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While it's important to make long-term plans for long-term care, crisis planning can be just as crucial when it comes to preserving your assets. Here we discuss three key differences between planning for long-term care and planning for a crisis.

Over the next few decades, many Boomers may transfer this wealth to their Gen X, millennial, and Gen Z children, perhaps incurring a hefty tax bill. Here are some ways to handle multigenerational estate planning so that the generations after you may keep these assets in the family.

It's never too early to think about your financial future. Though you may not hit your peak earning years until your 40s or 50s, learning positive financial habits early might help support you when you need it later.

More consumers are conducting financial transactions online and may become vulnerable to tracking, hacking, identity theft, phishing scams, and other cyberspace risks. Here are some ways to help you safeguard your information.

When you work with a financial professional, then you know how important the year-end review is to the financial planning process. Here is what you should do in order to make your annual financial planning review more efficient and productive.

Everyone wants a comfortable retirement, but the road you take there will depend on your specific situation. When you invest, you assume a certain level of risk (but like everyone you're hoping that your holdings will increase in value). One of the most challenging aspects of investing involves matching your tolerance for risk with your investment objectives.

Investing in U.S. stocks and bonds is a popular way for individuals and institutions to grow their wealth and generate income. However, it is important to consider the impact of taxes on these investments before and after making them.

Interest is one of the simplest and most appealing ways to gain profits from an investment. Like clockwork, you receive an interest payment on your principal, or the amount of money you deposit when you open an account.

Saving for retirement is important for all ages, the key is to start early Land a great new job? Awesome. Now is the perfect time to think about your 401(k) and retirement plan, whether you had one before or not.

Making economic forecasts and stock market predictions can be humbling.

Women often face special challenges when planning for retirement.

Understanding the difference between taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-exempt accounts can improve portfolio diversification and make a difference in how much you earn over time.

Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments.

Retirement planning is a constantly evolving process. Strategies that may have worked fine a few years ago may no longer be the optimal direction to continue.

As we finalize the log on the first six months of 2023, we believe there's value in reflecting on recent months gone by.

What does it mean? Getting the most out of your contributions Optimizing your Social Security retirement benefits means getting the best return possible on each dollar you've contributed to the system.

The need for regular saving and investing spans many life stages.

Generational wealth encompasses financial assets with a monetary value.

Financial freedom enables you to choose how you spend or interact with your money and have the choice to decide what to do with it.

A 401(k) in-plan Roth conversion (also called an "in-plan Roth rollover") allows you to transfer the non-Roth portion of your 401(k) account into a designated Roth account within the same plan.

Responsible investing is widely understood as the integration of environmental, social and governance factors – hence the ESG acronym – into investment processes and decision-making.

In an era characterized by high job turnover, it is more important than ever for employees to carefully manage their retirement savings.

Estate planning helps disperse your assets according to your wishes. The effort may seem daunting at first, but estate planning does not have to be overly complicated.

Spring is often thought of as an uplifting time, marked by growth and renewed hope as we emerge from the long months of winter and look ahead to the rest of year. Investors saw signs of such renewed hope in recent weeks, especially on the inflation front as several inflation measures showed signs of improvement. We also saw markets stabilize after the surprisingly fast collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

The Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) is a law enacted in most states authorizing parents or other designated custodians to manage investments for the benefit of a minor child. Every state has some form of this law on its books. An older form of this law, the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA), unlike UTMA, does not authorize investments in specific types of property; otherwise, it's essentially the same as UTMA.

There are a number of family trusts that estate planners generally no longer use, either because they have lost certain tax benefits or because they are simply no longer a favored method of gifting. These trusts include the Clifford trust, the pot trust, and the Crown trust. Read more for what to use instead.

Mothers are our teachers, starting from the time we are born and lasting throughout our lives. They have a role in teaching us how to be good people, take care of ourselves, and even be a success in the business world. Many small business owners are able to take the lessons they learned from their mothers and translate them into how they run their careers and business.

Setting investment goals means defining your dreams for the future. When you're setting goals, it's best to be as specific as possible. Writing down and prioritizing your investment goals is an important first step toward developing an investment plan.

