Blog
Articles

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!

Retirement Planning Made Simple: A Friendly Guide to What Matters Most

Retirement planning does not have to feel like a giant spreadsheet that bites back. For most families, the real goal is simpler: know what you have, know what you need, and make a plan that lets you sleep a little easier at night. A lot of folks put off retirement planning because it sounds bigger and more complicated than it really is. But the truth is, retirement planning is mostly about answering a few plain-English questions: How much money will come in? How much will go out? And how do you make those two things play nicely together for the long haul?

Financial Planning for Retirement: A Friendly Guide for People 50 and Older

National surveys keep finding the same thing: a lot of people are unsure if they’re on track for retirement. In recent Federal Reserve reports on household well‑being, only about one‑third of non‑retirees say their retirement savings are on track, even though most retirees say they’re doing at least “okay” financially. That gap between “I hope we’ll be okay” and “I know the numbers” is where a simple retirement plan can make a big difference.

Health: The Most Underrated Investment You’ll Ever Make

If someone offered you an investment that improved your energy, lowered your stress, boosted your confidence, reduced future costs, and made your retirement years way more enjoyable… you’d at least hear them out, right? Good news: that investment exists. Bad news: it doesn’t come with a ticker symbol. It’s your health. Health is one of the most talked-about things in the world—and somehow still one of the most overlooked when it comes to long-term planning. We talk about eating better “someday.” Exercising more “after things slow down.” Managing stress “once life settles.” (Spoiler alert: life does not settle. It just changes outfits.)

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

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.

« Older Entries

Next Entries »

Categories

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.

Retirement Planning Made Simple: A Friendly Guide to What Matters Most

Retirement planning does not have to feel like a giant spreadsheet that bites back. For most families, the real goal is simpler: know what you have, know what you need, and make a plan that lets you sleep a little easier at night. A lot of folks put off retirement planning because it sounds bigger and more complicated than it really is. But the truth is, retirement planning is mostly about answering a few plain-English questions: How much money will come in? How much will go out? And how do you make those two things play nicely together for the long haul?

Categories

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 »

Retirement Planning Made Simple: A Friendly Guide to What Matters Most

Retirement planning does not have to feel like a giant spreadsheet that bites back. For most families, the real goal is simpler: know what you have, know what you need, and make a plan that lets you sleep a little easier at night. A lot of folks put off retirement planning because it sounds bigger and more complicated than it really is. But the truth is, retirement planning is mostly about answering a few plain-English questions: How much money will come in? How much will go out? And how do you make those two things play nicely together for the long haul?

Categories

Moving During Retirement

Moving During Retirement

Some people stay in place when they retire, while others buy a second home or relocate entirely. If you’re thinking of buying a new home, should you plan the purchase before you stop working, or is it possible to get to a mortgage after you’re retired? Plenty of retirees can qualify for a mortgage while on a fixed income, but it can be more difficult. It’s easier if you’re looking to buy a primary residence, as a vacation home could be more of a challenge if you still have a mortgage on your main home.

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.

« Older Entries

Next Entries »