2019

Having a new addition to the family is life-changing, exciting and overwhelming. It is also another essential time to take a hard look at your financial goals and planning needs. Here are some of the things we recommend new parents should do to help prepare for this amazing added responsibility. New Addition Financial Planning To-Do List: Re-establish financial goals to ensure both parents are on the same page. Determine how income will be impacted should one spouse reduce their hours at work or take time away from their career to stay at home. Obviously, babies come with many new expenses…

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a review of the prior month’s market data, the state of the economy and the global financial markets. Global Economy: With optimism continuing to reign in April, investors bid risk assets higher and markets maintained the “great start to 2019.” Sentiment indicators have been resilient, even as we can cite continuing conflicts on various global fronts. Little has actually been settled between the US and China, between the US and North Korea, between the Democratic-controlled House and the Trump administration, or between the UK and the rest of the…

Uniting in marriage also means the joining of financial futures. Suddenly, decision-making is done by a team of two. Often, spouses are not of the same mindset when it comes to how to spend, save and plan for their future. For instance, it isn’t unusual for one spouse to be more of a spender and the other a saver. Typically, however, it isn’t the difference in personalities or priorities that leads to money issues within a marriage. Rather, it’s a lack of communication and an absence of agreed-upon ground rules. Below are some tips to help with communication and planning…

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a review of the prior month’s market data, the state of the economy and the global financial markets. Global Economy: Under the cover of disappearing volatility, with the CBOE’s VIX index nearly 30% below its long-term average, the generalized rally in risk assets continued through March. With trade discussions between the US and China continuing to develop, concerns over tariff escalation are being increasingly discounted. Current activity indicators in major economies, particularly within China as a result of recent stimulus, are showing tentative signs of stabilization. The Brexit saga…

After a series of financial crises early in the 20th century, there was a need for centralized control of the U.S. monetary system. The passage of the Federal Reserve Act on December 23, 1913 created our central banking system with three primary objectives: maximizing employment, stabilizing prices, and moderating long-term interest rates. The first two, commonly referred to as the Federal Reserve’s “dual mandate,” share a history of interconnectedness given the economic realities of supply and demand for labor, goods, and services. With stable prices, it follows that long-term interest rates should be moderate. Measuring Inflation Can Be Complicated The…

When the question of owning a home versus renting arises for our adult children and grandchildren, we can pass along our knowledge as homeowners to help them figure out how ready or not they are. Discussion points to consider are: Determine if the young adult is ready for the added responsibility Check your credit before beginning the home buying process to ensure nothing is hindering your credit score. Get pre-approved for a mortgage to help identify any potential obstacles as well as make yourself more competitive in the market. Write out a list of “must haves,” “nice to haves,” and…

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a review of the prior month’s market data, the state of the economy and the global financial markets. Global Economy: Relative calm permeated the globe, sustaining the rally in risk assets throughout February. Ongoing trade discussions between the US and China delayed tariff escalation and fostered hopes for a deal. Continued efforts by Prime Minster May to negotiate a workable deal/extension between the UK and the EU lowered the odds of a “hard Brexit.” Broadly positive measures of the US and global economy also helped sentiment readings improve. Issues…

• Do not respond to emails or phone calls from individuals or companies pretending to be the IRS especially if they exhibit threatening tones. The IRS does not call or email. They send letters that can be verified. • Never open a link or any attachment from a suspicious or even unfamiliar email. • Continue to review your credit reports to detect any suspicious activity as early as possible. • If possible, file early. The later you file, the greater window of time scammers have. • File taxes electronically with direct deposit. • Keep tax paperwork in a safe, locked…

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a review of the prior month’s market data, the state of the economy and the global financial markets. Global Economy: The New Year brought a new attitude toward risk assets, propelling the S&P 500 to its best January since 1987 and its strongest monthly outcome in over three years. Though there is still significant concern over global growth, Brexit, China and the US government shutdown, there was enough positive sentiment to reinvigorate investors. With the March 29th deadline approaching, there continues to be no clear predictable outcome for Brexit….