Do Elections Affect Your Retirement?

As election seasons roll around, the political climate intensifies, bringing with it a wave of speculation and uncertainty. Many people find themselves wondering if the outcome of elections will impact their retirement plans. While it’s true that elections can influence various aspects of the economy and financial markets, the real issue often lies in the sentiment and security of the retiree. Here, we will explore three key areas where elections might affect your retirement and emphasize that proper planning is the best way to prepare for post-election changes. Read More

The Stupidity of Voting Yourself a Raise

In recent years, discussions about inflation have dominated headlines, kitchen tables, and policy debates alike. A key factor in these discussions is the role of minimum wage increases, often overlooked amidst broader economic narratives. As voters, we play a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape, including decisions on minimum wage policies. This blog aims to shed light on how voting for higher minimum wages can influence inflation and, subsequently, the cost of everyday goods and services.

Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, eroding purchasing power. While it is influenced by a multitude of factors, one of the more direct factors is the cost of labor—specifically, the minimum wage. Read More

Your Return vs. Market Return

Investing in the stock market is like a long adventure where you can earn money over time. But not everyone makes the same return on their money with their investments. Even if the whole market is doing really well, you might find your own money growing a bit slower. Here’s why your own investment return might be different from the big market return:

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Stop Wasting Time, Invest Now

In our fast-paced world, where every moment counts and the future often feels like a distant horizon, there’s a common tendency to procrastinate on making important decisions. One such decision, often pushed aside, is the act of saving for your retirement. We all have our reasons, whether it’s the pressing demands of the present or a belief that tomorrow can wait. But hidden beneath this delay lies a significant, and sometimes surprising, cost that deserves our attention. Read More

Why Your Home Isn’t Always a Great Investment (And Why Renting Can Make Sense)

For generations, owning a home in the United States has been synonymous with financial stability and success. The idea is simple: purchase a property, watch its value rise over time, and benefit from the appreciation. However, like any investment, home ownership isn’t foolproof and with the rise in home costs, it’s often unaffordable to purchase a home.  In many scenarios, renting might be a wiser choice. Here are four reasons why a home might not be the excellent investment you think, followed by four compelling reasons to consider renting instead. Read More

Do You Need a Will, Trust, or Both?

Estate planning may sound like something only the ultra-wealthy need to think about. Images of sprawling mansions, vintage cars, and family heirlooms might come to mind. However, estate planning isn’t just about wealth. It’s about ensuring that what you leave behind, no matter how modest or grand, is handled the way you want it to be. Read More