Last month we shared information a bout how staying invested in the market during periods of fluctuation and decline is critical to keep in mind as a long-term investor. This month, we wanted to take a more in-depth look at one of those investing principles – consider buying when others are selling. Read the full… Read more »
When Markets Are Volatile, Staying Invested Can Pay Off
Market volatility is unsettling but historically not unusual. If you’ve built an appropriately diversified portfolio that matches your time horizon and risk tolerance, it’s likely the recent market drop will be a mere blip in your long-term investing plan. However, it can be hard to do nothing when markets are rough. Given what has been… Read more »
How to Protect Your Finances from “Phishing”
As technology continues to grow and evolve, so do the ways in which criminals target victims. One of the ways these criminals try to hack into personal information is through phishing. “Phishing” is when hackers and cyber thieves try to trick people into submitting their personal, financial, or password data by creating fake versions of… Read more »
Inflation Can Be a Scary Word
Inflation can be a scary word for people who are retired. It’s code for “prices are going up, but my income may stay the same.” When inflation is running hot, you can feel its overreach in almost every corner of the economy. Managing inflation is the job of the Federal Reserve, and the Fed’s approach… Read more »
Caregiving, No Greater Gift
If you’re a woman of the Sandwich Generation, ages 35-54, then you’re possibly facing the challenge of managing your family, career, and the needs of your aging parents. First coined in 1981, the label “Sandwich Generation” describes caregivers who are responsible for both children and elderly parents. About 60% of sandwich generation caregivers are women…. Read more »
Sharing Financial Responsibility
April is Financial Literacy Month, and what better way to celebrate than by talking about money. For married couples, it is important to develop strong communication skills when talking about your money. This can be an uncomfortable and emotional topic, but try to understand your spouse’s money philosophy, background experience with money, and personal financial… Read more »
Stop Tracking Spending and Other Money Tasks to Take Off Your To-Do List
When it comes to your money, sometimes doing nothing is the best thing to do. Financial to-do lists abound at this time of year, and while it is always smart to check on the rules around charitable giving or set financial goals to follow for the year, knowing what to skip can be just as… Read more »
Don’t Fall in Love with Your Investments
This month is filled with thoughts and feelings of love and happiness. In the context of Valentine’s Day, making an emotional decision is good; however, when it comes to investment decisions, you should avoid basing these on a particular emotion. Many investors are emotional and reactionary, and fear and greed are heavy hitters in that… Read more »
‘Tis the Season For New Year’s Resolutions
It’s always a good time to give your finances in shape, but the beginning of a new year certainly offers a great starting point. Here are a few important areas to consider: Fully fund your emergency account and beyond. What can be counted on is the unexpected. Maintain three to six months of expenses in… Read more »
Qualified Charitable Distributions
As you enter your 70s, you may start to look at that IRA not only as an asset but also as a problem. By law, you must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from a Traditional IRA once you reach age 72; there are a few exceptions to this. The downside of these RMDs? The entire… Read more »