2018 Year in Review
2018 was an unusual year. On the one hand, the US economy posted perhaps its best year since the global financial crisis of 2008: worker…
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Why Are Stocks So Volatile?
I had a discussion with someone about the recent stock market decline and he observed that despite the drop in stock prices, corporations seemed to…
Holidays, Gifts and Your Happiness
As a financial planner, I am always intrigued by the behaviors regarding money that I routinely witness during this time of the year. As soon as…
What Is the Yield Curve?
The “yield curve” is a term that is used frequently when discussing the state of the economy. But what is a yield curve to begin…
How Long Does it Take for a Bond Portfolio to Recover from a Rise in Rates?
Interest rates and bonds prices are inversely related; when interest rates rise, the value of a bond falls. Given that rates on US Treasury Bonds…
2019 Contribution Limits for Retirement Accounts
Annual contribution limits for retirement savings accounts for 2018 and 2019, as established by the IRS, are listed below. Please keep in mind that contributions…
How to Use Asset Location to Increase After Tax Returns
Most of us have heard of asset allocation – the process of dividing a portfolio’s assets across various parts of the market according to…
CFP® and CFA: Credentials to Consider When Hiring a Financial Advisor
If you have ever met with a financial advisor, it is likely that they have several letters after their name. As a consumer, it is…