Blog
What's on your mind? Changes in tax laws, financial wellness, and insurance regulations can affect you as you prepare for retirement and how you run your business. Our weekly blog will help you stay up to date on the things you need to know. And once in a while, we may have a little fun and share news and information about our community. Keep checking in and we hope you enjoy it!
Weekly Recap | June 5, 2023
Weekly RecapMay 29 - June 2, 2023 RecapS&P 500 Posts Best Week Since MarchNasdaq Climbs Sixth WeekStocks broadly rallied last week for a strong June start with the S&P 500 having its best weekly gain since March. Even as the rising...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | May 2023
Monthly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceAfter a 1.56% April gain, the S&P 500 gained .43% percent in May, marking a third straight monthly gain. The benchmark performance widely trailed the Nasdaq Composite’s 5.93% gain, while...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | May 30, 2023
Weekly RecapMay 22-26, 2023 RecapS&P 500 Snaps Two-Week Losing StreakNasdaq Jumps Over Two PercentThe major U.S. equity indices ended mixed last week amidst favorable prospects for a debt-ceiling deal to be reached over the weekend....
Read MoreStay On Track
In the latest commentary from Cetera Investment Management, “Stay on Track: Why You Shouldn’t Get Derailed by This Market Environment.” It’s been a challenging year and a half for investors, but it’s...
Read MoreFinancial Watch | May 2023
7 Tips for Blending Family and FinancesAccording to a popular wedding planning site, June marks the start of peak wedding season, which runs through early fall.1 If you’re among the thousands of couples planning a wedding in the...
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Weekly Recap | May 15, 2023
Weekly RecapMay 8-12, 2023 RecapEquities Slip Second Straight WeekSmall Caps UnderperformThe S&P 500 finished with a fractional weekly loss for the 4th time in the last six weeks with renewed regional banking concerns and debt-ceiling...
Read MoreGet a Peek at The Week Ahead
Will the upcoming CPI report be lower than expected? Chief Investment Officer Gene Goldman shares three reasons why it could come in under expectations and what this could mean for the Fed. Start the Week Strong As always, please reach...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | May 8, 2023
Weekly RecapMay 1-5, 2023 RecapEquities Mostly LowerSmall Caps Fall the LeastDespite a strong 1.85% S&P 500 finish on Friday, the benchmark index ended fractionally lower last week, capping a fifth straight week with less than a 1%...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | April 2023
Monthly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceThe S&P 500 rallied a second month, widely outperforming the Nasdaq’s Composite gain of just 0.07%, but trailed the Dow Industrials’ 2.57% advance by 1%.The yield on U.S. 10-year...
Read MoreGet a Peek at The Week Ahead
Chief Investment Officer Gene Goldman shares three things to expect from the upcoming Fed meeting this week and if this could be the last rate hike. Start the Week Strong As always, please reach out to the office if you have any questions.
Read MoreWeekly Recap | April 24, 2023
Weekly RecapApril 17-21, 2023 RecapEquities Slip FractionallySmall Cap and Defensive Stocks Perform BestStocks struggled last week as slowing economic data heightened fears about a potential recession. Additionally, Federal Reserve...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | April 17, 2023
Weekly RecapApril 10-14, 2023 RecapEquities ReboundSmall Caps Perform BestThe S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rebounded last week, both finishing positive on the week for the fourth time since March 17. The Fed is making more progress in...
Read MoreRetire Wise | April 2023
Why Making Wealth a Family Affair Makes Good SenseA reported $84.4 trillion in U.S. household wealth is expected to transfer over the next 20 years. Baby boomers alone are anticipated to shift an estimated $53...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | April 10, 2023
Weekly RecapApril 3-7, 2023 RecapS&P 500 Breaks Four-Week RallyStocks Slip FractionallyFollowing strong gains the week prior, the S&P 500 inched lower during the holiday shortened equity trading week. Jobless claims rose more than...
Read MoreRetire Wise | April 2023
Why Making Wealth a Family Affair Makes Good SenseA reported $84.4 trillion in U.S. household wealth is expected to transfer over the next 20 years. Baby boomers alone are anticipated to shift an estimated $53...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | April 3, 2023
Weekly RecapMarch 27-31, 2023 RecapBanking Contagion Fears EaseBest Week Since November 2022The U.S. benchmark S&P 500 posted gains in four out of five sessions during the final week of March, returning 3.50% including dividends....
