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Weekly RecapAugust 1-5, 2022 RecapStocks Advance Third WeekStrong Jobs Data Trims Weekly GainThe S&P 500 posted fraction gains last week after an unexpected strong July payrolls report on Friday. The economy added 528,000 new jobs last...

Weekly RecapJuly 25-29, 2022 RecapStocks Advance Second WeekStrong Back-to-Back GainsAll three major U.S. equity indices posted their strongest back-to-back weekly gains since late March, simultaneously capping July with their...

Weekly Recap | July 25, 2022

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

WEEKLY RECAP July 18-22, 2022 Recap   Economic Calendar Monday, July 25 National Activity, Dallas Fed Manufacturing Activity. Tuesday, July 26 S&P CoreLogic Case- Shiller Home Prices, Consumer Confidence, New Home...

In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses today’s market sell-off and some possible positive surprises that could sway this market pessimism. CLICK TO READ As always, please reach out to the...

Should You Consider Paid Work to Generate Additional Income in Retirement?There are many reasons to pursue paid work in retirement beyond generating additional income. Work can provide a social outlet, create structure in your day, and...

The options for retirement investment solutions can be overwhelming with many options to choose from. Whether you're looking for low-risk solutions or an investment that can potentially provide a higher yield, options are available...

Start Building Your Wealth Now, See Resultsin the FutureBuilding your wealth isn’t something that will happen overnight. It’s with time, dedication and creating healthy habits that you’ll be able to increase your nest...

Weekly RecapMay 31 - June 3, 2022 RecapStocks Fall After Strong WeekGood News Becomes Bad NewsPositive economic news from the manufacturing sector and labor market had investors rethinking the Federal Reserve’s future interest...

You understand the importance of paying off credit card debt, but you also know you need to save for retirement. While you should focus on both, paying off debt is critical to your financial independence. There are several strategies...

Weekly RecapMay 23-27, 2022 RecapStocks Broadly ReboundS&P 500 Breaks Seven-Week Losing StreakThe S&P 500 surged nearly 2.5% last Friday, capping its strongest weekly gain since early November 2020 and ended a brutal seven-week losing...

It’s no secret that healthcare coverage is costly, but there are regulations in place to help protect premium holders like you. In accordance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurers must maintain an 80/20 Medical Loss Ratio...

Wondering what might move the markets this week? Cetera Chief Investment Officer Gene Goldman sheds some light on what might be moving the markets this week. Start the Week Strong As always, please reach out to the office if you have...

6 Steps to Make Finances a Family Affair The Consumer Price Index, which tracks changes in the prices of certain goods and services and is often used to measure inflation, showed a slight drop in April. That’s notable because it...

Thank you for joining us IN THE ROOM with Ben Stein. If you’d like to watch the discussion again, or if you were unable to join us, the replay is available for you to view until June 19, 2022. To access the replay: If you...

3 Post-Retirement Risks to Know You have the life experience to know that you always have to plan for the unexpected. Instead of letting these situations risk derailing your retirement budget, plan for these hurdles so you can be...

What Should You Do With Your 401(k) When You Change Jobs? If you are moving to a new job, don’t forget about your 401(k) with your former employer. It’s important to know your options and make the most advantageous...

Just a friendly reminder to reserve your digital front-row seat to hear from economist, writer, and comedian Ben Stein. Ben will share his insights on today’s economic uncertainty, strategies for weathering rising inflation, and...

Weekly Recap May 9-13, 2022 Recap Stocks Continue Downward Trend S&P 500 Declines a Sixth WeekAll three major U.S. equity indices rebounded strongly last Friday but ended the week sharply lower as investors expressed fears around the...

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Interest Rates Hikes The primary tool the Federal Reserve (the Fed) uses to conduct monetary policy is the federal funds rate. Changes in this rate influence other interest rates as well as broader...

"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...

Wondering what might move the markets this week? Cetera Chief Investment Officer Gene Goldman sheds some light on what might be moving the markets this week. Start the Week Strong As always, please reach out to the office if you have...

You’re invited to an exclusive, one-on-one conversation with economist, writer, and comedian Ben Stein. More than Ferris Bueller’s economics teacher, Ben is a respected finance writer with a deep understanding of personal...

A mom can be a great friend, a guiding light, a teacher. One thing’s for sure: no one can take her place. This Mother’s Day, we want to take the time to honor and thank the ones who have helped make us who we are. Here are...

Uncover the Benefits of Hiring a Professional Working with a financial professional allows you to design a financial strategy based on your unique needs and aspirations, for today and the future. The benefits of working with a...

Wondering what might move the markets this week? Cetera Chief Investment Officer Gene Goldman sheds some light on what might be moving the markets this week. Start the Week Strong As always, please reach out to the office if you have...

Wondering what might move the markets this week? Cetera Chief Investment Officer Gene Goldman sheds some light on what might be moving the markets this week. Start the Week Strong As always, please reach out to the office if you have...

Earth Day is a day to celebrate our beautiful planet, enjoy nature, and make a conscious effort to help protect our environment. There’s no place like home, and Earth is home for us all. May we all reflect on Earth’s...

5 Easy Steps to Get Your Financial Resolutions Back on Track Did you know that 80% of News Year’s resolutions fail by mid-February?1 Interestingly, most people do not fall short of their goals due to a lack of motivation or...

Wondering what might move the markets this week? Cetera Chief Investment Officer Gene Goldman sheds some light on what might be moving the markets this week. Start the Week Strong As always, please reach out to the office if you have...

Weekly Recap April 11-15, 2022 Recap Assessing Red Hot Inflation Equities Extend DeclinesStocks fell on subdued pre-holiday trading volume last Thursday, capping all three major equity averages with weekly losses. Investors grew...

6 Things That Are Making Retirement More Expensive and What You Can Do About It As inflation trends at the highest levels seen in more than 40 years,1 it’s wreaking havoc on the budgets and spending power of consumers in the...

You Could Be Eligible for More Medicare Benefits Medicare is a complicated topic. It's hard to know if you are eligible for Medicare coverage and what that coverage really pays for. We'll help you understand what Medicare covers and...

You might have heard some buzz about refinancing your home, but what exactly is refinancing? And, how do you know if refinancing your home is right for you? What Is Refinancing? Refinancing refers to the changing of the terms of an...

Wondering what might move the markets this week? Cetera Chief Investment Officer Gene Goldman sheds some light on what might be moving the markets this week. Start the Week Strong As always, please reach out to the office if you have...

Weekly Recap April 4-8, 2022 Recap Investors Get Insights Into the Fed’s Meeting Stocks DeclineThe S&P 500 declined, ending three consecutive weeks of gains. The week was somewhat quiet as far as economic releases. The big news...

The Importance of Saving for Retirement The importance of saving for retirement isn’t a lesson often taught in school. People tend to focus on more tangible goals to save for, like a first car or a house, and put off saving for...

When Will Your Investment Double? The Rule of 72 is one way of determining how long it may take for an investment to double in size, given a fixed annual compound interest rate of between 6-10%. Unfortunately, this rule is less...

Wondering what might move the markets this week? Cetera Chief Investment Officer Gene Goldman sheds some light on what might be moving the markets this week. Start the Week Strong As always, please reach out to the office if you have...

Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 ended the quarter 5.2% below its January 3, 2022 record high. The Nasdaq Composite gained 3.48% in March, netting an 8.95% loss in the 1Q and ending 11.2% below its November 19,...

April marks the start of Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized movement to promote and support financial understanding in children and teens. For many, it's a fantastic opportunity to teach and connect with their children...

Wondering what might move the markets this week? Cetera Chief Investment Officer Gene Goldman sheds some light on what might be moving the markets this week. Start the Week Strong As always, please reach out to the office if you have...

Weekly Recap March 21-25, 2022 Recap Stocks Advance Second-Straight Week Bargain-Buying ContinuesThe S&P 500 capped its first back-to-back weekly gain since early February as investors largely overlooked expectations for a more...

Cetera Investment Management has released its 2022 Second Quarter Outlook. In this outlook, they discuss growing inflationary pressures escalated by the war in Ukraine. The Fed is proceeding cautiously, but if inflation...

