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Client Letter | A Resilient March | April 5, 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...
Read MoreClient Letter | Waiting For New Highs | 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
Read MoreClient Letter | Opportunities in 2023 | February 2nd, 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...
Read MoreClient Letter | Reasons for Optimism | 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...
Read MoreClient Letter | Finding Balance | Outlook 2023
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...
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Evaluating Long-Term Care Insurance: Is it Right for You?
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...
Read MoreClient Newsletter: November 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...
Read MoreClient Letter | Looking Ahead | November 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...
Read More3 Important Questions to Ask During Open Enrollment
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...
Read MoreClient Letter | Could the Worst be Behind Us? | October
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...
Read MoreEvaluating Life Insurance
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...
Read MoreClient Letter | The Best and Worst of Times | September 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...
Read More401(k) Rollover Options
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...
Read MoreHow to Talk to Your Spouse About Money
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,...
Read MoreClient Letter | Big Week for Market Watchers | August 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...
Read MoreClient Letter | Looking Forward | July 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...
Read MoreClient Newsletter: June 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...
Read MoreClient Letter | Bull Market Hangs By a Thread | June 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...
Read MoreClient Letter | Holiday Resilience | December 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...
Read MoreImportant Numbers for 2022
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...
Read MoreClient Newsletter: November 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...
Read MoreHow will you pay for Long Term Care?
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...
Read MoreClient Letter | Many Reasons to be Thankful | November 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...
Read MoreClient Letter | Change May Bring Opportunities | October 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,...
Read MoreHow Our Partnership with LPL is Leading to Growth [video]
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...
Read MoreClient Newsletter for September 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...
Read MoreDo You Have Adequate Term Life Insurance?
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...
Read MoreClient Letter | The Bull Market Continues | September 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...
Read MoreWhat Issues Should I Consider When Starting Out Financially?
What Issues Should I Consider When Starting Out Financially 2021
Read MoreClient Letter | Six Months and Counting | August 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...
Read MoreWendell Charles Expands Operations with Purchase of Iowa Office Location
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...
Read MoreDo I Need Individual Disability Insurance?
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...
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed
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...
Read MoreClient Letter | Picking Up Speed | July 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...
Read MoreAnnuity Basics
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...
Read More529 Savings Plans: For Education Expenses and Estate Planning?
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...
Read MoreGearing Up For Summer
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...
Read MoreLPL Financial Earns Spot among 2021 Fortune 500 List
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...
Read MoreWhat Should Grandparents Know About 529 Savings Accounts?
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...
Read More5 Investment Considerations for Small Business Owners
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....
Read MoreOut of the Shadows
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...
Read MoreMarriage: Entering a New Investment Life
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...
Read More4 Reasons to Consider a Life Insurance Policy
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...
Read MoreThe Simple Five Minute Guide to Understanding Municipal Bonds
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,...
Read MorePhilanthropy and Tax Benefits? Three Tax Benefits of Charitable Remainder Trusts
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...
Read MoreThe Easiest Way to Start Philanthropic Investing
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...
Read MoreSpring Into A Positive Outlook
“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...
Read MoreHow To Save And Invest For Your Children's Higher Education
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...
Read MoreAppetite for Risk
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...
Read MoreRe-thinking Your Bucket List
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...
Read MoreThe Return of Normal is Approaching
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...
Read MoreThe New IRS Tax Rates and Deductions for 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...
Read MoreThree Things You'll Wish You'd Known Before Retirement
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...
Read MoreThe Stock Market’s Cost of Admission
“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...
Read MoreBusiness Contingency Planning for Small Business Owners
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...
Read MoreInflation Expectations Highest Since 2014
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...
Read MoreIRA vs. 401(k): What Savers Should Know
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...
Read MoreStay the Course
“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...
Read MoreGameStop and a Modern-Day David vs. Goliath
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...
Read MoreCommon Retirement Investment Mistakes
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...
Read More2021 Brings a Fresh Start
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...
Read MoreBuying Your First Home for Millennials and Gen Z
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...
Read MoreTips for Tax Preparation
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...
Read MoreTips for Organizing Your Financial Documents
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,...
Read MoreNew Year's Resolutions to Get Your Finances in Order
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...
Read MoreOutlook 2021: Powering Foward
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...
Read MoreCreating a Business Plan for Small Businesses
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,...
Read MoreGetting a Jump on January Tax Season
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...
Read MoreEnd of Year (EOY) Deadlines Checklist
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,...
Read MoreNovember Market and Economic Update
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...
Read MoreLPL Marks 10 Years Publicly Traded, Serving Advisors and Enabling Independence
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...
Read More4 Reasons to Do Your Shopping on Small Business Saturday
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...
Read MoreCharitable Giving: How it Affects You Financially as Well as Personally
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...
Read MoreEnd of Year Planning: Set Goals and Reduce Taxes
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,...
Read MorePrepare for Long-Term Care Before the Need
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...
Read MorePolitical Parties and Stock Markets since 1900
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...