The financial markets’ resilient performance during March was striking, despite pockets of uncertainty surrounding the strength of the economy—and not to mention concerns over the durability of the banking system. The ability of the market to navigate nearly two weeks of headline-related risk tested the underlying resolve of the market’s capacity to look ahead.

If you're curious about socially responsible investing, you may have encountered all kinds of phrases about this phenomenon, including socially responsible investing (SRI), mission-related investing, sustainable investment, ethical investment, socially conscious investment, impact investing, and investing based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.

Money myths have also been circulated with such frequency that many people unknowingly believe them. These myths also tend to restrict people’s thinking regarding their money, which can potentially limit their wealth opportunities.

The tax filing deadline is fast approaching, which means time is running out to fund an IRA for 2022. If you had earned income last year, you may be able to contribute up to $6,000 for 2022 ($7,000 for those age 50 or older by December 31, 2022) up until your tax return due date, excluding extensions. For most people, that date is Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

A Backdoor Roth IRA is a strategy that allows individuals who earn too much to directly contribute to a Roth IRA to still contribute to one indirectly. The strategy takes advantage of a loophole in the tax code that allows individuals to convert their traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, regardless of their income level. This type of conversion has become increasingly popular in recent years because of the significant tax benefits that it offers to high earners.

As you age, the question of when to collect Social Security (SS) retirement benefits will likely come to mind. There is no one size fits all age; your unique circumstances and goals will dictate the appropriate time for you to take Social Security retirement benefits. Some SS strategies may boost your monthly benefit amount, helping you get the most from your SS benefits. Here are some strategies to consider.

Financial markets were shaken last week as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the California bank subsidiary of SVB Financial Group (SIVB), fell into FDIC receivership. SVB is the first FDIC-insured institution to fail since 2020 and the largest by assets since Washington Mutual failed in 2008.

We want to provide some important information regarding the resilience of LPL Financial’s business model, our financial stability and liquidity position, the steps we take to help protect client accounts, how we are regulated, and our approach to enterprise risk management.

Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months. We started the year hopeful that stocks would benefit from a better economic and monetary policy environment by the spring, but recent developments suggest that may be further out than we initially thought. We remain confident that a new bull market will come—it just may require a bit more of our patience before we get there.

It's no secret that women have special concerns about financial independence that need to be addressed. No matter where you are in your career, money management will become an important part of your life. While it may be true that money can't buy or ensure happiness, your ability to manage your finances can play a large role in your financial future, and to a large extent, your ability to live life on your terms.

Spring is a great in-between time of year to take stock of your financial health and to create goals for the rest of the year—or to plan for the years ahead. But before you dive headfirst into any new financial plan, you need to take a look at the current state of your finances. Are they where you want them to be? Have you had trouble putting enough away to account for the unexpected? The steps here can help you get started.

If you're like a lot of people, retirement won't be the world of gardening, golfing, traveling, and tennis you once envisioned. Rather, retirement will mean relaxing and working. Maybe you've retired from your "regular" job and started a business, or perhaps you want to work part-time just to stay busy. However, if you work after you start receiving Social Security retirement benefits, your earnings may affect the amount of your benefit check.

As Samuel Goldwyn once said, "The harder I work…the luckier I get!" But when it comes to investing, luck may play a huge role in outcomes—no matter how hard you work. Here, we discuss some ways that luck may impact your investing, as well as some steps you may wish to take to try to make your own good luck this St. Patrick's Day.

A Backdoor Roth IRA is a strategy that allows individuals who earn too much to directly contribute to a Roth IRA to still contribute to one indirectly.

When we look back on 2022, it's easy to identify the challenges, but if we look closer, we can also uncover some opportunities.

Many people may find the notion of creating and adhering to a financial plan about as appealing as doing housework. As everyone knows, putting off chores can lead to further procrastination. And, the longer you let things go, the more difficult it is to get started. But eventually, the time comes when you just have to buckle down and get to work.

On October 21st, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up from $20,500 for 2022. The IRS today also issued technical guidance regarding all of the cost-of-living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for tax year 2023.

Looking for ways to save "I love you" on Valentine's Day? Then you may want to consider opening a spousal individual retirement account (IRA). This gift says, "Let's grow old together comfortably," and shows your partner that you care about their financial wellness.

The beginning of a calendar year is often the time when the previous year's reflections transition to a new year's hopes.

