Like the changing of the seasons /Good things, they come and then they go Going, Going, GoneLuke...
Personal Finance Resources
Learn how to take control of your finances. Read our blog posts below on debt, budgeting, investing and more.
Mid-Year Market Commentary
Good Vibrations Brian Wilson and Mike Love (1966) When Brian Wilson, the genius behind the music of the Beach Boys, passed away in June there were numerous retrospectives about his many talents, including his ability to create musical orchestrations that produced so...
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Understanding Income Taxes
You’re likely familiar with the term “income tax” - whether from filing your own taxes or keeping up to date on the news. Taxes are an integral part of our economy, and every citizen has to pay them. Despite the prevalence of taxes in modern day society, many people...
How to protect yourself and your assets against inflation
Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your money over time, making it crucial to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your assets. Some actionable strategies for safeguarding your financial well-being include investing in inflation-resistant assets and...
August Market Commentary – The Sunny Side of the Street?
July Recap and August Outlook Data releases in July told a story of a stronger-than-expected economy, with headline CPI falling and the labor market remaining robust. The doom-and-gloom scenario of an all-but-inevitable recession seemed to be replaced by something...
The Psychology of Money: How Behavioral Factors Influence Financial Decision Making
Money plays a vital role in our lives, affecting our choices, goals, and overall well-being. But have you ever wondered why people make certain financial decisions, even when it might not be in their best interest? The answer lies in the fascinating field of...
July Market Commentary – The Fed Takes a Micro-Holiday
June Recap and July Outlook The Fed finally hit “pause” on interest rate increases in June after fifteen months and ten consecutive rate hikes. The “dot-plot” indicated that Fed officials think two further increases may be necessary in 2023, and it’s become clear that...
How To Open a High-Interest Bank Account
Opening a savings account is typically a great idea. Money in a savings account can be used for an emergency, a large purchase, a down payment, unexpected expenses, or even a rainy day. Savings accounts are different from checking accounts because the purpose is to...
Choosing the Right Retirement Plan Contributions: Pre-Tax, Roth, or After-Tax?
If your employer-sponsored 457(b), 403(b), or 401(k) plan offers Pre-tax or Roth contributions, which should you choose? How do you know which one might be appropriate for your needs? Let's break down the differences and highlight key features of each. Pre-Tax: For...
June Market Commentary – A Hot Labor Market Complicates the Fed’s Timeline
May Recap and June Outlook The debt ceiling negotiations dominated headlines throughout the month. By month end, the deal was hammered out and on its way through Congress to end up on the president's desk before "X-Date" when the Treasury ran out of money. The...
Taking Advantage of Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
Employer-sponsored qualified retirement plans such as 401(k), 457(b), and 403(b)s are some of the most powerful retirement savings tools available. If your employer offers such a plan and you're not participating in it, you should be. Once you're participating in a...
Cutting Through The Noise: Explaining the Debt Ceiling & Deficit Spending
Cutting Through The Noise: Explaining the Debt Ceiling & Deficit Spending The U.S. government hitting the debt ceiling severely affects the country's financial stability. If the government cannot borrow more money to pay off its debts, it could result in...