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Retirement planning is not just about saving money — it’s about surviving on the money you saved and may receive in retirement, such as Social Security benefits. Tax considerations are easy to overlook when establishing a retirement...

After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount...

Managing retirement strategies and creating goals can help you stay focused and consistent in your financial efforts. It creates a sense of achievement while you make progress toward the pursuit of a fulfilling retirement and financial...

When you retire, you need your money to work for you. After years of saving and investing, you want to know: "How do I make my money last?" Wealthy retirees are already at a great starting point. But even with a strong financial base,...

Before the year ends, it’s important to review your finances with a financial professional. Here’s a simple checklist of nine things to double-check to make sure you’re in good shape for the new year. Review Your Tax Withholdings If...

As a retiree, you've likely spent a lifetime planning ahead by saving for the future, guarding your health, and building a legacy. But while gifts of cash or keepsakes are always appreciated, there’s another gift to consider that’s...

Every year, the holiday season inspires a beautiful wave of generosity. Donations surge. Volunteer sign-ups spike. People go out of their way to support those in need or brighten someone’s day. But what if that spirit of giving didn’t...

When it comes to your estate plan, you don’t just have it drafted and put away until it is time for your loved ones to manage your lifetime of affairs. As your world changes year by year, it is critical that you review your estate plan...

Year-end charitable giving is often associated with the spirit of doing good during the holiday season. It gives the donor a feeling of satisfaction and, in some cases, a substantial tax write-off. However, one question that often...

As the year draws to a close, it's an ideal time for business owners to evaluate their company’s financial health. Year-end planning is critical and can help establish a confident foundation for the future. However, for many business...

Managing retirement strategies and creating goals can help you stay focused and consistent in your financial efforts.

If you're avoiding looking at your 401(k) balance during periods of market volatility, you're not alone.

Retirement seems like a long way off, but it arrives faster than you think. The big question is, are you ready? What exactly does retirement entail?

As a young person, you imagine you have all the time in the world to save for retirement. You live in the present with the future a mere blip out on the horizon.

Once you are in your 60s, you are likely to focus less on growing your retirement funds than answering, "When do I retire?" And once you crack open your nest egg, how should you allocate its contents? The answer often lies...

You may be retired and considering investing some of your retirement nest egg. Depending on your situation, it is crucial that investing in the stock market, bond market, or other investments does not jeopardize your retirement savings...

What happens after you have maxed out your 401(k) contributions? What are your other options for saving for an independent and comfortable retirement?

Everyone wants a comfortable retirement, but the road you take there will depend on your specific situation. When you invest, you assume a certain level of risk (but like everyone you’re hoping that your holdings will increase in value).

If it has been a while, you are not alone. Research indicates that only one in three Americans utilize employer-sponsored 401k retirement accounts; even those contributing may not be taking full advantage of potential benefits.

A critical part of financial planning that is often overlooked is insurance. Having various insurance policies will provide different benefits to your financial plan, ranging from protection to tax breaks.

Having adequate insurance coverage is vital for homeowners to safeguard against unforeseen natural disasters.

Understanding the anticipated changes in tax laws and regulations in 2025 will become increasingly crucial. One area that requires attention is the estate tax sunset at the end of 2025.

Addressing wealth management comprehensively in today's market environment is essential for individuals and business entities.

In a welcome development for millions of Americans relying on Social Security, the Social Security Administration has recently announced a substantial increase in retirement and disability benefits.

Social Security, established in 1935, provides financial benefits to the elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged groups. However, there are concerns regarding its sustainability.

Financial literacy is essential for your personal financial health and even more crucial for the financial health of your small business. Being a small business owner comes with many responsibilities, one of which is...

Financial literacy is crucial to a solid financial future and an enjoyable retirement. No matter your age, when you understand how to manage your money and finances, you can make sound financial decisions and take the needed steps toward...

Suppose an emergency strikes and your family needs to quickly access important financial and personal information. Now, ask yourself—are these documents organized, secure, and easily accessible?