Anyone involved in financial matters of any kind will have to deal with interest, either working for or against you. A quote often attributed to Albert Einstein provides readers with insight into the benefit or crutch of interest in your financial strategy.

When you hear the term identity theft, the first thought that comes to mind may involve a data breach or opening a credit card in someone else's name. But another common type of identity theft involves the use of someone's Social Security number to unlawfully intercept their income tax refund.

The first step in any retirement income plan is to estimate how much income you'll need to meet your desired lifestyle. The conventional guidance is to plan on needing anywhere from 70% to 100% of your pre-retirement income each year during retirement

If you’re in the group of one in four Americans who do not already have a financial plan, it may be time to create your first one.

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.

For many investors, this year has been a wild ride- with interest rate increases, a crypto implosion, and whipsawing values in the major market indices.

What is family wealth, and how do you preserve it? You have worked hard for years and accumulated wealth.

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.

The popularity of 401(k) plans today is because they offer certain tax advantages to employers and employees.

While Black Friday and Cyber Monday center on consumer deals, Giving Tuesday—the Tuesday after Thanksgiving—has a different focus. Each year, individuals and corporations are encouraged to use the day to support charities and social causes, along with encouraging others to be generous by offering to match donations.

October is now behind us and it has delivered on its track record as a historically favorable month for stocks, offering some respite for investors as major equity indices rose for the month.

You are not alone if you do not have access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Pew Research data reveals that 35% of private-sector employees do not work for an employer that offers a plan. Fortunately, other retirement savings options are available, some of which provide similar tax benefits as a 401(k).

With a series of important economic indicators suggesting the economy is declining and inflation is finally decelerating, albeit very slowly, markets are beginning to factor in that the Fed may soon transition to a less aggressive stance in early 2023.

If Millennials or Generation Zers ask me what to do to get ahead financially, I have a laundry list: create a budget, start investing now, be smart about your taxes and so on.

Tax planners often develop checklists to guide taxpayers toward year-end strategies that might help reduce taxes. Typically, suggestions are grouped into several different categories, such as "Filing Status" or "Employee Matters," for ease of reading.

If the U.S. economy enters a recession, the causes and potential outcome will be hotly debated. At LPL Research, our starting point is always looking at history.

Expectations are very low for this earnings season. The challenges are many, with intense cost pressures and slowing economic growth at the top of the list.

As Federal Reserve (Fed) officials continue to emphasize the Fed's commitment towards restoring price stability, the dollar marches ever higher.

First, we want to acknowledge the tremendous damage and displacement caused by Hurricane Ian. Our thoughts are with those impacted by this devastating storm.

With the spooky season already approaching, you may wonder if there is anything that can be done to enter 2023 as financially secure as possible. This is a great time of year to look back —and forward — to set goals and track your progress.

Have You Checked Your Retirement Plan Lately       The classic definition of a correction is a decline of 10% or more in a stock index. A bear market is a downturn of 20% or more in several broad market indexes, typically over a period of several months or longer.  It's generally a good idea to review your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan at least once each year and when major life changes occur.

On October 16, China will begin its 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing.

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, understanding how to protect your privacy can help mitigate your exposure to risk.   Here are some ways to help you safeguard your information:   Read privacy policies.

As a female entrepreneur, you may face different challenges than your male counterparts. For example, women were disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic. 1 They also tend to earn less than their male peers—largely in part because they are still responsible for the majority of the world's unpaid labor. To counteract these challenges, women must be proactive about strengthening their businesses and preparing for retirement.

The LPL Research Strategic and Tactical Asset Allocation Committee is increasing its recommended interest rate exposure in its tactical allocation from underweight to neutral.

Inflationary dynamics continue to surprise to the upside, and markets now expect the Fed to pursue one of its most aggressive rate hiking campaign in years.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell reiterated his warning that getting inflation under control will require some pain. Powell is likely making these warnings based on the arcane, clunky relationship between inflation and unemployment.

The strong market rally that peaked in mid-August was viewed by many analysts as a transition from a bear to bull market, based on the surge in breadth that stocks enjoyed and the magnitude of the two-month rally that began in mid-June totaling 17%.

The difficult 2022 for stocks may not get much easier because as we now wait for better news on the inflation front, we have to contend with a seasonally weak month of September.

