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Strong Technology Earnings Push Stocks Higher
The S&P 500 finished the week higher by 1.7%, while international developed (MSCI EAFE) and emerging markets (MSCI EM) notched similar gains. Minutes from the January FOMC meeting showed Fed members remain sensitive to inflationary...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: S&P Hits Record High
The stock market experienced solid gains last week, concluding the trading week on a positive note, thanks to robust corporate reports and favorable inflation news; this propelled the S&P 500 Index to achieve a new record high at the...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Investors Begin to See the Light in Upbeat Week.
Stocks pushed higher last week, led by big tech names and boosted by December inflation reports that were mixed but positive enough to shore up investor confidence in Fed rate cuts this year. Stocks Rock and Roll It was a rocky week...
Read MorePowell's Pivot: Dovish Fed Sees Rate Cuts in ‘24
Fed Chair Powell finally made his much-anticipated “pivot” at the close of the Fed’s two-day December meeting, saying he sees short-term rates heading lower next year. Perhaps much lower. Surprised but excited, the...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally on Fed, Inflation News
Markets reacted positively last week to cooler inflation and the idea of potential rate cuts next year, adding to the gains of the market’s year-end rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.92%, while the Standard &...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rise as Bond Yields Fall
A Friday rally turned an otherwise mixed week for stocks into a solid performance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 2.42%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.77%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose 0.38% for the...
Read MoreAvantax Planning Video: Tax-Loss Harvesting
View this month's planning video as host, Rob Jackson, Vice President of Advisory Solutions at Avantax discusses tax-loss harvesting. Watch Video
Read MoreIRS Releases 2024 Tax Brackets, Retirement Contribution Limits
The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally Friday; Powell Cautious On Progress
A powerful Friday rally left stocks higher last week, extending the market’s early November gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.65%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.31%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rise, Jobs Cool
Stocks ripped higher last week on a dramatic retreat in bond yields triggered by easing inflation and a slowing labor market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 5.07%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 surged 5.85%. The...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat on Cautious Earnings Reports
Amid a busy week of corporate earnings reports, stocks slumped on cautious earnings guidance, fears of higher interest rates, and growing anxiety over the increasing amount of Treasury bonds and notes coming to market. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreFed Presidents: Rates Are High Enough
You may have heard the idea that the Fed is trying to “thread a needle” with the economy by raising interest rates to slow growth but not cause a recession. Well, we’re at crunch time with that plan. We’re at...
Read MoreWill Middle East Tensions Push Rates Higher?
The Fed’s ongoing pledge of “higher interest rates for longer” has rattled financial markets and raised the cost of everything from mortgages to credit cards. Now adding to tensions are the recent events in the...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Bond Yields Rise; Government Shutdown Looms
Rising bond yields and government shutdown fears left stocks in mostly negative territory for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.74%. The Nasdaq Composite index was...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat; Powell Talk Goes Hawk
Stocks fluctuated last week, jostled by fitful bond yields and headline news, before ending strongly following Fed Chair Powell’s comments on the monetary outlook. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.45%, while the...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Weather Summer Storm of News and Indicators
Stocks extended their August declines last week as higher yields and weak economic data out of China soured investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.21%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 2.11%. The...
Read MoreWhy August Can Be a Volatile Month
Why is August a volatile month? One simple reason: many people are on vacation. And when people are out of the office, the financial markets often see less trading, which can cause big price swings following news events. The Fitch...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Raise White Flag to Bad News
Stocks retreated last week as bond yields increased following the Treasury's announcement indicating “a larger-than-expected funding need” and a downgrade in the federal government’s debt rating. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Jump After Inflation Gauge Cools
A Friday surge pushed stocks solidly into positive territory last week, ignited by cooling in an inflation gauge closely tracked by the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.66%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreBox Office Surprises: The Rise of "Barbenheimer"
You may have heard of the cultural craze that's caused a recent box office boom. Dubbed "Barbenheimer," the odd cinematic pairing of Gretta Gerwig's "Barbie" and Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" is proving to be exactly what tinsel...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally As Attention Shifts to Fed's May Meeting
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 &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks show small losses after mixed week
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 &...