It's nice to own stocks, bonds, and other investments. Nice, that is, until it's time to fill out your federal income tax return. At that point, you may be left scratching your head.

Social Security is a vital component of retirement income for many. This government program provides monthly benefits and is funded primarily through payroll taxes.

Use of the terms “bull” and “bear” in financial markets can be traced back to London’s financial district in the late 19th century, used as an analogy for how each animal attacks; the bull thrusts its horns upwards, and a bear swipes...

With China’s DeepSeek pressuring investors to take a closer look at the current environment of AI development within the U.S., some are taking a moment to question the accuracy of a much larger idea — American Excellence.

The Social Security Fairness Act, HR 82 is a bill that was recently signed into law that repeals several decades-old provisions and aims to increase Social Security payments for nearly 3 million former and current public employees...

The Federal Reserve (Fed) cut interest rates last September and, to date, the central bank has lowered rates by 1%. But over the same period, long-term Treasury yields are higher by 1% (per the 10-year Treasury yield).

When it comes to planning for retirement, there are a myriad of strategies and options available. One often overlooked method is making after-tax contributions into retirement savings vehicles.

Earnings season is underway and, thanks to the banks, it’s off to a good start. Currently, consensus estimates are calling for a strong 12% year-over-year increase in S&P 500 earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter of 2024.

A critical aspect of retirement planning is understanding the rules and requirements surrounding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from retirement savings accounts.

As the new year officially gets underway, there’s the usual sense of renewed optimism and excitement over new opportunities. However, recent stock market activity is casting a shadow over this sentiment.

Retirement planning is not just about saving money — it’s about surviving on the money you saved and may receive in retirement, such as Social Security benefits.

With 2024 fully behind us, it’s a good time to celebrate our winning calls from last year while also reviewing some mistakes to learn from them and improve our process.

Social Security is a vital component of retirement income for many. This government program provides monthly benefits and is funded primarily through payroll taxes.

Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional’s services, it’s a good idea to gather information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date.

As 2024 draws to a close, investors have fully embraced the stock market. The S&P 500 is up more than 25% year to date. The broader Russell 3000 Index is up 24%. The Nasdaq Composite is up over 31%.

Charitable giving is a way for you to participate in something meaningful to you and your family, a cause that aligns with your core values while benefiting members of the community.

The Federal Reserve (Fed) is moving more cautiously in adjusting policy, and markets might have a hard time resetting expectations.

The end of the year is not just a season for celebration and reflection but also a perfect time to ensure that our finances are in order.

Year-end charitable giving is often associated with the spirit of doing good during the holiday season. It gives the donor a feeling of satisfaction and, in some cases, a substantial tax write-off.

To say the U.S. economy has been difficult to read is an understatement. From generationally high inflation and interest rates to concerns about the labor market, it’s no wonder consumers are unsure about the overall health of the economy.

LPL Research’s Outlook 2025: Pragmatic Optimism will be released tomorrow and available on LPL.com. Here we just provide an appetizer before the main course and share some of the stock and bond market themes covered in the full publication.

On Giving Tuesday1—the day after Cyber Monday—millions of people across the world focus their attention on giving back.

The dollar’s continued climb higher has been predicated on a host of factors — including the rise in geopolitical risk and the dollar’s safe haven status as inflows have picked up markedly, uncertainty with regard to the Federal...

Thanksgiving is a holiday for spending time with loved ones, being grateful, and perhaps enjoying a bit of overindulgence. There are many financial lessons to be had in planning, preparing, and celebrating this annual feast.

Trade dynamics have shifted considerably since President Trump’s first administration. Reshoring among U.S. businesses and headwinds to the Chinese economy may limit the inflationary impact from rogue trade policy.

For high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, their wealth comes with the ability to create significant change.

The clouds of uncertainty parted last week as former President Donald Trump decisively won the U.S. election, making him the second U.S. president to win non-consecutive terms (Grover Cleveland was the first to do it back in 1892).

Military families often face challenges. Planning for the future is no exception. One important thing to think about is long-term care. Here are a few things to consider when planning for long-term care as a military family.

