Blog
Thoughts on the Debt Ceiling
We strive to keep you regularly updated with important market changes and news.Please find the Market Analysis from Phil Blancato, Advisor Group’s Chief Market Strategist attached below. This update provides an overview of...
Read More3 Investment Terms You Should Know
Even if you’ve been investing for years, the language of investing can sometimes feel confusing. Getting a better grip on investing terminology (which is often a complex combination of legalese, colloquialisms and slang) can help...
Read MoreYou Can Celebrate Your Milestones!
With each season of life, new milestones will impact your budget. However, when you enter your 30s and 40s, these milestones have a much heftier price tag. The sheer costs can be intimidating, whether it's a wedding, a new home, or...
Read MoreAll-American Pastime: Baseball or Investing?
Yankees great Yogi Berra once quipped, “90% of baseball is mental; the other half is physical.”Math aside, Yogi’s point is well-taken: to excel at any sport on a professional level, mental tenacity counts for as much...
Read MoreWomen 🚺 Should Know These 7 Things About Social Security
Did you know… You should start preparing a Social Security Strategy by age 55! Most people don’t even think about Social Security until they’re facing retirement, but it really pays to be informed. There are so many...
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SECURE 2.0: Key Provisions & Planning Considerations
The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 builds on the original SECURE Act legislation, with some of the retirement savings enhancements taking effect this year. Many will be phased in over the next few years. Check out this summary from Putnam...
Read MoreSilicon Valley Bank (SVB) - Update
We strive to keep you regularly updated with important market changes and news.Please find the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) - Update from Phil Blancato, Advisor Group’s Chief Market Strategist attached below. This update provides...
Read MoreLearn the Estate Planning Essentials
You’ve worked hard to establish a legacy you can be proud of, one that your family can continue to build upon for years to come. And as you know, a comprehensive estate plan is an essential piece of your financial puzzle. However...
Read MoreYou can't time the market, so focus on time IN the market
The dream of a secure retirement, college funding, or a vacation home may be the financial “prize” you’re keeping your eyes on. But it’s hard for investors, even seasoned ones, to stay focused in the face of...
Read MoreCashflow for the Kiddos!
We always hope our clients feel confident discussing money with their families. The truth is, talking about money can be uncomfortable! Where do you begin? What’s the right age? The good news is, it’s never too early to...
Read More5 Questions to Help Determine if a Roth IRA Conversion is Appropriate for You.
Wouldn't it be nice to pay less income tax in retirement? One way is with a tax-advantaged strategy called a Roth IRA conversion. This action can help lower your taxable income later in retirement. A Roth IRA conversion involves...
Read MoreWhat is the Cost of Missing a Market Rebound?
Panic selling is not an investment strategy. Repeat: panic selling is not an investment strategy.Investors who pull the emergency brake and bail out during a market decline almost always lock in a loss on their investments. And if they...
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Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Results Following Weak Economic Data
Stocks showed mixed results last week as recession fears resurfaced in response to weak economic data and a tepid start to a new corporate earnings season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.70%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreCelebrate Financial Wellness Month
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays behind us, it’s a great time to mention that January is Financial Wellness Month. How should you observe this ‘holiday’? Consider it a reminder to prioritize and pay...
Read MoreWhat is a Backdoor Roth IRA Conversion?
Like it or not, taxes are a way of life. They fund great things like roads, libraries and parks, but nobody wants to pay more than they absolutely have to. We often get questions like, “How can I balance my tax obligations with...
Read More10 Common (and Costly) Medicare Mistakes
As we age, one consideration that weighs on most people is the cost of healthcare in retirement. While we can’t truly predict the cost, we can take time to educate ourselves about the options or resources available to help pay...
Read MoreHow will you pay for college tuition?
Remember when a college education was reasonably priced? In the past 20 years, the cost of college tuition for public universities has risen 165%. College students and their families have been taking on more and more debt, and they are...
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Weekly Market Insights: Recession Concerns, Fed Talk Keep Stocks Cold
Hawkish comments by the Fed and weak economic data heightened investors’ recession concerns and sent stocks lower last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 2.08%. The...
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What's This Talk About a Recession?
In recent weeks, the word recession has started creeping into business news and financial market coverage.Is that cause for alarm or just another attention-grabbing headline? There’s no simple answer.A recession is defined as two...
