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Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Strong earnings from several mega-cap technology companies offset renewed regional banking jitters and weak economic data, leaving stocks higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.86%, while the Standard &...

Friday, April 28, 2023

I wanted to take a moment to update you on the potential changes to Social Security benefits for 2024. As I'm sure you know, the Social Security Administration calculates annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) based on the Consumer...

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Stocks remained resilient last week amid mixed earnings reports, hawkish Fed-speak, and lingering recession fears, closing out the five trading days with small losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.23%, while the Standard &...

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Could you be losing money because of simple monetary mistakes? Avoid these money-wasting habits in 2023 to have more cash when you need it—or save it for a rainy day.

Thursday, March 9, 2023

When it comes to planning for your retirement income, it's easy to overlook some of the common factors that can affect how much you'll have available to spend. If you don't consider how your...

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Monday, February 6, 2023

When starting a business, you must consider a number of tax-related issues. Although business tax planning is a complicated area, it is essential to understand three major topics: tax consequences when the...

Monday, February 6, 2023

What are the tax consequences of business formation, in general? When starting a business, you must consider a number of factors. One very important factor is taxation. Although business tax planning is a complicated area, the first...

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Congress passed SECURE 2.0 as part of the fiscal 2023 spending package. This bipartisan retirement security legislation could present opportunities for your retirement savings strategy.

Monday, January 2, 2023

Each year, many of us focus on our financial health by resetting goals and checking off items on our financial to-do list. Attempting to implement everything at once...

Monday, January 2, 2023

Download and print our 2022/2023 tax season table to help you this year!

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Shifts in tax brackets as well as the standard deduction slated for 2024. On October 18, 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced tax year 2023 adjustments for tax returns filed in 2024.From the IRS directly: “The...

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread and Gingerbread Latte

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. Whether it’s about the markets...

Monday, December 5, 2022

At the end of the year, it is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved, it can seem overwhelming. Consider breaking up the responsibilities over...

Monday, November 7, 2022

 The average U.S. income tax rate stands at just over 13%—and if you're like many taxpayers, you're always looking for new tips and tricks to help reduce this percentage.1There are a number of different tax planning moves...

Monday, November 7, 2022

Warren Buffett on How to Plan for Inflation Inflation swindles almost everybody – stock investors, bond investors…We’ve all heard about Warren Buffett, the 91-year-old multibillionaire known for his friendly...

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Year-end is approaching and being prepared is the best way to make this tax season your easiest yet. Following are important information and tools to help you get ready. As always, meeting with us early and often will ensure your...

Thursday, October 6, 2022

As we approach the end of the year, you may want to review areas that may impact your wealth and estate planning next year. In this year-end planning guide, we examine four critical areas to consider that may affect your finances:1....

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

2022 has been a challenging year for the markets and if there is a positive to a down market, it is that it provides an opportunity for us to reflect on your long-term plan from a different perspective. We pride ourselves on creating a...

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

When people are leaving their employer, one of the decisions they need to make is what to do with their 401(k). A retirement plan participant typically has four options (and may engage in a combination of these options), each choice...

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Your life insurance needs change as your life changes. When you are young, you may not have a need for life insurance. However, as you take on more responsibility and your family grows, your life insurance needs increase. Your needs...

Friday, August 26, 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act includes health-care and energy-related provisions, a new corporate alternative minimum tax, and an excise tax on certain corporate repurchases of stock.The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law on August...

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Black Swans: Short-term Crisis, Long-term Opportunity. Considering the high levels of uncertainty, what should investors do?Buy on Fear, Sell on Greed?Legendary investor Warren Buffet is a big proponent of this strategy. When...

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

One silver lining in the current bear market is that this could be a good time to convert assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Converted assets are subject to federal income tax in the year of conversion, which might be a...

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Both are skyrocketing – but they impact your investing views very differently.A roof over your head and gas in your tank cost more than ever. But prices for these essentials color your view of investing. What do your nest egg,...

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Now is a good time to check-in and see how you’re really doing.Amid the draining heat of mid-summer, do you remember your New Year’s resolutions regarding your personal financial planning? How are you coming up with your...