As Election Day approaches, we discuss potential stock market implications of various possible outcomes. But before we get into that, we offer our regular public service announcement around elections and investing.

There are often red flags you may notice that indicate your parents have reached a point where they need help with their finances. At first, your parents might be resistant to this, believing they can still manage their financial lives.

Stocks have done so well this year that it’s fair to say market participants haven’t feared much. But just because risks haven’t affected markets lately doesn’t mean they won’t in the future.

As you approach retirement, fully stepping away from work might seem less appealing than it did a decade or two ago.

As we age, planning for the future becomes increasingly important. This is especially true when it comes to long-term care.

The bar for third quarter earnings is low, with analysts currently expecting only about a 3% increase in S&P 500 earnings per share (EPS). That low bar and a supportive economic environment points to potential upside.

On October 12, 2022, there were very few comments suggesting that a new bull market was in the throes of being born as the S&P 500 opened at 3,590.83 and closed at 3,577.03.

Divorce is never easy, but it is important that estate planning continues to take precedence before and after a divorce.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said last month’s decision to cut the fed funds target rate by a half percentage point was due to a “recalibrating” policy, as the Fed follows its dual mandate regarding inflation and growth.

Between work commitments, children’s schedules, and fall cleaning, how much time is left in our busy days to think about financial planning? Many of us choose to delay thinking about our finances until much later...

When it comes to investing, gold may be the antithesis of artificial intelligence (AI). The precious metal has acted as a store of value for thousands of years with zero technological innovation — gold is discovered, not developed.

Small businesses have new reasons to consider the value of financial planning in working towards their business goals.

Of course, last week’s headliner was Jerome Powell and the Federal Reserve (Fed) cutting rates by a half percent on Wednesday, September 18, the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2020.

Most people looking forward to retirement anticipate years of relaxation and fulfillment after decades of hard work. But the reality of retirement is often far different.

With the first presidential debate behind us, it’s safe to say election season is in full swing. While last week’s debate was light on economic policies, the future of tax policy could have broad implications for the municipal market...

Many dream of working toward early retirement, but getting there generally doesn’t happen by accident. Retiring early requires financial independence that can last for decades, but that is much easier said than done.

Second quarter earnings season is in the books, and it was a good one. S&P 500 companies collectively grew earnings at a double-digit pace for the first time in three years.

Employer retirement plan committees hold a significant responsibility in managing and overseeing retirement plans. One of the critical aspects of this oversight is the periodic and formal evaluation of all plan providers.

In December 2023, Vladimir Putin declared that the 2024 BRICS Summit, hosted by Russia, would be focused on establishing a “fair world order” based on shared principles.

As one embarks on their journey toward a high-net-worth status, it's crucial to understand that strategic planning and intelligent decision-making are essential for wealth generation and preservation.

In his recent speech, Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Jerome Powell focused on the fragilities of the labor market and is preparing markets for the new phase for policy. “The time has come for policy to adjust.”

Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire. It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it?

Every year as the summer months draw near their end, LPL Financial hosts its annual Focus conference for financial advisors. Below are some of the frequently asked questions from the road.

A successful investor maximizes gain and minimizes loss. Though there can be no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful and all investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.

Pullbacks are the stubbed toe of the stock market. I was reminded of this over the last week as I contemplated the recent surge in volatility while picking up toys after our two-year-old finally fell asleep.

For high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), implementing healthy financial behaviors is crucial to maintaining their assets and growing wealth.

Before the jobs report was released on Friday, we wrote a commentary on the U.S. dollar. In light of the events over the weekend and Monday, we start with some comments on the global stock market selloff.

If you're someone who loves nothing more than spending a relaxing day at the beach, you likely hope your retirement plans will let you spend much more time there.

Investors had a healthy appetite for risk so far this year as a so-called potential soft landing has been factored in. We have an economy with rising wages, decelerating inflation, and a Federal Reserve (Fed) on the cusp of cutting rates.

