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When people think of retirement, obvious things come to mind: Did I save enough to be able to achieve my goals in retirement?  How much am I able to spend?  What happens if we experience another recession?  Although those are very important considerations, few take the time to examine their emotional well-being and how it […]

Headlines during August were focused on U.S. trade talks. Stock market returns were bifurcated as U.S. stocks rose and international stocks fell. Although not a big factor last month, international stock returns for U.S. investors in 2018 have been negatively impacted by the strengthening U.S. dollar, especially in emerging markets. Bond returns were positive in […]

The recent threat of Hurricanes Lane (Hawaiian islands) and Florence (East Coast) brings to mind the devastating hurricane season of 2017. It also brings up questions such as, “Does last year’s active hurricane season demonstrate an increasing trend of landfalling hurricanes? Does it make it more likely this year will be an active season?” Historical […]

On August 16, 2018, we lost a national treasure. Aretha Franklin, a.k.a. the “Queen of Soul,” passed away in Detroit at the age of 76 from advanced pancreatic cancer.¹ What is not too surprising is that Franklin will join the long list of celebrities who died without a will, including, most recently, Prince. What is surprising […]

Do you remember when you would ask your parent or teacher, “Can I go to the bathroom?” If your parents or teachers were like mine, the answer was, “I’m sure you can.” When they said that, I remembered that I should have used the word “may” rather than “can.” In legal documents, there is an […]

Global stocks charged ahead gaining 2.8% in July as all stock asset classes posted gains. U.S. large value stocks led the way with a 4.2% gain. Despite a positive month across the board, international stocks remain in the red year-to-date. Bonds were essentially flat during July, although inflation-protected bonds fell 0.5% in response to changes […]

Foreign exchange rates often go unnoticed in day-to-day life, but they can play a sizable role in decision making at central banks around the globe and influence choices in large corporations, as well as impacting the returns on your investments. On a lighter note, exchange rates impact how expensive it is to take your next […]

Building your ideal future requires you to maintain financial health. Likewise, to assure your physical health is optimal, it is wise to get an annual physical from your family doctor. The physician asks you questions, listens to your heart, takes your blood pressure, orders tests, and follows standard medical procedures to ensure you are in […]

In photography, the body of the camera contains all of the components needed to record the photograph. The camera lens then provides the focus on the subject you are intending to photograph. One can balance the pros and cons of the various options and pick the one that suits their circumstances. Similar to the camera […]

What have we learned since major tax reform was enacted in late 2017? One thing is for sure: the learning has just begun! Tax practitioners and planners across the nation are working with the IRS on obtaining further guidance and clarity on the complex changes embedded within the legislation. Even though the law is new […]

As the old saying goes, “there are only two things certain in life – death and taxes.” Because everyone has to face these realities sooner or later, taking time to implement certain tax planning strategies and create or review your estate plan, can save you money and provide peace of mind, both now and in […]

June was a month with mixed results for stocks as international stocks were down across the board while U.S. stocks were positive. Emerging markets continued their 2018 struggles, down 4.2% in the month. On the other side, U.S. small value stocks were the top performer – gaining 0.8%. Results were slightly positive among bonds, with […]