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Five key questions to ask yourself about fixed and variable annuities.While fixed annuities are generally considered to be conservative instruments, variable annuities are investments with the growth potential necessary to outpace...

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Market volatility could spook even the most seasoned investor. If a precipitous week or two in the market has you ready to sell, you may want to reconsider your risk tolerance and asset allocation. Attempting to time the market by...

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

On March 16, 2022, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve raised the benchmark federal funds rate by 0.25% to a target range of 0.25% to 0.50%. This is the beginning of a series of increases that the FOMC...

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

The Stock Market has been trying to teach these lessons forever…. The real value of a bear market may be that it gives investors, who are temporarily frozen within its grip, the opportunity to learn or relearn important lessons...

Saturday, May 7, 2022

It’s tempting to give up on data security altogether, with all the billions of pieces of personal data – Social Security numbers, credit cards, home addresses, phone numbers, passwords and much more – breached and...

Monday, April 4, 2022

Social Security Retirement benefits are one thing that people know of, but often what they know isn't always accurate. First, the Social Security Trust Fund was created in 1939 as part of Old Age and Survivors Insurance by the Social...

Monday, April 4, 2022

Finance, in general, is based on rational and logical theories, and for the most part, tends to be somewhat predictable. Early financial theories assumed that people behave rationally and predictably and that outside factors and...

Monday, March 14, 2022

March 9, 2009 – the market closed at its lowest level since 1996 and then… You probably are not aware that March 9, 2022 marks the 13th anniversary of what many call “The End of the Lost Decade” for the...

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Asset allocation is a common strategy that you can use to construct an investment portfolio. Asset allocation isn't about picking individual securities. Instead, you focus on broad categories of investments, mixing them together in the...

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

When it comes to retirement planning, much ado is made of how much to save. But often, the real difference lies in shrewd distribution planning. By withdrawing funds from certain account types in a certain order, you might...

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

With inflation on the rise, the IRS increased the 2022 contribution limits for some retirement accounts. Although a 2021 Congressional report found that only about 8.5% of defined benefit plan participants and 4.7% of individual...

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Thursday, December 2, 2021

As we approach the end of 2021, now might be a good time to take a closer look at a few developments surrounding required minimum distributions (RMDs). What Are RMDs? Once you reach age 72, you are required to take minimum...

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Don’t know what to get your healthy foodie friends and family this holiday season? Avoid the chaos of holiday shopping, and browse these nutritious websites for the perfect healthy treats for your loved ones from the comfort of...

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Year-end is approaching and being prepared is the best way to make this tax season your easiest yet. Following are important information and tools to help you get ready. As always, meeting with your financial professional early and...

Monday, November 22, 2021

Today, many people find themselves bombarded by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet. Yet, does all this “information age” data really help you manage your finances any better now...

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Entrepreneurs tend to be natural risk-takers but this doesn't mean committing to uncompensated risk. A wise entrepreneur considers their potential exposure before leaping into a new business venture, moving forward only on those...

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

‘Tis the season to give thanks for the many blessings that you have received throughout the year and blessings that help you as you move into the future. One thing to be truly thankful for is financial wellness. When you are...

Monday, October 18, 2021

There is a common misconception that estate planning is something only the affluent need to do before they die. However, estate planning is important for everyone, regardless of income level or net worth. Planning for the disposition...

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Do you ever dream of the day when you can retire and pursue your interests, travel, or simply relax from the pressure of the daily grind? In the past, retirement planning was a simpler process. Many retirees could count on...

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

More consumers are conducting financial transactions online and may become vulnerable to tracking, hacking, identity theft, phishing scams, and other cyberspace risks. While nothing can guarantee complete safety on the Internet,...

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

America's major stock market indexes, including the Dow Jones Industrial, S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Nasdaq 100, all hit record highs on July 7, 2021.1 For some investors, it might be tempting to tap into your 401(k) to help pay...

Friday, September 17, 2021

When caring for a spouse, relative, or parent, you may face a number of challenges and decisions to make in order to provide quality care. However, you are not alone. The following resources are available to support you to meet the...

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

What does a successful life mean to you? Whether it is as grand as owning a business or as simple as finding a way to balance work and family life, we all want our lives to be a reflection of success. But what steps are you taking to...