Read MoreSigns of Strength In The Economy
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...
Read MoreWhat to Know About Working With a Financial Professional
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...
Read MoreWhat Gen Xers, Millennials, and Baby Boomers Need to Know About Financial Planning?
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,...
Read More12 Estate Planning Must-Dos
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...
Read MoreBeyond Retirement: Consider Your Other Goals
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...
Read MoreBack to School, Stock Market Highs & Election Season
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...
Read MoreComparing Life Insurance Policies
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...
Read MoreHow to Protect Your Wealth as You Get Older
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...
Read MoreHow Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
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...
Read MoreNational Life Insurance Awareness Month
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...
Read MoreBack to School: Getting Your Financial House in Order
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,...
Read MoreA Checklist for Your Retirement Planning
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...
Read MoreABCs of Investing for College
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...
Read MoreMoving Into Positive Territory
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...
Read MoreI'm Changing Jobs. What Should I Do With the Money in My Plan?
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...
Read MoreHow to Make Savings Last Longer in Retirement
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...
Read MoreRisk Management and Your Retirement Savings Plan
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...
Read MoreA “Reality Check” for Emerging Families
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...
Read MoreShould You Pay off Your Mortgage or Invest?
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...
Read MorePaying for College and the Impact of COVID-19
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...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Optimism for Re-Opening
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...
Read MoreHow Well Do You Know Your 401(k)?
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...
Read MoreBringing Markets Into Focus in Outlook 2020
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...
Read MoreGiving Thanks for the U.S. Consumer
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...
Read MoreUnderstanding Individual 401(k) Plans
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...
Read MoreConsumers Open Up Their Wallets
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...
Read More401(k) Plans: The Basics
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)...
Read MoreFinancial Conversations Newlyweds MUST Have
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...
Read MoreThe Proper Management of Risks
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...
Read MoreReal Yields Signal Slower Economy
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,...
Read MoreManufacturing Muddles Through
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)...
Read MoreLife Insurance: Is It Missing From Your Plan?
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...
Read MoreTrade Uncertainty Still Weighing on Capital Investment
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...
Read MoreCharitable Giving
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...
Read More8 Steps for Pre-Retirees to Pursue Retirement Income
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...
Read MoreAnother Summer Storm
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...
Read MoreGetting Started: Establishing a Financial Safety Net
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...
Read MoreThe Dow’s Hot July
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...
Read More401(k) Decisions -- You Can Take It With You
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...
Read MoreUnderstanding Social Security
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...
Read MoreAssess Life Insurance Needs
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,...
Read MoreLPL Research Midyear Outlook 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...
Read MoreBracing for Fixed Income Turbulence
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...
Read MoreReducing 2019 S&P 500 Earnings Forecasts
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...
Read MoreValue vs. Growth Investing
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...
Read MoreJune 10, 2019 - Big Gains for the Major Indices
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...
Read MoreYields’ Rapid Decline
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...
Read MoreJune 3, 2019 - May Ends with a Retreat
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...
Read MoreMay 28, 2019 - Trade Tensions Linger
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,...
Read MoreUnderstanding Long-Term Care
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...
Read MoreAnother Reason For Bulls To Smile
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...
Read MoreFive Keys to Investing For Retirement
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...
Read MoreMay 20, 2019 - Trade News Moves the Market
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...
Read MorePullbacks Happen
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....
Read MoreRetirement 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...
Read MoreMay 13, 2019 - Higher Tariffs Take Effect
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...
Read MoreMay 6, 2019 - Major Indices Have a Mixed Week
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...
Read MoreTime to Sell in May? Part Deux
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...
Read MoreApril 29, 2019 - S&P 500 Reaches a New Peak
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,...
Read MoreApril 22, 2019 - A Mild Week for the Market
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...
Read MoreApril 15, 2019 - The Q1 Earnings Season Begins
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...
Read MoreApril 8, 2019 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
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...
Read MoreApril 1, 2019 - Gains Conclude a Great Quarter
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...
Read MoreMarch 25, 2019 - Treasury Yields Prompt Concerns
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...
Read MoreMarch 18, 2019 - Dow, S&P, Nasdaq All Rise
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...
Read MoreMarch 11, 2019 - Stocks Dip on Growth Concerns
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...
Read MoreMarch 4, 2019 - S&P Ends Week Little Changed
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...
Read MoreFebruary 25, 2019 - Optimism Spurs a Broad Rally
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...
Read MoreFebruary 19, 2019 - Dow, S&P, Nasdaq Climb Higher
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....
Read MoreAccess Our Team Approach with Model Wealth Portfolios
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...
Read MoreIntroducing Goldman Sachs Private Bank Select
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...
Read MoreWealth Vision Automated Onboarding
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,...
Read MoreIf You Received A 401(k) Plan Refund Check, Here Is What You Do
Our CEO & Wealth Manager, Evan Kirkpatrick, contributed this article to the CNBC Financial Advisor Hub. Click HERE to access the article.
Read MoreThe Importance of Financial Goals
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...
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