A quick snapshot of where we stand at the end of 2019 and the past decade. Financial markets experienced a bountiful decade for stocks and bonds, as a low rate environment fostered by the Federal Reserve and technological advances driven by innovation, catapulted values higher. The 2010 decade was the first decade to avoid a domestic economic recession, with accelerated …
Leading Scams Targeting Seniors – Retirement Planning
October 2018 Fraudulent schemes and scams have always existed but there increase and focus on the elderly is troubling. The National Council on Aging estimates that nearly 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 experiences some form of financial elder abuse. IRS Scams – Callers claiming to be IRS agents often call unsuspecting seniors at home, accusing them …
Macro Overview – September 2018
Here is a quick review of some recent issues affecting our economy from tariffs to emerging markets, history making gains to history making mandates. Trade and tariffs continued at the forefront of discussions among the U.S. and international trading partners. Topics at hand included the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and safeguarding U.S. intellectual …
The Evolution of Bitcoin – Market Fact
Bitcoin, essentially virtual money traded by digital exchange, has received tremendous media coverage this past month. This “currency” emerged on the market in 2008 designed by a programmer or group of programmers under the name of Nakamoto, whose real identity remains unknown. Bitcoins exist as software, not physical currency, and are not regulated by any country or banking authority. Mined …
Which States Have the Highest Gas Tax – Fiscal Policy
Many states continue to grapple with the effects of falling fuel prices. Resource-heavy states like Alaska are particularly hard hit. Even states that do not produce gasoline are being affected. The lower fuel costs are bringing in less gas tax revenue in some states causing budget deficits. Taxing gasoline is controlled by the states, not the federal government, allowing states …
Investing in Precious Metals
Investing in Precious Metals November 11, 2016 With the constant barrage of commercials, talk-show hosts and unsolicited emails etc. touting the virtues of investing in gold or silver, we are often asked whether it would make sense for them. The question we have to ask ourselves is what would be the purpose of our investment in precious metals. First of …
What’s Up With Emerging Markets?
Many of you may agree that any exposure to Emerging Markets has continued to disappoint. However, this is not the time to diversify away from this sector of the market; in fact, quite the opposite is true. We need to keep in mind that ultimate success in long-term investing really boils down to the fundamental factors at work. For instance, …
Is The Market Growing Too Fast?
Since the last bear market reached bottom in March of 2009, the S&P 500 has roared back 179%. As Dr. David Kelly of J.P. Morgan points out, “with the exception of the bull markets that started in 1982 and 1987, this has been the strongest bull market since the late 1940s.” (J.P. Morgan Market Insights, May 13, 2014) The question …
38% of Social Security Recipients Regret Starting Early*
Once you begin receiving your Social Security income benefits, it can be very expensive to change your start date.** It is a good idea to put in a lot of thought, and perhaps even a pencil to paper, before making the final choice. You can either receive a permanent 25% cut or a 32% increase, depending on when you choose …
Our Learning Center
Ben Bernanke, Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, once said: “Among the lessons of the recent financial crisis is the need for virtually everyone — young and old — to acquire a basic knowledge of finance and economics.” We agree. In an effort to assist you in gaining more insight into the financial world, we have provided very helpful information …