Baby Boomers — those born between 1946 and 1964 — hold about $20 trillion in wealth.1 Over the next few decades, many Boomers may transfer this wealth to their Gen X, millennial, and Gen Z children, perhaps incurring a hefty tax bill. Here are some ways to handle multigenerational estate planning so that the generations after you may keep these assets in the family.

Women own nearly 20% of the businesses that employ people in the United States, and countless more women run their businesses without employees. There are over one million women-owned firms. They employ over 10 million people and generate nearly $1.8 trillion in revenue annually.1 If you are a female entrepreneur, you help create these stunning statistics but may also face interesting challenges with personal and business finances.

Earnings growth of 6-7% doesn't sound very exciting, but given the challenges corporate America has faced, we consider the nearly-complete second quarter earnings season a resounding success.

After-tax funds can be segregated from other funds in the account and transferred directly to a Roth IRA. In fact, it would be a mistake not to. (Don't confuse after-tax contributions to a regular 401(k) with contributions to a Roth 401(k), which are also made with after-tax dollars but to which slightly different rules apply.)

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 substantial tax bill. However, if assets in your traditional IRA have lost value, you will pay taxes on a lower asset base when you convert.

Existing home sales fell 5.9% in July, the sixth consecutive month of declines as higher interest rates weigh on housing affordability and prospective buyers.

Investors cheered the two better-than-expected inflation reports last week, pushing the S&P 500 to 16% above its June 16 low and only 11% below its all-time high.

The market pundits remain intensely focused on the question of whether the U.S. economy is in or about to enter recession, so we thought a piece on what a recession might mean for the stock market would be of interest.

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 principles that may help you invest more successfully.

Last week was epic for market-watchers. A Federal Reserve (Fed) rate hike, a much-anticipated gross domestic product (GDP) report, and the busiest week of earnings season got most of the headlines.

Forget about endless days of leisure. Retirees seek adventure, travel, and new business pursuits. While these changes may redefine retirement, will retirees be able to finance their plans?

That was quite a week. These days a Federal Reserve (Fed) policy meeting alone gets a lot of headlines and has market participants on the edge of their seats.

In the past, boomers and generation Xers often held on to jobs for 10 or more years. Some professionals stayed with the same company for most of their working lives.

Investing for your retirement isn't about getting rich quick. More often, it's about having a game plan that you can live with over a long time.

For the past year, supply-related problems contributed more to inflation than demand-related imbalances, but that may be changing soon. There are at least three factors that could change the course of inflation.

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.

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.

As the calendar has turned to July, investors would certainly like to forget the first six months of 2022. However, the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday does bring with it reason for celebration.

Stocks have been unable to make up much ground since the June 16 lows, with a bear market rally amounting to only around a 4.3% gain in the S&P 500 Index since then (as of July 1).

Myth: Social Security will provide most of the income you need in retirement.

A Roth IRA conversion involves repositioning traditional IRA or qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan assets into a Roth IRA.

When you ponder saving for college, you may think your options are limited to a 529 college savings account or a regular brokerage account.

2022 has been rough all-around for the American consumer. Not only are we battling decades-high inflation, but investor's portfolios are off to one of the worst starts to a year in history as we near the halfway point.

Over the next twenty years, a wealth transfer will occur that exceeds $30 trillion as the Baby Boomer generation passes the remainder of their wealth to the Millennials and subsequent generations.

The bear market that started on June 13 has left the S&P 500 Index 23.5% below its January 3 high.

This year has been tough for investors, not just because stocks have fallen but also because bonds have not helped mitigate those losses as they have historically done.

Advice from the Social Security Administration can guide your decision!

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 stability during it.

Many pundits are issuing recession warnings and saying the economy is heading for a hard landing. Amid the cacophony of voices, we think the economy is slowing just like central bankers want but not shrinking.

Whether you make tennis one of your leisure activities during retirement or just enjoy watching the sport, you may not realize that the same strategies used in a tennis match may also translate into retirement.

We fully acknowledge how tough it is to see the bull case for stocks right now, and a retest of recent lows is certainly possible, but this week we lay out the bull case for the second half of the year.

If you already contribute to a 401(k) or another retirement account through work, you may not have spent much time thinking about opening an individual retirement account (IRA).