Read MoreHow important is being independent?
I am an Independent Investment Advisor.What does that mean? What are the benefits? What difference might a relationship with an Independent Investment Advisor make for you and your loved ones?If you work with me:I’ll listen to...
Read MoreAvantax Planning Video: Top Tax Topics 2023
View this month's planning video as host Gene Bell discusses what’s new and important for taxpayers to be aware of as you prepare for filing season. Give us a call and we can help you Watch Video
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: New Year's Rally in Reply to Positive Economic News
A strong Friday rally triggered by fresh signs of moderating inflation pushed stocks into positive territory to begin the new year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.45%....
Read MoreKey Inflation, Jobs Reports Due This Week
U.S. stocks traded higher in the holiday-shortened week. Key reports this week will provide clues to the status of inflation and the strength of the labor markets. Read more.
Read MoreThese Months are More Volatile Than Others
We’re entering a tricky time of year: September and October have a reputation for bringing an extra measure of market volatility.Some of the stock market’s most challenging events have hit in September and October, and...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Powell comments spur sell-off on Wall Street
A comprehensive sell-off on Friday following comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell drove stocks to losses for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 4.22%, while the Standard & Poor's 500 dropped 4.04%. The Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreSchool's Back. Who is Paying for It?
If you have questions from what your about to read, Call us at 800-TAX-CPA2 (829-2722) we are more than happy to help
Read MoreSummertime Checkup
Summer’s here, and the time is right for vacations, outdoor activities, and fun. It’s also a good time to consider a few financial matters. Here are some questions to ask yourself mid-year.Goals still the same for 2022? Has...
Read MoreWhen bears are loud, consider this
Some gloomy headlines are coming out of Wall Street lately. Have you noticed?In recent days, I’ve read things like “Brace yourself for economic hurricanes” and “Wall Street investor survey paints a dire outlook...
Read MoreAvantax Planning Video: Retirement Plan Services
Your company’s 401k plan is likely the primary tool used by you and your employees to save for retirement. Run, properly, the plan can also help you tax-efficiently build wealth outside of your business for your retirement...
Read MoreFederal Reserve hiked interest rates by 75 basis points
On Wednesday afternoon, the Federal Reserve announced it would raise rates by 75 basis points, in line with the markets’ expectations. There was a tremendous amount of investor angst leading up to the meeting in the face of the...
Read MoreWise Words from Warren Buffett
During periods of market turbulence, I take comfort in one of my favorite Warren Buffett quotes:“Don’t watch the market closely.”The Oracle of Omaha gave this sage advice in 2016, when Brexit, China’s economic...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Slip on Mixed Economic News
In a holiday-shortened week of volatile trading, stocks surrendered some of the previous week’s strong gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.20%. The Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreWhen Will the Stock Market Hit Bottom?
The number one question I’m hearing this week is, “When are we going to see the stock market reach a low point?” In spite of recent volatility, my answer remains the same: rather than timing the markets, focus on time...
Read MoreMemorial Day 2022
As we go into the holiday weekend, I wanted to wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day. For me, Memorial Day is more than the unofficial beginning of summer: it’s a chance to honor those who have sacrificed everything for their...
Read MoreStaying Positive
The news out there is driving us crazy. You can't do anything about the world. But my clients know I can help with them with their goals. Reach out to me and let us help you
Read MoreYour 4% Withdrawal Strategy May Not Be Enough
YOUR 4% WITHDRAWAL STRATEGY MAY NOT BE ENOUGH Get the Tax Guidance You Need to Help Live the Retirement You Desire There’s a lot of concern among industry experts about whether the popular 4% withdrawal rule can provide enough income...
Read MoreWishing You A Very Happy Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a season of light. It’s time to gather together with family and friends, and celebrate the many blessings that we’ve had over the past year. During the darkest time of the year, we bring light into our homes as...