Many parents may feel it's unnecessary to inform their adult children about their personal financial affairs. As your children grow older, it can work to your advantage to share with them financial, medical, and estate planning information.

The first half of the year was a challenging environment for a lot of fixed income markets, especially higher-quality markets.

If recent market volatility has you questioning your chances for financial freedom, you're not alone. Due to rising inflation, higher interest rates, a volatile stock market, and recession fears, many investors find themselves wondering...

Outlook 2024: A Turning Point, released in December 2023, featured our perspective on how stocks might respond to turning points in inflation and monetary policy.

Though baseball and stock market investing may not seem to have much in common, there are a few key similarities—both are stats-driven and require focus, a relative lack of emotion, and a clear mind.

Those who receive an inheritance with the passing of a loved one are potentially given the gift of financial freedom if they choose to manage the wealth carefully.

With stock valuations elevated after such a strong first half, earnings growth will be key to holding, or potentially building on these gains.

Wealth and estate planning are vital for all individuals but are particularly essential for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals in the sandwich generation. "Sandwich generation" refers to individuals caring for their aging parents and child...

he "Sandwich Generation" is composed of adults who are ‘sandwiched’ between competing financial responsibilities. Many Sandwich Gen members support their aging parents while also providing for their children (or even grandchildren) and...

You probably already know that insurance is something you should have in case of unforeseen events. When it comes to estate planning, insurance helps manage the distribution of your assets the way you see fit.

With a Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting, a Bank of Japan (BOJ) meeting, two very important inflation reports, and nearly $120 billion of new Treasury securities auctioned — last week was quite the week for markets.

If you're like some, you may have spent large parts of your working life missing the carefree summer days of your childhood. That is, of course, assuming you had a happy childhood.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent victory in the national elections was muted at best. While he secured a rare third term in the nation’s highest office, his decisive legislative supermajority failed to materialize.

The sandwich generation is a term commonly used to describe those between the ages of 40 and 59 who are responsible for raising their family and are also often helping their aging parents manage their ongoing needs.

To say May was an eventful month for the market is an understatement. Investors navigated around the latter half of first-quarter earnings, a breakout to record highs for the broader market...

Protecting your finances is always important. But as you approach retirement, with less time to bounce back from any missteps, it becomes even more critical to avoid fraud, identity theft, and other threats. Below, we discuss a few tips...

The first quarter earnings season is largely in the books, and it was excellent. In fact, S&P 500 earnings per share would have been up double digits in the quarter if not for a big loss Bristol Myers Squibb absorbed in an acquisition.

Retirees often have the time, freedom, and desire to explore new destinations and make the most of their golden years. With careful planning, senior travelers can work towards preparing trips that are safe, enjoyable, and stress-free.

The post-pandemic economy is treating people very differently, creating a headache for central bankers. The extreme differences can often get traced back to living situations, as renters have a very different experience than homeowners.

Veterans and those on active-duty face unique financial planning challenges. Memorial Day is an important holiday observed in the US to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving in the country's armed forces.

It continues to be a challenging environment for a lot of fixed income markets, especially higher quality markets.

As Gen X-ers and Millennials move toward retirement, long-term care expenses are poised to make up an even larger share of their retirement expenses. Here are five tips to help guide your path.

“Sell in May and Go Away” is one of the most widely used maxims on Wall Street. There is no shortage of financial media coverage on this topic as the calendar turns to May.

Mothers are busy people, which means saving and investing for the future can often take the back burner to more urgent priorities. Not only that, but the stock market can seem risky.

Last week was a pivotal one for markets, with the S&P 500 coming off a 3% weekly decline the week before. In terms of economic data, we got our first look at first quarter gross domestic product (GDP)...

Did you know, according to CNBC, more Americans are expected to turn 65 through 2027 than at any other time in history? This rapid population increase of older adults is often called the “Silver or Gray Tsunami,” though many new...

Volatility has come back into the market as the narrative shifted toward a higher-for-longer monetary policy backdrop. Signs of sticky inflation and a resilient economy, including a strong labor market, have underpinned the change.