Friday, September 10, 2021

As of 2018, about 58 million Americans had a 401(k), while around one-third of households owned an individual retirement account (IRA).1, 2 Yet for as commonplace as these retirement accounts can be, the nuances of contributions are a...

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

When Judy purchased her life insurance policy 10 years ago, she thought her insurance planning was complete. She assumed that if she paid her premiums on time, she could sit back and not think about life insurance anymore. Judy’s...

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

What will inflation be in the coming years? The real answer is that it varies according to your age and spending patterns. Inflation could wallop someone with kids in college, and might be hardly noticeable to stay-at-home types. And...

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

We all make mistakes, and through them, we learn. But when it comes to finances, trial-and-error may not be the most suitable approach for you. Maybe you’re making some simple mistakes that can be fixed with a little bit of...

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

On May 7, 2021, the Colonial Pipeline, which carries almost half of the East Coast's fuel supply from Texas to New Jersey, shut down operations in response to a ransomware attack. Colonial paid a $4.4 million ransom not long after...

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Many prospective investors eventually shy away from a commitment when they hear the dreaded “R” word: risk. By itself, risk is innocuous, carrying no special meaning or predictive result. But the idea that investing...

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond. While the speed can be exhilarating as economic growth accelerates, it can also be...

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Retirement can be a risky business if you don’t consider all the factors that can impact your retirement during your planning process. Although it’s hard to know what will happen in the future to you or your investments,...

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

The Roth 401(k) has become an attractive investment account, with investors attracted to their qualified tax-free withdrawals and contributions which receive after-tax treatment. But like other 401(k) plans, the Roth 401(k) carries...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Many adults have aging parents who are in need of living and health care assistance. There are a number of resources today that can help them grow old gracefully, either in their existing home or in a facility, along with multiple...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

As the U.S. population continues to age, the “sandwich generation” is caught in the middle, supporting both their parents and their children, whether financially, physically, or emotionally. This generation is the...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

If you're living paycheck-to-paycheck or stuck in a job you don't love just to pay the bills, it can be easy to feel as though you're financially trapped. But financial freedom doesn't need to be elusive—with some focused and...

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Everyone’s retirement cash flow situation is different. Some people are prepared with enough retirement savings to last their lifetime, others are not. Still, others are unsure about the ‘ups and downs’ that can...

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

It is human nature to seek advice when things aren't going well or when an unforeseen event occurs. Often, people seek financial advice from a professional only when the stock market and their investments are experiencing turbulent...

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Many women manage their own money. This includes women who have always been doing so and women who are relatively new to the world of investing, for whatever reason. Regardless of your level of investing experience, there are certain...

Saturday, May 29, 2021

Grandparents can often find themselves in a better financial position to save for their grandchildren's education than their own children are. The parents of prospective students may still be contending with competing priorities like...

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

We’ve all been there: scratching our heads wondering what to do with all the retirement savings accounts. Too many choices can be overwhelming, until you step back and realize that there are actually only three questions. Once...

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Whether you've been investing for years or just made your first stock purchase, you may find that the more you learn, the more you realize you don't know. From capital gains taxes to dividends, how well do you know investing? Test your...

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

If you're a small business owner, many of the best practices employed by individual investors are also available to you (of course!), but you also have some additional options and factors to weigh while creating your investment plans....

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

For more than 200 years, long before the advent of modern stock markets and electronic trading, some investors have been committed to socially-responsible (SRI) investing.1 This involves choosing companies and products that...

Thursday, April 22, 2021

At some point in a child's development, all parents wonder: how can I best teach my child the value of money? Parents who grew up in more modest circumstances than their own children can struggle to balance the desire to provide their...

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

When saving for retirement, it often makes sense to contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans to take advantage of any available employer match opportunities. However, not everyone has access to an employer-sponsored plan. Even...

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

A successful investor maximizes gain and minimizes loss. Though there can be no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful and all investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, here are six basic...

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

As the saying goes, "50 is the new 40"—and with Americans living longer than ever before, it's not unusual for those in their 50s, 60s, or even 70s to be in their peak earning years.1 But for those who would prefer the option of...

