Insights

By Craig Lemoine, Director of Consumer Investment Research At their most basic level, executive compensation plans are designed to attract, retain and motivate top talent and leadership. But truly successful plans are designed to be much more than providing a high salary to a key employee – …

Tom Fridrich, Senior Wealth Planner  Once upon a time, people would put money in their 401(k) or IRA accounts and know that – should their retirement savings outlive them – their loved ones would inherit the rest and all would essentially be well. 

It’s almost impossible not to feel anxious at the dips and dives the stock market has been taking recently, compounded by relentless inflation-focused headlines. That’s why you might be surprised to learn there’s a lot of positive news to be had, despite the market uncertainty. 

By Craig Lemoine, Director of Consumer Investment Research   I often find college savings at the top of my pile of financial stressors. Unless I find a money tree in my backyard, my oldest child is going to turn 18 well before I retire. We all have different values surrounding the educ …

Tom Fridrich, JD, CLU, ChFC®, Senior Wealth Planner    You’re in a good position in your life. You’ve built up your wealth, perhaps from a successful business or working in corporate America. You might feel it’s time to start winding down and that you’re in a place where you’re figurin …

Burt White, Chief Strategy Officer   So far, 2022 is off to one of the worst ever starts of a year for stock returns. And the reasons are numerous and front of mind for us all: an unexpected war in Ukraine, the lingering impacts of COVID-19, the highest inflation rates in 40 years and the …

Tom Fridrich, JD, CLU, ChFC®, Senior Wealth Planner    Whether perpetrated over the phone, via text, by email or online, financial fraud is a crime that unfortunately just keeps growing. Earlier this year, the FTC reported that it received 2.8 million reports of fraud from consumers in …

When market volatility occurs, it’s completely natural to feel anxious about your finances. This is an uncomfortable time for all investors – seasoned and new. 

By Craig Lemoine, Ph.D., CFP®, Director of Consumer Investment Research   Suppose last year you went grocery shopping and filled your cart with $100 worth of items. This year, you went to the same store and bought the same items – this time, the bill rang up at $107.50.   The differenc …

Ryan Yamada, CFP®, Senior Wealth Planner  It was late one afternoon when I received the call from a retired client.  

Beth Schanou, Senior Wealth Planner Finances can be difficult to talk about – especially with your parents when they need your financial help.