Core bond investors have experienced the worst start to the year ever. However tough this year has been so far though (and it has been tough), the potential for future returns has improved meaningfully, in our view.

First quarter earnings season was solid by just about any measure, but based on recent market behavior it's obvious that in general market participants paid little attention.

It's been a very tough start to the year with both stocks and bonds down sharply.

As we move into spring and leave behind the last signs of a long winter, many worries from a chilly start to the year for markets, unfortunately, are still with us.

Every year a barrage of Wall Street commentaries, media stories, and investor questions flood in about the popular stock market adage.

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 offering advantages and disadvantages.

As a small business owner, you know that a qualified plan can make a big difference in your ability to attract and retain desirable workers. At the same time, you may or may not be aware that sponsoring a qualified plan requires the fulfillment of several fiduciary responsibilities, as spelled out in Section 404 of ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended).

The ability to enjoy a secure retirement is an objective that many teachers and their colleagues pursue years before they leave their jobs. Many public school workers, in different positions, devote their lives to furthering the education of young people. Eventually, each must consider life beyond his or her career and the benefits offered through, and outside of, the public school retirement system.

Suppose you have read or watched a story about converting an IRA to a Roth IRA after age 60. In that case, you may have seen this strategy portrayed negatively or only highlighting the benefits.

Not all recessions are created equal. Previous downturns in the U.S. were prompted by various shocks, with the most recent recession started by health and government-induced shutdowns.

First quarter earnings season is rolling. BlackRock, Delta Airlines, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley were among the first 16 S&P 500 companies to report March quarter results, following 20 index constituents with quarters ending in February that had already reported.

LPL Research reduced U.S. and global GDP forecasts due to Russian commodity disruptions, elevated inflation dynamics, and higher borrowing costs.

As the Final Four NCAA Basketball Tournament rolls on in New Orleans, we continue our tradition of picking a stock market final four.

Social Security benefits are a major source of retirement income for most people. Your Social Security retirement benefit is based on the number of years you've been working and the amount you've earned. When you begin taking Social Security benefits also greatly affects the size of your benefit.

Knowing the different types of investment risk can help you cope with market volatility. When was the last time you checked your retirement plan balance?

A traditional IRA offers a great way to shield income from taxation while boosting your retirement accounts. Meanwhile, a Roth IRA can let you pay tomorrow's taxes today. But how can workers who are eligible to contribute to either type of account decide where to allocate their retirement funds?

As the stock market recovered from the 2020 pandemic lows, valuations reached levels not seen since the dotcom bubble more than 20 years ago. T

Even though tax filing season is well under way, there's still time to make a regular IRA contribution for 2021. You have until your tax return due date (not including extensions) to contribute up to $6,000 for 2021 ($7,000 if you were age 50 or older on or before December 31, 2021).

Core bond investors have experienced one of the worst starts to the year ever, potentially calling into question the validity of bonds in a portfolio.

The Federal Reserve (Fed) meets this week and in all likelihood will raise short-term interest rates for the first time since emergency levels of monetary accommodation were provided to markets after the COVID-19 shutdowns.

We currently expect the U.S. economy to grow 3.7% in 2022.

The green shoots are hard to see right now as spring approaches, clouded by war in Ukraine.

RMD Tables are changing to keep up with The SECURE Act of 2019.

With inflationary pressures running higher than many central bankers are comfortable with, calls for interest rate hikes have become louder.

Everyone needs to clean-up their financial clutter at least once a year!

When it comes to saving for retirement, women may have extra challenges, even those with a higher-than-average income.

After spending many years building your career, you have likely accumulated a comfortable nest egg. If you have reached a point where retirement is the next big step, you need to develop a strategy that will help you cross the bridge from the world of work to the world of leisure.

Corporate America has capped off an outstanding 2021 with an excellent fourth quarter earnings season so far.

The near-10% correction in the S&P 500 Index and even larger drawdown in the Nasdaq have gotten a lot of attention this year.

Sustainable investing hit several milestones in 2021, but continued to attract its critics. Below we look at how sustainable investing fits within the broader concept of sustainability, its growth during 2021, and an implementation framework that has been helpful for many.

Many IRA and retirement plan limits are indexed for inflation each year. Although the amount you can contribute to IRAs remains the same in 2022, other key numbers will increase, including how much you can contribute to a work-based retirement plan and the phaseout thresholds for IRA deductibility and Roth contributions.

