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Understanding Recent Inflation Trends and Their Impact on Investment Decisions
After months of ongoing concerns regarding inflation, the recent data from April 2024 shows a slight ease, marking a potentially stabilizing trend in consumer prices. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report indicates that headline inflation rose by [read more]
Is a Zombie Recession Coming?
Renewed fears of a “hard landing” recession have emerged from the grave and are walking among us1. While many analysts hoped the U.S. economy could achieve a “soft landing,” that optimism might be misplaced.
Why [read more]
Market Drops and Inflation Uncertainty
Recent market conditions have been notably fluctuating, and it’s crucial for investors to understand the underlying factors contributing to this trend.
What’s Driving the Current Market Volatility?
Shift in Economic Narratives
Previously, the investment community embraced a [read more]
Elections and the Market
Article by Jay Tyner, RFC®
The U.S. stock markets are closely intertwined with the political atmosphere of the country, and the elections have a profound impact on them. In this article, we will explore how the elections significantly affect [read more]
The “Magic” Retirement Number: The Realistic Savings Goal for Your Golden Years
Recent research by Northwestern Mutual reveals varying opinions on the ideal retirement savings. A study involving 4,588 adults highlighted a significant increase in the perceived “magic” number needed for a comfortable retirement: $1.46 million 1. This figure has [read more]
The Stock Market’s Surprising Surge
The stock market has recently surged to new record highs, sparking questions and speculation. Following the latest Federal Reserve meeting, investors and analysts alike are keenly watching the economic horizon. But what’s driving this unprecedented rally, and what [read more]
Navigating the Maze of Cognitive Biases
Understanding the cognitive biases that influence our decision-making process is more crucial than ever in a world of information and choices. Confirmation bias stands out as insidious among the myriad biases that shape our perceptions and actions. This [read more]
Understanding the Federal Reserve’s Impact on the Economy and Your Wallet
The Federal Reserve (the Fed) has been a major topic of discussion in recent news as analysts and the general public try to predict when policymakers will decide to lower interest rates. Understanding the significance of the Fed’s [read more]
The Crucial Role of Asset Allocation and Diversification in a Retirement Portfolio
Article by Jay Tyner, RFC®
Planning for retirement involves a multitude of decisions, but none are as critical as those related to asset allocation and diversification. These two principles serve as the bedrock of any sound retirement strategy, providing [read more]
Navigating the New Bull Market, Insights from the S&P 500’s Latest Milestone
The financial world has witnessed a significant milestone as the S&P 500 has soared to new heights, marking its first record since 2022. This notable achievement is a beacon of optimism for investors and market watchers alike, signaling [read more]
Maximizing Your Retirement Savings: A Comprehensive Guide
Article by Jay Tyner, RFC®
As individuals journey through life, the importance of planning for retirement becomes increasingly apparent. With longer life expectancies and uncertainties surrounding government-funded pensions, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to maximize your savings for [read more]
Reflecting on 2023: Major Market and Economic Trends and What They Foretell for 2024
As we usher in 2024, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the previous year’s market and economic trends to prepare for what the new year might bring.
AI Takes Center Stage
In 2023, AI technology, [read more]
Avalanche vs. Snowball: Choosing the Right Debt Repayment Strategy
Dealing with debt can often feel overwhelming, but a solid strategy can make this daunting task more manageable. Two popular methods, the Avalanche and Snowball methods, offer different approaches to tackling debt. But which one is right for [read more]
Navigating Market Volatility with Gratitude and Insight
In a world brimming with concerns, it’s vital to occasionally pause and acknowledge the abundance in our lives. This reflection becomes even more poignant when we consider the struggles many face. Amidst global uncertainties, reminding ourselves of the [read more]
What’s Going on With the Economy?