Read More6 Tips for Philanthropic Giving
Did you know… with thoughtful, advanced planning, you can extend your legacy of charitable giving beyond your lifetime, creating lasting benefits for the organizations you care about? And if you have a desire to give back to...
Read MoreHelpful Info About Midterm Elections & Market Performance
It is hard to believe we are in the midst of yet another election cycle. With inflation soaring, economic growth slowing, and extremely choppy markets, midterm elections seem like an afterthought. But on Tuesday, November 8th, 435...
Read MoreStop Stalling! Get Started on Your Estate Plan.
If you’re wondering if estate planning is right for you, it’s important to know it’s not just for the wealthy. Even people with modest assets need a written plan. And right now is a great time to take the next step...
Read MoreThe Energy Conundrum: An Informative White Paper
The energy topic has been central to many conversations during ongoing market volatility this year, and for a good reason. Oil and natural gas prices have fluctuated widely in recent years. Additionally, nearly every aspect of the...
Read MoreWhy You Should Set Up Your Online Social Security Account
For many of us, Social Security plays an important part in our financial plans for retirement or later stage of life. Even if you’re years away from applying for benefits, there are good reasons to set up your online Social...
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Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment?
Medicare’s annual open enrollment period begins October 15 and ends December 7. During this time, current Medicare beneficiaries have the option to adjust their coverage for the coming year. Any changes to your plan will go into...
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Optimistic Sign In a Fear-Filled Market?
"Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful," according to legendary investor Warren Buffett.It's a great quote but complex advice to follow, especially in 2022 when stock prices are down double-digits. It...
Read MoreKeeping your eyes on the goal
As the struggle to control COVID-19 drags on, many of us experience periodic fatigue from distancing, negative headlines and future uncertainties. Staying disciplined when weary is difficult but crucial to short-term financial wellness...
Read MoreTime – Not Timing – Is the Best Way to Protect Gains
Good days and bad days are a fact of life in the market. Sometimes it’s up and we celebrate. But when it dips, we worry…and if it tanks, forget it: the first instinct for most of us is panic, and we wonder if we should just...
Read MoreThree Ways the Inflation Act Could Impact You
Have you heard? The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on Tuesday, August 16. While the $430 billion package includes many provisions, I thought I’d highlight three key areas where you may benefit the most.Tax credits...
Read MoreThings to Know About Life Insurance
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, making it a good time to review things you may not know about life insurance, such as:Policies differ widely. Term life insurance pays out a death benefit if you die within the specified...
Read MoreMind Over Markets – A Behavioral Guide to Investing
When market volatility is headline news and account values start to fall, it’s easy to understand why investors get jittery. Even with a boatload of historical data to support us, in times of stress we all struggle to overcome...
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Can a Disability Derail Your Retirement?
Most of us take for granted our ability to earn an income and save for retirement. What if something happens to you and you can no longer work? Not only would your day-to-day expenses start piling up, but your retirement contributions...
Read More5 Great Finance Blogs
Ever heard of the phrase ‘search cost?’It’s an economic term that refers to the effort, time and money someone spends looking for something they want. The hours you devoted to researching your next car or vacation?...
Read MoreJune 2022: Retirement Readiness
Our newsletter this month features an overview on when to talk to your financial professional about changes in your situation, if your retiree health care coverage goes with you overseas, includes a pre-retirement checklist to...
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Does Your Retirement Plan Support Your Employees?
As a business owner, it often makes sense to offer your employees a way to save for their retirement. By helping your team save for the future, you support their long-term financial goals and retirement readiness. You’re also...
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Father’s Day is June 19th!
It’s hard to believe we’re nearly half-way through 2022! As kids and grandkids finish the school year, it’s surprising how the days seem to get busier in addition to getting longer. As the summer rolls in, so do...
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How to Buy I Bonds Direct from the Treasury
With inflation hovering near 40-year highs, some investors are looking for alternative ways to weather the storm. For many, a Series I Savings Bond is just the ticket. I Bonds give investors a rate of return plus inflation protection...
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How much retirement savings do you need to live comfortably?
The 4% rule can help a retiree determine how much to withdraw from retirement savings each year.
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Don't Panic - A Bull Case for Equities
It’s hard to ignore current news about persistent market volatility, and we’re guessing this has resulted in some anxiety about what (if anything) you should be doing. Please be assured that we are actively monitoring the...
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