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Thank you for visiting the Wendell Charles Blog! We discuss all things wealth management which may include investment strategies, financial planning, risk management, charitable giving, and more. If you need personal financial guidance, please complete the form below and we will be in touch to learn more about your financial situation.

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Thursday, November 9, 2023

Dear Valued Investor, The penultimate month of the year is often a time to reflect and offer thanks. And while economic and geopolitical uncertainty can overshadow the positives, there are things to be thankful for. Here is just some...

Friday, October 27, 2023

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...

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Dear Valued Investor, The S&P 500 lost 3.3% in the third quarter after sliding nearly 5% in September. Putting this into perspective, nothing really qualifies as out of the ordinary. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has historically declined in...

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Dear Valued Investor, Financial markets lived up to their reputation during the month of August, which has a record for being difficult. On the first day of August, markets had to contend with a downgrade of U.S. long-term debt by the...

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Dear Valued Investor, Making economic forecasts and stock market predictions can be humbling. It’s especially tough when you expect stocks to go higher and get a big drop instead. The environment today is the opposite, but still...

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Thursday, July 13, 2023

Dear Valued Investor,As we finalize the log on the first six months of 2023, we believe there’s value in reflecting on recent months gone by. Doing so can help crystallize key learnings and help chart a course through the rest of...

Friday, June 9, 2023

Every so often Washington likes to remind us how hard it can be to get things accomplished. The most recent example is the debt ceiling—the amount Congress can borrow to pay its bills. It seems like we have this debate every few years and i

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

The financial markets’ resilient performance during March was striking, despite pockets of uncertainty surrounding the strength of the economy—and not to mention concerns over the durability of the...

Monday, March 6, 2023

Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months. We started the year hopeful that stocks would benefit from a better economic and monetary policy environment by the spring, but recent developments

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Dear Valued Investor,Whether you’re one to set ambitious New Year’s resolutions or simply use the beginning of the year to reset on a few habits, there’s almost always some value in reflecting on the past year before...

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Dear Valued Investor, We wish you a happy New Year and hope you were able to close out 2022 with friends and family. The beginning of a calendar year is often the time when the previous year’s reflections transition to a new...

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Dear Valued Investor,Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. Whether...

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Reducing the Impact of Healthcare on your Retirement SavingsIt's November so that means turkey, pumpkin spiced potables, and Long-term Care Awareness month. In a recent letter to our clients, we discussed the importance of...

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Private Client NewsletterOctober is now behind us and it has delivered on its track record as a historically favorable month for stocks, offering some respite for investors as major equity indices rose for the...

Monday, November 7, 2022

Dear Valued Investor,October is now behind us and it has delivered on its track record as a historically favorable month for stocks, offering some respite for investors as major equity indices rose for the month. The downside pressure...

Friday, November 4, 2022

It seems like employee benefits packages change as frequently as the seasons do, and it often happens around this time of year.Here are some important questions to ask yourself aobut your employee benefits:Do you know all the benefits...

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Dear Valued Investor,In the last several weeks, we have continued to face elevated uncertainty in financial markets due to high inflation and rising interest rates, and we thought it was an important time to take stock with the final...

Monday, October 3, 2022

When is the last time you evaluated your Life Insurance?If you have or need life insurance, some great questions to ask yourself are:Do you have the right amount? You may have too much coverage or not enough based on your age, life...

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Dear Valued Investor,When it comes to stock market performance, August was “the best of times, and the worst of times.” The strong market rally that peaked in mid-August was viewed by many analysts as a transition from a...

Friday, September 2, 2022

Changing careers, retiring, or starting your own business? There are many things to consider when beginning a new chapter. Don't overlook this important financial housekeeping item: Your Old 401(k)!We can help you make the best...

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

You have most likely read that 'Communication' is the key when it comes to talking about money with your significant other. Yet, how do you do that exactly? In my experience working with thousands of couples throughout my career,...

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Dear Valued Investor,Last week was epic for market-watchers. A Federal Reserve (Fed) rate hike, a much-anticipated gross domestic product (GDP) report, and the busiest week of earnings season got most of the headlines. There was even a...

