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Some of us share a common experience. You're driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over, the officer gets out, and your heart drops. “Are you aware the registration on your car has...

If you are like most homeowners, you love selecting the fixtures, fabrics, and paint colors of your home improvement project. But there is one very important item that you may overlook—making certain you are properly insured. Why...

How do you picture your future? Some see retirement as a time to start a new career. Others see it as a time to travel. Still others plan to spend more time with family and friends. With that in mind, here are some things to consider....

Want to give your child or grandchild a financial head start? A Roth IRA might be a choice to consider. Read on to learn more about how doing this may benefit both of you. Rules for setting up a Roth IRA. If your teen has an earned...

Each month, you settle down to pay bills. You pay your mortgage lender. You pay the electric company. You pay the trash collector. But do you pay yourself? One of the most basic tenets of sound investing involves the simple habit of...

While many people are familiar with the benefits of traditional 401(k) plans, others are not as acquainted with Roth 401(k)s. Since January 1, 2006, employers have been allowed to offer workers access to Roth 401(k) plans. As the name...

Term insurance is the simplest form of life insurance. It provides temporary life insurance protection on a limited budget. Here’s how it works: When a policyholder buys term insurance, they buy coverage for a specific period of time...

Have you ever taken a close look at paper money? Each U.S. bill has the words "Federal Reserve Note" imprinted across the top. But many individuals may not know why the bill is issued by the Federal Reserve and what role the Federal...

Whether you’re applying for Social Security in the future or currently receiving benefits, there are some important changes to earnings limits, Medicare premiums, and other differences to keep in mind. Ready to learn more? Read on....

Generally, the different parts of Medicare help cover specific services. Most beneficiaries choose to receive their Parts A and B benefits through Original Medicare, the traditional fee-for-service program offered directly through the...

Only one-third of adults have an estate strategy document such as a will in place, which may not be entirely surprising. No one wants to be reminded of their own mortality or spend too much time thinking about what might happen once...

According to the most recent information available, Americans have individual life insurance with a total face value of $14 trillion.1 Due to a variety of factors, these individuals may find themselves in circumstances where the...

If you live in or have visited a big city, you’ve probably run into street vendors – people who sell everything from hot dogs to umbrellas – on the streets and sidewalks. Many of these entrepreneurs sell completely unrelated products,...

The Social Security Disability Insurance program paid out over $150 billion in benefits in 2023. And with new applicants each year, the system is expected to exhaust its reserves at the end of 2035 if changes aren’t made...

John and Mary are nearing retirement and they have a lot of items on their bucket list. Longer life expectancies mean John and Mary may need to prepare for two or even three decades of retirement. How should they position their money?...

Expectations vs. Reality Predicting exactly what your retirement will be like is about as possible as a meteorologist predicting the weather correctly every single time. In fact, few retirees find their financial futures playing out...

One of the most well-known investors of the 20th Century, Benjamin Graham, said that "the investor's chief problem—and even his worst enemy—is likely to be himself." What Graham understood—and modern research is catching up to—is the...

Medicare is the federal government program that provides health care coverage (health insurance) if you are 65+, under 65 and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for a certain amount of time, or under 65 and with...

As a parent, you of course want to give your child the best opportunity for success, and for many, attending the "right" university or college is that opportunity. Unfortunately, being accepted to the college of one's choice may not be...

Inheriting wealth can be a burden and a blessing. Even if you have an inclination that a family member may remember you in their last will and testament, there are many facets to the process of inheritance that you may not have...

The average American owes $59,580 in debt. Of that $59,580, $41,830 is from mortgage debt, $5,640 is from student loans, and $5,470 is from auto loans. Little wonder that money worries can be a major cause of stress.1 The Link Between...

Traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 41 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by nearly 32 million...

As Teddy Roosevelt once observed, "Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you've got to start young." The challenges seniors have met throughout their lives have made them wiser and stronger, preparing them for the...

Investment firms have a client service feature that may be a benefit to certain investors. They will ask you whether you would like to provide the name and information of a trusted contact.1 You do not have to supply this information,...

Some people approach buying a car like they approach marriage, "'til death do us part." Others prefer to keep their options open, trading in every few years for the latest make and model, the most cutting-edge technology, or the...

Ancient Chinese merchants were said to have developed a unique way to manage their risk. They would divide their shipments among several different vessels. That way, if one ship were to sink or be attacked by pirates, the rest stood a...

How do you know you are psychologically ready to retire? As a start, ask yourself four questions. One, is your work meaningful? If it is emotionally and psychologically fulfilling, if it gives you a strong sense of purpose and identity...

You taught them how to read and how to ride a bike, but have you taught your children how to manage money? The average debt for student borrowers is $40,499. And nearly 11% of new graduates will default within the first twelve months...