Why You Don’t Want to Wait to File Your Taxes This Year The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) expects this tax season to be another challenging one for the agency and taxpayers alike. The agency finds itself struggling with a...

As we enter the next phase of the expansion, we try to quantify metrics the Federal Reserve uses to gauge the health of the economy. Here is Cetera Investment Management’s latest Fed-O-Meter used to determine if the Fed is being...

Weekly Recap March 14-18, 2022 Recap Stocks Surges Best Week in 15 MonthsStocks finished the week with four days of solid gains even as the Federal Reserve launched a new cycle of interest rate hikes. Gains came following declines in...

Wondering what might move the markets this week? Now, at the start of each week, a quick clip will be shared from Cetera Chief Investment Officer Gene Goldman, who will give a fast take on notable market events to look out for in the...

Weekly Recap March 7-11, 2022 Recap Stocks Slump as Russian Aggression Intensifies Worst Week Since January All three major equity indices posted another set of back-to-back weekly losses with the S&P 500 capping its worst weekly...

In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses "Don't Invest Like a Leprechaun." While many of you will be “going green” on the 17th of March, Leprechauns have their eyes set on gold...

In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses the effect of sanctions on the Russian and overall global economies. With the U.S. and United Kingdom announcing a ban on Russian energy today, overall...

Why COVID-19 Will Continue to Drive Higher Costs for Long-Term CarE Public health experts believe that the COVID-19 pandemic is transitioning to the endemic stage, throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere. Epidemiologists call a...

Weekly Recap February 28 - March 4, 2022 Recap Stocks Fall as Oil Rises Equity Markets Pull BackAll three major equity indices fell last week as the war in Ukraine continues. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testified in his...

Continue to Care for Your Family For those shopping for life insurance and looking for ways to help their family even after they are gone, final expense insurance could be one alternative to consider. If your current life insurance...

Should You Be Investing in a Retirement Money Market Account? As you’re nearing retirement, the options for retirement investment solutions can be nothing short of overwhelming. With so many options out there, how do you choose?...

Manage Your Money More Effectively Not having positive money management habits can have a severe impact not just on your current finances but also on your future finances. Creating and sticking to good habits can help you feel more in...

Prepare Yourself as a First-Time Homebuyer You’ve decided to buy your first home. That’s great! This is a big financial decision that likely took a lot of time and energy to make. With this decision comes an investment...

In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ramifications on financial markets. In traditional geopolitical events, commodities tend to fall on economic...

Take Precautions to Protect Your Investments If you’re one of the many people who has decided to purchase a property to diversify your investments, it’s important to protect your investments and personal assets. Through...

Changing Your Will When and How to Make Amendments to Your Estate Plans Discussing your final wishes and estate plans can feel uncomfortable but leaving your family with a clear and current plan in the event of your passing can make...

As we enter the next phase of the expansion, we try to quantify metrics the Federal Reserve uses to gauge the health of the economy. Here is Cetera Investment Management’s latest Fed-O-Meter used to determine if the Fed is being...

How to Avoid Tax Filing Headaches in 2022 Taxpayers have a few extra days to prepare and file their returns this year. The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and pay tax owed is...

Get More From Your Your Life Insurance Make Your Policy Work For You As you and your loved ones get older, it could be time to start considering how you'll pay for long-term care. Paying for long-term insurance is one option, but your...

Changing Your Will When and How to Make Amendments to Your Estate Plans Discussing your final wishes and estate plans can feel uncomfortable but leaving your family with a clear and current plan in the event of your passing can make...

Take Precautions to Protect Your Investments If you’re one of the many people who has decided to purchase a property to diversify your investments, it’s important to protect your investments and personal assets. Through...

Identify These Sections in Your Policies Understanding an insurance policy can feel like a big undertaking if you don’t have much experience with them. Knowing what six elements will likely be a part of every insurance policy...

In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses the roller coaster of a day to open the week in equity markets. Sunday night, stock futures pointed to a positive open, but soon sentiment turned negative...

For the first time in nearly 20 years, the IRS has released updated actuarial or life expectancy tables. Those who take required minimum withdrawals (RMD) from retirement accounts may already know we use these tables to calculate your...

The Federal Reserve met in mid-January, and clarified its position on monetary policy, providing the clearest hint yet about short-term interest rates. The fed hinted that the first interest rate hit could come as soon as March.1 The...

In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses the roller coaster of a day to open the week in equity markets. Sunday night, stock futures pointed to a positive open, but soon sentiment turned negative...

In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses the recent stock market volatility driven primarily by rising bond yields and a more hawkish Fed. With the move higher in bond yields, expensive high-multiple...

Who Will You Select as Your Power of Attorney? There may come a time when you are no longer able to make legal or financial decisions. To prepare for when that time comes, consider appointing a power of attorney to act on your behalf....

Prepare Your Family For The Future Start Discussing Your Estate Plan It can be a difficult subject to bring up, but talking to your family about your estate plan is a gesture that allows your family members to stay up to date on your...

Tax Credits vs Tax Deductions Which is Better For You? No one wants to pay more taxes than they have to. In the past, you’ve probably relied on tax credits and deductions to help you pay fewer taxes, but which one is more...

How Big Should Your Emergency Fund Be? Having an emergency fund could save the day, but you may be questioning how much to save, when you should save more and how you should spend these funds. You're not alone in asking these...

USE THESE YEAR-END TAX PLANNING TIPS Everybody wants to save on their taxes. If you think tax-saving strategies are too complicated, you could be missing out on tax savings. There are a few simple tax-saving strategies available to...

COULD MEDICARE COVER YOUR HEALTHCARE COSTS Medicare is a complicated topic. It can be difficult to understand how it works and what it covers. We'll lay out what Medicare covers and hopefully take the confusion out of Medicare so you...

Make More Residual Income Are you looking for more ways to make more money but are already spending 40 hours a week at your regular job? Residual income could be the answer you're looking for! We're going to let you in on four ways...

THE REWARDS THAT COME WITHCHARITABLE GIVING Some charitable contributions are 100% tax deductible, while others you can't deduct from your taxes. If you want to maximize your tax savings through charitable giving, it's important to...

Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 ended the month 2.9% below its most recent all-time high set on November 18.The Dow Industrials fared worse, shedding 1,336 points (-3.50%) last month. The Dow 30 index ended 5...

You see it in prices at the grocery store and the gas station. You feel it in your monthly budget. So why don’t the financial markets seem too concerned about inflation?Remember, financial markets are considered...

Warm wishes to you and your family.Happy Thanksgiving!

Financial markets can be challenging to understand. But when markets enter a “bad news is good news” cycle, it becomes even more difficult to follow along.At its November meeting, the Fed outlined its plan to taper monthly...

As we enter the next phase of the expansion, we try to quantify metrics the Federal Reserve uses to gauge the health of the economy. Here is Cetera Investment Management’s latest Fed-O-Meter used to determine if the Fed is being...

4 Smart Year-End Tax Planning Strategies to Consider NowOne of the greatest myths about tax planning is that it’s only for the wealthy. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. If you earn income, the goal is to keep as...

Thank you to all who dedicated themselves to serve our country. May we always remember and be grateful!

While it’s still too early to draw any final conclusions, Congress is getting closer to outlining what tax law changes are under consideration to pay for the proposed $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Plan.1For now, it appears...

Social Security Announces the Largest COLA Increase in 40 YearsThe Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the largest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in four decades. For Americans receiving Social Security benefits,...

ARE YOU LEAVING YOUR LOVED ONESWITH A PLAN? Creating a will may seem like something that isn't needed until you are further into retirement. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. Your spouse and children could face...

While it’s still too early to draw any final conclusions, Congress is getting closer to outlining what tax law changes are under consideration to pay for the proposed $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Plan.1For now, it appears...

As you have noticed, the days are getting shorter – and we are coming to the end of Daylight Saving Time for the year. On the first Sunday of November at 2:00 am, most of America will “fall back” into Standard Time...

Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 finished October at its 59th record high of 2021, posting its best Jan-Oct performance (+24%) since 2013.The Dow Industrials gained 5.93% last month, notching its 40th 2021...