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Dear Valued Investor,As the calendar has turned to July, investors would certainly like to forget the first six months of 2022. However, the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday does bring with it reason for celebration. Not only is...

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Private Client NewsletterThe bull market that began in March of 2020 came dangerously close to an end. From March 23, 2020 through January 3, 2022, the S&P 500 Index gained 114% (excluding dividends). From that January 3 closing high...

Thursday, June 2, 2022

Dear Valued Investor,The bull market that began in March of 2020 came dangerously close to an end. From March 23, 2020 through January 3, 2022, the S&P 500 Index gained 114% (excluding dividends). From that January 3 closing high...

Friday, May 13, 2022

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Monday, March 7, 2022

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Monday, February 7, 2022

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Friday, January 7, 2022

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Dear Valued Investor, We hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. While life has been challenging during the pandemic, we have a lot to be thankful for. At this time, we are especially grateful for...

Friday, November 19, 2021

Important Numbers for 2022 Click the link below to download our "Important Numbers for 2022" guide which includes all of the following and more for your reference heading into the new year. Federal Income Tax Rates Long-Term Capital...

Monday, November 15, 2021

Dear Investor, The past year and a half have tested all of us, but overall, the economy continues to strengthen, COVID-19 trends are greatly improving, and this still relatively young bull market is alive and well. As the leaves turn...

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Why You Need a Plan for Long Term Care Costs are expected to increase substantially in the next 20 years and we want to help you prepare for medical related expenses as part of your overall financial and retirement plan. Contact us...

Monday, November 8, 2021

Dear Valued Investor, The past year and a half have tested all of us, but overall, the economy continues to strengthen, COVID-19 trends are greatly improving, and this still relatively young bull market is alive and well. As the leaves...

Monday, October 11, 2021

Dear Valued Investor, One constant in life is change. During the past year and a half, we have experienced more change than any of us bargained for. Change is disruptive—but also brings opportunities. For investors right now,...

Thursday, September 16, 2021

In this video from LPL Financial, our CEO, Evan Kirkpatrick, explains how LPL has helped our firm grow since 2015. Click below to watch the full video on YouTube: From LPL Financial: "Evan Kirkpatrick’s also dedicated to steering...

Monday, September 13, 2021

The bull market continues, with the S&P 500 Index now up seven months in a row. Stocks have impressively gained 20% year-to-date, with the S&P 500 making 53 new all-time highs before the end of August—another new record. All of...

Monday, September 13, 2021

Why You Need Term Life Insurance While Building Wealth Be prepared for the unexpected and ensure your family is protected with at least 10 times your annual salary in term life coverage. Confidence knowing your family would be...

Friday, September 10, 2021

Dear Valued Investor, The bull market continues, with the S&P 500 Index now up seven months in a row. Stocks have impressively gained 20% year-to-date, with the S&P 500 making 53 new all-time highs before the end of...

Thursday, August 19, 2021

What Issues Should I Consider When Starting Out Financially 2021

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Dear Valued Investor: Six months and counting. That is the current monthly winning streak for the S&P 500 Index. To take that a step further, this key equity benchmark has posted gains in 13 of the last 16 months—dating back to...

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Wendell Charles Expands Digital Wealth Management Services with Launch of Davenport, Iowa Office Location We are thrilled to have settled on the Quad Cities area to open our third office location for Wendell Charles. Purchased in March...

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

The financial consequences of a lengthy disability could literally cost millions. A 40-year-old worker who makes $75,000 a year and suffers a permanent disability could lose over $2 million in future earnings. People don't hesitate to...

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond. While the speed can be exhilarating as economic growth accelerates, it can also be...

Friday, July 9, 2021

Dear Valued Investor: In the first half of 2021, the U.S. economy powered forward faster than nearly anyone had expected. Speed can be exhilarating, but it can also be dangerous. In our view, the overall economic picture remains sound...

Thursday, June 10, 2021

An annuity is a contract between you, the purchaser or owner, and an insurance company, the annuity issuer. In its simplest form, you pay money to an annuity issuer, and the issuer pays out the principal and earnings back to you or to...

Friday, June 4, 2021

A 529 plan is a state-sponsored tax-advantaged plan designed for saving for future education expenses authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. If used for education, the assets grow tax-free. According to the College...

