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Simple Ways to Avoid Probate
Many of our clients come to us with concerns about probate. They are extremely fearful of their assets being subject to probate. This article is going to give a brief overview of the probate process and some simple...
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Exercise Your Financial Muscles to Get Financially Fit
What is financial fitness? We are all familiar with the term physical fitness, and if pressed for a definition, we might define it in terms of our strength and health level. When it comes to an explanation of financial fitness, the...
Read MoreFDIC Insurance, SVB & Signature Bank
When events like Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank happen, it's natural to wonder how a bank safeguards your funds. Fortunately, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance was designed for this very reason:...
Read MoreWhat is the Economic Fear Index ?
The Economic Fear Index, also known as the VIX or the "Fear Gauge," is a measure of market volatility and investor sentiment. It is referenced frequently on the news or in economic articles. The index is calculated based on the...
Read MoreFeds Managing SVB, Inflation
For the Federal Reserve, credibility is everything. And its credibility is being tested by how it plans to manage the banking system in the days leading up to its March 21-22 meeting.Last month, Fed Chair Powell confidently told Wall...
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Nine critical takeaways from SECURE Act 2.0
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019, popularly known as the SECURE Act, was signed into law in late 2019. The SECURE Act 1.0 included provisions that raised the requirement for mandatory distributions...
Read MoreSocial Security 2023 COLA Increase Kicks In
While you probably already found your notice in the mail, you may be curious about the COLA increase happening for Social Security recipients in the New Year. Starting in January, beneficiaries will see an 8.7% increase to help offset...
Read MoreA Brief History and Explanation of Inflation: Understanding the Impact of Rising Prices
Inflation has been a defining economic factor throughout history, impacting societies across the world in a variety of ways. From economic booms and busts to the rise and fall of empires, understanding the history of inflation is essential.
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Outlook 2023: CEOs Are Cautious
It appears that America’s corporate leaders are preparing for the worst while hoping for the best.Almost half of S&P 500 CEOs in second-quarter conference calls pointed to “recession” as a potential headwind in 2023....
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Is the Fed Ready to Pause?
Over the years, the Fed has followed a similar pattern with interest rates. It raises interest rates, then pauses, so it can see how the economy is adjusting to the higher rates. The chart below shows the Fed’s pattern with...
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Plan Your Charitable Giving Before Year-End
As the end of the year fast approaches, you may be ready to make year-end charitable contributions. Whatever cause you value most deeply, changes to the tax code in 2020 may limit the tax deductions you can take for charitable...
Read MoreInflation Math for Today’s Retiree
You may have heard the saying, “inflation hurts savers and benefits borrowers.” The expression suggests that borrowers benefit from inflation because they pay back lenders with dollars worth less than when the money...
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When the Fed Chair Talks, People Listen
The financial markets are on edge this year each time Fed Chair Jerome Powell takes the podium following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.The chart below shows that the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index has gained...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2023
The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.Individual Retirement...
Read MoreWill the Midterm Elections Move Markets?
The midterm elections have come and gone, and although the results don’t appear as one-sided as many predicted, it seems one party will narrowly take control of the House, while the Senate may hinge on a Georgia runoff.It's...
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