To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes.One of the proposals would reduce the estate tax exemption to...

CHANGE YOUR BENEFICIARIES Even after your estate planning is complete, it's important to keep your beneficiaries updated and change them as necessary. Updating your beneficiaries listed throughout your estate plan can help ensure no...

AND LEARN HOW THEY CAN IMPACT YOU If you have a retirement account set up and you're making regular contributions, that's great! There may come a time when you need to move these retirement savings from one account to another, and...

While the world has begun to recover from the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the delayed reaction has been felt in the supply chain. Industrial shutdowns around the world slowed production to a relative crawl, leaving...

The economic impact of COVID-19 has been felt from coast to coast. And, unfortunately for many pre-retirees, it could potentially impact Social Security benefits as well.A new report indicates that if Congress doesn’t take...

The United States Postal Service has revised their 1-3 day first-class mail delivery window to 1-5 days. Important correspondence such as invoices may arrive later than usual.This change at the USPS will in no way impact the high...

In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses "Trick or Treating on Wall Street." Are you spooked by stocks or frightened of fixed income? Count Stockula and the Bond Reaper are known to emerge from the...

What Does Your Credit Score Say About Your Financial Health?Your credit score, the three-digit number lenders use to help measure your credit worthiness, has the power to save—or cost you—thousands of dollars in interest...

October brings to mind the beauty of the leaves changing colors and a time to enjoy the colder weather. But October also holds another meaning for millions of people: it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.Based on the numbers,...

ARE YOU READY TO PAY FOR LONG-TERM CARE? At some point in their lives, most people will need some long-term care whether that's at an assisted living community or at-home medical care. When preparing for this future, it can be hard to...

Medicare Open Enrollment Is Here. 5 Steps to Prepare Now.October marks the start of Medicare’s annual open enrollment period, where more than 63 million Americans who receive benefits through the federal health insurance program...

5 WAYS TO DEFEND AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT You've probably heard about identity theft, but you may not know what it is or how to protect against it.First, let's talk about what identity theft is. Identity theft occurs when someone steals...

Quarterly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 has logged a near record run of 318 trading days above its 200-day moving average. The index is down 4.97% from its latest record high set on Sept 2.For the month, the Dow...

LEARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WILLS AND TRUST You may not know the difference between a will and a trust. As you're estate planning, you should know your options and the proper tools to achieve your asset distribution goals....

How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment fast approaching, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage.Have you switched...

HSA vs PPO Open enrollment is coming up soon, and it's important to know about all your insurance plan options before deciding which one is right for you. Two options you could have are a Health Savings Account plan (HSA) and a...

Most likely, you’ve heard what’s brewing in Washington, D.C., called by one of these names.The Build Back Better Act. Or the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill. Or the Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan for Working...

Leave a Lasting LegacyUse Your Life Insurance to Help You’ve worked hard your whole life to create a legacy you are proud of. But your legacy doesn’t have to stop when you pass on. There are ways for your legacy to live on...

Several Types of Insurance Changes to Consider as You Approach Retirement As you approach retirement, your financial needs and those who depend on you will likely change. This may require an update of your insurance needs as well....

How Technology Is Making It Easier and More Cost Effective for Retirees to Age in PlaceAccording to a recent national survey, 90% of adults, age 50 or older, say they want to remain in their current homes as they age. The survey also...

How to Keep Lifestyle Creep from Derailing Your Financial GoalsLooking back on your first fulltime job, do you ever remember thinking, “If I made ’X‘ dollars more, things would be so much easier”? However, once...

The stock market notched its 7th straight month of gains in August, and the Standard & Poor's 500 index has set 53 new highs so far in 2021.1During August, stocks rallied as investors looked past the increased number of COVID-19...

It can be incredibly difficult to make sense of data. A report coming from one body may tell you one thing, and another report might seem to offer a wholly different perspective.Such is the case with August’s jobs numbers from...

It’s time for your life insurance checkup.September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage.1If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...

The most recent stats on corporate dividends suggest that global companies are bullish on the world’s economic recovery.Dividends paid to investors are on track to hit $1.4 trillion this year and are expected to stretch even...

Your workplace retirement account can play a critical role in your overall retirement strategy. However, some have gone further with the accounts than others, especially recently.CNBC reported on findings that place 401(k) accounts at...

Insurance Should Serve You Insurance coverage changes from provider to provider and plan to plan, as well as from person to person. There will likely be times when you’re paying for insurance that you're not using. Even if...

Feel like your finances have more control over you than you have over them? Or like you're in a financial hole and just keep sinking? There are ways to take back control of your spending and regain control of your finances.Explore...

Weekly Recap August 23 - 27, 2021 RecapEquities Climb on Dovish Taper ToneThree Record Highs Last WeekAll three U.S. major equity averages finished higher last week with the S&P 500 posting three new record highs and closing...

If you have a secret, don’t tell anyone at the Federal Reserve Bank. They may leak the story before you’d like.In early August, multiple regional Federal Reserve Bank presidents hit the speaking tour. They made headlines...

Over the last year, many have seen their lives impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ways in which we work, live, and communicate have drastically changed, to say the least.It’s difficult to predict what other aspects of life...

We are living in a pivotal moment of American history, and there’s one word that best sums up our hope and optimism: resiliency.It’s in this spirit that I’d like to invite you and your family to join me IN THE ROOM...

Weekly Recap August 16 - 20, 2021 RecapEquities Give Back GainsStocks Fall First Week in ThreeAll three U.S. major equity averages declined last week as investors grew worried that the Fed’s potential move to begin withdrawing...

1. Tax-Free WithdrawalsMoney that goes into a Roth IRA is after-tax dollars. Because you've already paid taxes on that money, once it is withdrawn, it comes out tax-free. There are some restrictions on those withdrawals if you want to...

How to Keep Lifestyle Creep from Derailing Your Financial GoalsLooking back on your first fulltime job, do you ever remember thinking, “If I made ’X‘ dollars more, things would be so much easier”? However, once...

Which documents should you keep?And which ones can you shred? Everyone is guilty of holding on to documents for too long. Whether you feel like it has real value, or you're keeping it for fear of needing it, this can create quite a...

Weekly Recap August 9 - 13, 2021 RecapIt's All About EarningsBig Board Stocks AdvanceU.S. stocks drifted mostly higher last week with the Dow Industrials and S&P 500 both posting four consecutive daily all-time highs, a feat not...

Who Should Consider A High Deductible Health Plan? What is a High Deductible Health Plan?A High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a government Marketplace health plan with an annual deductible of at least $1,400 for an individual or $2...

Your next loan could have more favorable terms. In a world that's moving away from cash and becoming more dependent on credit, you've likely heard financial institutions talk about the importance of credit scores. Whether it was in...

4 Things You Can Do About Rising InflationIn June, the Consumer Price Index, which measures the change in the prices of a broad range of goods and services over time, rose 5.4% from a year earlier, marking the sharpest increase in...

Corporate earnings season has begun, and the results are turning heads on Wall Street.Of the 120 companies in the S&P 500 index that reported numbers as of Friday, July 23, 89% of them beat the Street’s earnings-per-share...

Weekly Recap July 26 - 30, 2021 RecapParing Record HighsStocks Nudge LowerAll three major U.S. equity indices got haircuts last week, with the S&P 500 fluttering near record highs on Friday but reversed gains to close out the week...

Keep Growing After Your Career is Over Reap the benefits of learning. You worked hard in your career. You put in the necessary years to get your job done and felt fulfilled in doing so. And now you’re retired and are interested...

Weekly Recap July 19 - 23, 2021 RecapNew Equity MilestonesS&P 500 Posts Seventh Weekly Gain in Past Nine WeeksEquities rebounded last week with all three major U.S. equity indices finishing at fresh all-time highs as...

The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients.It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1...

Impact Social Change Through Investing Choosing Investments Based on Social Responsibility For many people, the decision about what companies to invest in comes down to growth, profits and dividends. There’s nothing wrong with...

In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses today’s stock market sell-off and drop in bond yields due to rising Delta variant concerns. While the variant is a concern, they feel it is a low...

