Insights

Weekly Market Commentary December 10, 2018

The market is starting to grate on some investors. The S&P 500 dropped 4.6% last week on concerns the reported trade truce wasn’t as substantial as hoped and that global economic growth continued to slow. Global stocks participated in the decline as the MSCI ACWI lost 3.5% last week. Read more

Gifts without the Guilt – Tips for Avoiding Financial Stress at the Holidays

Pop quiz: Can you name more than three gifts you got for the holidays last year? A sweater, an Apple watch, a popcorn tin … and, ummmm? Most of us would be hard-pressed to answer this question, even by late January.

What we remember, of course, are the moments with family and friends – the relationships that are renewed in the holiday time of slowing down. Material gifts are fine for the moment, but they are usually forgotten even before they have the chance to break and wear out. Read more

Year-End Planning: Do Something Today That Your Future Self Will Thank You For

Published by: Mark Lookabill

As November comes to a close and we head into the end of year holiday season, I thought this would be the perfect time to provide some tips to help you get a jump on year-end planning. While this is by no means an exhaustive or comprehensive list of everything that you could tackle, these three broad areas will get you headed in the right direction as we approach year end.  As you are thinking about these topics, please remember to consult with your wealth advisor to make sure the information you have is accurate and you make the best decision for your situation.

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Weekly Market Commentary December 3, 2018

Last week provided investors clarity on their two biggest concerns: interest rates and trade. Federal Reserve communication indicated rate increases will likely slow in 2019, and over the weekend, the U.S. and China announced an agreement to delay an increase in tariffs from 10% to 25% on a wide range of U.S. goods. In exchange, the Chinese will buy more U.S. goods, and both sides will seek an agreement in the next quarter. Read more

The 4 Pitfalls of No Plan

There are some things in life you just can’t plan for: an unexpected illness, job loss, death of spouse, disability…While these major events can impact your life, having an effective game plan can help ensure that it doesn’t ruin your financial well-being. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary November 26, 2018

Global stocks continued to decline as economic weakness and the possibility of further rate increases by the Federal Reserve worried investors. After rallying in late October and early November, global stocks were trading near the levels reached during the October decline. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary November 19, 2018

After two straight weeks of 2%-plus returns, the S&P 500 was down 1.6% last week. Global stocks also declined, pushing the MSCI ACWI down 1.2% last week.

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Weekly Market Commentary November 12, 2018

The S&P 500 rallied for the second consecutive week as markets have recovered nearly half of the losses since late September. S&P 500 soared 2.1% last week. Global stocks rallied as well, but lagged U.S. stocks. The MSCI ACWI climbed 0.9%. The Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index rose 0.3%, partly on hopes a split Congress will result in lower deficits. Read more

Fox Business: Ron Carson On The Election And Markets

Hear Ron Carson on Fox Business’ Varney & Co with Stuart Varney as they discuss the election and markets. Read more

If It Doesn’t Challenge You, It Won’t Change You . . .

Published by Teresa Milner

Have you ever participated in a fitness challenge? The purpose of the challenge is to help you accomplish your fitness goals; i.e., losing weight, increasing muscle mass, etc. The same concept can be applied to money challenges. Money challenges can be used to accomplish both short and long term financial goals. As with fitness challenges, money challenges can be measured too; i.e., buying Christmas gifts, funding a college savings plan, giving yourself the ability to retire early.

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