Thursday, June 3, 2021

As we move into June, a path to normalcy is coming quickly with stadiums allowing full capacity, restaurants filling up, and summer vacations in full swing. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy continues to recover remarkably quickly and the...

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Today, Fortune announced LPL Financial’s inclusion in the 2021 Fortune 500 ranking for the first time in the company’s history. LPL Financial was ranked number 466, joining the esteemed list of the largest U.S. companies...

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Grandparents can often find themselves in a better financial position to save for their grandchildren's education than their own children are. The parents of prospective students may still be contending with competing priorities like...

Friday, May 14, 2021

If you're a small business owner, many of the best practices employed by individual investors are also available to you (of course!), but you also have some additional options and factors to weigh while creating your investment plans....

Thursday, May 6, 2021

As the calendar has turned to May, the popular “Sell in May and Go Away” stock market cliché is getting a lot of airtime. This is the idea that the stock market tends to be weakest between May and October (and...

Thursday, May 6, 2021

There are a lot of issues that couples need to think about when tying the knot -- wedding preparations, family, and, of course, finances. Addressing personal finance and investment issues before the big day may help improve your odds...

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Buying a life insurance policy is something that many people push off, sometimes until it is too late. For many people, the thought of buying life insurance means thinking about their death, which is something that most people wish to...

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

In a 2012 press release, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reported that, at year’s beginning, “there were more than one million different municipal bonds outstanding totaling $3.7 trillion.” Moreover,...

Friday, April 23, 2021

Did you know that it is possible to turn substantial personal property holdings into a lump of cash, avoid capital gains taxes, and use that money to pay yourself or beneficiaries and a charity? The irrevocable, tax-exempt charitable...

Monday, April 19, 2021

According to the National Philanthropic Trust’s 2015 report on donor-advised funds (DAFs), total assets managed by such accounts in the year prior stood at an all-time high of almost $71 billion. The same report noted that total...

Friday, April 9, 2021

“The real key to making money in stocks is not to get scared out of them.” Peter Lynch They say April showers bring May flowers. Well, after a lot of showers and storms over the past year, flowers are starting to bloom and...

Monday, April 5, 2021

Most parents today consider funding their children’s college education to some extent as one of their key responsibilities. Yet, the skyrocketing cost of higher education, which significantly outpaces inflation, can put a large strain...

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Many prospective investors eventually shy away from a commitment when they hear the dreaded “R” word: risk. By itself, risk is innocuous, carrying no special meaning or predictive result. But the idea that investing...

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

When approaching the latter part of life, it is easy to get caught up in achieving every goal on your bucket list. Individual lists vary widely, but often are filled with wild adventures like skydiving and scuba diving in the Great...

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Dear Valued Investor: It’s now been over a year since COVID-19 first hit American shores. While the pandemic has affected everyone to varying degrees, we can all agree that everyone’s life is different today than it was a...

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Amidst all the pandemic news and 2020 election drama, many might have missed that the IRS also quietly published new 2021 tax rates in late October and a there are plenty of changes that will impact taxpayers in 2021. While it’s...

Monday, February 22, 2021

Retirement is one of the biggest life transitions adults will ever deal with. After 20, 30, or 40 or more years in the workforce, new retirees can find it hard to adjust to the reduced amount of structure in their daily lives. But...

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

“One of the most helpful things that anybody can learn is to give up trying to catch the last eighth—or the first. These two are the most expensive eighths in the world.” –Jesse Livermore Countless stock...

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

There comes a point in time when almost every small business owner contemplates the future of his or her business. Because “the business” typically is a substantial asset, an owner must address a number of estate planning...

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

The 10-year breakeven inflation rate, a market-based measure of inflation expectations, hit its highest level last Friday, February 5, since 2014. Still, at 2.21% expected annual inflation over the next 10 years, it remains a...

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

As of 2018, about 58 million Americans had a 401(k), while around one-third of households owned an individual retirement account (IRA).1, 2 Yet for as commonplace as these retirement accounts can be, the nuances of contributions are a...

Monday, February 8, 2021

“In the short-term, the market is a popularity contest. In the long-term, the market is a weighing machine.” Warren Buffett 2021 is under way, as our nation and the rest of the world look to begin to put the global pandemic...