Weekly Recap July 12 - 16, 2021 RecapDelta Variant, Inflation Weigh on StocksEquities Decline from Record LevelsAfter finishing the prior week at all-time highs, all three major U.S. equity indices finished this past week lower....

Don't Let Revenge Spending Wreak Havoc on Your Budget This SummerLive shows, concerts and sports venues are selling out within hours; cruise and hotel bookings have surged; airlines can’t keep up with the number of passengers...

Is It Time For a Mid-Year Financial Review?This summer looks remarkably different than last year. As pandemic-related restrictions are lifted, retail, sports, travel, dining and entertainment venues are welcoming consumers back in...

A simple explanation of how your Social Security benefits are calculated How Much Will I Get From Social Security?Social Security benefits are based on your lifetime earnings. Earnings are reported to Social Security through a W-2...

Weekly Recap July 5 - 9, 2021 RecapTrifecta All-Time HighsEquities Extend Record-Setting GainsAll three major U.S. equity indices finished the week at fresh all-time highs as a relief rally Friday more than fully erased earlier losses...

With June officially behind us, it’s time to face the facts: we’re headed toward the second half of 2021. While there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the rest of summer, we encourage you to slow down and check up on...

In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses the recent stock market volatility and drop in bond yields. Risks are mounting in the economy at the same time the COVID-19 Delta variant is on the...

Weekly Recap June 28 - July 2, 2021 RecapJobs Data Sooths Fed FearsEquities Extend Record-Setting GainsU.S. stocks wrapped up another bountiful week with the S&P 500 closing Friday at its seventh consecutive all-time high, a...

Try these 5 strategies to gain financial health. Being financially healthy looks different for everyone and every life stage. But what almost everyone can agree on are the benefits of creating positive habits to improve the health of...

The Fourth of July is just ahead – a chance for us all to get together and celebrate what makes America so special. As Americans, we have the liberty to act, speak, think, and worship freely. This precious liberty was fought for...

Inflation is defined as the general upward price movement of goods and services in an economy. The key word is “general.” Inflation tends to be uneven and affects the price of some items more than others.If you’ve...

At its June meeting, the Federal Reserve confirmed what many of us have suspected for some time: prices are rising. In fact, prices are climbing faster than many expected. In response, the Fed raised its inflation expectation to 3.4%,...

Weekly Recap June 21-25, 2021 RecapInfrastructure Plans Boost OptimismFrom Worst to BestU.S. equities rebounded last week with the S&P 500 transitioning from its worst week since January to its best week since February. Risk-on...

Cetera Investment Management has released its 2021 Midyear Outlook. In this outlook, they discuss the economy hitting its peak growth rate this quarter and investor enthusiasm around that growth, including the prospects for...

One of the most anticipated comebacks of 2021 isn’t an athlete, rock star, or movie franchise. It’s summer travel, and it appears to be back with a vengeance.Travel agents are working 14-hour days to meet the needs of...

How Will You Transition Out of Your Company? A transition plan can help with this change. If the time has come for you to sell the business you’ve spent countless hours growing into a successful operation, create a transition...

In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses the recent stock market weakness caused by the Fed pivoting from a dovish to a more hawkish stance. CLICK TO READ As always, please reach out to the...

Weekly Recap June 14-18, 2021 RecapTaper Talk Rattles StocksS&P 500 Loses the Most Since FebruaryLast week, U.S. equities were lower with the S&P 500 logging its worst week since February after a 1.3% decline on Friday. Equity...

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, marking the day when slavery came to an end in the United States. The observance of this holiday, formally recognized by the state of Texas in 1980, has continued to spread to the rest of the...

The real rate of return is an important personal finance concept to understand.It’s the rate of return on your investments after inflation. The real rate of return indicates whether you are gaining or losing purchasing power...

Recently, you may have seen headlines regarding the Securing a Strong Retirement Act, also referred to as the second version of the SECURE Act, or SECURE Act 2.0.As the bill moves from the House of Representatives to the Senate, many...

If there is a "silver lining" to all the inflation talk, it may be that Social Security benefits are expected to see a larger-than-normal increase in 2022.Preliminary estimates call for a 4.7% cost-of-living increase (COLA) in Social...

Weekly Recap June 7-11, 2021 RecapBrushing Off InflationBenchmark Stocks Rise Third WeekThe S&P 500 clinched a third straight weekly gain after closing at successive all-time record highs on Thursday and Friday. Stocks have traded...

4 Reasons to Consider Selling Your Business in 2021Like many business owners, you may have spent more time over the last year focused on keeping your businesses afloat and navigating rapidly changing public health orders, rather than...

How Much Are You Contributing to Your Retirement? Max out your contribution limits. Do you know what the contribution limits are for your specific type of retirement account? Knowing these limits will help you make the maximum...

Weekly Recap May 31-June 4, 2021 RecapStocks Rise, Nearing Record HighsEquities Rebound Second WeekThe S&P 500 rose to within a whisper of its May 7 all-time high as Friday’s jobs data boosted recovery confidence while a...

Over Memorial Day weekend, gasoline prices hit the highest for this holiday weekend since 2014.1With the Colonial Pipeline outage in the rear-view mirror and an ever-increasing number of adults vaccinated, formerly cooped-up motorists...

Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The Dow Industrials jumped 2.2% in May, outperforming the S&P 500, while both indices extended gains into a fourth month.The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 1.44% in May, its first...

As our nation continues to recover from the effects of COVID-19, one economic trend has been capturing news attention as of late. Consumer prices are rising amidst economic recovery. In fact, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.8%...

On Thursday, June 17, you and your family are invited to join us for an invitation-only conversation and performance with a legend in the making: Leslie Odom, Jr.Get your digital front-row seat as Leslie shares his journey to success...

Plan for Your Grandkid's Education Now! Learn about 529 Plans and how they can help you save. Sure, education may not be the most glamorous gift, but it can be a practical option that greatly benefits the recipient. But what’s...

6 Tips for Paying Off College Debt Get ahead of paying off your student loans. For many, student loans are a necessary debt—a means of paying for college and earning a degree that could potentially put life-changing career...

Weekly Recap May 17-21, 2021 RecapInflation Angst ContinuesBenchmark Equities Slip Second WeekThe S&P 500 fell fractionally last week, capping its first back-to-back weekly loss since late February as investors continued to fear...

Inflation can be a scary word for people who are retired. It’s code for “prices are going up, but my income may stay the same.”The most recent reading on consumer prices put inflation back into the conversation. The...

Which Education Savings Account is Right for You? Familiarize yourself with the most common education saving plans. When you’re ready to start thinking about saving for your kids’ college funds, it’s time to learn...

A cyberattack shut down a major gas and energy pipeline supplying the East Coast of the United States for several days. The actual pipelines themselves are still functional and have since started running again, but it’s led to...

Weekly Recap May 10-14, 2021 RecapInflation Fears Make Investors NervousEquity Markets SlipAll three major equity market indices saw their worst weekly declines since February. Investors are fearing inflation, which is on the rise,...

4 Ways 529 Plans Can Benefit Estate PlanningYou may be familiar with the role 529 plans play in helping families set aside funds for future education expenses. Established in 1996 under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, these...

Are Your Financial Gifts Costing You? Know the financial gift limits to avoid unnecessary taxes. You might have heard about financial gift limitations and wondered if that’s something that applies to the financial gifts you give...

Weekly Recap May 3-7, 2021 RecapBroad Markets AdvanceWeak Payrolls Bolster Easy Money ViewsThe broad market S&P 500 Index finished at its 26th all-time high this year amid bullish recovery optimism that was bolstered Friday by an...

Now and again, the price action on Wall Street can surprise even the most seasoned investors.Look no further than when President Biden in late April proposed an increase in the tax on capital gains to 39.6% from 20% for those...

Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The market-cap-weighted S&P 500 climbed 11.84% YTD. In contrast, the S&P Equal Weight 500 Index advanced 16.76% YTD, its third-strongest four-month start to any year since 1990.The...

Are Trusts Part of Your Estate Plan? Create a more robust estate plan with trusts. As you've begun planning your estate, you’ve heard about trusts. You might associate trusts with people who are very wealthy and pass that wealth...

