Blog
Will the Rally Keep Going?
Is the bear market actually over? Are the bulls back or are we seeing another "bear market rally" that will eventually lose steam? Let's discuss.
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What Investors Need to Know About FDIC Insurance and SIPC.
About the U.S. Banking SystemWith recent headlines about two failed U.S. banks and their ripple effect throughout the banking sector, we want to summarize the latest information on this evolving event. We assure you we are monitoring...
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Your Monthly Market Newsletter, March 2023
Welcome to March, a time for renewal and growth, a time we look forward to spring, a time when the days growing longer and the weather beginning to warm. Unfortunately, February’s market performance feels more like atrophy, not...
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2022 Contribution Limits
Preparing for retirement just got a little more financial wiggle room. This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new contribution limits for 2022.Staying put for 2022 are traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs),...
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Weekly Market Insights: Earnings and Data Tell Two Different Stories on Near Future.
Stocks added to their early 2023 gains amid a busy stream of mixed corporate earnings results and conflicting economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.47%. The Nasdaq...
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November Consumer Spending May Signal Brighter Holiday Season
As the year’s final month, December brings holiday gatherings and hopefulness for brighter days ahead in 2023. Looking back at how the economy performed in November, we saw lighter holiday-week trading at Thanksgiving...
Read MoreHelpful Info About Midterm Elections & Market Performance
It is hard to believe we are in the midst of yet another election cycle. With inflation soaring, economic growth slowing, and extremely choppy markets, midterm elections seem like an afterthought. But on Tuesday, November 8th, 435...
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The Energy Conundrum: An Informative White Paper
The energy topic has been central to many conversations during ongoing market volatility this year, and for a good reason. Oil and natural gas prices have fluctuated widely in recent years. Additionally, nearly every aspect of the...
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Weekly Market Insights: Volatility Reigns; Inflation Remains Unchecked.
Stocks were mixed last week amid wide intra- and inter-day price swings, as technology shares bore the brunt of the downdraft.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.15% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreA 9.6% COLA increase? It could be the real thing!
Like many Americans, you may be feeling pain from the high cost of living every time you buy groceries or fill up at the pump. Surging food costs and higher gas prices are pinching consumers, especially those living on a fixed income....
Read More9/19 Phil Blancato Market Update Call
We strive to keep you regularly updated with important market changes and news.Please listen to the most recent market update from Phil Blancato, Advisor Group’s Chief Market Strategist. This call discusses recent updates for the...
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The Inflation Reduction Act: What Does It Mean for You?
As you probably heard on the news, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on August 16. Among other things, the legislation includes various initiatives such as locking in the American Rescue Plan health coverage...
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July Markets End on a High Note
July was yet another month of roller coaster ups and downs, marked by continued consumer concerns about supply chain issues and higher costs for goods and services. The weather wreaked havoc in many parts of the country, as torrential...
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Weekly Market Insights: Markets Rally; Earnings Better Than Expected
Undaunted by another Fed rate hike and news of a contracting economy, the stock market rallied last week on better-than-expected corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 2.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
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What is a Backdoor Roth IRA Conversion?
Like it or not, taxes are a way of life. They fund great things like roads, libraries and parks, but nobody wants to pay more than they absolutely have to. We often get questions like, “How can I balance my tax obligations with...
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Mind Over Markets – A Behavioral Guide to Investing
This fascinating white paper from Virtus discusses a variety of behavior and cultural factors that influence the way we think and act about money
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5 Facts to Remember During Market Volatility
Here are five facts to remember when the market gets bumpy:
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A Note on the Yield Curve
Recently, you may have seen some headlines talking about an “inverted yield curve” and what it may mean for the economy. An inverted yield curve is just one indicator of the economy’s possible direction. so...
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A Note on the Yield Curve
An inverted yield curve needs to remain inverted to be considered an indicator. Recessions aren’t instantaneous. It’s a deceptive signal for your portfolio.
