Investing During a Bear Market
Lately, financial pundits seem to be constantly warning that a bear market is coming, arguing over whether one has begun or predicting when one will end. It’s less common for them to actually define one. From their ominous tone, you can tell it’s less appealing than its counterpart, a bull market. But what is it […]
The Benefits of Donor-Advised Funds
As tax planning season and end-of-year charitable giving begin, it’s a good time to consider the benefits of donor-advised funds. Charitable giving has many facets, most notably as an opportunity for you to support the causes and organizations that reflect your values. But giving is also a significant tax and financial planning opportunity, helping you […]
[Video] Weathering Market Downturns
Recipe of the Month: Caramel-Pecan Sticky Rolls
Ingredients Rolls: 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose or bread flour 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2 packages regular active or fast-acting dry yeast (4 1/2 teaspoons) 1cup very warm milk (120°F to 130°F) 1/4 cup butter, softened 1 egg Caramel Topping 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup […]
Smart Ways to Save for Your Child’s Education
If you’re a parent, the start of a new school year may have you considering how much you’re able to set aside for your child’s college fund. Average annual tuition in the U.S. is $38,185 for private college and $10,338 for public college.1 And those numbers may rise by 2%–3% in the coming school year.2 […]
Understanding the Charitable Remainder Trust
The charitable remainder trust (CRT) is a popular retirement- and estate-planning tool. It can be a convenient way to create a stream of lifetime income for yourself and others or donate to a charity while minimizing and deferring taxes. But there are many choices to make when establishing a CRT and, in some cases, these […]
[Video] Long Term Investments
The Sequence of Returns Risk in Retirement
Markets go up and down in ways that are not entirely predictable. For long-term investors, what the market is doing in the present isn’t that troubling; they’ve got a long time to ride out potential downturns. But for recent retirees, an ill-timed market downturn can have a negative impact on their nest egg, increasing the […]
An Introduction to Bond Ladders
Bonds play an important role in a diverse investment portfolio. As fixed-income securities, they can provide a stable return until they mature. As with any investment, bonds are subject to a certain amount of risk. Interest rate risk, for one, is the possibility that interest rates will rise after an investor buys bonds, causing them […]
It’s Time to Have “The Estate Plan Talk”
Talking with loved ones about estate planning and inheritance can be challenging, especially as it centers around two taboo topics – money and death. But talking with your adult children about their inheritance can provide signature advantages for you and them. It can help your heirs better prepare for the future and give you a […]