You can use a variety of strategies to pay off debt, many of which can cut not only the amount of time it will take to pay off the debt but also the total interest paid.

We discuss three time management tips investors may employ to free up some extra time for what matters most.

After a tough start for stocks in 2022, investors are looking for reasons to expect a rebound.

The Federal Reserve (Fed) has engineered a massive hawkish shift, causing a bit more stock market volatility recently. But how worried should investors be?

Corporate America has been on quite a run.

Although the Roth IRA has been a part of the retirement lexicon for years when compared to other types of retirement accounts, it's quite young.

In many ways, 2021 was a typical year for markets, but it also reinforced some basic market lessons that are hard to learn, even if they are not new.

Identity thieves often swipe your bank or credit card account numbers, birth date information or Social Security Number (SSN) to steal from your accounts, open a new and phony account or make illegal purchases. Some 15.4 million consumers were victims of identity theft or fraud last year, according to a report from Javelin Strategy & Research.

Financial stress can have a direct negative impact on a person's health and happiness. Unfortunately, this may lead to a downward spiral. The more stress you're feeling, the larger your financial hurdles may seem, and the more you may rely on unhealthy stress-reducing habits. Fortunately, there are steps you may be able to take to improve your financial situation and help manage money-related stress. Below are five habits you may wish to adopt to work toward financial wellness.

Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key information you need when preparing this year's taxes.

Getting ready for retirement is both exciting and daunting. While you are likely looking forward to the enjoyment and relaxation that retirement may bring, you are also cautious about ensuring you have enough money to be able to retire in the comfort you anticipate. If your retirement years are on the horizon, below are a few new year's resolutions that may help put you on track.

We expect solid economic and earnings growth in 2022 to help U.S. stocks deliver additional gains next year.

We believe pent-up demand, gradual improvement in supply chain challenges, solid labor force growth, and productivity gains will all contribute to another year of above-trend economic growth in 2022.

Historically, December has been a great month for stocks, but now we have the Omicron variant causing major volatility and uncertainty.

For many people, a new year provides a new start; and nothing says "new"; like a fresh new set of financial goals. But setting these goals is easier said than done. What steps should you take to get the most bang for your buck over the next year?

Although you don't have to wait until January to begin working on your financial goals, a new year may bring a much-needed fresh start on your spending and saving goals. Read on for three financial moves you may want to consider before ringing in the New Year.

Running a business without a written business plan is like heading out on a cross-country trip without a map or GPS. Although you may be able to make it to your destination, you may spend far more time and money navigating through unexpected complications than you would if you had a guide. Many lenders require a copy of your business plan as one of the key documents it needs when deciding whether to extend a loan or line of credit. But what should be included in your business plan?

There are only six weeks to go in 2021 and it has been an incredible year for the stock market bulls. In fact, in many ways it could go down as one of the best years ever.

You probably spend more time planning your holiday gathering than preparing for your golden years. As a result, you make basic mistakes in trying to fund your retirement. Here are a few of the top mistakes people make to screw up this potentially crucial saving.

After an upside inflation surprise in October, it's clear that peak inflation may still be ahead, possibly even pushing into 2022.

Since we began our investing careers, we've had the concept of diversification drilled into our heads. Some refer to it as the only free lunch in investing.

With Halloween over the weekend, what better to write about this week than what scares us?

Celebrated on November 19th, Women's Entrepreneurship Day was established by Women's Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) in 2013.

Many people are familiar with the scammers who promise to pay millions of dollars in exchange for briefly holding funds in your bank account or those who offer to enhance certain body parts risk-free.

Why not spend a few hours reviewing your finances? The changes you make today could result in increased savings. Consider the following seven important items.

The S&P 500 Index has gained more than 20% so far this year, making more than 50 record highs along the way. Certainly nobody should be upset with that return if that was all 2021 brought us.

We expect solid earnings gains during the upcoming third-quarter earnings season, but upside surprises will be smaller.

Last week, Congress was able to push back a fast-approaching deadline for raising the debt ceiling to December. Markets applauded the move with a relief rally.

While a lot can still happen between now and the end of 2021, we don't think it's too early to start thinking about what stocks might do next year.

