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...
Arland Kelly presents: SMART TIP: Want to improve the flavor of your food in a heart-healthy way? Add more herbs and spices. Cumin, ginger, cayenne, and countless others are loaded with antioxidants and other phytonutrients. So, sprinkle on a little (or a lot), and enjoy! WHO SAID IT? "Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. [GET THE ANSWER] TEST YOUR...
In this month’s recap: equities rally here and around the world, economic fundamentals look solid, the pace of home sales slows, and oil surges. Monthly Economic Update Presented by Arland Kelly, February 2019 THE MONTH IN BRIEF During a month marked by political impasses in the United States and United Kingdom, equities performed well around most of the world. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 advanced 7.87% in January, with a new earnings season as...
In this month’s recap: equity and commodity markets experience major losses, the Fed sends a hawkish message, home sales improve, and the economy maintains its momentum. Monthly Economic Update Presented by Arland Kelly, January 2019 THE MONTH IN BRIEF December 2018 will be remembered for its volatility and its challenges. The S&P 500 flirted with bear market territory, dropping 10.16% for the month. Appetite for risk declined here and abroad in the face of tariffs...
Arland Kelly presents: SMART TIP: Looking for a high-protein, plant-based alternatives to meat? Try beans, peas, and other legumes. These protein-packed foods contain excellent sources of iron, zinc, fiber, magnesium, and other nutrients. WHO SAID IT? “I never dreamed about success, I worked for it.” [GET THE ANSWER] TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Q: Thanks to federal tax reform, the standard income tax deduction for joint filers has grown. How large is it for the 2018 tax...
Arland Kelly presents: SMART TIP: Did you know that fruit “drinks,” “cocktails,” and “beverages” may only contain 5-15% fruit juice? Often, these drinks are loaded with added sugars as well. WHO SAID IT? “I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.” [GET THE ANSWER] TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Q: Across the 12 months ending in October, wages grew at an annualized pace not seen in nine years...
In this month’s recap: equities rise with a little help from the Fed, oil dives, and most key domestic indicators look quite strong. Monthly Economic Update Presented by Arland Kelly, December 2018 THE MONTH IN BRIEF For most of November, the stock market was plagued by the same skepticism evident in October: the sense that corporate profits were declining and economic growth was slowing. Then Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell threw investors a line: he...
Investing Means Tolerating Some Risk That truth must always be recognized. Provided by Arland Kelly When financial markets have a bad day, week, or month, discomforting headlines and data can swiftly communicate a message to retirees and retirement savers alike: equity investments are risky things, and Wall Street is a risky place. All true. If you want to accumulate significant retirement savings or try and grow your wealth through the opportunities in the markets, this...
Your 2019 Financial To-Do List Things you can do for your future as the year unfolds. Provided by Arland Kelly What financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address for 2019? Now is a good time to think about the investing, saving, or budgeting methods you could employ toward specific objectives, from building your retirement fund to lowering your taxes. You have plenty of options. Here are a few that might prove convenient...
Arland Kelly presents: SMART TIP: A glass of whole milk has 60 more calories per cup than a glass of skim milk. Switching to skim may be an easy way to cut calories and keep your waistline trim. WHO SAID IT? “Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less.” [GET THE ANSWER] TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Q: In...
In this month’s recap: another correction hits Wall Street, housing indicators raise questions, but consumer confidence, consumer spending, and GDP look healthy. Monthly Economic Update Presented by Arland Kelly, November 2018 THE MONTH IN BRIEF October certainly lived up to its reputation for volatility. The S&P 500 suffered its second correction of the year as investors wondered if they were seeing early signs of the peak of the current business cycle, absorbing news of moderating...
Tolerate the Turbulence Look beyond this moment and stay focused on your long-term objectives. Provided by Arland Kelly Volatility will always be around on Wall Street, and as you invest for the long term, you must learn to tolerate it. Rocky moments, fortunately, are not the norm. Since the end of World War II, there have been dozens of Wall Street shocks. Wall Street has seen 56 pullbacks (retreats of 5-9.99%) in the past 73...