Despite not being as well known as some other retirement tools, annuities account for 6.5% of all assets earmarked for retirement. With about $2.2 trillion in assets, annuities hold more funds than Roth IRAs.1 An annuity is a contract...

Will you pay higher taxes in retirement? It’s possible. But that will largely depend on how you generate income. Will it be from working? Will it be from retirement plans? And if it does come from retirement plans, it’s important to...

Mobile applications have become ubiquitous. While many of these apps are games and social media platforms, an increasing number have been developed to help individuals with their personal finances. Which leads to an interesting...

The reason withdrawals from a Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) prior to age 59½ are generally subject to a 10% tax penalty is that policymakers wanted to create a disincentive to use these savings for anything other than...

Social Security has been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? Here are nine things that might surprise you. 1. The Social Security trust...

When it comes to insuring your second home, you may find that the coverage you need is quite different from what you have on your primary home. The Unique Risks of a Second Home Your current homeowners policy may allow for coverage of...

"If the current annual inflation rate is 3 percent, why do my bills seem like they're 10 percent higher than last year?"1 Many of us ask ourselves that question, and it illustrates the importance of understanding how inflation is...

Preparing your estate can be complicated, and if you're a part of a blended family, estate decisions can be even more complex and nuanced. Blended families take on many forms but typically consist of couples with children from previous...

Changing jobs can be a tumultuous experience. Even under the best of circumstances, making a career move requires a series of tough decisions, not the least of which is what to do with the funds in your old employer-sponsored...

Driving may be a rite of passage for teenagers, but for parents, having a teenage driver can be stressful and expensive. Your child will need auto insurance coverage as soon as they receive their driver’s license. Here are some...

For most Americans, Social Security has represented nothing more than some unavoidable payroll deduction with the positively cryptic initials of "FICA" and "OASDI" (Federal Insurance Contributions Act and Old Age, Survivors and...

When looking for income-generating investments, some investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. When a company makes a profit, that money can be put to two uses: It can be reinvested in the business. It can be paid out to the...

Medicare Advantage, sometimes known as “Part C,” is something of a catch-all choice for those who are ready to sign up for Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers in conjunction with the Medicare...

While nature offers four seasons, Wall Street offers only one – four times a year. It’s called “earnings season,” and it can move the markets. So, what is earnings season and why is it important? Earnings season...

Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible. No Strategy: Yes, the biggest mistake is having no strategy at...

When you marry or simply share a household with someone, your life changes—and your approach to managing your money may change as well. The good news is it’s usually not so difficult. At some point, you will have to ask...

Every year, about 140 million households file their federal tax returns. For many, the process involves digging through shoe boxes or manila folders full of receipts; gathering mortgage, retirement, and investment account...

When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that today's average 67-year-old woman will live to age 88...

Vacation home sales rose 57.2% year-over-year by June 2021, much higher than the 20% increase in existing home sales.1 When it comes to insuring your second home, you may find that the coverage you need is quite different from what you...

While Americans are entitled to take every legitimate deduction to manage their taxes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) places limits on your creativity. Here are some examples of deductions from the IRS that were permitted and some...

In 2021, the U.S. had a record 24.5 million millionaires, up from 20.2 million in the previous year. An increase in personal wealth may bring greater financial flexibility; it may also bring greater liability. Individuals with high net...

Check out this month-by-month breakdown of personal finance considerations.

Preparing for retirement is not entirely financial. Your degree of happiness in your "second act" may depend on some factors that don't come with an obvious price tag. Here are some non-monetary factors to consider as you prepare for...

The famous saying from Poor Richard’s Almanack is frequently misquoted. It was published by founder Benjamin Franklin in 1737: “A penny saved is two pence clear.” Finding ways to manage expenses is one of the...

The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2006, there were less than 1,000; by 2023, there were nearly 10,000 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities and instruments. At first glance,...

While the vast majority of insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to help determine the price of insurance, it is banned in the states of Massachusetts, Michigan, Hawaii, and California. Some states only allow it as a...

Certain financial documents can outline your financial wishes. If you become unable to make decisions for yourself, these financial documents can be structured to empower a person to make decisions on your behalf...

John and Mary are nearing retirement and they have a lot of items on their bucket list. Longer life expectancies mean John and Mary may need to prepare for two or even three decades of retirement. How should they position their money?

In a recent survey, 70% of current workers stated they plan to work for pay after retiring. And that possibility raises an interesting question: how will working affect Social Security benefits?

Most portfolios are constructed based on an individual's investment objective, risk tolerance, and time horizon. However, as a retiree, how you choose to live in retirement may be an additional factor...