Have you ever felt like the economy’s pulse doesn’t quite match the rhythm of the headlines? You’re not alone in this economic conundrum. There’s a noticeable divide between the complex data and the “vibes” many Americans are experiencing. [read more]
The Ripple Effect: Understanding the Global Impact of the Israel Crisis
As we watch the heart-wrenching crisis unfold in Israel, we must pause and reflect on the human cost of these events. Thousands of lives have been tragically lost, and countless families and communities will never be the same. [read more]
Navigating North Carolina’s Retirement Tax Landscape
Article by Jay Tyner, RFC®
Income in retirement usually comes from three sources: social security, distributions from retirement accounts, and savings and investments.
As you approach retirement or are already in retirement, taxes are a huge consideration when planning your [read more]
Markets & Fiscal Drama
The financial markets have recently displayed a tumult akin to turbulent waters amidst a storm. The confluence of several unfavorable events has cast a gloomy shadow over the economic landscape, inciting a market meltdown that has left investors [read more]
Consumers Faltering?
Like a complex machine, the U.S. economy is driven by various components. One of the most significant of these components is consumer spending. As we navigate the post-pandemic world, there are emerging signs and trends that suggest potential [read more]
How High Will Interest Rates Go?
The Federal Reserve faces a complex challenge: how to manage interest rates effectively to tame inflation without causing an economic downturn. With headline inflation dropping to 3.2% in July 2023 from its peak last year, the focus now [read more]
How Women Over 55 Can Maximize Their Retirement Savings
As women over 55 approach the golden years of retirement, financial security becomes a paramount concern. Effective planning and smart financial decisions are the keys to a comfortable and worry-free retirement. This article aims to provide a comprehensive [read more]
Navigating the Sea of Instant Information
In the modern digital landscape, we’re faced with a pivotal question: How do we consume information? For many, the daily routine involves skimming through a barrage of news summaries and instant updates. This constant influx keeps us in [read more]
The Role of Annuities in Retirement
Article by Jay Tyner, RFC®
Navigating the financial seas of retirement can be challenging, but annuities often emerge as a guiding star for many. As observed by numerous Certified Financial Planners™ (CFP®), annuities have become an integral component of [read more]
Examining Recessions, Inflation, and Interest Rates to Help You Understand the Economic Landscape
The question on everyone’s mind in the financial world has been, “Are we heading towards a recession this year?” This concern has been fueled by several economic indicators, primarily inflation and interest rates, which have been the subjects [read more]
Building a Retirement Safety Net: The Role of a Financial Advisor
Article by Jay Tyner, RFC®
As women over 55, you’ve likely spent a significant portion of your life focused on the well-being of others. As you approach retirement, it’s time to prioritize your financial health and security. Building a [read more]
The State of the Economy: A Mid-Year Review
As we cross the halfway mark of 2023, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate the state of the economy. With markets on a spree, it’s crucial to understand the underlying economic factors driving these trends. [read more]
A New Bull Market or Just a Mirage?
The dynamic nature of the stock market never ceases to amaze. When we think we’ve figured it out, it throws us another curveball. Recently, we’ve witnessed impressive market surges, leading many to wonder if we’re entering a bull [read more]
Are We on the Brink of a New Bull Market?