Read MoreMonthly Recap | March 2023
Monthly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceApart from the S&P 500’s impressive first quarter finish, the Nasdaq Composite delivered its strongest quarterly gain (+17.05%) since the second quarter of 2020. Tech stocks were standout...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | March 27, 2023
Weekly RecapMarch 20-24, 2023 RecapVolatile Week Ends PositiveEquities Rise a Second WeekAll three major U.S. equity indices ended with weekly gains despite increased market volatility surrounding the global banking turmoil and another...
Read MoreQ2 Market Outlook | Preparing to Land
Cetera Investment Management has released its 2023 Second Quarter Outlook titled, “Preparing to Land.” In this outlook, they discuss the impact of the Fed’s rate hikes which are showing up in the banking sector and...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | March 20, 2023
Weekly RecapMarch 13-17, 2023 RecapEquities End MixedS&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite Post Weekly GainsU.S. equities ended mixed last week amid a busy week of economic data that was overshadowed by continued fallout over the two...
Read MoreFinancial Watch | March 2023
Why Your Refund May Be Smaller This Year and Tips for a Tax-Smart 2023Following several years of economic stimulus programs, many taxpayers may be in for a bit of sticker shock when filing their 2022 tax returns. On average, refunds...
Read MoreRetire Wise | March 2023
Take Advantage of the Increase In Estate and Gift Tax Exemptions While You Still CanThe window to pass substantial assets to your heirs or other individuals without incurring any gift tax remains wide open—for now....
Read MoreWeekly Recap | March 13, 2023
Weekly RecapMarch 6-10, 2023 RecapEquities TumbleWorst Week Since September 2022U.S. equities ended a volatile week with sharp losses amid two major California bank failures and a hotter-than-expected February jobs report. Separately,...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | March 6, 2023
Weekly RecapFebruary 27 - March 3, 2023 RecapEquities Rebound as Yields EaseS&P 500 Snaps Three-Week Losing Streak U.S. equities finished the week with strong gains on Friday as investors re-assess their outlooks for peak terminal...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | February 2023
Monthly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceDespite February losses, the S&P 500 is still up 11.74% from its Oct 12 bear market low.Amongst the three major U.S. indices, the Nasdaq Composite fell the least (-1.01%) and is up 9.61% YTD. The...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | February 27, 2023
Weekly RecapFebruary 20-24, 2023 RecapWorst Weekly Decline of 2023S&P 500 Falls Third Week U.S. equity backpedaled during the holiday-shortened trading week with the S&P 500 and Dow Industrials posting their third consecutive weekly...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | February 21, 2023
Weekly RecapFebruary 13-17, 2023 RecapEquities End MixedS&P 500 Slips Second Week U.S. equity indices ended narrowly mixed last week amid renewed inflationary concerns that will likely keep Fed policymakers postured to keep interest...
Read MoreFinancial Watch | February 2023
Financial Strategies for Surviving and Thriving in Today’s Changing Job MarketFollowing recent announcements of large-scale layoffs among some of the nation’s largest employers in the technology, housing and financial...
Read MoreRetire Wise | February 2023
Making Sense of 2023 Tax Brackets and RatesTaxes play a critical role in determining how long your income may last in retirement. The more you pay in taxes, the less you will have available to spend in retirement. However,...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | February 6, 2023
Weekly RecapJanuary 30 - February 3, 2023 RecapEquities End Mostly HigherNasdaq Rises Fifth Straight Week U.S. stocks were mostly higher last week with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite trimming weekly gains on Friday after overly hot...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | February 6, 2023
Weekly RecapJanuary 30 - February 3, 2023 RecapEquities End Mostly HigherNasdaq Rises Fifth Straight Week U.S. stocks were mostly higher last week with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite trimming weekly gains on Friday after overly hot...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | January 2023
Monthly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceThe S&P 500 capped its third positive month in the last four, posting its strongest monthly gain since last November. The benchmark is up 7.88% from its most recent low on Dec 28 and surged 14.55%...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | January 30, 2023
Weekly RecapJanuary 23-27, 2023 RecapEquities Extend GainsStocks Rebound U.S. stocks rebounded week-over-week with the benchmark S&P 500 ending Friday with its best YTD performance of the new year, posting gains in three of past four...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | January 30, 2023
Weekly RecapJanuary 23-27, 2023 RecapEquities Extend GainsStocks Rebound U.S. stocks rebounded week-over-week with the benchmark S&P 500 ending Friday with its best YTD performance of the new year, posting gains in three of past four...