When you are older, “and-a-half” birthdays start making a comeback. In fact, starting at age 50, several birthdays and “half-birthdays” are critical to understand because...

Creating your legacy does not happen overnight, and it doesn’t come without a strategy and hard work.

When you read about money matters, you may see the phrase, “getting your financial house in order.” What exactly does that mean?

If your family relies on your income, it’s critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances.

Each month, you settle down to pay bills. You pay your mortgage lender. You pay the electric company. You pay the trash collector. But do you pay yourself?

Why sell shares when you can gift them? If you have appreciated stocks in your portfolio, you might want to consider donating those shares to charity rather than selling them.

In February 2018, Jerome Powell was appointed as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. He became the 16th chair to take over the helm of the world’s most influential central bank. Among other duties...

By May 20, 2022, over 145 million taxpayers had dutifully filed their federal income tax returns.1 And they all made decisions about deductions and credits – whether or not they realized it. When you take the time to learn more...

Most understand that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, many don’t know that there are other ways to maximize their benefits, some of which depend on their marital status...

Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in modern medicine, the worldwide population over age 65 is growing. In the past decade, the population of Americans aged 65 and older has grown 36% and is expected to reach 94.7 million in...

Have you ever had one of those months? The water heater stops heating, the dishwasher stops washing, and your family ends up on a first-name basis with the nurse at urgent care. Then, as you're driving to work, you see smoke coming...

How do you picture your future? Some see retirement as a time to start a new career. Others see it as a time to travel. Still others plan to spend more time with family and friends. With that in mind, here are some things to consider...

Have you ever taken a close look at paper money? Each U.S. bill has the words “Federal Reserve Note” imprinted across the top.But many individuals may not know why the bill is issued by the Federal Reserve and what role the...

As Teddy Roosevelt once observed, "Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you've got to start young."The challenges seniors have met throughout their lives have made them wiser and stronger, preparing them for the...

With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others' lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person's life or the life of many, there are many ways to...

The past year and a half have tested all of us, but overall, the economy continues to strengthen, COVID-19 trends are greatly improving, and this still relatively young bull market is alive and well. As the leaves turn colors and...

Giving Tuesday is a day to extend the goodwill that the holiday season may bring to help others. With so many in need, the holiday season is a reminder to help those less fortunate. Whether you want to donate your time or contribute...

Today, many people find themselves bombarded by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet. Yet, does all this “information age” data really help you manage your finances any better now...

Open enrollment for employee benefits kicks off this month. While you plan your Thanksgiving menu, review your benefit choices. Even if little changed in your life this past year, maximize what your employer offers. Here are some...

Whatever your age, it’s never too soon to look ahead and begin giving thought to your retirement. With proper planning, you can make the transition to retirement a smooth, comfortable and confident ride. Today, more than ever,...

As more and more women assume leadership roles in businesses, it is changing the attitude and sometimes even the future of the workplace. Female bosses may teach business leaders a lot about engaging with employees, promoting their...

When it comes to creating your own monthly budget, sometimes planning is easier than the practice. Keeping track of finances can be tricky, but, with a few guidelines and time, you can take charge of your bank account once and for all....

Whether you're still living at home, in school, or starting your career, your late teens and twenties present a prime opportunity to think about your financial future. Though you may not hit your peak earning years until your 40s or...

In 2013, a Gallup poll found that only about one in every three U.S. households maintained a budget.1 A 2021 survey of 1,000 Americans found that 80% now say they have a budget.2 Americans are budgeting more due to the pandemic....

One of the most important pieces of the college financing puzzle is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Without the FAFSA, a college student is unlikely to be able to apply for or receive certain types of federal...

September 22nd is American Business Women's Day, and it may be the perfect day to celebrate women who have surpassed the glass ceiling and gone on to be leaders and inspirations for businesswomen everywhere. In honor of American...

The bull market continues, with the S&P 500 Index now up seven months in a row. Stocks have impressively gained 20% year-to-date, with the S&P 500 making 53 new all-time highs before the end of August—another new record. All of...

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. Implementing a retirement plan: Can help...

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...

Have you ever thought about the important role life insurance can play in helping you manage a variety of important financial objectives? Let’s look at some “slice of life” hypothetical examples and you’ll see...

Six months and counting. That is the current monthly winning streak for the S&P 500 Index. To take that a step further, this key equity benchmark has posted gains in 13 of the last 16 months—dating back to the March 2020 low....

Tax free sales present an opportunity for residents of 17 (mostly Southern) states to purchase clothes, shoes, electronics, and even firearms or ammunition without paying a penny in sales tax.1 But because these sale dates usually only...

