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March 2024 Client Letter: Markets Warming Up
As spring approaches, the weather is starting to warm up. For the stock market, the temperature has been rising for a while now. In fact, since December 2023, the S&P 500 has not experienced a pullback of even 2%. Strong starts to...
Read MoreSpring Has Sprung: Time to Refresh Your Retirement Plan
Spring can be a fantastic time to refresh your retirement plan and savings habits. With 2023 bringing increased limits for 401(k)s, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and other tax-advantaged...
Read MoreBatter Up! How to Score a Retirement Planning Home Run
There are two things Americans have always looked forward to: going to the ballpark for the big game and retiring after a fulfilling career. Interestingly, baseball and retirement planning have several aspects in common. Taking...
Read MoreFive Keys to Authentic Retirement Happiness
The ability to enjoy our golden years is the same as the ability to be happy People say things like, “When I retire, I am going to be happy,” or “When I don’t have to work anymore, I will be happy.” The...
Read MoreAchieving Life’s Goals with Cash Flow Alternatives
Developing effective strategies for pursuing your goals within the limits of your particular financial circumstances can be difficult. Each stage of your life may create new financial challenges. Sending your child to college,...
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Tax Planning for Small Businesses
For small business owners, tax planning is crucial. Without proper planning, you may find a large portion of your hard-earned profits and savings eaten up by taxes that may not have been so high if you knew better options to pursue. To...
Read MoreSolid Start to 2024
Stocks are off to a solid start in 2024. January gains are particularly enjoyable because of the old adage from the Stock Trader’s Almanac, “As goes January, so goes the year.” Nearly 75 years of historical data shows...
Read MoreLegacy of Love: 10 Questions to Help Families Prepare for a Wealth Transfer
Wealth transfer is more than just a financial transaction; it's an opportunity for families to pass on their values, wisdom, and a legacy of love. Navigating this process requires careful consideration, open communication, and a shared...
Read MoreKick off the Big Game With These 7 Super Investing Lessons From the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is more than just a game. It's an American holiday. As you prepare for this fun day, you may also want to think about how to create "big wins'' in your investment strategy. Get ready for Super Bowl Sunday by checking out...
Read MoreFinding Focus with Financial Planning: A Step-By-Step Guide
You have probably heard about financial planning and its potential benefits, but you are unsure how to apply the principles to your life. A financial plan is a collection of steps that help you to evaluate your financial condition and...
Read More10 Tips to Develop Financial Wellness This Year
Financial wellness is a state of being when one is in control of their finances, can cover expenses, and save for future goals. Consider financial wellness as your relationship with money; it can be either healthy or unhealthy....
Read MoreTax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...
Read MoreImportant Lessons from 2023
Stocks defied the skeptics in a very unpredictable 2023. The Dow Jones finished at an all-time record high on December 28, and the S&P 500 came within a whisker of a fresh all-time high after the index rallied more than 20% for the...
Read MoreImportant Lessons from 2023
For many people, a new year provides a new start—and nothing says "new start" like a fresh new set of financial goals. But setting these goals is easier said than done. What steps should you take to get the most bang for your...
Read MoreLPL FINANCIAL RESEARCH OUTLOOK 2024: A TURNING POINT
At LPL Research, we believe markets in 2024 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...
Read More5 WAYS TO GIVE TAX-FREE GIFTS
If you plan to gift a sizable amount of money to a loved one, gift tax should be on your radar. Gift tax is a federal tax imposed on transfers of cash or property valued above a certain threshold. Gift tax is paid by the gift giver,...
Read MoreTHE 12 DAYS OF YEAR-END PLANNING: THINGS TO CONSIDER GOING INTO THE NEW YEAR
At the end of the year, it is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved, it can seem overwhelming. Consider breaking up the responsibilities over 12...
Read MoreLike Ugly Christmas Sweaters, Retirement Planning Is Not ‘One Size Fits All’
Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every person's retirement plan. Though there are some general strategies that can be helpful—contribute at least 10% of your salary; have at least one year's salary saved for retirement by...
