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Our goal is to keep you, your family, and your friends up to date on everything from finance to health care. We strive to help you make the most informed financial decisions to help you achieve financial success, so you can enjoy everything life has to offer. That’s what our blog is for!

Money Confidence 101: A Friendly Guide to Building a Financial Life You Actually Feel Good About

Money is an emotional creature. It can spark joy, spark stress, or spark that moment at 1 a.m. when you google “Can I retire on vibes alone?” (Unfortunately, no. The math people would like a word.) But while finance often feels overwhelming, here’s a fun fact: studies show that people who have a written financial plan are far more confident about their future. According to a recent Schwab survey, 65% of people with a written plan feel financially stable, compared to just 40% without one.

The State of the Economy in 2025

The State of the Economy in 2025

Welcome to 2025, where the economy is like your Uncle Bob at Thanksgiving—predictable in its unpredictability. The headlines are full of dramatic twists, inflation is the talk of every dinner table, and interest rates have been on more rollercoaster rides than a county fair. But don’t worry; we’ve got your back. Let’s break it all down, keep it light, and figure out how to make the most of this wild economic ride.

The 2025 Retirement Checklist: Are You Forgetting Something Important?

The 2025 Retirement Checklist: Are You Forgetting Something Important?

Retirement planning isn’t exactly the kind of thing you want to procrastinate, yet somehow, it ends up on the same to-do list as “clean the garage” or “start a kale garden.” But hey, 2025 is creeping up faster than that mystery charge on your credit card, so let’s get serious for a moment. Are you ready for the golden years, or are there a few glaring gaps in your plan? Let’s break it down with a checklist that will have you confidently waltzing into 2025.

The Labor Market in the Post-Pandemic Era

According to the most recent Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum, 50% of employees will need new skills training by 2025 as the pace of technological innovation continues to grow. Among business leaders, 94% say they expect employees to learn new skills while on the job, compared to just 65% who made that claim in 2018. However, the amount of time it takes to reskill will depend on the industry.

What’s Driving Oil Prices

Oil prices are influenced by supply and demand, and 2020 was a great demonstration of this principle. With global and local shutdowns due to the spread of the coronavirus, there was less demand for products and services. While online shopping was up, foot traffic in stores languished and retailers suffered from reduced consumerism. Wholesale orders dropped, as did the need to transport them from manufacturers to distributors to vendors.

Increasing Tax Revenue Without Increasing Tax Rates

A recent article in The New York Times tackled the challenge of how the federal government can pay for its list of to-do items, such as nationwide infrastructure updates, investing in clean energy, ensuring every American has access to affordable health care, and paying down the massive $28.1 trillion in debt. The recommendation was simple: Don’t raise individual or corporate taxes — just collect was is owed under current rules and legislation.

A Shot for Economic Improvement

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the ongoing distribution of vaccines combined with the latest government stimulus is expected to jumpstart economic activity in the U.S. However, projections for sustainable growth are not equitable among various countries and business sectors. Faster and more effective vaccination deployment across the world is critical. The OECD emphasizes that global recovery is key.

What the Stimulus Could Mean for Investors

Millions of Americans have embraced the new relief money resulting from the $1.9 trillion America Rescue Plan. They’ve been able to pay for utilities and put food on the table. Those who maintained their jobs have embraced the payout as well, but for different reasons. For them, it’s not about survival, it’s about ways to spend that lovely windfall. It’s also about jumpstarting the economy right about the time people can get back out and find work.

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Th Top 10 Things to Consider When Preparing For Your Retirement Guide

Top 10 Actions When Preparing For Retirement

Planning for retirement income may seem like a daunting task, but can help you get a handle on preparing for your financial future.

Money Confidence 101: A Friendly Guide to Building a Financial Life You Actually Feel Good About

Money is an emotional creature. It can spark joy, spark stress, or spark that moment at 1 a.m. when you google “Can I retire on vibes alone?” (Unfortunately, no. The math people would like a word.) But while finance often feels overwhelming, here’s a fun fact: studies show that people who have a written financial plan are far more confident about their future. According to a recent Schwab survey, 65% of people with a written plan feel financially stable, compared to just 40% without one.

