Unlike the surprise result in the presidential election two years ago, that fooled pollsters and statisticians both, last week’s mid-term election results were in line with predictions—although a few surprises still unfolded. The Republicans held their majority position in the Senate, while the Democrats won a majority in the House of Representatives. However, both were…
The last few days of market turmoil may have you wondering, is a recession coming? One of many indicators that economists are watching is the yield curve. But what does it tell us? What is the yield curve? The yield curve is often referred to as an economic indicator – particularly as an indicator for a…
When it comes to retirement, the most common concern we hear from our client couples isn’t usually related to their finances. It’s personal. Among the top for many long term couples? “How are my partner and I going to handle being around each other 24-7?” Here are a few ways to prepare for this transition.…
Emerging markets have long been characterized by unique, idiosyncratic factors and higher volatility, especially compared to more established markets such as the U.S., Europe and Japan. This is true despite an expansion of opportunities and greater investor acceptance of these markets over the past few decades, and the graduation of some members to ‘developed’ status,…
According to the most recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projection, the federal budget deficit for fiscal year 2018 (which ends on September 30) will reach $793 billion, or 3.9% of gross domestic product (GDP). This figure is $230 billion larger than the CBO previously estimated in June 2017, largely because legislation enacted since then reduced…
It’s no secret that a 529 plan offers tax advantaged growth for college expenses like tuition, books, supplies, etc. What isn’t as clear is who should own the account? The parent or the grandparent? As CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™, we get this question a lot, especially in the fall. It’s on the mind of many as…
What is the current level of recession risk? It’s always prudent to ask these questions when conditions are benign, since that’s when the downside of the current good times is usually the most ignored. It seems everyone in the world is bullish (except those selling gold). There are a variety of signposts one could look…
The Memorial Day weekend is usually the beginning of the summer driving season, and — not coincidentally — often a high point in the annual ups and downs of gas prices. This year, almost 37 million drivers hit the road and faced the highest fuel costs since 2014. The national average price for a gallon…
Most Americans will receive Social Security and Medicare benefits at some point in their lives. For this reason, workers and retirees are concerned about potential program shortfalls that could affect future benefits. Each year, the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds release lengthy annual reports to Congress that assess the health of…
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report came out last week and showed that the economy grew at a rate of 4.1% last quarter; the highest growth rate in the last 4 years. A common question we get from our clients is “what does this mean for my investments?” The answer is: not necessarily much moving…