Read More4 CHARITABLE GIVING STRATEGIES TO CONSIDER
Through charitable giving, you can support causes or organizations you believe in and lock in tax benefits simultaneously. Whether you’re new to charitable giving or a veteran, there are several strategies you should keep in mind...
Read MoreWhat Veterans Should Know About Retirement Planning
Veterans' retirement benefits are among some of the most generous out there, in large part due to the risks and sacrifices that come from military service. But navigating this array of benefits may seem complicated. What should...
Read MoreTax Planning for Business Owners
What is business tax planning? When starting a business, you must consider a number of tax-related issues. Although business tax planning is a complicated area, it is essential to understand three major topics: tax consequences when...
Read MoreFamily Wealth Transfer Planning: Keeping it in the Family through Generational Giving
What is family wealth, and how do you preserve it? You have worked hard for years and accumulated wealth. You earned this money through your job, investing, and saving, and you want to preserve it for yourself and to take care...
Read MoreHelpful Tax Tips before Year End
Tax planning can be more advantageous when done during the year and well in advance of year’s end. Opportunities may exist for you to minimize tax liability, which could leave more income for you and/or your family. ...
Read MoreTIPS FOR YOUR YEAR-END FINANCIAL PLANNING REVIEW
Make your annual review more efficient and productive to improve next year When you work with a financial professional, then you know how important the year-end review is to the financial planning process. And given that you...
Read More4 REASONS WORKING WITH A FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL IS NOT AS SCARY AS YOU THINK
For some people, the thought of using financial services is a scary experience. It involves planning for a future where you may not know how the economy may be, how your health may be, or what your financial needs might be. One of the...
Read MoreA FALL FINANCIAL CHECKLIST
For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...
Read MoreHOW TO MAKE KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR FINANCES EASY
Now is an excellent time to start evaluating your current financial situation, determining your future goals and expectations, and working toward pursuing them. If you need help pulling together a plan for your finances, a financial...
Read MoreWHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE INSURANCE
Did you know about 50 percent of Americans do not have life insurance? Part of the problem is a lack of clarity: 31 percent of people who need it but aren’t covered say it’s because they don’t know what to get. But it...
Read MoreRetirement Re-education: Back to School Time for Retirement Planning
Retirement planning is a constantly evolving process. Strategies that may have worked fine a few years ago may no longer be the optimal direction to continue. Your life may have taken unexpected turns, you may have different retirement...
Read MoreHow to Start a Budget that Sticks
Building a budget is a great way to get a handle on your finances and spending habits. It allows you track where your income goes each month, helping you to cut back where you need to or reallocate portions of your income to different...
Read More5 Must-Have Items for Your Financial First Aid Kit
Every year, around 3 million Americans are required to evacuate their homes due to a natural disaster.1 What's more, this figure does not include the millions of other individuals who are temporarily displaced as a result of fire,...
Read More5 Emergency Savings Tips for Building a Financial Safety Net
From unemployment to a sudden health crisis to a crippling accident, being financially prepared for life's many challenges may smooth the road ahead. Whether you are just starting out or have been working toward financial health for...
Read MoreHigh-Net-Worth Retirement Planning: 6 Ideas to Help You Get Your Finances in Order
Do you consider yourself a high-net-worth individual (HNWI)? Most people tend not to categorize themselves or see themselves as anything more than a spouse, parent, sibling, neighbor, boss, or business owner. However, society does...
Read MoreFour Retirement Plan Trends to Watch in 2023
Tips so employers can help employees plan a confident and stable retirementAmidst a backdrop of a volatile market and potential inflationary pressures, these shifts can shape the future of employee retirement planning significantly....
Read MoreHow Compound Interest Makes You Money
Interest is one of the simplest and most appealing ways to gain profits from an investment. Like clockwork, you receive an interest payment on your principal, or the amount of money you deposit when you open an account.Unlike more...