The student loan landscape has changed dramatically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the suspension of interest payments on federal student loans to tax incentives for employers who pay their employees' student loans,...

Market risk is something all investors may worry about, but those close to retirement have limited time to recover from market loss. If you are within ten years of retirement, now is a critical time for your portfolio to continue to...

Though U.S. taxpayers received an extra month to file and pay their federal income taxes in 2021, some are still smarting from having to write a check to the IRS.[1] For many, it can be tough to make the connection between those...

As of 2017, about two-thirds of all nonprofit organizations in the U.S. had annual budgets of less than $1 million.[1] For these non-profit organizations where every penny has a purpose, having the services of a financial professional...

In the first half of 2021, the U.S. economy powered forward faster than nearly anyone had expected. Speed can be exhilarating, but it can also be dangerous. In our view, the overall economic picture remains sound and will likely...

For investors approaching retirement, it is important to begin thinking about retirement income planning. This involves a mindset shift from accumulating an investment portfolio designed for growth to creating a portfolio of retirement...

In today’s economy, offers of an early retirement buyout for a current employee or a pension buyout directed at a former employee are becoming common as companies look for ways to cut costs. Many large employers are offering...

As your retirement draws closer, you will probably start to have lots of questions such as: How much Social Security will I receive? When should I retire? How will I know when to retire? Do I have enough saved? What will I need to do...

Many people associate the term "financial wellness" with things like saving for retirement, paying down high-interest debt, or creating an emergency fund. But when you're living with a disability (or caring for a loved one who is...

For many people, turning 65 provides one of the keys to retirement: access to affordable healthcare. Whether you're enrolling in the Medicare program for the first time or have been a Medicare enrollee for years, it's important to stay...

As temperatures start to heat up and the days get longer, summer fun can kick into gear. Looking for things to do this summer? Then, check out this list of fun and relaxing summertime ideas. Be a tourist in your own area You don't have...

As we move into June, a path to normalcy is coming quickly with stadiums allowing full capacity, restaurants filling up, and summer vacations in full swing. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy continues to recover remarkably quickly and the...

Graduation is an exciting time for many. But now repaying student loans will start for the new graduates. While some lenders give you a sixth month grace period before you start to repay, starting to pay your loads right away save you...

Your financial professional can help you navigate the ever-changing IRS rules.... Taxpayers of all ages may be able to claim a deduction on their 2020 tax return for contributions made to their Individual Retirement Account made...

Your life insurance needs change as your life changes. When you are young, you may not have a need for life insurance. However, as you take on more responsibility and your family grows, your life insurance needs increase. Your needs...

Small business owners should conduct an annual assessment of their personal finances. Owners of small businesses have much the same concerns as everyone else, except they are personally responsible for the fortunes of their enterprise....

As temperatures warm up, trees begin budding, and the days get longer, you probably throw open your windows and think about spring cleaning your home. As you tackle washing windows, cleaning carpets, and sorting out the garage,...

“The real key to making money in stocks is not to get scared out of them.” - Peter Lynch They say April showers bring May flowers. Well, after a lot of showers and storms over the past year, flowers are starting to bloom...

When the markets and the economy are behaving badly, as they tend to do from time to time, it's easy to feel helpless. But creating a solid financial foundation can help you gain control of your investments and possibly avoid mistakes...

What Gen Xers, Millennials, and Baby Boomers Need to Know About Financial Planning?

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Financial planning is an important part of securing your current lifestyle as well as preparing yourself for what you wish to do in your eventual retirement. And while this importance may look different during each stage of your life,...

Maintaining Your Financial Records: The Importance of Being Organized

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Monday, March 8, 2021

An important part of managing your personal finances is keeping your financial records organized. Whether it's a utility bill to show proof of residency or a Social Security card for wage reporting purposes, there may be times when you...

How Financial Planning Helps You Work Towards Your Self-Improvement Goals

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Many self-improvement goals focus on stability and personal growth — and financial goals are often no different. From buying your first home to saving for retirement, planning your finances can also help you work toward your...

Treasury Yields Are Rising. Now What?

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Treasury yields started moving sharply higher this past month (remember that as yields go up, prices go down). And while the upward march began in earnest last August when the 10-Year Treasury yield bottomed at an all-time low rate of...

Optimizing Required Minimum Distributions

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

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 (previously,...

Investing for the Future

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, February 18, 2021

For years, you’ve diligently invested in your retirement portfolio, accumulating wealth that you hope will sustain you throughout your Golden Years. To help see that your assets are sufficient to help you support your lifestyle...

The Stock Market’s Cost of Admission

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

“One of the most helpful things that anybody can learn is to give up trying to catch the last eighth—or the first. These two are the most expensive eighths in the world.” –Jesse Livermore Countless stock...

