18
2024
Riding the Rate Cut Rollercoaster: How the Stock Market Reacts and What Investors Should Do Now
In the wake of the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates, the stock market’s behavior has been an area of intense focus for investors. Historically, rate cuts have had varying impacts on the market depending on the macroeconomic environment, inflation pressures, and market sentiment at the time. Here’s what the data tells us about stock market performance after the Fed slashes interest rates — and what...
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15
2024
What You Need to Know About Applying for Medicare
Turning 65 is a major milestone, both personally and financially. One of the most important changes at this age is becoming eligible for Medicare, the federal health insurance program designed to cover most of your healthcare needs. Understanding how Medicare works is essential for making the right decisions and avoiding costly mistakes. Here are five things you should know as you approach 65 and prepare...
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11
2024
September is Self-Improvement Month: 4 Ways to Better Your Finances
As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, September ushers in not just a new season but also an opportunity for personal growth. Recognized by many as Self-Improvement Month, it’s the perfect time to take a step back and evaluate areas in your life that could use a boost—your finances included. Improving your financial health doesn’t have to be daunting. Here...
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28
2024
5 Steps Investors Should Take After a Data Breach to Protect Their Identity
In today’s digital age, data breaches are becoming an increasingly common threat. As investors, protecting your financial information and personal identity is paramount. According to a report by the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), the number of data breach victims surpassed 1 billion in the first half of 2024 – a 409% increase from the same time period last year! These breaches can lead to...
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23
2024
Retirement Income: Why Personalization Is Key
When planning for retirement, many people turn to the so-called “rules of thumb” as a guide for how much income they’ll need. One of the most common rules is that you should aim to replace 70% to 80% of your pre-retirement income. While this rule can provide a quick estimate, relying on it too heavily can lead to a retirement plan that doesn’t align with...
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15
2024
09
2024
6 Strategies to Strengthen Your Finances
Whether you’re concerned about a potential recession or simply looking to build a stronger financial foundation, there are several key strategies you can implement to improve your financial health. Here are six practical steps to take control of your finances, reduce stress, and position yourself for financial independence. 1. Build an Emergency Fund An emergency fund is your financial safety net. It provides a cushion...
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07
2024
Perspectives on Market Volatility
Stocks must have gotten the memo that August tends to be weak historically. July, the eighth positive month in the past nine, was quickly forgotten as the beginning of August greeted us with a selloff. The primary catalyst was August 2’s weaker-than-expected employment report, which ignited concern that the U.S. economy could tip into recession. Several additional factors exacerbated the selling pressure: Overly bullish sentiment...
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01
2024
Beyond Investments: Identifying Your Financial Goals Through Personal Reflection
In the world of personal finance, the most common question people ask is, “What should I invest in?” While choosing the right investments is crucial, this question often overshadows a more fundamental aspect of financial planning: identifying your financial goals. Before diving into the specifics of stocks, bonds, or real estate, it’s essential to take a step back and reflect on your broader financial aspirations....
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25
2024
Putting You First: A Backwards Approach to Budgeting
When it comes to managing personal finances, traditional budgeting methods can often feel restrictive and complicated. Enter “backwards budgeting,” a different approach that flips conventional budgeting on its head. This strategy emphasizes paying yourself first, starting to invest at a young age, and harnessing the power of compounding to build long-term wealth. Let’s explore these key principles and how they can pave the way to...
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