In this month’s recap: Stocks, gold, and oil all surge, a door opens for U.S.-China trade talks to resume, and the Federal Reserve suddenly sounds dovish. Monthly Economic Update Presented by Arland Kelly, July 2019 THE MONTH IN BRIEF You could say June was a month of highs. The S&P 500 hit another record peak, oil prices reached year-to-date highs, and gold became more valuable than it had been in six years. (There was also...
Arland Kelly presents: SMART TIP: The best advice to avoid overeating? Slow down. Research shows it can take about 20 minutes for your brain to receive the “I’m full!” signal from your stomach. Only have 20 minutes to eat lunch during a busy workday? Try to pace yourself during that time to avoid eating past the point of satiety. WHO SAID IT? “One of the hardest things in this world is to admit you are...
In this month’s recap: major stock benchmarks descend as new developments in the U.S.-China tariff dispute lead to a broad risk-off in equities; consumer confidence surges, while the housing market cools. Monthly Economic Update Presented by Arland Kelly, June 2019 THE MONTH IN BRIEF Hopes for a quick resolution to the U.S.-China trade dispute faded in May as discussions broke down and rhetoric from both sides turned tough again. The disappointment lingered on Wall Street...
Arland Kelly presents: SMART TIP: Looking for stress relief? Try petting a dog or cat. Studies show that playing with a companion animal can lower your levels of cortisol and increase oxytocin. Don’t have a furry friend of your own? Visit a friend who does or consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or rescue group. WHO SAID IT? “The price of greatness is responsibility.” [GET THE ANSWER] TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Q: Roughly what percentage...
The Cost of Procrastination Don't let procrastination keep you from pursuing your financial goals. Provided by Arland Kelly 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 expired?” You’d been meaning to take care of it for some time. For weeks, you...
In this month’s recap: the S&P 500 returns to record territory, key economic indicators show strength, oil continues its ascent, and existing home sales decline. Monthly Economic Update Presented by Arland Kelly, May 2019 THE MONTH IN BRIEF Wall Street shifted its focus from trade to earnings in April. On that front, the news was good: through April 26, first-quarter results for S&P 500 firms had beaten expectations by 5.3%, a bit better than the...
Arland Kelly presents: SMART TIP: It’s a common misconception that “mega” doses on vitamin C will help prevent or recover from a cold more quickly. Rest and fluids (and a trip to your doctor) are usually the best bets for recovery. WHO SAID IT? “There may be a great fire in our hearts, yet no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a wisp of smoke.” [GET THE ANSWER]...
Arland Kelly presents: SMART TIP: Always hungry? Try emphasizing more fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats in your diet. Fiber and protein slow carbs from entering your blood too quickly; fat keeps it from leaving too soon. Stable blood sugar will help curb hunger. WHO SAID IT? “Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.” [GET THE ANSWER] TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Q: What is the deadline for IRA contributions for the 2018...
In this month’s recap: the Federal Reserve sees no rate hikes in 2019, investors watch Treasury yields with interest, hiring suddenly weakens, home sales pick up, and the price of oil tops $60. Monthly Economic Update Presented by Arland Kelly, April 2019 THE MONTH IN BRIEF The Federal Reserve altered its outlook on interest rates in March, and the stock and bond markets certainly took notice. Both the Fed and the European Central Bank communicated...
Arland Kelly presents: SMART TIP: Walking just 20 minutes daily at a brisk pace may help a 160-lb. person burn an extra 700 calories in one week. Either for weight loss or overall wellness, regular walks are a great way to keep healthy. WHO SAID IT? “No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit for doing it.” [GET THE ANSWER] TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Q...
In this month’s recap: domestic and foreign shares (and many commodities) advance, as two major investor anxieties ease for the moment. Monthly Economic Update Presented by Arland Kelly, March 2019 THE MONTH IN BRIEF You could say that Wall Street breathed a collective sigh of relief in February. Investors were encouraged by new developments in U.S.-China trade negotiations and by the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s most recent policy meeting. On Main Street, consumer confidence...
Your Emergency Fund: How Much is Enough? An emergency fund may help alleviate the stress associated with a financial crisis. Provided by Arland Kelly 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, giving yourself your best, “You can make it!” pep talk, you see smoke...