In 2013, a Gallup poll found that only about one in every three U.S. households maintained a budget.

Does your retirement seem years and years away?

The rules pertaining to Individual Retirement Account (IRA) beneficiaries can be complicated. Here is a quick look at the limitations the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) places on the beneficiaries of IRAs.

Small businesses face many problems related to their size, capital, and capability, and for women-owned small businesses, the challenge is sometimes even greater.

Until recently, we expected the 10-year Treasury yield to end the year between 1.75% and 2.0%.

Seventy-two is an important age milestone for those in or near retirement, as it marks the time when required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin to be withdrawn annually from IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Several policy-related risks loom in September and October that may lead to an increase in market volatility.

First and foremost, this week'ss commentary should not be construed to suggest that we are saying stocks will go up forever. We are also not saying that stocks are immune from a pullback in the final four months of 2021.

For some investors, it might be tempting to tap into your 401(k) to help pay down debts, purchase a home or take a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. However, doing so could seriously cost you, both now and in the future.

The term stagflation has been circulating increasingly in the financial media as inflation readings have risen sharply in recent months.

Have you ever thought about the important role life insurance can play in helping you manage a variety of important financial objectives?

Implementing a 401(k) plan for your employees is good business. It means you're thinking strategically, that you care for your employees, and are focused on the long-term health of your company.

It wasn’t long ago when an individual went to college, got an education, and embarked on one career that usually lasted a lifetime. Many companies provided on-the-job training, and little emphasis was put on the idea of going back to school to continually upgrade your skills or change careers.

Here, we recap the strong numbers and raise our forecasts for earnings and for S&P 500 fair value at year-end.

The highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19 now makes up an overwhelming majority of the new cases in the U.S., bringing with it a rise in cases and hospitalizations.

Last week was a huge news week, from the Fed, to gross domestic product (GDP), to a giant week of earnings reports. Below we review the big events from last week, while also looking ahead to what could be an eventful August for investors.

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 plan or plans are right for you?

2021 has been a very strong year for both stocks and the economy, but that doesn't mean there haven't been some surprises.

A 401(k) isn't the only way to save for retirement -Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) can provide you with another savings vehicle regardless of whether your job offers a 401(k).

Currently, there are two popular Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) that you might consider: the traditional IRA and the Roth IRA.

How do you set goals? The first step in investing is defining your dreams for the future.

It is hard to believe we have passed the halfway point of 2021. After a 2020 that would never end, the first six months of 2021 flew by.

Despite lofty expectations, results exceeded expectations by one of the biggest margins ever. So what will companies do for an encore?

Even if you're saving money in a 401(k), IRA, or another type of retirement account, you may not be paying much attention to the specific rules and regulations governing these accounts.

Markets are off to a strong start this year, with the S&P 500 Index up about 14% so far. However, most of those gains came early in the year, and many stocks have stagnated over recent months.

When money gets tight, it can be tempting to think about your retirement accounts as a potential source of financial breathing room. However, an early withdrawal from your retirement account can quickly get costly.

One of these questions is significantly more important to your success.

If you are wondering what in the world a "backdoor Roth IRA" is, you're not alone!

Inflation has been on the rise. Investors are not as interested in what's happening now as they are in what's happening next.

On May 27, 2021, a couple of events in the energy sector occurred that demonstrated the continued mainstreaming of sustainable investing and underscored the risks and opportunities available to investors.

Fiscal stimulus, which was central to the market rebound in the last year, may start moving to the sidelines over the rest of 2021 and into 2022 as the recovery continues.

While the Federal government has created a number of tax-advantaged savings accounts designed to help lower- and middle-income workers save for retirement, these plans tend be less useful for employees earning larger salaries.

Whether retirement is around the corner or decades away, there are more options than ever to help you plan for it. Let’s look at Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k) plans, which offer tax benefits that can help you save for your future.

After one of the worst starts to a year for fixed income, returns may not get much better from here. Long-term interest rates have traded sideways recently but we expect rates to potentially rise further, which would put downward pressure on bond prices.

More and more Americans are contemplating their decision to retire this year. Others are tapping their retirement savings, while others continue to save more due to the economic fallout and impacts of COVID-19.