Friday, March 19, 2021

Want to be your own boss? Ready to turn your hobby into a career? Got a great idea and thinking about launching a business? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, you are ready to become an entrepreneur. This can be an...

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Many of us remember the phrase “too big to fail” from the 2008 financial crisis and cringe now that its use has been resurrected during the coronavirus pandemic. Others remember that the term was also used in 1984 by U.S....

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Most people who decide to purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles do so understanding that there are risks associated with investing, but believing that the potential growth they may realize over time...

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Only one-in-four Americans (27%) feel very confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably when they retire, according to the 2020 Retirement Confidence Survey Summary Report.⁠11 While the number is up slightly from the...

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Tax identity theft is when someone steals your Social Security Number, files a tax return with your number, and directs a refund to their own bank account. In other cases, this type of identity theft may involve a scam artist calling...

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Most people who decide to purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles do so understanding that there are risks associated with investing, but believing that the potential growth they may realize over time...

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Tax tips to make sure your money is working for you, not Uncle Sam When should you file your income tax? Generally speaking, the earlier, the better, after January 1st if you expect to get a refund. If you file by the end of February,...

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Pop Quiz!—Tax Planning Basics Q: What’s the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction? A: A tax credit reduces your tax dollar for dollar—that is, a $1,000 tax credit actually saves you $1,000 in taxes. By...

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

What Retirement Plans Are Available? When securing your financial future, saving for retirement usually is a no-brainer. But between an IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), 457(b), SEP IRA, and the other retirement vehicles, how can you know which...

Thursday, December 31, 2020

Financial wellness, like physical wellness, isn’t something you should ignore. Instead, it's a critical concept for anyone who wants to be knowledgeable and confident about their finances, and in fact, financial wellness is so...

Thursday, December 31, 2020

Buying low or selling high is a prudent strategy for most investors, an effort to maximize returns. But buying lowest or selling highest is an elusive strategy, one that is difficult to execute and that may lead to lower returns and...

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Last year, the average American spent nearly $1,000 per person on holiday gifts, up from about $885 per person in 2018.1 Though the COVID-19 pandemic continues to weigh on the retail sector (and many Americans' bank accounts), some...

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

2020 has been one of the most unprecedented years in recent history, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all. And with the uncertainty surrounding just about everything,...

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

More than most years, it’s hard to look ahead to the next year, to 2021, without looking back at 2020. A global pandemic, a massive economic collapse, a bear market, a surprisingly sharp reversal, a hotly contested election...

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Retirement is an exciting time for many, and the reward for years of hard work. While there is no set age for retirement, it is important to be prepared before you make the leap, so that you enjoy your retirement and financial...

Monday, November 16, 2020

As the end of the year approaches, it's time to consider strategies that could help you reduce your tax bill. But most tax tips, suggestions, and strategies are of little practical help without a good understanding of your current tax...

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Carolyn Russell of Russell Wealth Management joined her daughter Rachael Russell on the Xtreme Hike to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Vail, Colorado on September 19, 2020. It was a 20 mile hike. The Russell family has three...

Monday, November 9, 2020

When you first considered investing, it probably seemed like a good idea to focus heavily on what worked best for you from the beginning. If stocks from a particular company brought you high yields, why not double up on your original...

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

It is only natural that investors would want to find some way to sit out bear markets and get back just in time for the next bull run. The belief that you can foresee the direction of the stock market is a seductive one. Some investors...

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

The holiday season is just around the corner and many charitable organizations are in desperate need of donations to help provide the vital services needed in the community. You are most often inundated with a number of charitable...

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Many millennial households are on their way to building substantial wealth. They are saving 20% or more of their paychecks, investing in 401(k) accounts, and keeping their debt levels low. But others, even those with good educations...

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

In recent years, the cost of higher education has risen well ahead of inflation. At some private colleges and universities, the net cost for one year’s full-time education, including tuition, fees, and room and board, tops $40...

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

The more money that you can save when you are working, the easier it should be for you to retire and enjoy your golden years. Unfortunately, Social Security may no longer provide a sufficient income to live on during retirement. To...

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Members of Generation X, those born between 1965 and 1980, largely grew up before the internet and cell phones.1 This generation prides itself on self-reliance and entrepreneurship, boasting membership as diverse as Jeff Bezos, Serena...

