The Importance of Offense and Defense in Challenging Markets

Concerns that a trade war will lead to a recession have spread around the globe. The possibility of retaliatory tariffs is on investors’ minds, with China responding with counter-tariffs, increasing the odds of a worst-case trade war scenario. Markets in Asia and Europe have declined alongside U.S. stocks. There has been a “flight to safety”…

Tips for Making Wills

Have you made a will? If you have, when was the last time you reviewed it? In this article, based on a webinar with legal expert Kevin Farrelly, you’ll learn more about the process behind making wills. Understanding the Estate Planning Process and the Role of Wills Wills are an essential part of the estate-planning…

Why Business Cycles Matter in Financial Planning

Business cycles play a significant role in financial planning. Why? Because they are inevitable and have distinct phases, as I discuss below. Understandably, I have received many calls from clients concerned with the recent stock market decline.  The post-election rally has “round-tripped” and then some.  The uncertainties of the times have given many investors a…

Tech Sector Underperformance and Concentration Risk

Investor concerns over the recent underperformance of technology stocks have raised questions about concentration risk and the broader market. Strong returns among artificial intelligence stocks have supported portfolios over the past few years. At the same time, they have raised questions about the sustainability of the market rally. Concerns for tech stocks primarily include concentration…

How Financial Planning Helps You Navigate Lifestages

What value does financial planning bring to your life? Ultimately, it helps you plan for the unexpected in life so you remain financially sound. This article explores the different life stages, highlighting how planning can benefit you financially along the way. The Game of Life and Financial Planning at Every Age Are you familiar with…

Market Perspectives After a Nervous Start to 2025

Here follow perspectives on the market given a nervous start to 2025 to help set expectations for your investment portfolio. Concerns About the Stock Market in 2025 The stock market has struggled in recent weeks as concerns have grown around interest rates, market valuations, the direction of the economy, and more. Some industry sectors, like…

How the $36 Trillion National Debt Impacts Investors

How does the national debt affect investors, especially when it is so large? Let’s explore. According to the U.S. Treasury, the national debt is quickly approaching $36 trillion, a fact that has fueled concerns among investors and economists. This means that the federal debt has nearly quadrupled since before the 2008 global financial crisis, and…

How Rising Oil Prices Affect Investors

Rising oil prices tend to conjure frightening thoughts: rampant inflation, and rising transportation and energy costs. You might even flashback to the 1973 Arab oil embargo and how it led to severe gasoline shortages… Yet, rising oil prices can also be a natural byproduct of healthy growing economies. Middle East Conflict and Oil Prices With…

How to Invest for Retirement Amid Market Uncertainty

Investing for retirement can be nerve-racking especially when the news cycle seems fixated on amplifying market turmoil. As an investor, you may be concerned when the onus is increasingly on you the individual investor to plan for retirement. Increased Market Uncertainty From President Biden’s announcement that he will not be seeking re-election, to a rotation…

What Broadening Market Performance Means for Investors

As an investor, have you considered what broadening market performance means for you? Let’s explore. From the Magnificent 7 to a Broader Set of Sectors Over the past week, there has been a change in the internals in the stock market. With a positiveCPI report, the prospect of lower rates has re-entered investor sentiment. We…