There are specific rules addressing distributions and rollovers of a Roth 401(k), which combines features of Roth IRAs and a traditional 401(k). We offer an overview of the key considerations.

After one of the best starts to a bull market in history, the rally has started to show signs of fatigue. A strong economic recovery lies ahead as the reopening continues, bolstering a very strong earnings outlook that is helping stocks grow into elevated valuations.

The economic recovery continues, as the recipe of vaccines, the reopening, and record stimulus all have combined to produce what should be one of the best years for growth ever. Although some economic indicators could be peaking or about to peak, the stage is set for this cycle of growth to continue for many years, which may surprise some investors.

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.

It's embarrassing to admit this but in our earnings season preview on April 12, when the consensus estimate reflected a nearly 24% increase, we wrote that S&P 500 Index earnings growth for the first quarter could potentially exceed 30%.

The Rule of 55: What You Need to Know?

Every year a barrage of Wall Street commentaries, media stories, and investor questions flood in about the popular stock market adage. We tackle this commonly cited seasonal pattern and why some seasonal weakness could make sense in 2021.

Oh, the things you could do with free funding for your small business!

Last week we discussed whether stock prices might be reflecting peak optimism. In that commentary we noted that while sentiment may be overly optimistic and a pickup in volatility would be totally normal, strong breadth measures suggest stocks still may have more upside. This week we tackle that same topic of peak optimism, but by looking at some valuation metrics. While valuations are elevated, they still appear reasonable when factoring in interest rates and inflation.

Contribute to an IRA Before the May 17th Deadline!

Global stock markets are off to a strong start in 2021 as the world begins to emerge from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the United States, vaccinations are increasing, the economy is expanding, unemployment is falling, and stimulus continues to flow through the economy.

The outstanding fourth-quarter earnings season we had in 2020 is a tough act to follow, but 2021's first quarter has the makings of another potentially great earnings season.

The U.S. economy’s recovery from the pandemic continues to surpass our expectations, aided by the accelerating vaccine distribution, massive stimulus, and America’s desire to resume some semblance of normal daily life.

As your retirement draws closer, you will probably start to have lots of questions. There are a few factors that everyone should keep in mind when you begin making your retirement decisions. Keep reading to learn more about three key considerations relating to your future Social Security benefits.

Unlike verbal literacy, financial literacy isn't often taught in schools, ;which means that many people may enter adulthood without having all the tools they need to make informed and effective financial decisions. Read on for three simple things you can do to work toward increasing your financial literacy.

There is a growing debate over whether an expanding economy, in conjunction with historic fiscal and monetary stimulus, may cause inflation to overheat.

The bear market ended one year ago this week, finishing one of the fastest and most vicious bear markets of all-time --- one that led to a drawdown of 34%. Things have come full circle now, as stocks have staged a furious rally, with new highs happening across the globe as the economy recovers at a record pace.

Currently, there are two popular Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) vying for your attention: the traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. While both are long-term savings vehicles with tax benefits, each has different rules concerning contributions, age, and income that may change from one year to the next.

Whether you are classified as a millennial, Gen Xers, women, or you are in your 40s-50s, retirement planning is a must. The key to successful retirement planning is starting young because it gives you more time to work towards your retirement goals. There are some keys to successful planning for those who have an employer and for business owners who wish to maintain their lifestyle after retirement.

With the NCAA college basketball tournament getting underway this week, here's the “Final Four Factors” for the stock market in 2021: Vaccines, Policy, Profits, & Rates. The likely winner will push stocks higher over the balance of the year.

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 if you do, there are reasons you may want to consider using Traditional and/or Roth IRAs to supplement your retirement savings.

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 on the phone, pretending to be a rep from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and demanding payment over the phone. To protect yourself, keep these tips in mind.

The Roth conversion process can sometimes be complex, and a misstep can cost you money in taxes, fees, and penalties. How does a Roth conversion work, and what should you know before getting started?

Fourth-quarter earnings season is in the home stretch, and it’s been a good one. This week, we recap earnings season and share our latest thoughts on just how strong the earnings rebound could be in 2021 and beyond.

While the 2020 tax year saw some significant changes to filing deadlines due to the effects of the global pandemic, the 2021 tax season seems to be set to be on track with normal filing deadlines. With the pandemic still in sight, it is important to consider that these dates may be subject to change.