Estate planning can be daunting for many families, especially those with significant wealth and assets. However, a strategy such as a Family Limited Liability Company (FLLC) may help ease concerns while offering various benefits for...

As the first quarter earnings season kicked off on April 12, expectations for the energy sector were decidedly negative. That low bar has tempted analysts to forecast a series of positive surprises.

Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning. Factors that determine how much pay SS tax you pay, depending on your circumstances, include: If you have income from working in retirement....

As you get older, the question of when to collect Social Security retirement benefits and how your monthly payment may be impacted by working is essential. Here's what to consider before making your decision.

First quarter earnings season kicks off this week with several big banks reporting this Friday, including sector bellwether JPMorgan Chase (JPM).

Financial literacy is essential for everyone but can be crucial for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals who may have more wealth to lose than others. Navigating the complex financial landscape is no small task, and having the foundation...

The IPO market allows institutional investors to incorporate the macroeconomic landscape with individual corporate earnings data to ascertain a share price that holds up to analyst and media scrutiny coupled with overall market dynamics.

The difference between strategic and tactical investment time horizons can be likened to the ebb and flow of tidal patterns in oceans. Strategic investing mirrors the steady rise and fall of the tides.

It's not easy to keep up with complex tax laws that always seem to be changing, much less figure out how they might affect you personally. Even so, it's important to consider the potential impact of taxes when making many types of...

It seems like we just can’t stop talking about central banks. And this week will be no different, with at least 15 central bank meetings planned, some more important than others, of course. While the Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting...

Bullion broke new ground last week after rallying to a record high. Growing investor confidence for a Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cut by this summer dragged down yields and the dollar, creating a tailwind for gold. The breakout above...

In the evolving landscape of retirement planning, the recent months of 2024 have marked a significant shift in perspective for financial professionals and their clients. The stark contrast to the previous year's uncertainties is now...

Pursing not only a confident retirement, but one that is vibrant and fulfilling Embarking on retirement alone, either by choice or due to unforeseen circumstances such as the loss of a partner or divorce, presents a unique set of...

 The “Super Six” was part of the story — the Magnificent Seven minus Tesla (TSLA) — but resilient profit margins are also noteworthy. Here we review fourth quarter earnings season and share some thoughts on...

After a brief lull in 2023, buyback activity appears to be back this year. A resilient U.S. economy, easing inflation pressures, and expectations for an eventual shift to interest rate cuts have given corporate America confidence to...

On December 29th, 2022, the Omnibus Appropriations package was signed into law, introducing over 90 new provisions to enable employees and employers alike to establish or update their retirement plans and strategies. Through these new...

As the Federal Reserve (Fed) continues with its Quantitative Tightening (QT) program, questions abound regarding the Treasury Department’s expanding funding needs. The QT program is designed to reduce the Fed’s balance...

As high-net-worth individuals navigate the complexities of financial planning during their working years, one critical aspect often goes overlooked—long-term care. In 2021, the median monthly cost of a private room in a nursing...

Retiring early as a couple is a goal shared by many, and if planned comprehensively, it may provide opportunities for travel, passion projects, and more quality time together. Retiring simultaneously can bring many benefits, such as...

When we wrote the annual outlook last November, the data was mixed. Some metrics hinted at emerging cracks in the economy while others suggested the growth trajectory in capital markets and the economy had legs. So, the variety of the...

A positive January has historically been a bullish sign for stocks. Yale Hirsch, creator of the “Stock Trader’s Almanac”, first discovered this seasonal pattern back in 1972, which he called the January Barometer and...

  Independence is important in retirement. The more independent retirees are, the more fulfilling their retirement is likely to be. However, living independently as you age isn't always easy and may take some degree of planning...

Just as a winning team meticulously plans its Super Bowl plays, individuals and families may benefit from developing a comprehensive plan for their estate. Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy. Estate planning is a strategic move...

With the S&P 500 having recently ascended to a fresh record high after such a strong 2023, it’s natural for investors to worry that valuations have become over-extended. On traditional valuation measures, valuations do appear...

