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As bull markets age and continue toward new record highs, it is human nature to look for a strategy to protect your investment portfolio from losses. A zero-cost collar is an option-based strategy for investors who are looking for ways to possibly “insure” their stock portfolio against losses. The gist of this option strategy is […]

The merits of index investing are numerous with low fees, transparent rules, and minimal turnover among the most frequently cited advantages. However, not everyone views the rise of index investing as a good thing, and an increasingly popular debate has been the question of how much indexing is too much.  Since the global financial crisis, […]

Global stocks closed out a strong first quarter with mixed results in March. U.S. large cap stocks led the charge, rising 1.9%, while small caps struggled, down 2.1%. International developed (+0.6%) and emerging markets stocks (+0.8%) were up slightly.  Economy  The Consumer Price Index fell for the fourth consecutive month, now at its lowest level […]

Members of Generation X range from 35 to 49 years old, sandwiched between the Boomers and Millennials, who factor in to create the Gen X Jam. Providing support for family, older and younger, carries substantial financial implications.

Does your financial planner advise you on the tax impact of your financial decisions as well as help you with tax saving strategies? If not, you should consider finding one who does.  Here’s why your tax advisor should be your financial advisor. The reason why is simple: Almost all financial decisions have a tax impact. If […]

For those over age 70½, a qualified charitable distribution can be a great way to make a charitable donation in a tax-efficient manner.

Have you filed your taxes for 2018 yet? There are big changes after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed in late 2017. Higher standard deductions, state and local tax limitations, and lower tax brackets will affect taxpayers for six years until the new law sunsets December 31, 2025.  With this provision, a notable […]

Crafting a great estate plan can be a fascinating exercise, yet most of us never quite get around to it. Perhaps it’s a bit like a challenging recipe: start with a natural reluctance to contemplate your own demise, sprinkle in some unique family dynamics, season liberally with ever-changing tax laws and fold in that one […]

After volatility scared investors in the 4th quarter of 2018, holding stocks continued to pay off in February. Once more, U.S. small cap stocks led the charge, rising 5.2%, with large caps following suit, up 3.2%. International developed (+2.5%) and emerging markets stocks (+0.2%) were not as strong but still produced healthy returns.  Economy Consumer […]

Is saving for retirement a priority for you? Are the women in your life saving too? The sad truth is women save less for retirement than men overall. According to a recent report1, only 73% of women are saving for retirement, compared to 82% of men. When it comes to an employer’s retirement plan, women […]

Tax time is here again and the April 15th deadline for filing tax returns is approaching quickly. Here are some strategies to consider and reminders for the upcoming tax season.  You May Still Be Able to Lower Your 2018 Tax Liability Even though 2018 has ended, there are still steps you may be able to […]

A brief look back at some of the economic, natural, political, and societal events that shaped 2018.