Inflation Expectations Highest Since 2014

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

The 10-year breakeven inflation rate, a market-based measure of inflation expectations, hit its highest level last Friday, February 5, since 2014. Still, at 2.21% expected annual inflation over the next 10 years, it remains a...

Assessing Your Retirement Resources

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

How resourceful can you be during your retirement? Determining where your retirement money will come from is an integral part of planning for retirement. Most people draw on three main sources of income: Social Security,...

When to Begin Collecting Social Security

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Friday, February 5, 2021

Deciding when to retire and begin collecting Social Security is an important life decision. For some, savings losses may dictate that you delay your retirement plans and continue working, which means postponing when you begin...

Household Debt Rising, but Payments Remain Under Control

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

The surge in global debt has been a hot-button issue, so this week LPL Research will focus on the various segments of global debt, beginning “Debt Week” with Weekly Market Commentary: Markets Shrug Off Debt Levels The US...

Thinking About Social Security Benefits at 62?

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Social Security is an asset that is taken for granted by many folks. If you are tempted to take Social Security early, when first eligible at age 62, think again: your check will be lower if you don’t wait until what’s...

Interest Rate Reversals Revisited

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

In LPL Research Outlook 2021: Powering Forward, we noted that large interest rate declines historically have been followed by reversals. With the 10-year Treasury yield continuing to climb, now’s a good time for an update. As...

2020/2021 Tax Season Guide

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, January 21, 2021

To ease some of the burdens of tax season, we are providing this helpful guide, which contains all the information you may need to easily address tax issues and questions that you might face. It will assist you in becoming familiar...

Credit Spreads Limit Bond Performance Outlook

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Investment-grade credit spreads, the extra yield you get from investment-grade corporate bonds compared to similarly dated US Treasuries, have already tightened to a level you usually only see during the middle of the economic...

IRS Makes Annual Inflation Adjustments for 2021

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, January 14, 2021

The Internal Revenue Service announced annual inflation adjustments for the 2021 tax year for more than 60 tax provisions, including standard deductions and the tax rate schedules. More details can be found at “Revenue Procedure...

Treasuries Hit Key Levels

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Treasury yields hit two key levels the first week of 2021. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the 10-year Treasury yield moved above 1% for the first time since March 2020, and the 10-year breakeven inflation rate, a measure of...

COVID-19 Stimulus, Round Two-What Should You Know

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, January 7, 2021

After months of intense debate, the House and Senate voted to pass a second COVID-19 economic stimulus bill and the President has signed it into law.1 At a total cost of $900 billion, this 5,600-page bill[1] contains everything from...

Two Tales of 2020 Bond Returns

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

US investment-grade bonds had a solid 2020 despite a tumultuous year overall. The broad Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index had a total return of 7.5%—not as strong as 2019’s 8.7% but its fifth-best year in the last...

Three Fed Takeaways from an Extraordinary Year

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

2020 was an extraordinary year for the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed responded swiftly and decisively to the rapidly accelerating financial and economic uncertainty brought on by efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The current...

Getting a Jump on January Tax Season

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

From pandemic-related stimulus payments to job losses and furloughs, for many taxpayers, next spring's tax season may be more complex than usual. With the end of 2020 rapidly approaching, you should take some time to review your tax...

4 More Years of Dollar Weakness?

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Back in July, we wrote in our July 23 LPL Research blog that dollar weakness may continue, highlighting a short-term bearish technical case for the US dollar. Since then, the Bloomberg US Dollar Index and the US Dollar Index (DXY) are...

Creating a Business Plan for Small Businesses

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Your business plan is an important part of creating a business and a critical tool for drawing in lenders and investors. If you're thinking about launching a small business or if you want to take your small business in a new direction,...

More than most years , it’s hard to look ahead to the next year, to 2021, without looking back at 2020. A global pandemic, a massive economic collapse, a bear market, a surprisingly sharp reversal, a hotly contested election...

Contributing to a Charity When You Have More Time Than Money to Give

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, December 3, 2020

If giving to charity is important to you but you have more time than money, you may wonder whether your donation of manpower will be as valuable as cash. For many charities, the answer is an unequivocal yes. Below are some tips and...

Corporate Bonds Tilting Toward Expensive

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Not surprisingly, corporate credit spreads widened dramatically back in March 2020, making corporate bonds cheap relative to historical averages. (Credit spreads are the extra yield corporate bonds offer versus similarly dated...

30,000 Reasons To Be Thankful

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

As 2020 winds down, it has been an extremely tough year on all of us. Still, there are many reasons to be thankful and today we will share some reasons investors should be thankful. Stocks have had one of the largest reversals ever in...

