When your financial future feels uncertain, it can cause significant money stress in your life. And right now, there is plenty of uncertainty. From shifting policies and trade tensions, to rising prices and inflation, many people are finding it difficult to manage their finances and plan for the future. However, there are steps you can take to feel more in control of your money, and more Continue Reading
Stock Market Volatility: What Should You Do Now?
If there’s one thing the stock market hates, it’s uncertainty. And uncertainty soared after President Trump implemented his tariff plan last week. The markets have been on a bit of a roller coaster ride recently, with the DOW falling more than 4,000 points after the tariffs were announced, only to rebound again after Trump announced a 90-day pause on most of the tariffs. As an investor, the Continue Reading
2025 Q1 Update: Federal Reserve Rates, Inflation and Financial Markets
Even though 2025 has only just begun, there are already big changes unfolding that could impact your wallet. Here are some of the main financial headlines so far, and what they might mean for you: Federal Reserve Holds 2025 Rates Steady At the Fed’s end of January meeting, they opted to keep the federal rates where they are instead of implementing another cut. Currently, the federal funds rate Continue Reading
2024 Recap: Markets, Economy and What’s Ahead
2025 is primed to be a year of big changes. Between a new presidential administration, interest rates in flux and record-breaking markets, there is a lot to keep an eye on throughout the year ahead. But before we consider what’s to come, let’s take a look back at how 2024 stacked up: 2024 Recap: A Year of Market Highs The U.S. stock market hit record highs this year, fueled mostly by Federal Continue Reading
How Presidential Elections Affect the Financial Markets
We are days out from the next U.S. presidential election, and while we can’t predict the outcome, we can predict that there will likely be a response from the financial markets. Exactly how the markets will react is less clear, but history has shown us that in times of great change or uncertainty, markets react. Here’s what might happen as we approach election day, and in the weeks and Continue Reading
Federal Reserve Rate Cut: What it Means for You
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a higher-than-expected half point at its September meeting, marking the first rate cut in over four years. The Fed’s range now sits between 4.75 and 5 percent, which is the lowest we’ve seen since the spring of 2023. Rate cuts can impact everything from stocks and housing to employment and inflation – so what does this decision mean for the economy Continue Reading
2023 Markets and Economy, and New Year Outlook
As 2023 comes to a close, we can take a look at how the markets and economy performed, where we stand now, and what might be on the horizon for 2024. So first, here are some of the top takeaways and biggest headlines from this year: 2023 Markets and Economy: Inflation, Debt and the Labor Market In 2023, the inflation rate continued to cool in response to high interest rates. Right now, we’re Continue Reading
The Impact of the Recent Bank Failures
March 2023 marked a historic month for U.S. banking. Two major banks, the Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, closed within a couple days of each other, marking the second and third largest bank failures in U.S. history. (The top spot belongs to the 2008 Lehman Brothers collapse.) The markets responded erratically to these collapses, and are still very up and down. During this time, the Fed Continue Reading
Secure Act 2.0: What You Need to Know
The Secure Act 2.0, which brings several changes to the retirement system, is now law. Whether you’re decades from retirement or quickly approaching it, some of these changes will likely impact you and your financial plan. Here is a quick overview of the law, and the top points you should know about. Secure Act 2.0: Student Loan and Roth Account Matching Employers will be able to match Continue Reading
2022 Inflation and End-of-Year Prep
September is here, which means it’s time again to start thinking about end-of-the-year expenses, savings and to-dos. But this year, things are a little different. Due to high levels of inflation, market turbulence and global issues, your year-end checklist might require some additional prep and planning. 2022 Fall and Winter Travel Prep Higher costs of fuel, personnel shortages and overall Continue Reading