The recent rally in the S&P 500, up nearly 20% from its October 2022 low, has sparked a flurry of speculation: Are we on the brink of a new bull market? Despite concerns about interest rates, recessions, banks, [read more]
Floating Above the Turmoil
Imagine standing 100 miles away from your goal, a place you yearn to reach. However, the path between you and your destination is filled with treacherous obstacles – canyons, crevasses, and crumbling cliffs. In this scenario, you have [read more]
Retirement Concern: Strategies to Avert ‘Going Broke’
Article by Jay Tyner, RFC®
A Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) is typically committed to helping their clients make informed decisions about their finances, equipping them with the tools they need to secure a prosperous future. Over time, it has [read more]
Debt Ceiling Deadlock and Banking Sector Worries: Unraveling the Market’s Nervousness
Recently, the financial markets have experienced significant fluctuations, leaving many investors uncertain about the future1. Here we delve into the factors contributing to the market’s volatility, examine the potential outcomes, and emphasize the importance of maintaining a level-headed [read more]
Finding Joy in Uncertain Times: The Power of Appreciating the Good Things
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get sucked into negativity? We’re bombarded with bad news all day long, whether it’s from the media, social media, or even our own thoughts. It’s easy to become overwhelmed [read more]
The Power of Language in Shaping Your Financial Reality
As the great Desmond Tutu once said, “Language is very powerful. Language does not just describe reality. Language creates the reality it describes.” These words are particularly relevant when it comes to our finances and the [read more]
What Recent Bank Failures Mean for Markets and the Economy
Over the past few weeks, several banks have collapsed due to a combination of bad management, high interest rates, portfolio losses, and depositor withdrawals. These failures have raised concerns about their impact on the economy and global financial [read more]
SVB and Bank Collapses: Lessons Learned and What’s Ahead
In recent weeks, the closure of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and other banking institutions has raised concerns about the financial system’s stability. While these developments are worrying, it’s important to understand the context, the risks involved, and the [read more]
New SECURE 2.0 Retirement Rules Bring Pleasant Surprises
There are a number of pleasant surprises in the bundle of new retirement rules collectively known as SECURE 2.0. These provisions included in the $1.7 trillion federal spending bill passed in December 2022 provide a slate of changes [read more]
How to Maximize Your Retirement Savings with a Certified Financial Planner®
Article by Jay Tyner, RFC®
Saving for retirement is crucial for individuals and couples who are 55 years old or older. However, navigating the complex world of retirement planning can be overwhelming, which is why working with a Certified [read more]
Reducing Stress During Uncertain Times
Many of us are living in uncertain times and may be facing the possibility of a layoff. If you are 55 or older, the prospect of finding a new job may be daunting. Fortunately, there are steps you [read more]
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Filing Your Retirement Taxes
Managing your retirement finances and taxes can be a complex and overwhelming task, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the tax laws and regulations that apply to retirees.
It is important to avoid these common mistakes when filing your [read more]
Should I Roll Over My 401(k)?
Article by Jay Tyner, RFC®
When you leave a job where you have a 401(k) retirement savings account, it is important to consider what to do with the funds that you have accumulated. Rolling over the funds into another [read more]
Understanding Social Security
Article by Jay Tyner, RFC®
Social Security is a government-run program in the United States that provides financial support to eligible individuals and families. It was established in 1935 as part of the New Deal, and it has since [read more]
Time to Pursue Your Passions and Live Your Best Life
Congratulations on approaching or entering retirement! This new phase of life is exciting and intimidating, but it’s important to remember that the possibilities are endless. Retirement is a chance to pursue dreams and make the most of your [read more]
Creating a Retirement Budget: Tips and Strategies for Financial Success
Creating a retirement budget is an essential step in ensuring that you have a comfortable and financially secure retirement. It allows you to keep track of your expenses, plan for unexpected costs, and make the most of your [read more]
Get Ready for the New Year: 4 Retirement Planning Tips
As the new year approaches, it’s important for retirees to take the time to review and assess their financial plans.
Here are four tips to help you prepare for the year ahead.
- Review and update your budget: As your [read more]
5 Financial Steps to Get Ready for 2023
The end of the year is often a time to reflect on the year that we’ve had and to contemplate the year ahead. It is a great time to think about these five financial steps to start 2023 [read more]
Tasks and Decisions for Each Phase of Retirement
The word retirement tends to be a catch-all word for the light at the end of the tunnel. A time to relax and enjoy the things in life that matter the most to you, like family, travel, and [read more]
Positioning Your Portfolio
Many investors could rely on interest income in retirement in days gone by. The adage that retirees lived by was “Never touch the principal.” Unfortunately, while double-digit interest rates provided a healthy income, today’s lower rates may not, [read more]
Conquering Retirement Challenges for Women
When it comes to retirement, women may face unique obstacles that can make saving for retirement more challenging. Given that women typically live longer than men, retirement money for women may need to stretch even further.1
Despite these challenges, [read more]
Managing the Risk of Outliving Your Money
What is your greatest retirement fear? If you ask some pre-retirees this question, “outliving my money” may be one of the top answers. In fact, 42% of workers say they fear outliving their savings and investments.1
Retirees face greater [read more]
Retirement Is a Beginning
How do you know you are psychologically ready to retire? As a start, ask yourself four questions.