Benefits of HSA and FSA Accounts

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are designed to help you save money on medical costs by giving you access to a special savings account with tax benefits. Although these plans are very similar, they...

Charitable Giving: How it Affects You Financially as Well as Personally

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, November 19, 2020

The holiday season is just around the corner and many charitable organizations are in desperate need of donations to help provide the vital services needed in the community. You are most often inundated with a number of charitable...

2 Reasons Long-Term Rates Could Continue to Rise

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Fixed income investors aren’t used to having to deal with the volatility of stocks, but in the year that is 2020, that is exactly what has happened thus far. Unfortunately, while we don’t see the volatility of Q1 2020...

Prepare for Long-Term Care Before The Need

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Long-term care (LTC) keeps you functioning in the face of devastating illnesses, disabilities and prolonged disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. LTC kicks in when you lose the ability to care for yourself and can no longer do...

End of Year Planning: Set Goals and Reduce Taxes

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, November 5, 2020

By the last third of the calendar year, you're likely to have a pretty good idea of what your annual income will be and whether any major expenses or big life changes await you. This can allow you to engage in more robust tax planning,...

2 Post-Election Charts You Need to See

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

The election is over, but the questions are mounting. We don’t know who will be the next president as of Wednesday morning, but we do know that stocks tend to do well the final two months of an election year. “Once the...

The Best Day Of The Year Is This Week

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

With the election only six days away and earnings season in full swing, stocks have bucked the usual October weakness during election years so far in 2020 (Monday’s losses notwithstanding). The good news is this could continue,...

Investing in an Election Year

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

The world's events always affect the markets, and making smart investment choices requires you to look at what's happening around the world. But what about during an election year? How should you invest while the country is deciding...

Enrolling in Medicare Advantage: What You Need to Know

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Now that you have decided that Medicare Advantage is an option worth exploring, you may be wondering what the next steps are to signing up. While the steps for signing up are simple, there are a few key points to remember during the...

Under-the-Radar Signal That Rates May Head Higher

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

The 10-year Treasury yield has stayed in a narrow range since April 2020, helped by a supportive Federal Reserve and ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. As shown in LPL’s Chart of the Day, the 10-year Treasury yield...

12 Estate Planning Must-Dos

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Monday, October 12, 2020

Many of you already have estate documents, probably executed many years ago. You need an estate attorney to look over your documents every 10 years or so. Here are a dozen points to review. 1. Do you have a will and powers of attorney...

Stocks and the Election Don’t Mix

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

As concern over the upcoming election continues to build, one of the questions we’re getting is whether investors should sell ahead of the election for fear the party they don’t want to win takes over the White House. As...

Planning for Retirement? Don't Forget About Long-Term Care

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Your plans for retirement may include travel, home improvements, and more time spent with family. Few people enter retirement with the expectation (or even the thought) that they soon may be unable to live independently. However, this...

How Corporate Bond Spreads Respond to Equity Market Volatility

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

An old Wall Street adage says bond markets are smarter than equity markets, so when stocks encounter volatility, investors often look to the bond market for clues about the potential severity of equity market weakness. The...

5 Real-Time Data Charts To Track the Recovery

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

We check in again today on some of the real-time economic data that LPL Research is monitoring to provide timely and valuable insights into the state of the US economy. Traditional economic data is often reported too slowly to pick up...

Three Things to Know Before Buying a Home

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Whether you're a first-time home buyer or are re-entering the real estate market after a hiatus, it's important to educate yourself on the most up-to-date tips and tricks for purchasing a home. Doing so can help save you thousands or...

Central Banks Speak

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) and Bank of Japan (BoJ) both meet this week, while the European Central Bank (ECB) met last week. When central bankers talk— markets listen. “The global economy has been steadying faster than...

What to Do with Your Retirement Plan During Lay-Offs or Furloughs

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

In an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the government has shut down numerous businesses throughout the country, and others have drastically cut hours. As a result, over 10 million workers filed for unemployment in March...

National Life Insurance Awareness Month

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, September 10, 2020

September is National Life Insurance Awareness month. And while most of us likely recognize that life insurance provides us peace of mind and security, there may be a few things you don’t know. Life Insurance is Not Just for the...

Analyzing the Jobs Report

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

The jobs market remains strong, as the August nonfarm payrolls came in at a solid 1.37 million jobs created, right in line with expectations. This was the fourth consecutive month of gains, up 10.6 million over this time frame. In...

Dealing with Life’s Transitional Moments

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Some life transitions, such as a career change or marriage, are planned, but a job loss or divorce can be sudden and unexpected. One common thread that accompanies all transitions, however, is the concern about whether there will be...

