Morning Market Commentary for Q1 2022

We mentioned a couple of quarters ago that volatility was beginning to make its way back into this market. The evidence is now clear. There is no denying that this past quarter was one of the most volatile in recent years. There were many factors that stirred the pot this quarter. Turning the calendar is…

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Managing Bond Risks When Interest Rates Rise

After dropping the benchmark federal funds rate to a rock-bottom range of 0%–0.25% early in the pandemic, the Federal Open Market Committee has begun raising the rate toward more typical historical levels in response to high inflation. At its March 2022 meeting, the Committee raised the funds rate to 0.25%–0.50% and projected the equivalent of…

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5 Empowering Investment Strategies for Women

On International Women’s Day this year, we had the honor of speaking to a group of professional women about financial planning strategies they can implement today. We wanted to share with everyone an overview of what we covered as so many could benefit from taking these simple strategies. Think about your life as it is…

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How Your Money Mentality Changes in Retirement

Reaching retirement can feel like crossing the finish line at the end of a 30-, 40- or even 50-year-long marathon. What does retirement look like for you? Everyone reading this right now, probably just had a different answer to that question. Because everyone’s vision for retirement is different. Some people look forward to the endless vacation…

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What is the New 401k/403b Contribution Limit for 2022?

If you participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you may be pleased to learn that you can save even more in 2022. The maximum amount you can contribute to a 401(k) plan will increase to $20,500 in 2022. This limit also applies to 403(b) and 457(b) plans, as well as the Federal Thrift Savings Plan.…

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RMD Roundup: A Few Key Updates About Required Minimum Distributions

As we approach the end of 2021, now might be a good time to take a closer look at a few developments surrounding required minimum distributions (RMDs). What Are RMDs? Once you reach age 72, you are required to take minimum distributions from your traditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans. (RMDs are not required…

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Understanding IRAs

An individual retirement arrangement (IRA) is a personal savings plan that offers specific tax benefits. IRAs are one of the most powerful retirement savings tools available to you. Even if you’re contributing to a 401(k) or other plan at work, you might also consider investing in an IRA. What types of IRAs are available? The…

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Investing for Major Financial Goals

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? But that’s what investing without setting clear-cut goals is like. If you’re…

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Retirement Planning: The Basics

You may have a very idealistic vision of retirement — doing all of the things that you never seem to have time to do now. But how do you pursue that vision? Social Security may be around when you retire, but the benefit that you get from Uncle Sam may not provide enough income for…

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