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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 […]

Sir John Templeton once said, “For all long‐term investors, there is only one objective – maximum total return after taxes.” We could not agree more with this statement. Traditionally, the investment industry has focused on measures of risk and return while ignoring the tax implications of investing processes. In an effort to address this shortcoming, […]

Having a healthy relationship with your personal finances may take as much work as an exercise routine. Describe your current method of handling finances, outline your responsibilities, create a timeline, admit your fears, and commit to learning more are the five steps that will allow you to make decisions with confidence and help you achieve a sense of financial well-being.

The financial services industry is having a conversation. At the center of this conversation are women: women in financial service provider roles and women as investing clients. Depending on which metrics you are tracking, it is reported that only one in four financial advisors are women. Specifically, the Certified Financial Planner Board reports only 23.17% of […]

With all the buzz around “tax reform” and changes to the tax code in the last several months, you may be wondering, should I still prepare my own taxes? Or is it time to consult with a tax professional? Don’t get me wrong; when it comes to getting my hands dirty and trying some new craft, […]