December 2024
In 2024, LPL Research believes markets will make a definitive turn to a more recognizable place. En route, the transition will be marked by meaningful shifts in a few key areas. Inflation is going down. The risk of a recession is bubbling up again as the effect of post-pandemic stimulus wanes. And the end of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) rate-hiking campaign is indeed upon us.
December 2023
In the world of investing, the “holiday effect,” as it is often referred to, is a phenomenon where stock prices see an increase right before a major holiday. There are many theories on why this may occur. It could be from trading volume being down due to investors taking a vacation or maybe because investors are becoming more averse to risk during the holiday season and off-loading their riskier investments.
The holiday season is a time of generosity, kindness, good cheer, presents, food, family, and fun. In Dr. Seuss’s classic story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Grinch was intent on ruining, well, all of it.
October 2023
Businesses generally are illiquid, which can create problems if a business owner requires care in a long-term care facility. LTC is ongoing care in a care facility, nursing home, or at home for those unable to perform a certain number of activities of daily living (ADL) without assistance.
High Net-Worth executives and those that have been self-employed, can experience common problems in their financial planning journey. Often, they have missed opportunities in their financial planning because they haven’t planned adequately for their retirement even though they make a high income.
September 2023
Having a solid life insurance policy in place is crucial for any adult who has assets, a business, or a steady income. While most adults know that having a life insurance policy is a vital piece in their financial puzzle, there are many life insurance myths out there that are still believed.
In an era characterized by high job turnover, it is more important than ever for employees to carefully manage their retirement savings. With a significant portion of Americans withdrawing money from their 401(k)s when they change employers, understanding the value of 401(k) rollovers is essential to preserving a confident financial future.
August 2023
A student’s education expenses may be reduced when a parent uses their tax-advantaged retirement account to help cover tuition and other related costs. With many students graduating with college loan debt, using a 401(k) or IRA may help lessen the burden of paying off education-related debt.
Understanding the difference between taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-exempt accounts can improve portfolio diversification and make a difference in how much you earn over time.
July 2023
A regular program of disciplined financial practices can help you in the long-run. Many people realize that the best way to stay in shape is to develop an appropriate fitness regimen and then stick with it. If you start a fitness program and drop out, you never give yourself a chance to become physically fit. In the long run, regular workouts pay off.
If recent market volatility has you questioning your opportunities for financial freedom, you are not alone. Due to rising inflation, higher interest rates, a volatile stock market, and recession fears, many investors find themselves wondering how to proceed.
June 2023
Having enough retirement income is a top concern for many Americans nearing or in retirement. Even though they may have saved consistently throughout the working years, they may be concerned that their retirement plans will succeed.
Whether you are expecting your first child or have been a parent for years, finances and building a future for your family go hand-in-hand. Luckily, there are money moves you can make now to help manage financial stress, support yourself and your loved ones, and help your children as they get older.
Vacation is something that we all look forward to, but it’s important not to forget about your home—and its safety—while you’re away. With some pre-planning, it’s easy to make sure your house is safe and secure, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on the relaxation and fun of vacation.
May 2023
If you own a business and want to diversify your assets by investing in stocks, today’s online brokerages make trading fairly easy. However, stock investing is risky, especially in a volatile market. Here are four key considerations small-business owners should make before investing.
You may already be aware of the importance of having enough life insurance coverage to handle financial matters that could affect your family in the event of your death. However, determining the appropriate amount of coverage for your family can be…
April 2023
When people think of “myths,” they often think of such stories as Pandora’s Box (the woman who took the lid off of a jar releasing all of the world’s ills upon the world, were taxes one of them?), or the Tale of Prometheus (who stole fire from his fellow gods to give to humans and was punished by Zeus with eternal suffering).
Your Social Security retirement benefit may be taxable. Did you know that you might have to pay federal income tax on your Social Security retirement benefit? If the only income you had during the year was Social Security income, then your benefit usually isn’t taxable.
March 2023
A common regret people have by the time they retire is not having developed solid financial goals earlier on in their lives. Follow this decade-by-decade guide and work towards avoiding such regrets by saving now and increasing the potential to live more comfortably in the future.
As you progress along your career path, there’s no telling how far you’ll go. But to fully reap the financial rewards of all your hard work, you’ll need to take charge of your own career. Here are a few issues you’ll want to pay close attention to.
February 2023
Perhaps you’re just starting to save for retirement, or within a few years of retiring. Unfortunately, it’s common to take a wrong turn, or make bad financial decisions, as you continue on your journey toward retirement.
A surprising two out of every three American adults do not have any kind of written estate plan.1 For adults who also serve as family caregivers, not having a plan in place can pose major risks for them and their entire family if they die unexpectedly.
January 2023
Tax reference numbers at a glace.
As inflation soars, you can now save a lot more for your retirement. On October 21st, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up from $20,500 for 2022.
As an investor, you may be impacted by capital gains if you sell your investment – whether at a gain or loss. Understanding capital gains may help with your overall investment strategy and the potential to preserve your wealth.
December 2022
A qualified charitable distribution, or QCD, allows you to distribute funds from your IRA to an eligible charity.
During the Christmas season, you may find almost every manner of Christmas tree, from plastic-colored versions to fresh-cut ones that are stories high. Here are some fun facts about Christmas trees you may not know.
Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance.
November 2022
The average U.S. income tax rate stands at just over 13%—and if you’re like many taxpayers, you’re always looking for new tips and tricks to help reduce this percentage.1
A solid estate plan should not only provide for your assets after you pass, but also plan for your long-term care while you’re alive.