3 Charts To Watch If You Are Bullish

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

The S&P 500 Index just closed the door on its best August since 1986, making new all-time highs along the way, while also closing up five months in a row. First things first, make no mistake about it; this is a new bull market. That of...

Income Inequality and Its Impact on Women's Retirement

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Here are the facts. Generally speaking, women earn less than men, live longer than men, and often take time out of the workforce to have children and/or to care for an aging parent or sick loved one. The potential consequence of these...

Low Treasury Yields Present a Challenge as Inflation Expectations Rise

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

As the COVID-19-related economic weakness that characterized the first half of the year subsides, growth has begun to return as trillions in fiscal stimulus have helped to stabilize consumer spending. Against a backdrop of improving...

History of Social Security

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Over 63 million people in the United States receive Social Security benefits every month. While most of these people are retirees, about 20% are disabled or the surviving children or spouses of workers. Some people rely on these...

3 Mistakes to Avoid Before Taking Required Minimum Distributions

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Uncle Sam wants your money. He has bills to pay, just like you. And he's been waiting patiently for decades for you to hand over his share of your tax-deferred retirement dollars. He expects some folks to be stubborn about it, so he...

Bond Returns and Congress

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

As election season heats up, we are often presented with questions regarding market returns based on the political party composition of the White House and Congress. In our Election Preview Weekly Market Commentary, we took a closer...

The Worst Years for Treasuries Don’t Look Like This…Except One

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

The 10-year Treasury yield is historically low, so low that it could climb a full 1% before the end of the year and still be the lowest year-end yield on record, with room to spare. Historically low rates come with a genuine concern...

Preparing For Your Next 401(k) Open Enrollment

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Open enrollment season is one of the shortest—in most cases, employees have only a few weeks to research their options and make a decision on things like their 401(k) contributions, health and dental insurance, disability...

High-Frequency Data Reflects Pause in Recovery

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

After carving out the first part of a “V-shaped” recovery, the US economy has leveled off somewhat in response to the latest wave of COVID-19 infections. In this week’s Weekly Market Commentary: Stalling Economic...

The Sandwich Generation: Juggling Family Responsibilities

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

At a time when your career is reaching a peak and you are looking ahead to your own retirement, you may find yourself in the position of having to help your children with college expenses while at the same time looking after the needs...

Let’s Get Real About Yields

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

While the 10-year Treasury yield has traded in a narrow range since early April, the equivalent real yield, represented by the yield on 10-year Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS), has continued to fall and could go lower....

Midyear Outlook 2020: The Trail Ahead

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

AT THE MIDPOINT of 2020, we’re mindful that it’s been an extremely challenging year so far in the United States and around the globe. We’re in the midst of a pandemic that continues to impact all of us, our...

How to Make Savings Last Longer in Retirement

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Whether you dream of a travel-filled retirement or would prefer to relax and enjoy spending more time at home, you're probably wondering what you can do to make your golden years as stress-free as possible. For many who have spent the...

Paying for College and the Impact of COVID-19

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, July 9, 2020

With the coronavirus shutting done educational institutions and moving classes online, the face of education across the country has changed. While the focus has been primarily on completing the educational requirements to get K through...

Economically Sensitive Fixed Income Sectors Lead in Second Quarter

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

The Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index posted a solid total return of 2.9% in the second quarter of 2020, its eighth consecutive quarterly gain, and a relatively strong quarter for the broad investment-grade bond index...

Ten Things You Must Know About Medicare

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Heading into your retirement years brings a slew of new topics to grapple with, and one of the most maddening may be Medicare. Figuring out when to enroll, what to enroll in and what coverage will be best for you can be daunting. To...

The Best Quarter Since 1998

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

What a quarter the second quarter was, with the S&P 500 Index adding 20.0%, for the best quarter since 1998 and the best second quarter since 1938. Of course, stocks fell 20% in the first quarter, so what we really have is a bad case...

IRS Offers Relief to Retirement Plan Participants

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Monday, June 29, 2020

On June 19, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service announced new guidelines to help those affected by COVID-19 gain more access to retirement plan distributions and loans. The IRS expanded the categories of those eligible, called qualified...

Coupon Clipping for Investment Income

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

What can we learn about investment income opportunities from coupon-clipping environments? From 1977 to 2019, the price of the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index rose in 22 calendar years and fell in 21 years, but, adding in...

Green Shoots in Real-Time Economic Data

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Real-time data continues to provide valuable insight into the current state of the US economy even as traditional economic data is too slow to pick up changes that are occurring. Today we revisit some of the real-time data points that...

Women, Wealth, and Legacy Planning

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Monday, June 15, 2020

Women play a central role in establishing and preserving family wealth -- whether nurturing the values of children, fulfilling charitable goals, or making investment decisions that affect the financial security of themselves or their...