One, is your work meaningful?
If it is emotionally and psychologically fulfilling and gives you a strong sense of [read more]
Summertime Checkup
Summer’s here, and the time is right for vacations, outdoor activities, and fun. But, unfortunately, it’s also a good time to consider a few financial matters. So here are some questions to ask yourself mid-year.
- Are goals still [read more]
How SECURE 2.0 Might Change Retirement
The SECURE Act of 2019 represented the most significant update to retirement law in over a decade. Now, Congress is deliberating on what “SECURE 2.0” legislation might entail.
In March, the House passed the Securing a Strong Retirement Act [read more]
The Nature of Risk
When you invest money, you are putting it at risk — all investments can lose money. The key is to gauge your risk, and to not put more money at risk than you are willing to lose.
This is [read more]
Don’t Go It Alone
When markets cycle lower like they have been lately, perspective is critical. If you’re not connected to someone with experience, it can be easy to miss the big picture.
If you zoom out a bit in history, most investors [read more]
The Value of Multiple Retirement Income Streams
Retirement planning was historically a little easier. For instance, the average life expectancy in 1950 was 68 years old.1 If you retired at age 62, your retirement plan might need only six years of retirement income. Additionally, with [read more]
Eight Mistakes That Can Upend Your Retirement
Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. So here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible.
- No Strategy: Yes, the biggest mistake is having no strategy at [read more]
A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the advice offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, “Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.” 1
This investment inaction is played out [read more]
Healthcare Costs in Retirement
In a 2021 survey, 32% of all workers reported they were either “not too” or “not at all” confident that they would have enough money to pay for their medical expenses in retirement. Regardless of your confidence, however, [read more]
Staying Positive
Staying positive these days is a lot easier said than done. Inflation is running hot, gasoline prices are up, interest rates are climbing, and it’s hard to remember the last time the stock market had a winning week. [read more]
Keeping it in Perspective
It’s easy to get excited reading the news. But, with all of the storm and stress of the last few years, it’s only natural to react to each ping of our phone’s news apps with a deep sigh [read more]
The Fed Has an Eye on Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has made the Fed’s interest rate decision a little more complicated.
The Fed appears set to raise interest rates by 0.25% at its March meeting. Up until recently, there was talk by Fed officials [read more]
Your Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough?
Have you ever had one of those months? The water heater stops heating, the dishwasher stops washing, and your family ends up on a first-name basis with the nurse at urgent care. Then, as you’re driving to work, [read more]
Trends in Charitable Giving
According to the most recent report by Giving USA, Americans gave a record breaking $471 billion to charity in 2020.1
Americans usually give to charity for two main reasons: to support a cause or organization they care about, [read more]
Volunteering in Retirement
Retirement is no longer about the hammock or unending hours of golf. Instead, it is a period of rejuvenation, second chances, and renewed growth. For many, this new phase includes contributing their time and talents to an organization [read more]
Helpful Retirement Strategies For Women
Preparing for retirement can look a little different for women than it does for men. Although stereotypes are changing, women are still more likely to serve as caretakers than men are, meaning they accumulate less income and benefits [read more]
Is Inflation Peaking?
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 “discounting mechanisms,” [read more]
How Women Can Prepare For Retirement
When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that today’s average 65-year-old woman will live to age 86½. [read more]
Inflation & Your Money
“If the current annual inflation rate is only 1.4 percent,1 why do my bills seem like they’re 10 percent higher than last year?”
Many of us ask ourselves that question, and it illustrates the importance of understanding how inflation [read more]