Shipping disruptions in the Red Sea could temporarily impact goods prices but not at the same magnitude as during the pandemic. Tight financial conditions, slowing economic growth, and a disinflationary trend all support the Federal...

Many IRA and retirement plan limits are indexed for inflation each year. Several of these key numbers have increased once again for 2024. How much can you save in an IRA? The maximum amount you can contribute to a traditional IRA or a...

Fourth quarter earnings season kicked off last week, and markets were generally left wanting more. That doesn’t necessarily mean this earnings season will be disappointing, especially considering the bar has been lowered so much....

Tax planning might be complex, but it's also essential—especially for high-net-worth families, where missing tax breaks or failing to optimize income could cost significant dollars, maybe millions, over a lifetime. And even in...

As China emerged a year ago from the shadow of the stringent zero COVID-19-related measures that all but shut down its economy for over two years, much was expected in terms of its economic growth prospects. There were numerous reports...

Getting close to retirement is exciting, but it often brings a little worry about your financial future. The closer you get, the more you may be concerned with the rising living costs and if your finances are on track to allow you to...

To say 2023 was challenging may be an understatement. While stocks had a surprisingly impressive year, there was no shortage of obstacles for investors to overcome, including historic interest rate volatility, recession risk, banking...

The highly sought-after six-figure salary isn’t what it used to be. Time Magazine reported a startling statistic from a survey conducted by the financial insight and advising companies PYMETS and Lending Club which found that 51%...

Following the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) aggressive rate-hiking campaign in 2022 and 2023, stocks are entering a phase in which the market narrative is focused on interest-rate stability — as inflation, we believe, comes down...

When it comes to your estate plan, you don’t just have it drafted and put away until it is time for your loved ones to manage your lifetime of affairs. As your world changes year by year, it is critical that you review your...

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...

Despite a heavy lobbying effort to cajole OPEC+ members to agree to a unified cut in oil production, Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of the energy cartel, was unable to orchestrate anything more than pledges on a...

After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount...

The end of the year can be a chaotic time for business owners. It is a time to compile data, review the numbers, evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and determine growth opportunities for the future. A business owner would be keen to...

Opportunities abound in the markets, even during periods when the economy appears ripe for a regime shift. Recent growth metrics surprised to the upside, but leading indicators point toward some downside risk. In this edition of the...

The holidays are nearly upon us – a time of giving, goodwill to others, and embracing traditions. For many people, giving to a charity or organization that aligns with your values provides a sense of fulfillment. If you itemize...

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) can be a highly effective financial and estate planning tool. The CRT can allow you to: avoid capital gains taxes on highly appreciated assets, however when income is distributed to the income...

As the market appears to be taking a rest and consolidating its $2.7 trillion rally leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday, the historical pattern over the last five years suggests the shortened holiday week typically enjoys modest...

More than half of Americans don't have a will, even though most agree that wills are a good idea. For caregivers, planning ahead for their unexpected death is even more critical since the people who depend on their services will likely...

There is nothing like an eight-day winning streak to change the market narrative. Stocks have quickly gone from a correction to a comeback this month, and the S&P 500 is now challenging key resistance at 4,400. While a confirmed...

As we approach the last quarter of each year, it is a good time to plan for the next one. Year-end planning is especially important for existing retirees and those hoping to retire in the next few years. There are tax and income...

It’s been another volatile year for municipal (muni) investors this year. While generally outperforming U.S. Treasuries, the Bloomberg Muni Index is on track for its second calendar year of negative returns—something that...

Retiring from the military is a profound accomplishment. For many, this retirement will provide you with positive things, including the time and geographic stability you need to start a new career or simply enjoy leisure activities...

It’s a tradition here to write about what scares us around Halloween each year. The past few years have offered plenty of material to use in these annual commentaries, but with wars in Israel and Ukraine ongoing, Washington, D.C....

