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The start of the holiday shopping season can provide important clues about the economy’s state and, more importantly, overall consumer confidence. So far, the results have been a “mixed bag” with empty malls and busy websites. Sales in November and December account for 20 percent of annual retail sales, but that number can be higher for some retailers. Holiday sales also tend to be more profitable since the increased activity comes without having to boost the…

As Wall Street pushes higher, a pandemic-weary Main Street is relearning how to manage cash flow with the hope of keeping its retirement dreams alive. Self-employed Americans, and the people working for them, account for roughly 30 percent of the nation’s workforce.1 In the best of times, putting aside money for retirement was a challenge for this group. Before the pandemic, just 13 percent of people who run a single-person business set aside money in a…

Perhaps this year, more than ever, Thanksgiving gives us a chance to appreciate what we have – friendships, relationships, and a sense of connection. These gifts are priceless. I also want to thank you for choosing me as your trusted financial professional and for allowing me to help you pursue your goals.That’s a trust I never take for granted. Although this holiday may be a unique one, I hope it brings you some beautiful memories. I…

As the United States sees a rise in cases of COVID-19 across the nation, news of two promising vaccines out of hundreds being tested has offered a ray of hope for a fatigued world.1 A positive reaction to these vaccines affects every aspect of human life, including the financial world. On Monday, November 16th, The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 450 points on the news of a second effective vaccine, hitting a record high.2 Markets are…

As an investor, it can be tempting to get caught up in daily news headlines. Consider how news about the election and COVID-19 vaccines have moved the markets over the past several weeks. But having a financial strategy can help you ignore short-term volatility and focus on your long-term vision. As you know, investing is a process based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Interestingly enough, it’s also a process that may help you…

Now that several major news groups have projected Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election—and Congress appears divided with Democrats in control of the House and Republicans the Senate—it’s a good time to review what type of legislative support would be needed to pass certain proposals. The key item to remember is that any change will follow a process, which would allow some time to evaluate the economic impact. Let’s take a closer look at…

With all the election chatter and stock market volatility, it may have been easy to miss the ongoing uptrend in long-term interest rates. The yield on the 10-year Treasury bond is sitting just below 1%. Just a few short months ago, the 10-year was yielding roughly 0.5%.1 What’s fueling the rally? More demand for money, which is the result of a pickup in economic activity. When businesses see economic conditions improving, they look to expand their…

It’s a startling statistic. 45% of consumers with $100,000 or more investable assets expect to make changes to their investments due to the upcoming 2020 presidential election.1 Second-guessing your investment strategy is natural, especially with an election on the horizon. Emotions are running high as many are divided about what may happen to the financial markets with the election just weeks away. It’s a good time to remind everyone that investing involves risks, and investment decisions…

Election 2020 is finally here! In case you needed more reasons to vote here are a few…

On October 13, 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 1.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2021. This adjustment will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2021. Additionally, increased payments to more than 8 million Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2020.1 COLA Lite? Many may be disappointed by this modest bump compared to the 1.6…