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Wall Street bets against companies all the time, thinking that they are overvalued, destined to fail, or both. The reality is that at any given time, the big companies are usually getting a lot of attention from institutional...

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Only one-in-four Americans (27%) feel very confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably when they retire, according to the 2020 Retirement Confidence Survey Summary Report.⁠11 While the number is up slightly from the...

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Happy New Year! A new year offers a welcomed turn of the calendar and a fresh start. However, it’s difficult to put 2020 completely behind us just yet because the COVID-19 pandemic still presents a significant threat. Healthcare...

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

If you are a Millennial or Gen-Zer, buying your first home is likely one of the top priorities on your list. While you may know that you are ready for a house, you may be wondering what considerations you need to make before getting...

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

In 2020, the government gave taxpayers an automatic six-month extension due to the coronavirus. Individuals who were affected by the damaging wildfires were also given additional time to meet most tax deadlines. However, in 2021, the...

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

In an increasingly paper-free society, organizing your financial documents can still be a challenge. No matter how simple or complex your financial picture might be, it takes some thought-out organization to keep your tax documents,...

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

New Year's is traditionally the time to review your life and make resolutions for change. In addition to thinking about working out, eating healthy, and meeting personal and professional goals, you should also think about your finances...

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

As 2020 comes to a close, we are already looking forward to a new year—and to a world very different from the one we’re leaving behind. Areas of the economy have been damaged and may never fully recover, but other areas...

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Your business plan is an important part of creating a business and a critical tool for drawing in lenders and investors. If you're thinking about launching a small business or if you want to take your small business in a new direction,...

Thursday, December 10, 2020

From pandemic-related stimulus payments to job losses and furloughs, for many taxpayers, next spring's tax season may be more complex than usual. With the end of 2020 rapidly approaching, you should take some time to review your tax...

Thursday, December 10, 2020

2020 has been one of the most unprecedented years in recent history, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all. And with the uncertainty surrounding just about everything,...

Friday, November 13, 2020

A record number of people voted in the 2020 US presidential election, and several media outlets have projected that former Vice President Joe Biden has won enough electoral college votes to be declared President-elect. President Donald...

Thursday, November 12, 2020

November 2020 marks the 10-year anniversary of LPL’s initial public offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq Composite stock market index. Traded as LPLA, with the “A” representing advisors, the firm marked the occasion with LPL...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

When Thanksgiving rolls around, the holiday shopping season comes into full swing. While many people prepare their strategy for Black Friday shopping, a lot of them forget about the second shopping holiday that weekend: Small Business...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

The holiday season is just around the corner and many charitable organizations are in desperate need of donations to help provide the vital services needed in the community. You are most often inundated with a number of charitable...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

By the last third of the calendar year, you're likely to have a pretty good idea of what your annual income will be and whether any major expenses or big life changes await you. This can allow you to engage in more robust tax planning,...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Long-term care (LTC) keeps you functioning in the face of devastating illnesses, disabilities and prolonged disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. LTC kicks in when you lose the ability to care for yourself and can no longer do...

Monday, November 2, 2020

Does the party occupying the White House affect the U.S. stock markets and other economic measurements? How does the party controlling Congress affect markets? While it’s interesting to review history and try to answer those...

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Autumn has arrived, with students back in school, baseball playoffs beginning, and football in full swing. Life is trying to get back to as normal as possible despite the ongoing impact from COVID-19. While the number of new daily...

Friday, October 2, 2020

If you've been wondering how to optimize your finances and ensure your money continues to work for you, a financial professional may be able to help. But the thought of turning over your most sensitive financial information to a...

Friday, October 2, 2020

Financial planning is an important part of securing your current lifestyle as well as preparing yourself for what you wish to do in your eventual retirement. And while this importance may look different during each stage of your life,...

Friday, October 2, 2020

Many of you already have estate documents, probably executed many years ago. You need an estate attorney to look over your documents every 10 years or so. Here are a dozen points to review. Do you have a will and powers of attorney for...

Friday, October 2, 2020

When it comes to financial stability, people tend to focus on paying off debt and saving for retirement. In reality, many other financial goals beckon to individuals during their lifetime. Because of this, it’s important to look...

