Inflation is a complex economic phenomenon, often simplified as a general increase in the prices of goods and services over time. It is commonly believed that the Federal Reserve, or ‘the Fed’, has the tools to cure inflation. However, upon closer examination, one might discover that the methods used by the Fed to manage inflation can sometimes exacerbate the issue instead. Read More
Luck, they say, is when preparation meets opportunity. As much as we all want to believe that our successes in life and investing are purely the product of hard work and strategy, there’s an undeniable element of luck involved as well. Luck is an intriguing aspect of financial planning and how it plays into the grand scheme of our lives. Read More
In the world of retirement planning, one of the decisions that people often face is what to do with their employer-sponsored retirement plans when they leave their job. Whether you’re transitioning to a new employer or stepping into retirement, it’s crucial to make informed decisions about your retirement savings. One option that many individuals consider is rolling over their employer retirement plan into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Here, we delve into the reasons behind this popular choice. Read More
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” but when it comes to tax-deferred retirement accounts, it might seem like the government is offering just that. A closer look, however, unveils an intriguing retirement strategy that benefits both parties: the individual saver and the government. It’s a tale of tax-time savings for you and eventual tax revenue for Uncle Sam. Read More
In the golden years of life, financial stability is paramount to maintaining your lifestyle and achieving true financial independence. Retirement planning plays a crucial role in securing this comfort, and the key to a successful retirement plan is a reliable, guaranteed income. While growth through investments such as the stock market is essential, they should not be the sole focus. Without a steady stream of income, retirement could be more of a challenge than a reward. Read More
The U.S. debt ceiling has been a hot topic of debate in recent years. Despite the serious overtones attached to this topic, is it possible that the hullabaloo surrounding the debt ceiling is more of a political maneuver rather than a genuine fiscal concern? Let’s delve into the history and the underlying constitutional provisions to find out. Read More
In today’s world, we are inundated with negative news at every turn. From political turmoil to natural disasters to economic uncertainty, it can be difficult to avoid the constant barrage of bad news. For investors, this can be especially challenging. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why living in a world of negative news is the greatest challenge for investors to overcome and what they can do to manage it. Read More
The Federal Reserve is currently developing a new instant payment system called FedNow. This service aims to enable banks and financial institutions to offer real-time payments to their customers, allowing for the instant transfer of funds 24/7. FedNow could have a significant impact on how individuals manage their money, as it will make it easier and faster to send and receive payments, pay bills, and transfer funds between accounts. Read More
Divorce is always a difficult and emotional experience, but it can become even more complicated when it happens during retirement. Not only does a divorce in retirement affect your personal life, but it can also have a significant impact on your financial future. Retirees who have carefully planned for their golden years may suddenly face unexpected changes in their financial situation due to a divorce. Read More
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing has seen an unprecedented surge in recent years. While ESG factors should lead to more sustainable and responsible investments, there are concerns that the government push for ESG is distorting markets and negatively impacting retirees and their portfolios. In this blog post, we will discuss how government involvement in ESG investments create unintended consequences, and what retirees can do to protect their portfolios from volatility and maintain a reliable income stream. Read More