It’s Official, We’re In A Recession

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

In probably one of the least surprising economic calls of all time, the Nation Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) officially declared an end to the longest expansion ever and the start of a new recession. As shown in the LPL Chart of...

Socially Responsible Investing

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Friday, June 5, 2020

Investing with an eye toward promoting social, political, or environmental concerns (or at least not supporting activities you feel are harmful) doesn't mean you have to forgo pursuing a return on your money. Socially responsible...

Companies are Saying Goodbye to Dividends

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

The COVID-19 crisis has forced companies around the world to suspend dividend payouts to their investors. In fact, through the first quarter of 2020 alone, over 500 companies worldwide have suspended or reduced their dividends this...

Corporate Bond Spreads Decline as Fed Increases ETF Purchases

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The Federal Reserve (Fed) increased its bond exchange-traded funds (ETF) purchases in the week ending May 20 (the most recent data available), adding another $1.5 billion in bond ETFs to its balance sheet, bringing the total holding to...

Women, Money, and Today's Retirement

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Despite all of the other advances made in our society in recent generations, women continue to face unique challenges when it comes to preparing for their financial futures. Recognizing the Shortfalls For starters, women on average...

Fed Says No to Negative Rates

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

There’re plenty of people who think negative interest rates are a good policy. But we don’t really think so at the Federal Reserve. And I think it’s an area of real uncertainty in the central banking world. -Fed Chair...

The Inflationary Impact of COVID-19 Stimulus

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

The coronavirus outbreak, which was first detected in China, has infected millions of people in hundreds of countries and has left global governments, businesses, families and individuals around the world counting the costs. In the U.S...

COVID-19 & The Idea of Sell in May and Go Away

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Friday, May 15, 2020

One of the oldest stock market strategies is to “Sell in May and Go Away.” If you factor in this seasonal “strategy,” COVID-19 might make you think twice about employing. Especially on the heels of the best...

Why Gold Will Continue To Shine

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Gold has done quite well so far in 2020, up more than 12% year to date versus the S&P 500 Index which is down about 10%. We started to warm to the yellow metal late last year and continue to think it can serve as a potential hedge in a...

Women: Make a Financial Plan -- the Secret of Your Success

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Financial planning is more than just a good idea. Research has consistently shown that people who have financial plans -- and who work with financial advisors -- save and invest far more and are nearly twice as likely to feel on track...

Remembering the Flash Crash

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

One of the most historic market crashes ever took place 10 years ago today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index plunging more than 1,000 points, or 9%, within minutes, only to regain most of the losses by the end of the day....

Have Stay-At-Home Growth Stocks Peaked?

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Over the past couple of weeks, we have thankfully witnessed new cases of COVID-19 in the US trending lower. Increasingly, we are also seeing governors implementing plans to re-open their state economies in phases. If the US economy...

Balancing Working from Home and E-Learning: A Parent's Guide

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Monday, April 27, 2020

If the coronavirus crisis has led you to recently join the more than 5 million U.S. workers who work from home, you may still be settling into a routine.1 Adding homeschooling (or e-learning) into the mix can introduce additional...

When Will The Recession Officially Start?

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

With 22 million jobs lost in the past four weeks, a record drop in retail sales, and huge drops in industrial production and housing starts, it is safe to say we are likely in a recession. Even the Federal Reserve (Fed) in the recent...

Can Stocks Close Higher In 2020?

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

What a ride 2020 has been for investors. The fastest bear market ever, now one of the steepest recoveries ever. After being down more than 30% for the year on March 23, this recovery is extremely impressive. In fact, before yesterday,...

Retirement Assistance Within the CARES Act

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

In late March 2020, as the number of novel coronavirus cases in the U.S. surged past 100,000, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law. The CARES Act provides around $2.2 trillion in aid to...

Big Annual Declines Are Rare

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Stocks have rallied nicely off the March 23 lows on the back of a bold policy response from the Federal Reserve (Fed) and lawmakers in Washington, DC, which was followed by signs that a peak in growth of COVID-19 cases may come soon....

April is Financial Literacy Month

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Friday, April 3, 2020

April is National Financial Literacy Month – an entire month dedicated to underscoring the importance of learning, establishing and maintaining healthy financial habits. But ask yourself this: what have you learned about anything...

Market Update: Wed, Apr 1, 2020

Legna Gonzalez, CFP

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

More weakness. After wrapping up one of the worst quarters ever for stocks, stocks sold off globally this morning after a somber warning from President Trump. Trump said the United States is facing potentially its toughest two weeks...

Tip: How Much? Check your Social Security earnings and see an estimate of your benefits on the website, www.ssa.gov. Social Security’s been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how...