Weekly Recap April 19-23, 2021 RecapMomentum PausesStocks Decline First Week in FiveEquities rebounded in a big way on Friday, but gains fell short of overcoming larger losses earlier in the week as investors’ concerns over...

Investors looking for "green shoots" to confirm that the economy is on the mend have seen plenty of examples in recent weeks. Retail sales rose 9.8% in March, the largest monthly gain since May 2020. It's important to remember that...

April 22 is Earth Day, a day to do the little (and big) things to reduce your carbon footprint and support a healthy planet.There are many ways in which we can become better stewards of the Earth. We can recycle hazardous materials;...

4 Tips for Raising Financially Literate KidsWhen it comes to parenting, families have different styles, values, and traditions. However, most parents share a common goal. They want their children to grow up to be healthy, happy,...

President Joe Biden introduced the much-anticipated American Jobs Plan, which outlines an approach to spend roughly $2.2 trillion on the nation's infrastructure and other projects.As part of the legislative process, the Biden...

Weekly Recap April 12-16, 2021 RecapEquity Momentum ContinuesStocks Climb Fourth Straight WeekThe S&P 500 extended gains into a fourth straight week, backed by a strong start to the first quarter earnings season and...

It can be exhausting trying to keep up with the whims of Wall Street.Lately, the financial markets have been fixated on federal taxes and what may be proposed on Capitol Hill in the weeks and months ahead.Wall Street’s focus on...

Keep Your Estate Plan In Order Is your estate plan still up to date? There's no time like the present to revisit your latest draft. Even if you're retired and have created a plan for your estate and assets, it’s still a good...

4 Estate Planning Documents You Can't Live (Your Best Life) WithoutOften, people view estate planning through a narrow lens, thinking it’s only about what happens to their property and assets after they’re gone. While the...

Weekly Recap April 5-9, 2021 RecapEquity Indices March HigherStocks Climb Third Straight WeekThe S&P 500 extended gains into a third week, its longest winning streak since February 5 and finished Friday at its 20th new...

Previously, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year had been automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021.1More time for allHowever,...

Form 5498: Why It's Important And what you need to know about it. If you contributed to your IRA this past year, you should have received an IRS Form 5498. This form looks similar to a W-2, but it only contains information about your...

Reduce Your Credit Card Debt Credit card debt doesn't have to keep you from fulfilling your financial goals. Not all debt is bad. Mortgage and auto loans are often necessary, but credit card debt can be sneaky – it usually...

In honor of Financial Literacy Month, we're focusing on the fundamentals. The latest commentary from Cetera Investment Management reviews the foundational skills that can help you build a strong financial future, regardless of your...

Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 ended the quarter less than two points below its Mar 26 all-time high of 3974.54 – and just over 27 points away from a new 4,000 milestone.In March, the Dow Industrials...

Among the many changes arising from the pandemic, one of the most noticeable was a change in American spending habits.A survey released in March 2021 by Pew Research shows that Americans have increasingly chosen to put away what extra...

The Cetera Advanced Planning Group has released an overview of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This provides explanation and analysis on how this may affect your financial planning interests.This overview provides information...

Weekly Recap March 22-26, 2021 RecapEquities Indices Finish at All-Time HighsStocks ReboundU.S. stocks posted solid gains last week with the Dow Industrials and S&P 500 finishing at new record highs on renewed optimism over...

Why Should You Invest in a 401k? There are so many other things to think about besides saving for retirement. You, like so many people, may want to avoid worrying about it until you have the rest of your financials in order...

There’s an old Wall Street maxim that says, “markets climb a wall of worry.” And these days, there’s plenty to worry about with the trend in long-term interest rates.The 10-year Treasury yield in recent weeks...

Major League Baseball scheduled Opening Day for April 1, but two states have already scored with spring training underway.Every year, spring training divides the 30 MLB teams into two squads. Half of the teams travel to Florida as...

Cetera Investment Management has released its 2021 Second Quarter Outlook. In this outlook, they discuss local economies reopening and investors’ optimism. Potential consumers are getting another check from the...

Smart Saving Tips During Retirement You’ve likely spent much of your life working and saving to ensure a financially sound future. But even in retirement, you still need to be conscientious of your money and keeping up your good...

Hopefully you enjoyed your time IN THE ROOM with Dr. Ben S. Bernanke. If you’d like to watch the conversation again, or if you were unable to join us, the replay is available for you to view until April 18, 2021. To access the...

Less than one month ahead of the traditional date, the I.R.S. has delayed the deadline for filing and paying taxes. The new deadline is May 17, 2021.1,2,3The delay follows continued disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic and a late...

Are Streaming Services Keeping You From Retiring? We all love our streaming services. It might have started with just one, but as more are created, and you add shows to your must-see list, you shell out more and more each month to...

Weekly Recap March 8-12, 2021 RecapDow, S&P 500 Finish at Record HighsRotation to Value ContinuesU.S. stocks broadly rallied last week with gains driving the Dow Industrials and S&P 500 to fresh all-time highs, while the...

How Will You Avoid These 5 Common Retirement Planning Pitfalls?Understanding the different steps you can take now to drive the retirement outcome you desire is an important part of planning for a confident future. However, it’s...

Just a friendly reminder to get your digital front row seat to hear from former Federal Reserve Chair Dr. Ben S. Bernanke about what’s really happening at the Fed and why it matters. His insights on how the economy can emerge...

I’m sure you’ve heard that the House recently passed the Senate another round of stimulus to try and counteract the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new stimulus package could narrow income eligibility to...

Don't Fall for These Common Budgeting Myths You’ve almost made it. You’ve worked, planned, invested, and saved for years to get to your retirement. And now that you’re almost there, it can be so tempting to forget...

Weekly Recap March 1-5, 2021 RecapBig Board Stocks ReboundTechnology Extends SelloffU.S. stocks rallied back on Friday from steep intra-week losses as bond yields climbed while a stronger-than-forecast January jobs report reignited...

This year we’re celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8. In 1920, women fought for the right to vote. In 1974, single and divorced women were finally able to secure a credit card without needing a male...

You’re invited to an exclusive conversation with former Federal Reserve Chair Dr. Ben S. Bernanke, who helped guide the U.S. economy out of its worst recession of the century. His insights on how the economy can emerge and grow...

Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 ended February 3.1% below its latest all-time high of 3,935 set on Feb 12.The Dow Industrials performed best in February at least among the three major U.S. indices, gaining...

It can be easy to overlook the nation’s solid economic fundamentals when the financial media splashes stories every day about an army of amateur traders, short-selling mania, and initial public offerings (IPOs) that double in...

Retirement Tax Strategies that Work for You Taxes are a certainty of life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to reduce what you owe to the government, especially once you retire. Consider these strategies (both...

At this time last year, it was still unknown that a deadly global pandemic was on the rise, eventually stalling economic growth and sending crude oil prices into negative territory. But recently, oil prices have surged, with crude...

Weekly Recap February 15-19, 2021 RecapEquities Take a BreatherFirst Weekly Loss in Three WeeksU.S. stocks pulled back last week, snapping back-to-back weekly gains as Treasury yields advanced on investor jitters about increasing...

The 2020s haven’t got off to the roaring start we all had hoped for. We’re a year into the worst pandemic in a century, and it’s brought along with it the deepest economic contraction since the Great Depression....

8 Things You Need to Know Before You File Your 2020 Tax ReturnBy any standard, 2020 was an unusual year, marked by rapid change and unexpected events. As a result, filing your tax return may be anything but straightforward. Below we...

Weekly Recap February 8-12, 2021 RecapEquities Plow HigherBack-to-Back Weekly GainsU.S. stocks advanced a second week as investors cheered progress for additional fiscal stimulus with House Democrats approving $1,400 direct payments...

Are You Using Your Lossesto Your Advantage? What is tax-loss harvesting?Tax-loss harvesting is a strategy that helps you reduce the taxes you owe on the capital gains from one investment with the capital losses from a different...

Time to Check on Your Portfolio You know that your investment portfolio is not a set and forget process. Each portfolio will change over time based on factors like risk diversification, your personal goals, and changes in the market...

