In this month’s recap: Stocks hit some turbulence, turning cautious amid slowing economic growth, and policy debate in Washington. U.S. Markets The stock market hit a pocket of turbulence in September, with investors turning cautious amid Delta variant infections, slowing economic growth and ongoing policy debate in Washington. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 4 … [Read more...] about Market Update (October 2021)
Making Investment Decisions
Are your choices based on evidence or emotion? Information vs. instinct. When it comes to investing, many people believe they have a “knack” for choosing good investments. But what exactly is that “knack” based on? The fact is, the choices we make with our assets can be strongly influenced by factors, many of them emotional, that we may not even be aware of. Deal du jour … [Read more...] about Making Investment Decisions
Translating Stock Market Jargon
Have you ever been confused by the jargon used on Wall Street? Allow me to translate some esoteric stock market terms into plain English. Blue chips: Stocks with a history of consistently strong dividend payments, issued by huge corporations with solid management. In addition, a nickname for the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which includes 30 companies that usually deserve … [Read more...] about Translating Stock Market Jargon
Inflation & the Real Rate of Return
Is your money gaining or losing purchasing power? The real rate of return is an important personal finance concept to understand. It’s the rate of return on your investments after inflation. The real rate of return indicates whether you are gaining or losing purchasing power with your money. So with inflation checking in at a 5% annual rate, does that mean any i … [Read more...] about Inflation & the Real Rate of Return
End-of-the-Year Money Moves. 2020 Edition
Here are some things you might consider before saying goodbye to 2020. What has changed for you in 2020? For many, this year has been as complicated as learning a new dance. Did you start a new job or leave a job behind? That’s one step. Did you retire? There’s another step. Did you start a family? That’s practically a pirouette. If notable changes occurred in your perso … [Read more...] about End-of-the-Year Money Moves. 2020 Edition
2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and More
Numbers to know for the new year. On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note. 401(k)s. The salary deferral amount for 401(k)s remains the same at $19,500, while the catch-up amount of $6,500 also remains u … [Read more...] about 2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and More
Why Roth IRA Conversions May Now Be Advantageous
Thanks to a couple of factors, some investors are thinking about this move before 2020 ends. Roth IRAs have attracted retirement savers since their introduction in 1998. They offer the potential for tax-free retirement income, provided Internal Revenue Service rules are followed. Do Roth IRAs seem even more attractive these days? Perhaps. You can cite two factors: … [Read more...] about Why Roth IRA Conversions May Now Be Advantageous
FAFSA Applications Are Now Open
Federal Student Aid opportunities are often first-come, first-served. Applications for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are now open for the academic year 2021-22. Applying for the FAFSA allows you to qualify for grants, scholarships, and other federally-sourced aid, such as work-study or student loans. The applications opened on October 1, 2020, and … [Read more...] about FAFSA Applications Are Now Open