- End-of-Year Financial Planning Checklist
The end of the year means different things for different people as they come up with resolutions and set their intentions to improve various aspects of their lives. But there’s one thing that everyone should do as the calendar starts… read more…
- UBS Analyst Says This Is When Investors Should Buy the Dip
Even though mid-term election results and encouraging inflation news have pushed U.S. stocks to their highest levels since August, a prominent UBS analyst says a recession is due and the global economy will continue to decline and that markets will… read more…
- Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts: What’s the Difference?
A trust is an estate planning tool that you may consider using if you want to go beyond drafting a last will and testament. One key thing to decide is whether to establish a revocable or irrevocable trust. Both have… read more…
- Defining an Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individual
In order for someone to be considered an “ultra-high-net-worth individual,” they typically need to have at least $30 million worth of net investable assets to their name. However, this isn’t really a legal definition. As the name suggests, ultra-high-net-worth individuals… read more…
- Understanding Tax Planning Services From Financial Advisors
Financial advisors who specialize in tax planning help clients optimize a tax strategy, which includes reducing tax liability and making the most of available tax deductions. As a subset of the broader category of financial advisors, tax planning financial advisors… read more…
- When Do People Retire on Average
Determining when to retire can be tough. There are various factors to consider, including your financial situation, your health, and the lifestyle you wish to enjoy once you retire. While the decision of when to retire is personal to you,… read more…
- Want to Invest Like a VC? These New Indexes Can Help You Do It
A new series of indexes aims to measure the performance of the billion-dollar venture-capital backed companies that Wall Street calls “unicorns.” Shares of “unicorns” – companies such as Instacart, Stripe and ByteDance – and other VC-backed companies valued at $1… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: I’m Looking for ‘a Tiebreaker’ After 2 Advisors Suggested Different Social Security Strategies. Which Advisor Should I Choose?
I’m speaking with two advisors and am looking for a tiebreaker. One advisor says to wait to take Social Security until I’m 70. The other says to take it now, taking the mindset that “a bird in the hand is better… read more…
- What Is the Adoption Tax Credit?
Every year, thousands of families in the U.S. have the pleasure of adopting a child and welcoming them into their homes. And as with any growing family, there are expenses associated. To stave off some of the costs that could… read more…
- How to Avoid Taxes on Life Insurance Proceeds
The average funeral cost in 2021 was $7,848 for a wake and burial or $6,971 for cremation. The average cost of settling an estate varies, but a complicated estate could push $5,000 with ease. And none of this is accounting for… read more…
- What Is Shrinkflation?: Financial Planning
Shrinkflation happens when manufacturers reduce the quantity or size of a product without reducing the price. Shrinkflation often crops up when inflation increases manufacturer costs or intensifying competition reduces demand. The effect is equivalent to raising prices, but it may… read more…
- Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Inflation But Were Afraid to Ask
You know that old expression about money burning a hole in your pocket? At the current rate of inflation in 2022, it’s the money itself that’s on fire: your dollar today is worth some 8% less than it was a… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: My Child Works a Low-Paying Job. Is ‘This a Great Time’ for Them to Max Out a Roth IRA?
My child is in a low-paying job that puts them into a 0% or maybe a 10% marginal tax bracket. Isn’t this a great time for them to max out a $6,000 Roth IRA contribution? We are considering a gift… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: I’m Interested in Investing in I Bonds. But What Happens Now That the Interest Rate Has Changed?
I want to understand how I bonds work. When the interest rate changes, does that new rate apply to previous bonds – but at a different rate? -Joseph I bonds have been popular lately and for good reason. The interest… read more…
- Amid Market Downturn, This Investment Could Pay Off Big For Seniors
Debt in retirement is becoming an increasingly more important concern for workers and retirees, according to a new study on retirement confidence, with more than one-third of retirees saying their debt level is a major or minor problem. The good… read more…
- What Military Families Can Teach You About Buying Life Insurance
Whether it’s the Air Force, Space Force, Army, Navy or Coast Guard, members of the U.S. armed forces are well known for their discipline and readiness – even when it comes to life insurance. That comes through in a new survey… read more…
- This Social Security Bridge Strategy Can Help Secure Your Retirement
Most people approaching retirement plan to rely on Social Security payments for at least part of their retirement income, and they also realize that the longer they wait to claim those benefits, the bigger their monthly Social Security check will… read more…
- What Is an Indemnity Bond?
Surety bonds are instruments that create a legal obligation for one party to pay another. An indemnity bond is a specific type of surety bond that’s often used in situations where someone is borrowing money. However, you might also be… read more…
- Here’s Why Retirees Can Breathe a Sigh of Relief
Inflation is 8.3%, medical costs are up by 5.4%, the average hospital stay for Medicare patients is $13,600 and the most recent estimate is that people aged 65 will pay $315,000 for medical care during their retirement years. So what’s… read more…
- What Is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
If you’re relying on federal student loans to help you pay for college, you’ll first need to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The information you provide on the FAFSA, including your family’s assets, will help determine… read more…
- Understanding How a Term Deposit Works
A term deposit is a deposit account held at a financial institution. The money is locked up for a specific period in exchange for an interest rate. A financial advisor can help you compare different banking options for your financial… read more…
- This May Be One of the Biggest Investment Bargains Out There
The average investor probably has never heard of unit investment trusts, let alone considered buying one. But these highly flexible closed-end investments could represent one of the biggest investment bargains on the market today. With investors taking a beating in… read more…
- 5 Things Advisors Should Know Before the Nov. 4 Marketing Rule Compliance Date
Advisors, check your calendars. The mandatory compliance date for the Securities and Exchange Commission’s investment advisor marketing rule is Nov. 4. That’s right around the corner. And for many investment professionals, that deadline matters. In fact, nearly 69% of investment… read more…
- Do You Understand Your Advisor’s Fees? Here’s What You Need to Know
A recent study out of Lending Tree has some good news and bad news for individual investors. The good news is that a healthy number of Americans either have or want a financial advisor. About 41% of people who hold… read more…
- Saving $10,000-$20,000 From Student Loan Relief? Here’s What to Do With It
Student loan relief has finally gotten the green light, and it couldn’t come at a better time. The federal student loan repayment pause will be lifted in December 2022, with payments resuming in January 2023. Making good on his campaign… read more…