Friday, September 4, 2020

While the COVID-19 fight is not over, more progress has been made recently. New cases and hospitalizations in the United States have been falling steadily since mid-July. Several promising vaccine candidates have entered phase-three...

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Like anyone else, you want a life insurance policy that meets your needs and budget. But how do you find the right policy when there are so many to choose from and many of them seem so similar? The key is knowing how to compare...

Thursday, September 3, 2020

As you get older and closer to retirement, your financial practices need to shift slightly as you transition from working and saving to relying on your nest egg. As you approach this stage of your life, you need to take steps to...

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Your life insurance needs change as your life changes. When you are young, you may not have a need for life insurance. However, as you take on more responsibility and your family grows, your life insurance needs increase. Your needs...

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Should you really consider getting life insurance when you are close to 60? September is National Life Insurance Awareness month. And while most of us likely recognize that life insurance provides us peace of mind and security, there...

Sunday, August 23, 2020

The abrupt end to the 2019-2020 school year in many parts of the U.S. left parents and students alike struggling to establish healthy routines. As many students prepare to head back to the classroom (or the remote classroom) this fall,...

Sunday, August 16, 2020

The time to begin planning for your financial future is now. So, when it comes to preparing for retirement, the earlier you start, the better. Here are some steps to help you achieve your overall objectives: Review your current...

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Invest early. Invest often. Invest for growth. These are the basic principles of saving for your child’s college education. The earlier you begin a savings program, the more time you have to benefit from the power of compound...

Thursday, August 6, 2020

The battle versus COVID-19 continues. The spread in some of the recent hotspots like California and Florida is slowing, while states in the Northeast and Midwest are now experiencing increases in cases. According to the World Health...

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Changing jobs is an important decision -- one that many of us are making more often. Once you've decided to switch jobs, your next move is to determine what to do with the money in your former employer's retirement plan. Four Common...

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Whether you dream of a travel-filled retirement or would prefer to relax and enjoy spending more time at home, you're probably wondering what you can do to make your golden years as stress-free as possible. For many who have spent the...

Thursday, June 25, 2020

By investing for retirement through your employer-sponsored plan, you are helping to manage a critically important financial risk: the chance that you will outlive your money. But choosing to participate is just one step in your...

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Steven and Pamela Jackson, both in their late twenties, have been married for five years. Steven is a customer service supervisor for a newspaper distribution company and Pamela works as a receptionist at a large bank. During the early...

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Owning a home outright is a dream that many Americans share. Having a mortgage can be a huge burden, and paying it off may be the first item on your financial to-do list. But competing with the desire to own your home free and clear is...

Thursday, June 25, 2020

With the coronavirus shutting done educational institutions and moving classes online, the face of education across the country has changed. While the focus has been primarily on completing the educational requirements to get K through...

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

The shortened week, which began with a powerful two-day rally of trading, was enough to drive the markets into another week of solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced...

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

The old saying "knowledge is power" applies to many situations in life, including retirement planning. The more you know about the benefits your plan offers, the more likely you'll be to make the most of them and come out ahead...

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Hindsight is 20/20, but finding clarity in future uncertainty can be fuzzy. As we look forward to the year 2020 and a new decade, some key trends and market signals will be important to watch, including progress on U.S.-China trade...

Friday, November 29, 2019

This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for solid consumer confidence, even though it has wavered in recent months. Consumer confidence fell for a fourth straight month in November, according to preliminary Conference Board data. Even...

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

If you're self-employed or own a small business, you've probably considered establishing a retirement plan. If you've done your homework, you likely know about simplified employee pensions (SEPs) and savings incentive match plans for...

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

U.S. consumers continue to open up their wallets, according to the October retail sales report. Retail sales rose 0.3% last month, the measure’s seventh gain in eight months. Retail sales’ rise was led by a 1.1% gain in...

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Retirement plans established under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, commonly referred to as "401(k) plans," have become one of the most popular types of employer-sponsored retirement plans. What is a 401(k) plan? A 401(k)...

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

As a continuation of our “Newlywed Checklist”, we wanted to take a more in depth look at some of the most prominent financial issues we help our married clients work through. Money touches and affects everything in our...

