Insights

Weekly Market Commentary – June 24, 2019

The S&P 500 continued its strong June performance and reached a new high Thursday, before inching lower on Friday. The openness of the Federal Reserve to cutting rates at its next meeting, along with renewed optimism on trade, shot markets higher. The S&P 500 climbed 2.2% for the week. The MSCI ACWI gained 2.4% as international markets performed well. The Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index rose 0.4% as bond prices typically increase when yields fall. Read more

How to Get Investors to Save More for Retirement? Perhaps by Saying Hello to Their Future Self

The number of Americans prepared to meet their basic expenses in retirement has drastically declined in the last 20 years, according to research published by Boston College. Read more

Breaking Down The Complex World Of Social Security Spousal Benefits

Social Security is part of the bedrock of retirement security in the United States. For one-third of all retirees, Social Security represents nearly all of their retirement income. For two-thirds of retirees, Social Security makes up more than half of their retirement income. Overall, Social Security represents nearly one-third of all retirement income for retirees. Read more

The Progression of Financial Planning Through Every Decade of Your Life

By Jamie Hopkins

Your career and lifestyle look completely different when you’re in your 20s compared to when you’re in your 60s – your financial focus and planning in each decade should follow suit. I’ve highlighted three financial tactics to focus on in each decade of your life starting with your 20s.

Each decade is riddled with its own risks and problems so it’s important to know what to expect. Which decade can you afford to take more risk? Which decade should you really start to plan for retirement? Which decade should you focus on managing debt? Read more

How to Buy a Car Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Wallet)

By Erin Wood

Having to buy a car is like having a sliver stuck under my fingernail. It’s painful and annoying, I know I have to deal with it, but it’s going to take forever. Might as well pack a lunch too, because the second you decide you want to test drive something they have you trapped. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary – June 17, 2019

The S&P 500 followed up the previous week’s strong gains with an increase of 0.5% last week. Decent economic data was encouraging but not strong enough to change expectations for much-desired interest rate cuts this year. The global MSCI ACWI climbed 0.3%. Heightened risks loom in the global market from tanker attacks and Hong Kong protests. The Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index was unchanged as expectations for economic growth remained subdued. Read more

Why You Need a Will (and You Need One Today)

by Sarah Duey, JD, CFTA, CAP®, Vice President, Trust Services

Who wants to spend an afternoon thinking about their mortality? No one, which is why more than half of Americans don’t even have a will.

The foundation of your estate plan is a Last Will and Testament. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary – June 10, 2019

The S&P 500 surged 4.5% last week as optimism about the Federal Reserve cutting rates and the quick end to potential tariffs on Mexican goods pushed markets higher. The global MSCI ACWI soared 3.6% as international markets participated in the surge, but not as much as domestic markets. The Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index gained 0.4% as weak jobs data and the hopes of interest-rate cuts pushed rates lower and bond prices higher. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary June 3, 2019

The S&P 500 plunged 2.6% last week as economic data remained soft and the Trump administration surprised investors by threatening tariffs on Mexico over immigration concerns, rather than trade negotiations. The global MSCI ACWI dropped 1.9% as international markets held up slightly better than the U.S. The Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index soared 0.9% on worries tariffs and the associated uncertainty will push rates lower. Read more

Teaching Kids about Money in the Summer Months

Summer arrives – bees, picnics, nostalgia and the chaotic sound of kids everywhere. It’s enough to bring back memories of sweating behind a lawnmower or scrubbing grandpa’s car to get a few precious dollars to spend at the mall or the movies. Read more