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Through December and much of the fourth quarter of 2018 investors had to contend with rising interest rates in the U.S., a sharp slowdown in Eurozone business confidence, weaker Chinese growth and rising trade war concerns. As a result, stocks were hit hard in the month of December, posting their worst monthly losses in years. […]

Looking back at the start of 2018, analysts feared the economic expansion was nearing its end. It was common to hear the expansion was running on borrowed time as the economy grew closer to its longest expansion in history. However, the top of the business cycle proved these misnomers to be just that, misnomers. A […]

No one likes volatility, but it is an unavoidable part of investing in stocks. Recent trading sessions in late December 2018 and into January 2019 have brought back stock market volatility quite dramatically. 2018 was disappointing as nearly all asset classes ended in the red. Dramatic declines are unsettling regardless of the backdrop, but following […]

As we enter what feels like an unprecedented new year of volatility, market pressure, and uncertainty, many investors are on edge. Fear can cause many to lose their better judgement. In these moments, it is critical to focus on the long term and resist the temptation to try to time the market. Let’s sort through the […]

Cost basis is a crucial piece in determining how much gain/loss from the sale of an investment will be reported on your tax return. Despite cost basis being so important, required accurate reporting of cost basis by custodians has only been in effect since 2011 for stocks (and 2012 for mutual funds). Therefore, it is important […]

Certain events in your life are happy and planned – graduations, getting that job, and having a child. Other significant events may be sudden and unexpected – disability, divorce, and premature death. We call these “life’s critical events.” They happen to each of us, albeit not at the same time or in the same magnitude, […]

What is a yield curve, and why are stock investors interested in its shape?  A yield curve gives a snapshot of how yields vary across bonds of similar credit quality, but different maturities, at a specific point in time. For example, the US Treasury yield curve indicates the yields of US Treasury bonds across a […]

After a painful October, global stock markets (+1.4%) rebounded modestly in November. Bond markets also had positive returns for the month. In the final days of the month, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell issued a statement that monetary policy was approaching neutral which fueled the market gains.   Economy  The second estimate of 3rd quarter […]

Prices at the gas pump dropped toward the lowest of the year as a result of the price of crude oil per barrel dropping for several months. In fact, oil prices have been dropping so much that they are considered to be in a bear market, down more than 30% from the intra-year high of […]

If you are anything like me, your friends are a very important part of your life. I am very blessed in that I have a large group of friends from high school.  I also attended an out-of-state university, so I also have many friends who live elsewhere. It is great to have this large network of […]

Which is a better way to save for retirement—in a traditional or Roth retirement account? At a glance, it may be difficult to know which savings option makes the most sense. Choosing the best account for your stage in life and tax bracket can impact your future account balances at retirement. Let’s review the basics. […]

There you are, in your mid 40’s, working hard and raising your family. Have you had the conversation with your parents yet? Have you received the email from mom and dad telling you that it’s time? When is it time to discuss their finances in preparation for the day when one or both of them […]