Read MoreIt's Never Too Late to Improve Your Financial Awareness
Financial education is constantly evolving. As investments, financial priorities, and the economy change, so do financial strategies and plans. To stay on top of your retirement and ensure that you are on your way toward your financial...
Read MoreMidyear Outlook: The Path Towards Stability
Global inflation has ticked down from its 8.7% high in 2022, and is following a slow descent to a projected 6.5% for 2023
Read MoreInsuring Life’s Milestones
As you navigate through life, it’s important to continually reassess and adjust or add insurance coverage to fit your changing needs. Having the proper insurance is one of the best ways to support your financial future and can...
Read MoreWhat to Know Before You Open Your Next Investment Account
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. But investors may not fully understand how a strategy...
Read MoreBatter Up! How to Score a Retirement Planning Home Run
There are two things Americans have always looked forward to: going to the ballpark for the big game and retiring after a fulfilling career. Interestingly, baseball and retirement planning have several aspects in common.Taking the time...
Read MoreFinances and Fireworks: 5 Strategies to Help Preserve and Celebrate Your Financial Freedom
Your finances are probably one of the last places you want to experience fireworks—unless they are celebratory. With new year's resolutions firmly in the rearview mirror, the summer months allow you to revisit your financial...
Read MoreThe Ultimate Downsizing Checklist Before Retiring
By focusing on goals and priorities, you can create a new, simplified lifestyleAs retirement approaches, many older adults consider downsizing their home as a way to simplify their lives, reduce expenses, and focus on what truly...
Read More10 Tips to Work Toward Financial Freedom
Financial freedom is a state of being in control of one's finances, covering expenses easily, and saving for future goals. Financial freedom enables you to choose how you spend or interact with your money and have the choice to decide...
Read More401(k) Rollovers Can Make or Break Retirement
Making informed decisions about retirement is crucial to financial independenceIn an era characterized by high job turnover, it is more important than ever for employees to carefully manage their retirement savings. With a significant...
Read More7 Simple Ways to Control Your Spending
Financial responsibility isn’t always easy to learn, but it’s an essential part of taking control of your finances and using your income to its fullest. This responsibility can lead to better spending tendencies that can,...
Read More7 Ways to Save Money Quickly
We all have dreams in life, and oftentimes those dreams cost money. If you have a financial goal or responsibility coming up soon or simply want to build up an emergency fund, follow these tips to help you spend less and save money...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Retirement Bucket Strategy
An investment approach that can help you work towards a confident retirementRetirement is a significant milestone in one's life, which requires careful planning and foresight to pursue a confident and stress-free transition. One...
Read MoreSmall Business Owners: Are You Retirement Ready (or Not)?
Whether you are an employee in corporate America or a small business owner, retirement is a part of life. For many, the thought of retiring and whether or not you are ready to take those first steps might be overwhelming or...
Read MoreRetirement Planning for Teachers and Public School Workers
Many public school workers in different positions devote their lives to furthering the education of young people. The ability to enjoy a secure retirement is an objective that many teachers and their colleagues pursue years before they...
Read More5 Social Security Benefits You Might Be Missing Out On
Deciding when to file for your Social Security payments is likely what you may focus on, but there are some other Social Security benefits you may be missing out on that are worth investigating.
Read More7 Retirement Considerations
7 retirement considerations that every investor should think about
Read More7 Things You Can Do to Trim Your 2023 Tax Bill
Take steps to mitigate your tax bill for the upcoming year
Read More5 Handy Tools and Resources for Building Financial Literacy
Great resources to get you started on the path to financial literacy and to expand your current knowledge
Read MoreWaiting for New Highs
We started the year hopeful that stocks would benefit from a better economic and monetary policy environment by the spring, but recent developments suggest that may be further out than we initially thought.
Read MoreWHAT IS THE LABOR MARKET LOOKING LIKE THESE DAYS | LPL ECON MARKET MINUTE
In our latest Econ Market Minute, Dr. Jeffrey Roach, Chief Economist for LPL Financial shares three top charts about the job market and what it means for businesses and the Fed. You can watch the video on YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
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