Read MoreFinancial Watch | January 2023
New Year, New Perspective: Don’t Let Past Financial Decisions Dictate Your FutureThe beginning of a new year finds many people establishing new financial goals or recommitting to prior goals that may have fallen short, such as...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | January 17, 2023
Weekly RecapJanuary 9-13, 2023 RecapS&P 500 Up 4.22% in 2023Best Week Since NovemberU.S. equities capped a second straight weekly gain amid improving prospects for a soft-landing. The fourth quarter earnings season got underway last...
Read MoreRetire Wise | January 2023
SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 Offers Important Benefits for Those in or Nearing RetirementOn December 23, 2022, President Biden signed a $1.7 trillion budget bill that included important retirement savings legislation. The SECURE 2.0 Act of...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | December 2022
Monthly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceThe S&P 500 posted just one record high in 2022, on Jan 3, before sliding into a bear market in June. Following a 2022 loss of over 18.1%, the S&P 500 essentially ended the year at the same level...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | January 3, 2023
Weekly RecapDecember 26-30, 2022 RecapS&P 500 Declines Fourth WeekRecession Fears Still AboundU.S. stocks ended narrowly lower in light trading volume the final trading week of 2022, with the S&P 500, Dow Industrials and Nasdaq...
Read MoreGet a Peek at The Week Ahead
2022 was a challenging year. As we head into the new year, Cetera's Chief Investment Officer Gene Goldman offers his insight on how they may expect markets to perform in 2023 with a weaker first half of the year followed by a...
Read More2023 Market Outlook: Low Expectations Are Easier to Beat
Cetera Investment Management is pleased to release its annual Market Outlook for 2023 titled, "Low Expectations Are Easier to Beat." In this outlook, they discuss while they expect volatility to remain in both stocks and bonds, stocks...
Read MoreGet a Peek at The Week Ahead
2022 was a challenging year. As we head into the new year, Cetera's Chief Investment Officer Gene Goldman offers his insight on how they may expect markets to perform in 2023 with a weaker first half of the year followed by a...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | December 19, 2022
Weekly RecapDecember 12-16, 2022 RecapStocks Down Second WeekRecession Fears ResurfaceU.S. stocks retraced gains a second straight week but ended Friday above deeper intra-day lows. Recession jitters stirred investor angst last week...
Read MoreFinancial Watch | December 2022
What Are Your Retirement Plan Contribution Limits in 2023?Maximum annual contribution amounts for qualified retirement plans including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs and SEP-IRAs are indexed to inflation,...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | December 12, 2022
Weekly RecapDecember 5-9, 2022 RecapStocks Give Back GainsFed Rate Jitters Stir AngstU.S. stocks more than retraced prior week gains, with the Dow posting its largest weekly loss since September. Despite mostly positive economic...
Read MoreRetire Wise | December 2022
Don’t Miss These Key Year-End Tax DeadlinesThe holiday season can be a busy and hectic time of year. That can make finding time difficult to focus on year-end tax deadlines. However, missed opportunities can be costly and affect...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | December 5, 2022
Weekly RecapNovember 28 - December 2, 2022 RecapStocks Post Back-to-Back Weekly GainsThe Fed, Inflation, and the Labor MarketU.S. stocks continued higher for the second consecutive week as investors viewed a speech by Federal Reserve...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed Talks Turkey on Lower Rates, Boosting Markets
Growing optimism that the Fed may be ready to ease future interest rate hikes sent stocks higher in a quiet trading week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.53%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | November 28, 2022
Weekly RecapNovember 21-25, 2022 RecapStocks See-Saw PositiveFed Sees Progress in Slowing InflationU.S. stocks rebounded last week, more than fully retracing prior week losses after minutes from the Federal Reserve’s November...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | November 14, 2022
Weekly RecapNovember 7-11, 2022 RecapTrimming Gains as Rate Outlook SteepensBest Week Since JuneU.S. stocks surged last week, more than fully rebounding from prior week losses after the October consumer price index (CPI) came in...