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Wendell Charles is committed to providing quality, comprehensive financial advice to our clientele. An important, but often overlooked aspect of planning is the proper management of risks. Building wealth takes hard work and discipline...

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Real rates (yields minus expected inflation) crossed into negative territory last week, garnering attention from the financial press as an additional signal of an economy at risk. But, as shown in LPL Research’s Chart of the day,...

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

U.S. manufacturing contracted in August for the first time since January 2016 as trade uncertainty continued to weigh on the sector. The Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)...

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Life insurance may be a cornerstone of a sound financial plan, providing potential financial stability to a surviving spouse, children, or other family members in the event of your untimely death. Sadly, many Americans have no life...

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Business investment remains a critical component for this economic expansion. Capital expenditures (capex) drive productivity gains (more output per hour worked), which enables economic growth while keeping inflation contained. That...

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Charitable giving can play an important role in many estate plans. Philanthropy cannot only give you great personal satisfaction, it can also give you a current income tax deduction, let you avoid capital gains tax, and reduce the...

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Sometimes people get caught up in the numbers so much that they get why they're saving for retirement. At the beginning of your career, you may not have known what you wanted to do. Now that you've officially joined the ranks of...

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

U.S. stocks have hit another trade-induced summer storm. The S&P 500 Index fell 3% on Monday, its worst day since December 2018. The index is now about 6% from record highs in U.S. stocks’ worst bout of volatility since May. As...

Thursday, July 18, 2019

In times of crisis, you don't want to be shaking pennies out of a piggy bank. Having a financial safety net in place can ensure that you're protected when a financial emergency arises. One way to accomplish this is by setting up a cash...

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Blue chip stocks have been on a tear this month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (Dow) has risen 2.8% in July, the best performer of the four benchmark stock indexes we track. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, The Dow’s Hot...

Thursday, July 11, 2019

If you are preparing to change jobs, do you know what your choices are for managing the money in your current employer's retirement plan? Although many people choose to take a cash distribution, there are other options that may benefit...

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Approximately 67 million people today receive some form of Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, survivor, and family benefits. (Source: Fast Facts & Figures About Social Security, 2018) Although most people...

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Tip: Final Cost. Paying for a funeral can be a financial burden on a family. Make sure your estate management will provide your loved ones with sufficient funds to cover this important cost. If your family relies on your income,...

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

We are pleased to announce the release of the LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets, with investment insights and market guidance through the end of 2019. LPL Research...

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Investors are bracing for fixed income turbulence, just before the Federal Reserve (Fed) begins its next policy meeting on June 18. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, “Investors Rush Into Treasury Options,” the Bank of...

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Last week stocks enjoyed their best week since November 2018, boosted by increasing hopes of Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cuts. Unfortunately, stocks may not be in the clear yet, as trade tensions with China linger. “While the...

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Tip: An investment is based on incisive, quantitative analysis, while speculation depends on whim and guesswork. —Benjamin Graham, noted value investor Looking at their recent track records doesn’t do much to settle the...

Monday, June 10, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks rallied during a week in which Wall Street was buffeted by headlines. The S&P 500 rose 4.41%. The Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average respectively added 3.88% and 4.71%. The MSCI EAFE index...

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Long-term Treasury yields’ rapid decline has been one of the most baffling market developments of 2019. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the 10-year Treasury yield fell 38 basis points (0.38%) in May, its biggest monthly...

Monday, June 3, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks struggled during a 4-day market week as the U.S.-China trade standoff continued to weigh on the minds of market participants. From the Friday, May 24 close to the Friday, May 31 close, the S&P 500...

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week as investors considered the possibility that the world's two largest economies might take some time to resolve key trade issues. The S&P 500 retreated 1.17%; the Nasdaq Composite,...

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Tip: Won’t Medicare Pay for It? After a three–day hospital stay, Medicare will cover the first 20 days in a skilled nursing care facility completely. For the next 80 days, it will cover all but $157.50 per day. And after...

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

The S&P 500 Index has officially gained each of the first four months of the year for the first time since 2013. This comes on the heels of the best first quarter since 1998. Six straight months in green has been the best monthly win...

