Our everyday lives have changed dramatically over the last few weeks as we work together to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We know these efforts are necessary, but they also have come at a cost. Global economic growth has been slowing, the US economy likely will contract temporarily, and US stocks have entered [...]
The market volatility continues, as the S&P 500 Index has closed either up or down 4% or more for a record 7 consecutive days. With the S&P 500 Index down 30% from the highs, it has officially moved into a bear market. Yesterday, we took a look at how stocks did after the lows of major [...]
An open letter to my valued clients and friends. (Originally sent to my Friday newsletter subscribers. Subscribe here) Fears over the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) have gripped the country and sent stocks in the US and around the world into bear markets. Thursday’s nearly 10% decline in the S&P 500 Index was one [...]
Avoid these financial traps and save yourself money and stress in the long term. Americans are a generous people. Many support charitable organizations that enhance their communities and enrich their personal lives. In addition to giving wisely to nonprofit groups, it's important to anticipate financial obligations to family members while you're still of sound mind. [...]
Divorce can be a complicated and challenging process in which details are easily overlooked. Protecting your financial health during this time is crucial, and no one should enter this process without a trusted attorney (specializing in divorce) on his or her side. Equally important is knowing the laws that shape divorce proceedings, and the impact [...]
Medicare contains many rules that beneficiaries and their caregivers are required to learn. Perhaps the best way to grasp the program's details is to review the major components of the Medicare program: Parts A, B, C, and D. Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance This insurance is designed to help cover the following: Inpatient care [...]
As the saying goes, "Parents are people who carry pictures in their wallets -- where their money used to be." The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the cost of raising a child born in 2015 through age 17 averages $233,610 for a typical middle-income family -- and that doesn't include the cost of college [...]
Home ownership is the cornerstone of the American Dream. But before you buy a home, consider a number of things. First, look at buying a home as a lifestyle investment and only secondly as a financial investment. Over time, buying a home can be a good way to build equity. But as recent history has [...]
The SECURE Act - Top 10 Key Provisions to Provide Retirement Savings Benefits for Employees and Employers Open Multiple Employer Plans / Pooled Employer Plans – The SECURE Act allows unrelated small employers to band together in “open” 401(k) multiple-employer plans (MEPs; also referred to as pooled employer plans (PEPs)). This reduces the costs and [...]
Have you had the Conversation?...about CalSavers 401k. Many people find themselves financially unprepared for their non-working retirement years. According to the most recent National Retirement Risk Index, nearly half of Americans age 55-59 have insufficient savings to maintain their pre-retirement standard of living1. In response, California has recently established its own state-run retirement plan. The [...]