Read MoreRetire Wise | November 2022
Considering a QCD in 2022? Act Now!As the winter holidays approach, many people are thinking about ways to satisfy their annual charitable giving goals. For those who meet certain requirements, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | November 7, 2022
Weekly RecapOctober 31 - November 4, 2022 RecapTrimming Gains as Rate Outlook SteepensStocks Retrace Prior GainsU.S. stocks ended lower last week after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite previously registered back-to-back weekly gains....
Read MoreMonthly Recap | October 2022
Monthly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceThe S&P 500 posted its best October gain since 2011.The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 14.07% in October, its best month since Jan 1976 when it gained 14.4%. The Dow-30 Index is down just 8...
Read MoreQ4 Market Outlook | Is the Fed Fighting the Ghost of Inflation?
Cetera Investment Management has released its 2022 Fourth Quarter Outlook. In this outlook, they discuss how the Fed’s commitment to fight inflation at the cost of economic growth and the labor market. The risk of recession...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | October 31, 2022
Weekly RecapOctober 24-28, 2022 RecapMomentum Extends Another WeekStocks AdvanceU.S. stocks powered higher for a second weekly gain driven higher on earnings relief mostly centered in value-based companies. Growth-oriented companies...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | October 17, 2022
Weekly RecapOctober 10-14, 2022 RecapStocks Weaken on Persistent InflationWild Week Ends Moderately Lower U.S. stocks ended mostly lower last week even as the S&P 500 captured a monumental turnaround on Thursday, reversing a 2.39%...
Read MoreFinancial Watch | October 2022
5 Ways to Stay on Track in Any Market ClimateLet’s face it, life doesn’t always go as planned. Some circumstances are beyond your control, such as rising inflation, an economic downturn, or an unexpected job loss or...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | September 2022
Monthly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceThe S&P 500 nosedived in September, finishing the third quarter at a new 2022 low, down 24.36% from its January 3, 2022 peak.The Nasdaq Composite lost 10.44% last month, more than erasing a net 7...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | September 26, 2022
Weekly RecapSeptember 19-23, 2022 RecapAnother Down Week for StocksEquities Approach June LowsThe rout in U.S. stocks deepened last week with the benchmark S&P 500 posting its fifth weekly loss in six weeks and briefly breached its...
Read MoreFinancial Watch | September 2022
How Much House Can You Afford in Today’s Rising Rate Environment?Whether you’re buying your first home, trading up or thinking about purchasing a second home or rental property, interest rates play a significant role in...
Read MoreSeptember Is National Life Insurance Awareness Month
It’s time for your life insurance checkup.September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage.1If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | August 2022
Monthly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceThe S&P 500 posted its worst August performance in seven years, deepening its correction from its Jan 3 peak to -16.68%.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1,334 points in August (-3.72%),...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | September 6, 2022
Weekly RecapAugust 29 - September 2, 2022 RecapEquities Fall Third WeekGood Jobs News is Bad News on RatesU.S. equities posted a third consecutive weekly loss, their longest since mid-June, after a solid August payrolls report on...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | September 6, 2022
Weekly RecapAugust 29 - September 2, 2022 RecapEquities Fall Third WeekGood Jobs News is Bad News on RatesU.S. equities posted a third consecutive weekly loss, their longest since mid-June, after a solid August payrolls report on...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Powell comments spur sell-off on Wall Street
A comprehensive sell-off on Friday following comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell drove stocks to losses for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 4.22%, while the Standard & Poor's 500 dropped 4.04%. The Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | August 29, 2022
Weekly RecapAugust 22-26, 2022 RecapEquities Give Back More GainsSecond Week of SellingU.S. equities fell sharply last week and erased month-to-date gains for August in all three major domestic indices. Investor sentiment soured after...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | August 22, 2022
Weekly RecapAugust 15-19, 2022 RecapStocks Drop After Four Weeks of GainsEquities Give Back Some GainsMarkets had been rallying on reports of falling inflation, but last week investors took a more cautious tone. Investors dissected the...
Read MoreFinancial Watch | August 2022
4 Ways to Lessen the Blow of Rising Interest Rates on Your Credit Card DebtIn July, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) raised interest rates 0.75% for the second consecutive month to a target range of 2.25% - 2.50%.1 The central bank also...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | August 15, 2022
Weekly RecapAugust 8-12, 2022 RecapStocks Continue to RiseWeek of Inflation ReadingsMajor U.S. equity indexes were all up around 3% last week, as investors got a few different readings on inflation. On Wednesday, the Consumer Price...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | August 8, 2022
Weekly RecapAugust 1-5, 2022 RecapStocks Advance Third WeekStrong Jobs Data Trims Weekly GainThe S&P 500 posted fraction gains last week after an unexpected strong July payrolls report on Friday. The economy added 528,000 new jobs last...
