When COVID-19 was first declared a pandemic, the word “unprecedented” was thrown around a lot. It means unexpected, or never done before. And that’s exactly how it felt, and in many ways, still feels. It seemed totally unlikely in our modern world. And yet, it happened. For many people, their finances in particular were not prepared for a pandemic. It showed people just how unprepared they were Continue Reading
Managing Investments During a Financial Crisis
A well-balanced portfolio can withstand a financial crisis and still end up strong in the end. A healthy portfolio accounts for things like recessions and upswings. That’s why you include stocks for growth and bonds for stability. There are many ways to handle market volatility without damaging your portfolio. But what about now? In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, we are dealing with a ton Continue Reading
3 Ways to Adjust Your Financial Plan During the Pandemic
What goals did you set for your financial plan when 2020 started? Maybe you were going to max out your retirement accounts, contribute a certain amount each month to your kids’ 529 plans or pay off student loan debt. One thing is certain in financial planning: There will always be changes. At some point, plans will change, emergencies will happen, markets will drop. So whatever you had in mind Continue Reading
The CARES Act: Should You Apply for Small Business Aid?
Congress’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act aims to help Americans weather the financial storm caused by the virus. The first round of financing ran out quickly, but Congress has passed another round. Some of the highlights of the CARES act include: Money for individuals: Tax-paying Americans will receive a direct deposit for up to $1,200 if single, and $2,400 if Continue Reading
Coronavirus: Dealing with Financial Uncertainty
The novel coronavirus - which has infected more than 170,000 people worldwide and is responsible for more than 6,500 deaths - is spreading around the globe. Now that it has made its way to the U.S., many people are preparing for a potential disruption to everyday life. You know the usual: wash your hands frequently, stay away from others who are sick, avoid traveling to infected areas. But how Continue Reading