The U.S. economy is starting to feel the effect of last year’s tax reform package—growth surged and corporate earnings swelled in Q3 to their highest levels in many years. The Federal Reserve’s ongoing campaign of rate tightening is beginning to ripple through the rest of the economy, with the benchmark…
While no one reads the tax code for fun, paying attention to changes and updates pays off for investors. Even small updates in capital gains taxes can make an impact on an individual’s goals and expenses, which is why it pays to pay close attention to recent capital gains shifts…
The S&P 500 index recovered from a sluggish start to the year to post a gain of 3.4% for the 2nd Quarter. Concerns over U.S. tariffs and escalating trade wars slowed the equity market rally but have not derailed it. Technology and consumer discretionary stocks were the strongest performers for…
If you like riddles, news headlines provide great fodder for deep thinking. Here is a good one: What has been in the news since 2010, has been tossed around like a hot potato and is intended to stop money from unwittingly slipping through your wallet? Give up? It’s the fiduciary…
Some uncertainty returned to U.S. equity markets in Q1 as concerns grew about a spike in inflation and the potential for more interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. Stocks had some challenging days in February and March, and the S&P 500 Index saw its first quarterly loss in over…
A major rewrite of the U.S. tax code passed in Q4, bringing big changes for individual and business taxpayers. The fiscal stimulus from tax reform should provide a near-term boost to the U.S. economy, which is already humming along at a strengthening clip. U.S. stocks finished 2017 on a strong…
More and more, we seem to be living in a world of ratings and “likes.” They may be easy ways to track the collective opinion of friends or customers, but they’re not always accurate or appropriate for making many types of important decisions. Take investments—this is one area where people…
It’s time to take action and update your 2018 401k and IRA savings accordingly Recently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced changes to annual limits for contributions to 401(k), IRA and other qualified retirement plans for 2018. There was good news for 401(k) participants on contribution limits and the tax…
Now that you’ve retired, are you planning on moving or staying? Your choice has retirement financial implications. Where does your ideal retirement location rank? Do you know how social security, ordinary income, pension and 401(k)/IRA are taxed at the state level? Our latest video outlines what you need to know.…
Investors faced a wide range of external challenges in the 3rd Quarter of 2017: two destructive hurricanes, turbulence on the political front, a potential government shutdown. Read our 2017 Quarter 3 Review to learn more about six significant events and how they affected the financial market.