreWhy Does Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Matter?
When looking to protect your financial future in today’s COVID-19 environment, it’s essential to understand how the economy functions on a historical basis as it relates to the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and the stock market.
Read More3 Lessons the Pandemic Taught Us About Investing in Retirement
The current pandemic has created much stress to many living around the globe and reminded us how fragile life can be. However, for many it’s given us a time to reflect on what’s truly important in our lives and refocus attention to ensure we are using our most precious resource wisely…our time. What can we…
Read MoreU.S. Unemployment: Problems for the Economy?
The U.S. unemployment rate is the percentage of unemployed workers in the total labor force and indicates the health of the U.S. economy. COVID-19 has significantly impacted unemployment to record numbers not previously seen since the government began tracking the data in 1939. COVID-19 has surpassed The Great Depression in the amount of unemployed and…
Read MoreRestarting the U.S. Economy: What is The Fed Doing?
When the U.S. economy is stagnant, the U.S. Government uses fiscal and monetary tools to stimulate the U.S. economy. However, with our economy facing multiple problems, that may not be an ‘easy fix’ in comparison to past recessions. COVID-19, social unrest, permanent business closings, and an upside-down GDP may prove to be difficult problems to…
Read MoreTravel Plans Cancelled? Buy Local and Travel Local.
COVID-19 has changed the way that Americans shop and travel, impacting our spending habits indefinitely. With stores, hotels, and restaurants closed or at limited capacity, many choose to stay at home and purchase online or locally, helping to support their local small businesses. The positive impact of working from home, virtual meetings, and happy hours,…
Read MoreInflation and Taxes Risk: Protecting Your Financial Future
As areas of the U.S. start to lift COVID-19 restrictions, Americans are starting to see the impact of increasing prices at the supermarket and the start of inflation. Here is the recommended steps toward protecting your financial future. While the CARES Act provided a one-time payment to individuals and for business stimulus, it will not…
Read MoreSequence of Returns Risk: Impacting Your Retirement Portfolio
The sequence of returns impacts investors when they are either adding to or withdrawing money from their retirement portfolio, which can create risk depending on the sequence and the market conditions at the time. If an investor is not doing either, then there is no sequence of returns risk.
Read MoreEmotional Investing in Times of Uncertainty
Investors want to enjoy a good night’s sleep each night because they’ve done their work, know what to expect, and that nothing comes as a surprise to them. However, in times of uncertainty, most of us let our emotions get the best of us, especially about our investments. Part of the luxury of a good…
Read MoreThe CARES Act, RMD, and Hardship Distribution Changes: What You Need to Know
The CARES Act (The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) became law on March 27th, 2020. It contains significant legislation for Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) for those over age 70 ½ who have already started RMD. Under previous IRS distribution laws, a minimum distribution from a pre-tax retirement savings account, such as a 401(k),…
Read MoreFinding Safety in a Low-Interest-Rate Environment
When investors think of ‘safe investments,’ they tend to think of bonds or CDs, which calculate from a pre-determined timeline and interest rates. During a low-interest-rate environment, both provide safety, but not necessarily, the returns investors are seeking. Bonds and CDs have differing benefits and risks despite being viewed by investors as ‘safe.’
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