Married? Should You File Jointly or Separately Some big changes come with getting married, and that includes your taxes. For the first time, you have the option to file jointly or separately. How romantic!While the IRS recommends that...

The personal savings rate in the United States, which is the amount of income left after taxes and household spending, has reached some significant milestones.In April, when much of the country stayed home to avoid the COVID-19...

Recently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that tax season will start a little later than usual. This year the IRS will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax returns on Friday, February 12, 2021.1In light of the December...

Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 ended the month with the largest weekly loss since late October. All three major equity indices fell in excess of 3.2% during the last week in January.The Dow Industrials shed...

Weekly Recap January 25-29, 2021 RecapEquities Selloff Most Since OctoberS&P 500 Erases YTD GainsU.S. stocks fell sharply with the S&P 500 turning negative for the year (-1% YTD) after posting its worst week since October....

Weekly Recap January 18-22, 2021 RecapStocks Post Solid GainsInaugural Rally Best in 84 YearsMajor U.S. equity indices posted solid gains last week as investors were encouraged by incoming President Biden’s issuance of 10...

4 Steps for Strengthening Your Financial Safety Net in the New Year As many Americans learned in 2020, emergency savings can provide a much-needed lifeline during periods of crisis or uncertainty. Adequate cash reserves can be...

8 Financial Terms You Need to Know As you start out in life, your finances can seem overwhelming. How can you start saving money? Taking out loans? Financing a house? Before you can set attainable goals for yourself, you have to have...

Weekly Recap January 11-15, 2021 RecapStocks Pare 2021 GainsInvestors Question Stimulus SpeedU.S. large cap stocks retreated last week as investors second-guessed their optimism over President-elect Joe Biden’s quickly proposed...

Now is the time to make final contributions to your IRA for 2020. Any contributions made before April 15, 2021, may mean an additional deduction or credit on your 2020 tax liability if you have not yet met the maximum contribution...

It's 2021: Time to Check Your Tax BracketWill your tax bracket change in 2021? Each year the tax rate schedules are adjusted for inflation. That could result in your income being subject to a higher or lower tax rate in the new year....

This month, America honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.As we look around today, we see manifestations of that legacy in the form of stronger, more diverse communities, in the continued fight for equality, and in the...

The first week of 2021 has already had many ups and downs. Just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean that the 2020 issues go away, and so far, 2021 has been no exception to this rule.The markets opened on January 4 and...

As election season draws to a close, it's a great time to review what type of legislative support would be needed to pass certain policy proposals that may come forward from the Biden Administration.It's important to remember that...

7 Retirement Mistakesto Avoid in 2021 Planning ahead and keeping a close eye on your finances are two of the most important ways you can ensure you get to enjoy your retirement and get the most out of your golden years. As we begin...

Weekly Recap January 4-8, 2021 RecapStocks Climb to New Record HighsEquities Post Back-to-Back Weekly GainsU.S. stocks advanced for a second straight week with all three major equity indices finishing at record highs as Wall Street...

January is Financial Wellness Month, a time to remind people to make arrangements for their financial strategy.For me, it’s time for me to connect with new clients and discuss their financial situation and aspirations for their...

Distributions from Mutual Funds

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

This time of year, you might glance at an account statement and see there has been an adjustment. But there may not be any cause for concern.Many mutual funds in December pay shareholders capital gains distributions that they have...

After a bit of political posturing in December, the $900 billion Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (2021 CAA) was signed into law by President Trump as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact employers and employees...

Quarterly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance In December, the Dow Industrials gained 3.4% and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 5.7%.On a quarterly basis, the Dow Industrials gained 2,824 points (+10.7%) and the Nasdaq Composite surged 15...

6 Vital Questions You Need to Ask When Planning for Retirement

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Monday, January 4, 2021

6 Questions to Ask When Planning for Retirement Financial security in retirement doesn’t happen by accident. Planning for a financially independent retirement involves more than just putting money away into a savings account and...

Weekly Recap December 21-24, 2020 RecapStocks Quiet in Thin VolumeEquities Little ChangedU.S. stocks rose on Thursday in a second day of small gains in the Christmas holiday-shortened trading week as Wall Street reviewed the latest...

If you’re even casually following the economic news, it can be hard to make sense of the forecast. One source may feel there’s nothing to worry about, while another might paint a picture of doom and gloom. You may end up...

Thinking of You During the Holidays

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

For many of us, 2020 has been a year unlike any other. For some, it’s brought hardships that have tested the hardiest of souls. For others, it has brought unspeakable loss.Yet, we press on, and as we do, we may be surprised to...

Weekly Recap December 14-18, 2020 RecapStocks Climb on Stimulus ProspectsEquities ReboundU.S. stocks slightly trimmed a weekly gain on Friday, halting a solid three-day rally after Congress was unable to reach a stimulus bill...

Distributions from Mutual Funds

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Sunday, December 20, 2020

This time of year, you might glance at an account statement and see there has been an adjustment. But there may not be any cause for concern.Many mutual funds in December pay shareholders capital gains distributions that they have...

Markets & Marriage

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Your investment strategy is a lot like a marriage. One day you may feel like everything’s going swimmingly. The next day, there might be an argument over who forgot to load the dishwasher. And even the best marriages and...

Retire Wise | December 2020

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

3 Tax-Smart Ways to Help Family Members in Need Pay for CollegeAs colleges and universities grapple with reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of college students and their parents find themselves struggling to pay...

Financial Watch | December 2020

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

5 Financial Lessons to Optimize Your Planning in the New YearAs 2020 draws to a close, its lessons will remain with us for some time. Below, we look at some of the most important financial lessons learned this year, and actions you...

Weekly Recap December 7-11, 2020 RecapStocks Weaken With Job MarketEquities Ease After Record HighsAfter major U.S. stocks advanced to record highs the first week of December, investors kept their optimism in check last week....

Will the Grinch Steal Christmas?

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Friday, December 11, 2020

The start of the holiday shopping season can provide important clues about the economy's state and, more importantly, overall consumer confidence. So far, the results have been a “mixed bag” with empty malls and busy...

Year-End Financial Checklist

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Thursday, December 10, 2020

2020 has been a tumultuous year, to say the least. But this year is the perfect representation of why we work together: we plan ahead, taking into account different scenarios and emergencies, to devise a solid strategy that helps you...

Does Main Street Need a Wall Street Strategy?

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

As Wall Street pushes higher, a pandemic-weary Main Street is relearning how to manage cash flow with the hope of keeping its retirement dreams alive.Self-employed Americans, and the people working for them, account for roughly 30...

Window Closing on Medicare Changes

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Monday, December 7, 2020

The annual fall enrollment period for Medicare is coming to an end. Monday, December 7 is the deadline for enrolling or making changes in Medicare Plans.1Assuming you are already enrolled in Medicare, letting the date pass will keep...

Weekly Recap November 30 - December 4, 2020 RecapBullish Start to DecemberEquities Advance on Stimulus HopeU.S. stocks advanced to record highs last week amid growing expectations for another round of fiscal stimulus that could help...

Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 roared back nearly 11% in November, widely erasing its 6.4% prior two-month loss (-2.7% in October).The Dow Industrials surged 12.1% for its best monthly gain since Jan 1987....

Weekly Recap November 23-27, 2020 RecapStocks Rally Third Week in FourEquities Rebound, Extending Vaccine OptimismU.S. stocks advanced last week with the benchmark S&P 500 finishing at a new all-time high on Friday’s...

Weekly Recap November 16-20, 2020 RecapStocks Snap Two-Week RallyEquities Slip, Extending Cyclicals RotationU.S. stocks fell fractionally last week with the S&P 500 ending slightly negative after surging 9.74% the prior two weeks....

Speed Bumps & Headlines

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Friday, November 20, 2020

As an investor, it can be tempting to get caught up in daily news headlines. Consider how news about the election and COVID-19 vaccines have moved the markets over the past several weeks. But having a financial strategy can help you...

It’s been 399 years since the first Thanksgiving feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and the holiday has since become a beloved hallmark of autumn joy, a celebration of gratitude and reflection in the company of those dearest to...

