It’s almost Election Day in the US once again. While the outcomes of the elections are uncertain, one thing we can count on is that plenty of opinions and prognostications will be floated in the days to come. In financial circles, this will almost assuredly include any potential for perceived impact on markets. But should long-term investors focus on midterm … Read More
How Much Impact Does the President Have on Stocks?
The anticipation building up to elections often brings with it questions about how financial markets will respond. But the outcome of an election is only one of many inputs to the market. Dimensional Fund Advisors’ interactive exhibit examines market and economic data for nearly 100 years of US presidential terms and shows a consistent upward march for US equities regardless … Read More
Year-End Financial Planning Checklist
Here are some things you might consider before saying goodbye to 2020. What has changed for you in 2020? For many, this year has been as complicated as learning a new dance. Did you start a new job or leave a job behind? That’s one step. Did you retire? There’s another step. Did you start a family? That’s practically a … Read More
October is Financial Planning Month
Six areas of personal finance to review. 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 Planning Month, so it’s an excellent opportunity to review those six personal finance areas.1 Cash Management This is a broad topic that can address many … Read More
2020 Q3 Economic Update
In this Q3 recap: stocks post further 2020 gains as the economy bounces back and the Federal Reserve announces a shift in its approach to inflation. Q3 Market Recap The summer brought an economic rebound and a continuation of the stock market rally that began in spring. In late September, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s GDPNow tracker estimated real … Read More
Taking Stock of Lump-Sum Investing vs. Dollar-Cost Averaging
Some investors favor a dollar-cost averaging (DCA) approach to deploying their investment capital. Unlike lump-sum investing, in which the full amount of available capital is invested up front, DCA spreads out investment contributions using installments over time. The appeal of DCA is the perception that it helps investors “diversify” the cost of entry into the market, buying shares at prices … Read More
The Cost of Trying To Time the Market
The impact of missing just a few of the market’s best days can be profound, as this look at a hypothetical investment in the stocks that make up the S&P 500 Index shows. Staying invested and focused on the long term helps to ensure that you’re in the position to capture what the market has to offer. A hypothetical $1,000 … Read More
When to Claim Social Security
A few things you may want to think about before filing for benefits. Determining when to take Social Security benefits is a complicated financial decision. Here are a few things to think about and discuss with your financial professional. How long do you think you will live? If you have a family history that suggests you might live into your … Read More
2020 Q2 Economic Update
In this Q2 recap: the economy measures the impact of the coronavirus threat; the stock market rises with help from a dovish Federal Reserve and a rebound in some economic indicators; oil prices and mortgage rates touch historic lows. Q2 Market Recap As a new quarter begins, we look back on an eventful second quarter for households and investors – … Read More
2020 Q1 Economic Update
In this Q1 recap: COVID-19 hits the United States, followed by heavy economic volatility, government stimulus, and an as-yet untold human cost. Q1 Market Recap The spread of COVID-19 sent stocks tumbling in the first quarter, as health and economic costs of the pandemic began to mount. Stocks remained under pressure despite the Federal Reserve’s lowering of short-term interest rates … Read More