Read MoreRetire Wise | August 2022
Is Inflation Shrinking Your Retirement?According to a recent retirement confidence survey, 8 in 10 retirees say they are confident they will have enough money to live comfortably throughout retirement. Among those who are less...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | August 1, 2022
Weekly RecapJuly 25-29, 2022 RecapStocks Advance Second WeekStrong Back-to-Back GainsAll three major U.S. equity indices posted their strongest back-to-back weekly gains since late March, simultaneously capping July with their...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | July 2022
Monthly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceDespite strong gains, the S&P 500 remains in correction, down 13.14% from its Jan 3 record high. Positively, the index ended July up 12.80% from its 6/16/22 first-half low.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | July 25, 2022
Weekly RecapJuly 18-22, 2022 RecapStocks AdvanceEarnings Help Inspire GainsEquities posted their strongest weekly gain in a month, led by strength in cyclical growth companies, extending a comeback after falling into a bear market...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | July 18, 2022
Weekly RecapJuly 11-15, 2022 RecapStocks Pare Weekly DeclineWall Street Sentiment Revives FridayU.S. equity markets bounced back at the end of a frenzied week, snapping a five-day slide, as investors dialed back expectations for a full...
Read MoreFinancial Watch | July 2022
What's Your Personal Inflation Rate?The annual inflation rate for the United States was 8.6% for the 12 months ended May 2022, marking the largest annual increase since December 1981.1 While there are different ways to measure...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | July 11, 2022
Weekly RecapJuly 4-8, 2022 RecapStocks ReboundUpbeat Sentiment at Second Half StartU.S. equity markets finished the holiday-shortened week positive with the S&P 500 recouping most of its prior week’s losses after a...
Read MoreRetire Wise | July 2022
How to Retire With Confidence in Any Market EnvironmentWhether you recently retired or are planning to in the months ahead, you may be wondering how current financial and economic conditions may impact your plans. Do you need to adjust...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | July 5, 2022
Weekly RecapJune 27 - July 1, 2022 RecapStocks Fall After Positive WeekInvestor Bearishness ContinuesU.S equity markets gave back some gains from last week as investors fear a possible recession and Fed tightening. However, going into...
Read MoreQuarterly Recap | Q2 2022
Quarterly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceThe S&P 500 ended the quarter 20.48% below its January 3, 2022 peak and all-time high.The Nasdaq Composite fell 8.65% in June, extending its 2Q loss to 22.28% for its worst quarter since 2008....
Read MoreWeekly Recap | June 27, 2022
Weekly RecapJune 20-24, 2022 RecapBest Week in a MonthRecession Fears SubsideU.S. stocks rebounded from three weeks of declines as equity sentiment was bolstered by comments from Fed officials while a reading on inflation expectations...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | June 21, 2022
Weekly RecapJune 13-17, 2022 RecapWorst Week Since March 2020Recession Fears RiseThe S&P 500 capped its 10th weekly decline in the last 11 weeks after weakening retail sales data added to angst over worsening growth fears while the...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | June 13, 2022
Weekly RecapJune 6-10, 2022 RecapSecond Worst Week of the YearInflation Sidelines More BullsThe S&P 500 capped its ninth weekly decline in the last 10 weeks after Friday’s unexpectedly red-hot May CPI reading. The headline...
Read MoreRetire Wise | June 2022
Should You Consider Paid Work to Generate Additional Income in Retirement?There are many reasons to pursue paid work in retirement beyond generating additional income. Work can provide a social outlet, create structure in your day, and...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Confidence in Fed Helps Spark Market Rally
Stocks posted solid gains for the week, buoyed by the release of Fed meeting minutes and upbeat earnings from mid-size and discount retailers.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 6.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced...
Read MoreWeekly Recap | May 23, 2022
Weekly RecapMay 16-20, 2022 RecapStocks Formally Avert Bear MarketS&P 500 Declines a Seventh WeekThe S&P 500 closed fractionally higher last Friday, rebounding from an earlier intra-day low that was momentarily down more than 20% from...
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