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2022 Contribution Limits
Preparing for retirement just got a little more financial wiggle room. This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new contribution limits for 2022.
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5 Facts to Remember During Market Volatility
Wouldn’t it be nice if the stock market didn’t have such violent swings in either direction? Especially the dramatic downward plunges - we’d ALL like to avoid those! But the reality is, the markets include a certain...
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Life Lessons from the NFL
Fall is here, and it’s time once again for football! After a long off-season, it’s exciting to get back to live games! It’s also an opportunity to examine what the NFL can teach us about the importance of tenacity,...
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401(k) Millionaires
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...
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A 6.1% Bump in Social Security?
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...
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A Different Type of Inflation – One You Can Control
An important factor I take into consideration when working with clients to determine their retirement goals is the cost of inflation. It may be a hard number to pinpoint exactly, yet ignoring inflation poses a great risk to financial...
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Did Sam Adams Really Brew Beer?
Gear up for the holiday with some history knowledge! The Fourth of July is the perfect opportunity to read up on the Founding Fathers of the United States, a term coined by a speech given by Warren G. Harding in 1916. Here are a few...
Read MoreCelebrate Those Dads and Grads!
The summer is in full swing! June brings us the official start of summer and the longest days of the year, which means plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine and extra evening light. It also brings Father’s Day and graduations...
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Avoid Becoming the Bank of Mom and Dad
You spend your whole life raising your children to be self-sufficient. You give them your time, your love, and your money to set them up for success. So, what do you do when your now-adult-child asks for financial aid?As more baby...
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2021 Retirement Confidence Survey
Will your retirement dreams match your reality?That's perhaps the most critical question to ask people who are currently retired. Was your retirement what you expected, or was it something else?For more than 30 years, the Employee...
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The American Jobs Act – 10 Potential Changes We’re Watching
President Biden has unveiled his $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan; now, the focus turns to how the Administration proposes to pay for all (or some of) the measures. While these plans are still subject to significant change,...
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Don’t be a Victim - Staying Secure in a Digital World
As our society continues to become more and more connected digitally, it unfortunately creates a breeding ground for criminal activity as well. The growing pool of personal and financial data being stored and transferred online...
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Medicare and Cancer Care
While we all hope its something that will never affect us personally, cancer is a worry to all who are impacted by it. Along with the anguish of being diagnosed with cancer, many patients are also hit with major medical bills for...
Read MoreDon’t Miss The March 31st Deadline For General Medicare Enrollment!
We wanted to send along a reminder that the General Open Enrollment Period to apply for Medicare Part A and/or Part B is January 1 through March 31, 2021. Coverage for those who do enroll will begin July 1, 2021.Most people enroll in...
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Weekly Market Insights: Rising Bond Yields Diminish Stocks
Stocks dropped amid rising long-term bond yields, with sharp declines in high-valuation growth stocks leading the overall market lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...
Read MoreSocial Security Secrets. What do you know?
For all the discussion surrounding Social Security – on the news, online, at cocktail parties – there are more than a few obscure features of the program that fly under the radar, and that can impact your...
Read MoreNewly Announced IRS Retirement Plan Limits for 2021
Each fall the Treasury Department announces inflation adjustments to tax-advantaged retirement accounts and income limits for the following tax year. They recently announced contribution limits and changes for the 2021 tax year.For...
Read MoreOctober is More Than Just Ghouls & Goblins
Autumn is in full swing! I love this time of year because of the ghouls and goblins, the steady roll toward the holidays, and lots of quality time with friends and family. I hope you’ve had some time to enjoy fall football,...
Read MoreIs Your Retirement Account as Large as it Could Be?
When you change jobs, it’s critical to remember to create a plan for past employee sponsored retirement accounts. While you have the choice to simply leave it, you also have the option to consolidate past plans which brings all...
Read MoreInherited IRAs: Learn About The Options
Navigating the death of a close family member can be difficult to endure. When a loved one is lost, the first thoughts likely won’t be about what to do with their IRA. But for beneficiaries, it is important to make wise...
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