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. However, the following basic rules can help you make smarter choices regardless of whether you...

Monday, May 20, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks fell sharply at the start of last week over trade tensions, then recovered with help from strong earnings and indications that U.S.-China trade talks would continue. Even so, the major indices had a down...

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

As we noted yesterday, the recent bout of volatility has caught many investors off guard. However, we’ve been saying since late March that some type of normal correction could happen, and we’ve taken a more cautious stance....

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

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...

Monday, May 13, 2019

The Week on Wall Street As we noted recently, Wall Street has a wandering eye. Last week, it focused on the new tariff threats in the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute. Stocks fell across five trading sessions: the Dow Jones Industrial...

Monday, May 6, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were up and down last week, and the three major benchmarks ended up little changed after five trading days. The S&P 500 rose 0.20% for the week; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.22%. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Thursday, May 2, 2019

As we noted earlier this week, these next six months historically have been the worst for stocks. That is why there’s a well-known investment axiom to “Sell in May and Go Away.” However, that popular principle...

Monday, April 29, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks returned to record territory, with both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite closing at historic highs. The S&P gained 1.20% for the week; the Nasdaq, 1.85%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged,...

Monday, April 22, 2019

The Week on Wall Street A short and relatively placid trading week wrapped up Thursday, with the major indices turning in mixed performances. The S&P 500 retreated 0.08%, the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.17%, and the Dow Jones...

Monday, April 15, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks broke out of a narrow range on Friday following news that two major banks grew their bottom line in the first quarter. For the week, the S&P 500 rose 0.79%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.91%. The Dow Jones...

Monday, April 8, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks just posted their second straight weekly gain. Investors were encouraged by the latest jobs report and new signs of progress on a U.S.-China trade deal. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.17% in...

Monday, April 1, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks ended last week higher as volatility slowed, completing their best quarter since 2009. A Friday tweet from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin encouraged investors, referring to "constructive" discussions...

Monday, March 25, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Friday, the yield of the 3-month Treasury bill exceeded the yield of the 10-year Treasury note for the first time in 12 years. For some analysts, this "inverted yield curve" may imply a short-term lessening of...

Monday, March 18, 2019

The Week on Wall Street The big story last week was the sudden grounding of Boeing 737 Max 8 and 9 passenger jets in dozens of countries. The financial effects of this ban could potentially impact the airline industry and segments of...

Monday, March 11, 2019

The Week on Wall Street As in February, investors spent most of the first full trading week of March hoping for new details in U.S.-China trade negotiations. While they waited, stock benchmarks drifted downward. From Monday's open to...

Monday, March 4, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks lost a little ground as February gave way to March. While domestic and overseas political developments made headlines, the market stayed relatively calm: from Monday's open through Friday's close, the...

Monday, February 25, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks rallied last week as optimism about a potential U.S.-China trade deal grew. The S&P 500 advanced 0.80% during the 4-day trading week to 2,792.67. The Nasdaq Composite improved 0.86% to 7,527.54, and the...

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks ended a good week on a high note, as hints of progress in U.S.-China trade talks encouraged investors. When the closing bell rang Friday, the S&P 500 settled at 2,775.60, after rising 2.50% in five days....

Monday, January 21, 2019

Partnering with money managers via Model Wealth Portfolios to create your customized portfolio gives us the ability to provide you many new potential benefits. The time is right to consider this exciting opportunity. You Get a Team...

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

We are excited to announce that our Wealth Vision financial dashboard now includes automated onboarding! Once you are set up, simply log in and walk through the 10 minute process of inputting information about your family, goals,...

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Now available to clients of our firm through our broker/dealer, LPL Financial, Goldman Sachs Private Bank Select (“GS Select”), a securities-based lending solution that uses diversified, non-retirement investment assets in...

Monday, April 2, 2018

Our CEO & Wealth Manager, Evan Kirkpatrick, contributed this article to the CNBC Financial Advisor Hub. Click HERE to access the article.

Monday, February 12, 2018

At Wendell Charles Financial with our investment planning, we view goals as life’s destinations, whether it is where you want to be at the end of the day or at some point in the distant future. But there is a big difference...