Interest Rates and Your Mortgage

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

With the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates at or near zero, you may wonder about your mortgage. Is it a good time to refinance or even pay off the debt entirely? After all, your mortgage is one of the biggest expenses you may...

Weekly Recap November 9-13, 2020 RecapStocks Surge on Vaccine NewsEquities Rotate into CyclicalsU.S. stocks rallied last week after breakthrough vaccine trial results eased global uncertainty. A drug maker’s COVID-19 vaccine...

Financial Watch | November 2020

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Monday, November 16, 2020

6 Ways to Shore Up Your Financial Foundation During Times of UncertaintyThe COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many U.S. households, exposing vulnerabilities in their financial foundations, from low savings rates, to rising debt....

Thank You Veterans!

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Thank you to all who dedicated themselves to serve our country. May we always remember and be grateful!

Retire Wise | November 2020

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Sunday, November 8, 2020

Recent Tax Law Changes Create Year-End Tax Planning OpportunitiesTax planning is an integral part of a comprehensive financial plan designed to help you meet multiple goals and priorities and keep more of what you earn from your...

Wall Street Reacts to Potentially Divided Government

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Friday, November 6, 2020

After many weeks of telegraphing a long and careful ballot count, this week’s election lived up to that prediction in races for the Senate, the House, and the presidency. While Americans voted Tuesday, Wall Street cast its...

Election Uncertainty Remains, But Potential Outcomes Shrink

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Friday, November 6, 2020

Election Day is behind us and the votes are still being counted. The newest commentary from Cetera Investment Management takes a thoughtful and objective look at the political landscape after one day of vote counting and what this...

2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and More

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Thursday, November 5, 2020

On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note.401(k)sThe salary deferral...

Long-Term Rates Are Creeping Higher

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

With all the election chatter and stock market volatility, it may have been easy to miss the ongoing uptrend in long-term interest rates.The yield on the 10-year Treasury bond is sitting just below 1%. Just a few short months ago, the...

Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 gave back 6.36% in the past two months, its worst period loss since the 19.57% plunge during February and MarchThe Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 4.52% in October, extending...

Weekly Recap October 26-30, 2020 RecapEquities Spooked by Record InfectionsPullback IntensifiesU.S. stock indexes closed lower on Friday, capping the benchmark S&P 500 with its worst weekly rout since the depths of the pandemic in...

U.S. equities posted their worst loss in over a month on the combination of rising virus cases, lack of progress on a stimulus plan, and growing election uncertainty. The latest commentary from Cetera Investment Management discusses...

Weekly Recap October 19-23, 2020 RecapEquities Snap Three-Week RallyStocks Little ChangedU.S. stocks ended the week fractionally lower, snapping a three-week rally as investors weighed mostly upbeat earnings and economic data while...

The latest commentary from Cetera Investment Management covers the path to electoral victory for both candidates, the chances of a delayed result, and examines historical stock market returns during post-WWII 4-year presidential...

Facts About Medicare Open Enrollment

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. If you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, give yourself plenty of time. You may discover that it is much more complex than an employer-sponsored...

The Social Security Administration Announces 2021 COLA

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

On October 13, 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 1.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2021. This adjustment will begin with benefits payable...

Weekly Recap October 12-16, 2020 RecapStocks Edge Higher as Elections NearFragile Rally SustainedThe U.S. benchmark S&P 500 Index posted a tepid gain in a string of three weekly advances, but it was enough to notch its longest...

Election 2020: Managing Your Emotions

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Monday, October 19, 2020

It’s a startling statistic.45% of consumers with $100,000 or more investable assets expect to make changes to their investments due to the upcoming 2020 presidential election.1Second-guessing your investment strategy is natural,...

Financial Watch | October 2020

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Friday, October 16, 2020

How COVID-19 is Impacting Confidence Levels Among Retirement SaversThroughout 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives and health of people around the globe while wreaking havoc on commerce, the financial markets, and the...

Don’t Wait to Update Your Beneficiaries

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Protecting the people nearest and dearest to us is something we all want to do. It’s why we purchase health and life insurance, save diligently for retirement, and ensure important legal documents (like a will or trust) are in...

Retire Wise | October 2020

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Monday, October 12, 2020

Think Twice About Cancelling Credit Cards You No Longer UseIt may seem like a good idea to close credit card accounts you no longer use to avoid annual fees or if you’re not benefiting from reward programs during the pandemic....

FAFSA Applications Are Now Open

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Applications for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are now open for the academic year 2021-22. Applying for the FAFSA allows you to qualify for grants, scholarships, and other federally-sourced aid, such as...

Do you check any of these boxes?

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Friday, October 9, 2020

Chances are you or someone in your circle has faced a life-changing event as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are reaching out for financial guidance. Do you have any financial questions or concerns to address at this time? The...

You’re Invited: POTUS 43, George W. Bush

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Hear about President Bush’s time in the White House, the challenges facing our nation in the twenty-first century, and his current work at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. DATE: Thursday, October 22, 2020TIME: 2:00 p...

Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance For September, the Dow Industrials lost 2.2% and the Nasdaq Composite gave back 5.1%, their first respective monthly losses since March.On a quarterly basis, the Dow Industrials gained 1,968...

Weekly Recap September 28 - October 2, 2020 RecapStocks Snap DeclinesEquities Recover First Week in FiveU.S. equity averages posted their first weekly gain in five weeks, snapping the longest losing streak since March as investors...

You’re Invited: Medal of Honor Recipient Colonel Jack Jacobs

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Courage comes in many forms, but few will rise to the occasion as Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Jack Jacobs did in Vietnam: despite being wounded, he acted with selfless valor to personally save the lives of 14 people. One of only...

You’re Invited: A Peek into the Economic and Political Future

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Sunday, October 4, 2020

What are the markets telling us about the elections? What are the elections telling us about the markets? Hear from two experts in the industry on what might be in store for us in the months ahead.Joseph M. Terranova is a risk...

You’re Invited: Think Like a CEO to Turn Negatives into Positives

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Friday, October 2, 2020

As president and CEO of Franklin Resources, Inc., (a.k.a. Franklin Templeton), Jennifer has managed an impressive track record of growth, creating prosperity in times of uncertainty. One of ten executives named to Money Management...

You’re Invited: Cook with Hell’s Kitchen Season 15 Winner

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Is it time to eat yet? It sure is! Clear the counters and grab your loved ones as Chef Ariel Malone and her daughter show you how to cook up a family-friendly recipe direct from their home kitchen.DATE: Tuesday, October 13, 2020TIME:...

Weekly Recap September 21-25, 2020 RecapStocks Slouch Fourth WeekRecovery Theme Falters…AgainU.S. stocks reversed losses Friday amid unconfirmed reports that lawmakers were reviving plans for a second fiscal stimulus deal, but...

Cetera Investment Management has released its Fourth Quarter 2020 Outlook. In this outlook, they discuss the sharp recovery in the economy, equities and bonds. However, the economy has a long way to go to get to pandemic levels...

You’re Invited: A Talk with the Honorable Carol Moseley Braun

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Join us for a conversation with former U.S. senator and ambassador Carol Moseley Braun. She’ll discuss the personal journey she took to community leadership and service, offer insights she gained along the way, and share reasons...

Election 2020: Preparing for Any Outcome

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Friday, September 25, 2020

As the U.S. presidential election draws near, expect to see more and more headlines that propose, "What will happen next if this person is elected?" or, "What policy changes to prepare for in the next four years?"In reality, however,...

A Special Invitation

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Please join me! Each year I have the opportunity to attend my broker-dealer's annual conference, which is designed to expand my knowledge and enhance my ability to help you pursue your goals for the future. Because this...

Home Improvements Trending Higher

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Due to COVID-19, Americans are spending more time at home than ever before, leading to a record amount of spending on home improvement.1It’s not that big of a surprise since many Americans now find their homes are doing triple...

Weekly Recap September 14-18, 2020 RecapStocks Reach Six-Week LowSelling Continues Third Straight WeekU.S. stocks extended losses into a third day last week as bargain buying appetites on Monday and Tuesday gave way to pessimism after...