The allure of sudden wealth is enchanting. It's the narrative that has inspired countless rags-to-riches tales, propelling ordinary individuals into the financial stratosphere overnight. But the golden glow of prosperity often casts a...

Despite headwinds, the U.S. could experience structural changes in the labor market, residential real estate, and inflation as the post-pandemic economy progresses into the New Year. As markets adjust to a new regime, investors should...

You may have thought your digital identity was safe and not a likely target of a cybercriminal until one day, the bank calls wondering if purchases made at a store that you have never been to, 2,000 miles away, were made by you. Every...

Earnings season has kicked off with several of the big banks and a handful of other blue-chip companies having already reported results for their calendar third quarters. The key headline this reporting season will be the (likely) end...

Estate planning helps disperse your assets according to your wishes. The effort may seem daunting at first, but estate planning does not have to be overly complicated. With the proper planning, you may find yourself resting a little...

Have you ever thought about what would happen if you or a family member were no longer able to live independently? What if your elderly parents were no longer able to drive or perform basic activities of daily living, such as bathing...

After a difficult September for stocks, investors are surely ready to flip the calendar to October. That’s the month that kicks off the historically strong fourth quarter. Expecting this pattern to repeat this year is tricky...

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...

India has emerged as a compelling economic growth story and an increasingly attractive alternative to China within the emerging markets complex. A growing population with a robust and young workforce, significant infrastructure...

As a small business owner, your employees are the heart and soul of your organization. Many entrepreneurs understand the importance of a diverse, inclusive workforce and the benefits it brings, not just to the business, but to the...

Recent data suggests economic conditions in Europe are deteriorating, removing a key element of LPL Research’s positive view of the attractively valued developed international equities asset class. Previous U.S. dollar weakness...

The digital revolution is transforming lives across all age groups, and seniors are no exception. Technology has become an indispensable tool for older adults, providing access to resources that significantly enhance the quality of...

The BRIC acronym, without the “S,” was introduced in 2001 by the Goldman Sachs chief economist who highlighted the prodigious growth and investment prospects of Brazil, Russia, India, and China combined. In 2009, Russia...

In its annual Retirement Confidence Survey of current workers and retirees, the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that workers' confidence in their ability to fund retirement fell by the largest extent since the financial...

Fixed income investors have had a rough time over the last few years. Normally a staid asset class, core bonds (as proxied by the Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index) have seen negative returns over the last two calendar years and could...

In early 2022, the IRS issued proposed regulations regarding required minimum distributions (RMDs) to reflect changes made by the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act of 2019. The IRS has held off on...

The Federal Reserve (Fed) often uses the Jackson Hole Symposium to announce tweaks in policy. Other central bank leaders are also worth watching as investors try to perceive where rates will be in the coming months. In this piece, we...

Investing with an eye toward promoting social, political, or environmental concerns (or at least not supporting activities you feel are harmful) doesn't mean you have to forgo pursuing a return on your money. Socially responsible...

Volatility has returned right on queue as U.S. equity markets continue to pull back from overbought levels. The recent jump in interest rates has proven to be too much too fast for stocks to absorb, especially for the heavyweight and...

The combination of investments you choose is as important as the individual investments themselves. In fact, many experts argue that it's even more important, since the mix of various types of investments accounts for most of the ups...

It’s different this time. The four (or five) most dangerous words in investing. We’ll take the risk and use those words here as we break down the recent decision by credit rating agency Fitch to downgrade U.S. government...

Because inflation could reduce your purchasing power over time, you'll probably need to contribute more to your retirement plan than you think. What seems like a healthy amount now is likely to feel smaller and smaller over time. All...

Earnings season is mostly behind us with about 85% of S&P 500 companies having reported second quarter results. The high level results aren’t particularly impressive, but if we peel back the onion, the numbers are encouraging....

The crude oil and natural gas industry has faced significant challenges since the COVID pandemic, including supply disruptions, price volatility, and rapid inflation. However, heavy cash flow for oil and gas companies has led to a...

The economy is doing better than expected, and the markets are responding accordingly. In this piece, we discuss some of the factors that cause us to think the Federal Reserve (Fed) hiked for the last time in this cycle as inflation is...