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Have you ever wondered how much life insurance is “enough”? One general rule of thumb says that you should buy an amount equal to five to seven times your annual income. Sure, it may be a reasonable guideline, but this...

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Life insurance can be an excellent tool for charitable giving. Not only does life insurance allow you to make a substantial gift to charity at relatively little cost to you, but you may also benefit from tax rules that apply to gifts...

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

As the earliest baby boomers begin to enter retirement, the various income guarantees and other living benefits offered through variable annuities (VAs) are gaining in importance. Yet before you rush to add a VA to your retirement...

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

September is National Life Insurance Awareness month. And while most of us likely recognize that life insurance provides us peace of mind and security, there may be a few things you don’t know. Life Insurance is Not Just for the...

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

You have spent years building your business with your partner, and now, they are getting ready to leave the firm. But that doesn't have to mean that their clients have to leave the firm. Instead, you may want to buy your partner's...

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

A flurry of new investment products, the emergence of global investing, the shift from company-funded pension plans to employee-driven retirement plans (like 401(k) plans), and uncertainty about Social Security have all contributed to...

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

If you’re a small business owner, you’ve invested a great deal of time and effort into building your company. With day-to-day demands, it may be difficult to imagine your eventual transition into retirement. Yet, if you...

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

In times of crisis, you don't want to be shaking pennies out of a piggy bank. Having a financial safety net in place can ensure that you're protected when a financial emergency arises. One way to accomplish this is by setting up a...

Thursday, July 30, 2020

The Federal Reserve (Fed) completed its latest two-day policy meeting Wednesday, July 29, and the primary message coming from the world’s most important central bank was a continued commitment to supporting the economy as long as...

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Steven and Pamela Jackson, both in their late twenties, have been married for five years. Steven is a customer service supervisor for a newspaper distribution company and Pamela works as a receptionist at a large bank. During the...

Friday, July 24, 2020

Leading economic indicators continued to rebound in June, albeit at a slightly slower pace than in May. Yesterday, The Conference Board released its June report detailing the latest reading for its Leading Economic Index (LEI), a...

Thursday, July 23, 2020

You know you want to enjoy your retirement, but getting to that point can feel difficult. Worried that you're not saving enough? Trying to get your spending under control? These problems are common for many people who are trying to...

Thursday, July 16, 2020

LPL Financial Research is looking ahead for new ways to face current challenges and prepare for better times. Use our Midyear Outlook 2020 to chart a path to eventual economic and market recovery. Plus, learn how stocks may predict the...

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Getting old is hard. Your parents’ ability to manage their own finances may decline as they age. Helping them with money matters is a sensitive issue you need to approach carefully. When you hit a certain age of your life, you...

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

At a time when your career is reaching a peak and you are looking ahead to your own retirement, you may find yourself in the position of having to help your children with college expenses while at the same time looking after the needs...

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

It’s certainly been a wild ride for stocks in 2020. Barely past the halfway point, the year has already brought the worst pandemic to hit the US in over 100 years, an unprecedented government-induced recession as much of the...

Thursday, June 25, 2020

What is a Collateralized Loan Obligation (CLO)? Collateralized loan obligations (CLO) are portfolios of leveraged loans, a type of below-investment grade loan usually taken out by more heavily indebted companies. Each CLO is divided...

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

529 plans can be a great way to save for college, but they're not the only way. When you're investing for a major goal like education, it makes sense to be familiar with all of your options. Mutual funds Mutual funds are an option to...

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Because you've worked hard to create a secure and comfortable lifestyle for your family and loved ones, you'll want to ensure that you have a sound financial plan that includes trust and estate planning. With some forethought, you may...

Thursday, June 11, 2020

The Federal Reserve (Fed) completed its third scheduled policy meeting of the year Wednesday, June 10, and continued to signal strong support for the economy, committing to keeping rates near zero until it is confident of a recovery...

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the government has funded a number of initiatives to help small businesses. As you navigate this difficult time, you may want to look into the following...

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Some individuals believe that return on investment shouldn’t be the only criterion for how they invest their money. For them, the social impact of investing is just as important – perhaps more important. The history of...