In this month’s recap: the Fed hikes again, wage growth ascends, mortgage rates rise notably, and stocks advance. Monthly Economic Update Presented by Arland Kelly, October 2018 THE MONTH IN BRIEF Wall Street maintained its optimism in September. While trade worries were top of mind for economists and investors overseas, bulls largely shrugged at the prospect of tariffs and the probability of another interest rate hike. The S&P 500 rose 0.43% for the month. On...
Arland Kelly presents: SMART TIP: Are you brushing your teeth properly? Improper brushing can damage teeth and gums. Brush for at least two minutes, reaching your teeth, areas where teeth and gums meet, your tongue, and the roof of your mouth. Replace your toothbrush each month. WHO SAID IT? “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.” [GET THE ANSWER] TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Q: This summer (August), the Institute for...
Underappreciated Options for Building Retirement Savings More people ought to know about them. Provided by Arland Kelly There are a number of well-known retirement savings vehicles, used by millions. Are there other, relatively obscure retirement savings accounts worthy of attention? Are there prospective benefits for retirement savers that remain under the radar? The answer to both questions is yes. Consider these potential routes toward greater retirement savings. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). People enrolled in high-deductible...
Getting Your Personal Finances in Shape for 2019 Fall is a good time to assess where you stand and where you could be. Provided by Arland Kelly You need not wait for 2019 to plan improvements to your finances. You can begin now. The last few months of 2018 give you a prime time to examine critical areas of your budget, your credit, and your investments. You could work on your emergency fund (or your...
Here are the answers to some of the most common investment questions you’ve always wanted to ask. 1. When should I start investing? When you have the means to do so. One of best places to start investing is with your employer’s 401K or 403B plan, particularly if they offer a match on contributions. If your employer doesn’t offer this option, consider investing in an individual IRA. Investing in stock should be a consideration when...
Arland Kelly presents: SMART TIP: Need less fat when baking? Try substituting oil with applesauce in a one-to-one ratio. Do you require less sugar? Cutting the recipe’s listed amount by one quarter will not usually affect the overall quality of the dish. WHO SAID IT? “There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept.” [GET THE ANSWER] TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Q: As the first trading week of August ended, how many record...
In this month’s recap: stocks make history, consumer confidence rises, the housing market’s summer slump continues, and a new trade pact might replace NAFTA. Monthly Economic Update Presented by Arland Kelly, September 2018 THE MONTH IN BRIEF Wall Street had much to celebrate in August. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both reached historic heights, with the Nasdaq crossing two 1,000-point milestones in a calendar year for the first time since 1999. The current bull...
Arland Kelly presents: SMART TIP: Soda, sweet tea, and sweetened coffee drinks can add calories. Try drinking more water. If the taste is too “plain” for your palate, try adding a twist of lemon, lime, or infusing with another fruit to add more flavor. WHO SAID IT? “Believe in life! Always human beings will progress to greater, broader, and fuller life.” [GET THE ANSWER] TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Q: America’s yearly inflation rate reached 2.8% in...
In this month’s recap: earnings and fundamentals encourage Wall Street, while tariff talk continues, inflation pressure mounts, and home sales decline. Monthly Economic Update Presented by Arland Kelly, August 2018 THE MONTH IN BRIEF While investors kept tariffs and trade disputes in mind in August, a new earnings season provided Wall Street with a lift. Blue chips especially benefited: the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 4.71% for the month. Broadly speaking, strong corporate profits and...
As the go-to investment option for most companies and their employees, 401(k) plans provide many benefits to plan participants, including deferment of taxes, the likelihood of an employer match, and a high maximum allowable for annual contributions. But for those that are self-employed, or whose employer does not offer a 401(k), a traditional or Roth IRA is an option. In many ways, a 401(k) and an IRA are similar in scope, with contributions for both...
Inheritances are a complicated thing. Not only are there often strings attached in the eyes of the government, unexpected taxes, and complicated bequeathments, but there are also potential conflicts within families. And not to mention the fact that the potential windfall was the result of a relative's death. Inheritances are very complicated. But, did you know, Millennials are predicted to inherit $30 trillion in wealth. 1 That’s an exorbitant amount of money that the baby...
*This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information provided is not written or intended as tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for purposes of avoiding any Federal tax penalties. Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their own tax or legal counsel. Individuals involved in the estate planning process should work with an estate planning team, including their own personal legal or tax counsel. Neither...