Read MoreSeptember Is National Life Insurance Awareness Month
It’s time for your life insurance check-up. September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage.1 If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...
Read MoreFinancial Literacy Month - Asset Preservation Strategy
So you've prepared for your goals and you believe you are on track for your financial goals. That's wonderful. What now?April is Financial Literacy Month. If you haven't put some thought into Asset Protection Strategy, now...
Read MoreJanuary & February 2020 Market & Economic Update
Watch as Martin Landry, Director of Portfolio Management at Avantax, provides an update and recounts the top events that have affected the market and economy in the last several weeks in the January & February Market &...
Read MoreEarnings Season Gets Underway
Every few months, you may hear the phrase “earnings season” as you listen to financial news.But what exactly is “earnings season,” and why is it important to Wall Street?Earnings season is the time when a...
Read MoreUnpacking the Paycheck Protection Program
American lawmakers have passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, a program that will offer small business loans to employers in need of aid as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.1,2The bill is a $484...
Read MoreSpeed Bumps & Headlines
As an investor, it can be tempting to get caught up in daily news headlines. Consider how news about the election and COVID-19 vaccines have moved the markets over the past several weeks. But having a financial strategy can help you...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Vaccine Triggers Rally
News of a COVID-19 vaccine ignited a rally in economically sensitive stocks and a broad retreat in technology companies last week, though enthusiasm was tempered by reports of rising new infections and fresh lockdowns.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreElection 2020: Biden’s Policy Initiatives
Now that several major news groups have projected Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election—and Congress appears divided with Democrats in control of the House and Republicans the Senate—it’s a good time to...
Read More2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and More
On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note.401(k)sThe salary deferral...
Read MoreWall Street Reacts to Potentially Divided Government
After many weeks of telegraphing a long and careful ballot count, this week’s election lived up to that prediction in races for the Senate, the House, and the presidency. While Americans voted Tuesday, Wall Street cast its...
Read MoreElection 2020: Economic Issues in the Crosshairs
It should come as no surprise to hear the economy is the top issue for voters in the 2020 election. Nearly 8 in ten voters say that the economy will be very important to them when they cast their votes.1But when voters say...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks and Consumer Prices Rise
Stock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%, while the Standard...
Read MoreAre you financially prepared for retirement?
Are you financially prepared for retirement? You’ve spent your working life saving for the time when you can leave your career behind and enjoy your family, pursue hobbies or simply relax on the beach. But are you financially...
Read MoreBringing home a new baby? Are you financially prepared?
Bringing home a new baby? Are you financially prepared? Having a baby is an incredible experience, but it can also fill you with financial anxiety. No need to worry! Time is on your side. Developing a solid financial plan now...
Read MoreAre you prepared for a market correction?
Here’s a quick refresher: a correction is defined as a decline of 10% or greater from a recent high in the financial markets. Corrections can last anywhere from days to months, but few have lasted longer. Recently, we’ve...
Read MoreJuly Mailing Notice
I hope you and your family are healthy and safe and are enjoying the summer. Please know how much I care and am here for you/them during what continues to be a financially uncertain time for many.I’m reaching out today to...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks See a Mixed Week
Stocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.29%, while the Standard...
Read MoreWhat is Reg BI?
Recently, you may have heard that financial industry regulators established a new set of rules designed to guide investors who work with an investment professional. This new set of rules is called “Regulation Best...
Read MoreRetirement is around the corner. Is your financial plan on track?
Working Hard but Looking Forward to the Next Stage in Life? You’re at that age when you find yourself thinking more and more about retirement. It’s really not that far away. Your kids are planning their careers and...
Read MoreRoth Conversion in 2020 - Is It Right For You?
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up nearly every aspect of American life. To say it’s been a difficult time would be an understatement. However, difficult times may open doors to new possibilities. Businesses are changing...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Recovery Optimism Builds
A positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 6.81%, while...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Optimism for Re-Opening
The shortened week, which began with a powerful two-day rally of trading, was enough to drive the markets into another week of solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced...
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