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Retirement Withdrawal Strategies

Retirement Withdrawal Strategies

As hard as retirement saving and investing may seem, that’s the easy part. The real challenge is figuring out how to make your accumulated savings last throughout your and your spouse’s retirements. You need a strategy, and it’s best to have that strategy developed before retirement begins.

How Infrastructure Spending Affects Municipal Bonds

How Infrastructure Spending Affects Municipal Bonds

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the 10-year tab to meet the country’s basic infrastructure needs is about $6 trillion. The report, published in March, includes $125 billion needed for bridge repairs, $435 billion for roads, and $176 billion for the nation’s transportation systems. Today, two-thirds of infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, highways, and airports are financed by municipal bonds.

How to Plan for Old Age

How to Plan for Old Age

Thelma Sutcliffe turned 114 years old in April, making her the oldest living American and the seventh-oldest person in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group. The Omaha, Nebraska, resident attributes her relative good health and longevity to the fact that she never had children, never smoked, and made it a habit not to worry. It’s also a good idea to establish a plan that provides a confident retirement.

The Labor Market in the Post-Pandemic Era

The Labor Market in the Post-Pandemic Era

According to the most recent Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum, 50% of employees will need new skills training by 2025 as the pace of technological innovation continues to grow. Among business leaders, 94% say they expect employees to learn new skills while on the job, compared to just 65% who made that claim in 2018. However, the amount of time it takes to reskill will depend on the industry.

What’s Driving Oil Prices

What’s Driving Oil Prices

Oil prices are influenced by supply and demand, and 2020 was a great demonstration of this principle. With global and local shutdowns due to the spread of the coronavirus, there was less demand for products and services. While online shopping was up, foot traffic in stores languished and retailers suffered from reduced consumerism. Wholesale orders dropped, as did the need to transport them from manufacturers to distributors to vendors.

« Older Entries

Next Entries »

Money Confidence 101: A Friendly Guide to Building a Financial Life You Actually Feel Good About

Money is an emotional creature. It can spark joy, spark stress, or spark that moment at 1 a.m. when you google “Can I retire on vibes alone?” (Unfortunately, no. The math people would like a word.) But while finance often feels overwhelming, here’s a fun fact: studies show that people who have a written financial plan are far more confident about their future. According to a recent Schwab survey, 65% of people with a written plan feel financially stable, compared to just 40% without one.

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Midyear Market Outlooks

Midyear Market Outlooks

In its midyear review, market analysts at Charles Schwab say that economic growth in the United States may have peaked in the second quarter of this year. They also note that the rollout of Europe’s largest-ever stimulus plan should aid growth and the region still has some way to go before peaking — meaning eurozone stocks could deliver further gains.

Retirement Withdrawal Strategies

Retirement Withdrawal Strategies

As hard as retirement saving and investing may seem, that’s the easy part. The real challenge is figuring out how to make your accumulated savings last throughout your and your spouse’s retirements. You need a strategy, and it’s best to have that strategy developed before retirement begins.

How Infrastructure Spending Affects Municipal Bonds

How Infrastructure Spending Affects Municipal Bonds

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the 10-year tab to meet the country’s basic infrastructure needs is about $6 trillion. The report, published in March, includes $125 billion needed for bridge repairs, $435 billion for roads, and $176 billion for the nation’s transportation systems. Today, two-thirds of infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, highways, and airports are financed by municipal bonds.

How to Plan for Old Age

How to Plan for Old Age

Thelma Sutcliffe turned 114 years old in April, making her the oldest living American and the seventh-oldest person in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group. The Omaha, Nebraska, resident attributes her relative good health and longevity to the fact that she never had children, never smoked, and made it a habit not to worry. It’s also a good idea to establish a plan that provides a confident retirement.

The Labor Market in the Post-Pandemic Era

The Labor Market in the Post-Pandemic Era

According to the most recent Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum, 50% of employees will need new skills training by 2025 as the pace of technological innovation continues to grow. Among business leaders, 94% say they expect employees to learn new skills while on the job, compared to just 65% who made that claim in 2018. However, the amount of time it takes to reskill will depend on the industry.

« Older Entries

Next Entries »