Financial Watch | September 2020

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Friday, September 18, 2020

4 Things to Add to Your Family Emergency Kit in 2020Since its inception in 2003, National Emergency Preparedness month has been observed in September to promote family and community disaster planning. This year, in the weeks...

When the Fed Talks Inflation, Bond Investors Listen

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Most recently, you may have read that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced a change in how the Fed views inflation. In the past, the Fed said it would consider adjusting short-term rates when inflation approached 2 percent....

Weekly Recap September 7-11, 2020 RecapBig-Tech Selloff ContinuesWorst Two Weeks since MarchU.S. stocks ended a volatile week deeply in the red with all three major domestic equity indices capping their steepest back-to-back weekly...

Retire Wise | September 2020

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Friday, September 11, 2020

3 Tax-Smart Ways to Help Family Members in Need Pay for CollegeAs colleges and universities grapple with reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of college students and their parents find themselves struggling to pay...

U.S. equities have been weak over the past three trading sessions. The latest commentary from Cetera Investment Management discusses this topic in more detail. They are not surprised as investors needed to reassess their optimism...

Weekly Recap August 31-September 4, 2020 RecapBig-Tech SelloffTaking Some Froth off the TableU.S. stocks snapped a five-week winning streak last Friday as skittish investors exited high-valuation mega cap tech stocks, despite a drop...

A sharp drop in technology stocks led to a broad market selloff, sending the S&P 500 down over 3.5%. There were no specific catalysts for the sharp drop, but two reasons likely drove it - an overbought stock market and growing...

Enjoy Your Labor Day

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Monday, September 7, 2020

Hope you have a fun and relaxing Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day to You!

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Monday, September 7, 2020

For many, Labor Day is seen as the end of summer, but it’s an annual national tribute to the contributions that workers have made to the strength, success, and security of our country. Here are some interesting facts about this...

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), one of the most widely followed stock market indices, has made some key changes to its starting lineup.Salesforce.com, Amgen Inc.and Honeywell International Inc. have replaced Exxon Mobil Corp....

Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 had its best month since a 12.8% gain in April, down only five trading days in August.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 7.9% in August, finally turning positive on a...

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Life insurance is often overlooked until a significant life event or change happens. Regardless, it can be managed with the proper conversations ahead of time.September is identified as Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM) to help...

Home Builders Confident In Economic Rebound

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

To some, this may hardly feel like an economy headed for a bright future. But don’t tell that to home builders.Builder confidence in August jumped to an eye-popping 78 in August, according to the Housing Market Index courtesy of...

Weekly Recap August 24-28, 2020 RecapEquities Cap Fifth Weekly GainDow Industrials Finally Turns Positive YTDAll three major U.S. equity indices posted strong weekly gains, led by continued momentum in consumer and technology-oriented...

Has the Stock Market Rally Left You Behind?

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Friday, August 28, 2020

Some people in recent weeks may have been feeling that “the stock market seems to be doing so well but I’m not participating.”A look behind the headlines helps tell the story.A CNBC study found that between the stock...

Right now, many Americans are worried about their financial health due to the impact COVID-19 has had on the country. Adding to these concerns were July's consumer prices— excluding food and energy—which rose at the...

Weekly Recap August 17-21, 2020 RecapRecord-Setting WeekLow-Volatility Winning Streak ExtendedThe S&P 500 completed its fourth straight weekly advance, it’s longest winning streak of the year. Favorable economic data in...

Federal Student Loan payments paused due to COVID-19

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Thursday, August 20, 2020

This month, many universities and colleges are welcoming students back to campus, even if most campuses are largely online this year.But that's not all that's different. The current administration has issued an executive memorandum...

Financial Watch | August 2020

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

5 Ways You Can Protect Against the Growing Number of Tax Scams in 2020Just when you thought you had enough to be concerned with, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) revealed it’s annual "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams in July,...

Weekly Recap August 10-14, 2020 RecapEquities Climb Despite Fading Stimulus HopesStocks Rise Third WeekAll three major U.S. equity averages posted their third consecutive weekly gain, but despite two nearly successful daily attempts,...

How Much Money Will You Need for Retirement?

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Friday, August 14, 2020

"Will I outlive my retirement money?" That's one of the top fears for people who are starting to prepare for their retirement years.So I have to chuckle a bit when I see headlines that say, "Here's how much money Americans think they...

Retire Wise | August 2020

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Did You Take RMDs in 2020? You Have Until August 31 to Reverse ThemThe Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law in March of this year, waived required minimum distributions (RMDs) for 2020....

2020 RMD Income Tax Relief is possible

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Are you one of the many retirement account holders who took a mandatory distribution this year? If so, you may be able to manage the taxes associated with Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s. There...

Weekly Recap August 3-7, 2020 RecapLabor Market and Stimulus Hopes Drive Stocks HigherStocks Rise Another WeekMajor U.S. indices were up last week on encouraging news around labor markets and hopes for more fiscal stimulus. The U...

Don’t Overreact in August

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

One of my favorite Wall Street quotes is from Mark Twain, who said:“October: This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June,...

Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.51% last month, trimming its year-to-date (YTD) loss to 6.14%.Among the three major U.S. equity indices, the technology-dominated Nasdaq Composite (+6...

Weekly Recap July 27-31, 2020 RecapEquities Rebound, Technology RipsStocks Post Solid GainsU.S. benchmark S&P 500 equities rebounded last week, resuming a bullish trend after falling 0.27% the week prior. Stocks ended Friday with...

To some, the buying and selling of a company’s stock by corporate officers and directors can be an indicator of Wall Street sentiment.In July 2020, the ratio of companies with executive buying compared with executive selling...

30-year Home Loans Fall to Historic Lows

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Lately, it can feel like each day brings a new headline about fluctuating market behavior. But amid the ups and downs of 2020, there may be some potential good news on the horizon. On July 16, 2020, the interest rate for a 30-year...

Weekly Recap July 20-24, 2020 RecapTechnology Weakens Second WeekS&P 500 Snaps Three-Week RallyU.S. equities ended lower last week with the S&P 500 posting its first weekly loss in four weeks as investors turned cautious amid...

What is Reg BI?

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Recently, you may have heard that financial industry regulators established a new set of rules designed to guide investors who work with an investment professional. This new set of rules is called “Regulation Best...

The Consumer Will Decide the Shape of the Economic Recovery

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

We hope you are enjoying the summer and staying healthy in these trying times. Now that we are officially in a recession, we are looking for clues on how long we will stay in it and what the recovery will look like. The good news is...

Join Our Community

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Monday, July 20, 2020

It’s time to break from the mold.If you’ve been experiencing any of the following…A desire to establish a legacy on your termsA need for a trusted partner to accelerate your growth and support your effortsA search...

Christmas in July? Let the Festivities Begin!Few of us have seen a year like 2020—a recession, record-setting unemployment and a pandemic that doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In some parts of the country, reopening...

Retire Wise | July 2020

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Friday, July 17, 2020

A Mid-Year Review During a Mixed-Up TimeWe are now just over halfway through 2020, and these last six months have felt like six years. With the amount of change that’s occurred, your financial strategy may need some adjustments....

Help for Small Business Owners During the Pandemic

Jeffrey P. Basik, MBA

Thursday, July 16, 2020

I first want to extend my continued wishes that you, your family and loved ones are healthy and safe, and remain that way throughout the unprecedented circumstances we are facing.Navigating the uncertainty on the road ahead can feel...

Protect yourself from identity theft with ID360

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Identity theft is a systemic and ever-changing risk that continues to unleash significant new threats to personal security. No one is immune to these evolving tactics to acquire sensitive information, which can leave individuals...

What's driving current market behavior?

Garret B. Norris, CFP®, ChFC®

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

In the era of COVID-19, and the financial woes it has created, I often get asked, “Why is the stock market holding up so well when the economy appears to be struggling?”To understand why the markets react — or...

In the coming weeks my broker-dealer will be sending you a letter containing a new disclosure document called a Customer Relationship Summary (Form CRS), as well a Supplemental Disclosure document.These documents are for your...

With the economy and financial markets flashing mixed signals, it’s no wonder that lawmakers are deadlocked on whether to pass a Phase 4 of the CARES Act.More than $3 trillion in stimulus has been pushed into the economy since...