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...

The first half of the year probably didn’t go the way many fixed income investors had hoped, particularly after the historically awful year last year. It wasn’t a horrible start—more in line with recent...

Those who receive an inheritance with the passing of a loved one are potentially given the gift of financial freedom if they choose to manage the wealth carefully. Did you know that only about one-third of adults have a prepared will,...

Earnings season is upon us as some banks and a small handful of other blue chip companies have already reported results for their quarters ending June 30. The results on the surface probably won’t offer much to write home about...

ETFs can fill a unique role in your portfolio, but you should consider how they work and the differences among the dizzying variety of ETFs now available.Fortunately, your financial professional can help you decide how ETFs might fit...

Our 2023 investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy. Considering 2022’s market volatility and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the idea of finding balance was certainly a welcomed change. It’s a theme...

The long dormant capital markets have recently begun showing signs of interest from institutional investors and deal makers anxious to bring companies to market. While activity remains muted at best, expectations are focused on 2024,...

Financial Planning Tips for a Confident July 4thEmbrace the spirit of independence by making wise financial choices As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, it's essential to prioritize safety and financial well-being alongside the...

We know it’s old news at this point, but on June 8, 2023, the S&P 500 entered a new bull market. After such a strong rally off the October lows, this young bull probably needs a breather. A look at the charts suggests this market...

It’s time for us (you) to rethink the retirement age and make adjustments As the wealthiest society in human history, it is reasonable to expect that we should prioritize the well-being of our citizens, particularly as they age....

As the economy is likely downshifting, investors should take heed that the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) current stance is eerily similar to early 2007.  During that time, the Fed held a tightening bias since they believed the...

By focusing on goals and priorities, you can create a new, simplified lifestyle As retirement approaches, many older adults consider downsizing their home as a way to simplify their lives, reduce expenses, and focus on what truly...

The Federal Reserve (Fed) meets this week where it is largely expected to not raise short term interest rates for the first time in 15 months. However, Fed messaging has been all over the place in recent weeks. While some Fed officials...

Retirement is a time that many of us look forward to our entire careers. It is the reward for a lifetime of work and the time to indulge in hobbies and enjoy much-needed vacations. While everyone looks forward to this seemingly-magical...

Stocks have had a nice run, but at higher prices, the bar for further gains gets higher. We have recently made the case in this publication that there are a lot of reasons to expect the market to go higher between now and year end. But...

Once you are in your 60s, you are likely to focus less on growing your retirement funds than answering, "When do I retire?" And once you crack open your nest egg, how should you allocate its contents? The answer often lies in a...

The mega-cap technology companies have powered the broad market higher this year. In fact, the 8.1% gain in the S&P 500 year to date has been driven entirely by six mega-cap stocks: Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), NVIDIA (NVDA), Meta...

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who have given their lives to preserve the lives and freedom of many. It is a time for reflection and celebrating the sacrifices made and the memory of military members who have passed on....

Economists like to remind us there is no such thing as a free lunch. In investment parlance, that just means all investments carry risk—even cash. And the big risk with cash is reinvestment risk. That is, while short-term rates...

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...

First quarter earnings season is nearly complete, and it has caused us to regret titling our earnings preview commentary on April 10, “Malaise Continues.” While the “better than feared” label fit the past couple...

What is this strategy?If you work after you begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits, all or part of your retirement benefit may be withheld if your earnings exceed the retirement earnings test exempt amount. However, excess...

Historically, working mothers have had even higher ambitions in the workforce than working women in general.1 This ambition may drive them to excel in budgeting and financial matters that can help them manage their family's finances....

You may be retired and considering investing some of your retirement nest egg. Depending on your situation, it is crucial that investing in the stock market, bond market, or other investments does not jeopardize your retirement savings...

Whether you're hoping to retire soon or are just beginning to explore the idea of stepping back from your job, you're probably wondering how to make it happen. Will you have enough money? How will you spend your time? What will you do...