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Simple Ways to Build Financial Literacy and Confidence in Children
If you’ve ever had a conversation with a child about money, you know that financial literacy doesn’t start with complex strategies or spreadsheets. It begins much earlier, shaped by everyday habits, conversations, and examples children...
Read MoreProtect Your Legacy with These Six Habits
Building wealth is a remarkable achievement, but ensuring it lasts for future generations requires more than accumulation. Without proactive planning, decades of effort can erode quickly due to market concentration, taxes, family...
Read MoreHow Does a Trump Account Work?
Although the IRS started accepting tax returns on January 26, 2026, some “soon-to-be” filers may have lingering questions about how to identify the new Trump accounts on their federal tax return. Here’s a recap of what’s known about...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | March 2026
Monthly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceFor the MonthAll three major indices declined in March, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average leading the sell‑off, down 5.2%. The S&P 500 fell 5.0%, while the tech‑heavy Nasdaq Composite fared...
Read MoreApril Is Financial Literacy Month
April marks the start of Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized movement to promote and support financial understanding in children and teens. For many, it's a fantastic opportunity to teach and connect with their children...
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Celebrating Small Businesses
Small businesses are the backbone of the American and global economies. In fact, over 99% of American firms are small businesses, and there are currently around 400 million small businesses worldwide.1March 29 is a day that we...
Read MoreChanging Your Beneficiaries
CHANGE YOUR BENEFICIARIESEven after your estate planning is complete, it's important to keep your beneficiaries updated and change them as necessary. Updating your beneficiaries listed throughout your estate plan can help ensure no one...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | February 2026
Monthly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceThe S&P 500 fell 0.76% in February, trimming its YTD gain to 0.68%. The index ended the month 1.43% below its most recent record high of 6,978 set on January 27.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreCelebrating Black History Month: The Soundtrack That Built America
This February, we're taking a different approach to Black History Month by celebrating the music that shaped our nation's cultural identity.Did you know that the banjo, one of America's most "traditional" instruments, actually came...
Read MoreThe Super Bowl and Your Investments: Lessons in Risk Management
I hope this email finds you well and that you are excited for the upcoming Super Bowl on February 8, 2026. As the pinnacle moment in American sports approaches, it's not just about touchdowns and tackles. The Super Bowl also offers...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | January 2026
Monthly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceDespite volatile swings during the second half of the month, the S&P 500 gained nearly 1.5% in January, closing at 6,939. That’s just 0.57% below its most recent all-time high set on January 27 at...
Read MoreGetting Ready for Tax Season
As tax season approaches, a little early organization may help things feel more manageable. This time of year often brings a steady flow of paperwork, deadlines, and decisions, so this message is simply a supportive reminder to help...
Read MoreBuild Habits That Protect Your Family’s Legacy
Building wealth is an incredible achievement but preserving it for future generations requires intentional habits. Without structure and foresight, decades of effort can erode quickly due to market risks, taxes, or family conflict.Here...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | December 2025
Monthly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceThe S&P 500 ended the year at 6,845.50, 1.25% below its 39th all-time high of the year set on 12/24/25, its first Christmas Eve record since 2013. While gaining just 0.06% in December, the index...
Read MoreFiscal Resolutions: 5 Tips to Get Your Finances In Shape
Just like the common vow to commit to exercise and dieting as a New Year’s resolution, it’s also a good idea to take stock of your financial situation and include some fiscal goals. Taking a good look into your overall savings plan,...
Read MoreSmart Moves to Wrap Up the Year with Confidence
As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your retirement strategy and make adjustments that can set you up for long-term success. Whether you're nearing retirement or already enjoying it, these year-end planning...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | November 2025
Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance Despite ending November with a fractional gain, the S&P 500 more than fully recovered from intra-month lows to end the month just 0.61% below its most recent record high. The Dow Jones...
Read More‘Tis the Season…to Protect Yourself!
As you likely know, there are more and more attacks on our security online every day, and it’s even more frequent around the holidays. This time of year, be on guard for cyber criminals. To help you stay safe, here are some tips: Do...
Read MoreYear-End Strategies to Protect Your Wealth and Legacy
As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to take strategic action to preserve your wealth, optimize your tax exposure, and build a lasting legacy. Whether you're focused on growing investments, giving with intention, or preparing...
Read MoreTalking about money
Picture an excited grandfather gifting his teenage grandkids a carefully wrapped package of silver dollar coins that he had collected over the years. This happened last December, and the teenagers’ questions were fascinating as they...
Read MorePlanning for Aging Care
Planning for aging care has become increasingly urgent as the population grows older and healthcare costs continue to rise. Studies project that the number of US households headed by an adult age 80 and over will more than double by...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | October 2025
Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 gained over 2.3% last month, finishing just 0.74% below its 35th YTD record high set on October 28. The broad index ended October up 38.21% from its April 8 correction low. The Dow...
Read MoreA quick glance at the latest tax law overhaul
Just before the July 4th holiday, Congress passed a domestic policy bill that extended the 2017 tax cuts that were set to expire this year while making some of the 2017 rules permanent. The bill also created several new tax laws for...
Read MoreTax Act 2025: Something for Everyone
There’s something for everyone in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. In fact, the Tax Foundation calculated that the new law avoided a tax hike on 62 percent of tax filers in 2026. In dollars and cents, that works out to almost...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | September 2025
Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 ended the third quarter at 6,688.46, just 0.08% below its 28th record high of the year set on 9/22/25. The index has surged 35.07% from its April 8 correction low at 4,982.77. The...
Read MoreSeptember Is National Life Insurance Awareness Month
It’s time for your life insurance checkup. September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage.1 If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life insurance is one of those...
Read MoreA Comprehensive Guide to Managing Unforeseen Retirement Expenses
Even the most well-planned retirement can be disrupted by unforeseen expenses. Many retirees underestimate how unpredictable certain costs can be—and how easily they can derail an otherwise sound financial strategy. Here are five...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | August 2025
Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 gained just over 2% last month, capping its 20th YTD record high on August 28. The broad index ended August up 30.31% from its April 8 correction low. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreThe Eye-Popping Cost of College
Did you know that for the 2024–2025 academic year, the average cost for one year of college—including tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses—is $29,910? That price is for public four-year, in-state schools. To attend a private...
Read MoreSafeguard Your Retirement Against Rising Costs
Retirement should be a time of stability, enjoyment, and freedom—but rising costs can potentially put a strain on even the most carefully planned budget. With thoughtful planning and tailored strategies, you can reduce inflation risk...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | July 2025
Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 extended its 6.20% first half gain by 2.24% in July. The index is now up 27.72% from its April 8 cycle low. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose just 36-points (+0.16%) in July,...
Read MoreIs Social Security Going to Run Out in Your Lifetime?
We get regular updates on the Social Security trust fund. The Social Security Board of Trustees announced that the trust funds had revenue to pay full benefits until 2035. Generally speaking, the headline’s tone is very grim and...
Read MoreWhat's Next for Interest Rates, Inflation?
The Fed’s May meeting was pretty much a humdrum event. Even Fed Chair Powell's post-meeting press conference was uneventful. “We are always going to do the same thing,” he said. “We are going to use our tools to foster maximum...
Read MoreUnpacking the 2025 Tax Overhaul
On July 4, 2025, the President signed into law the “Make American Workers and Families Thrive Again Act” (formerly the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”). This sweeping legislation—over 1,000 pages—extends, modifies, or makes permanent many...
Read MoreIs It Time to Rethink Your Investment Strategy?
Today’s financial landscape is rich with opportunities, but many still believe in following a ‘cookie-cutter’ approach to investing and building wealth. In truth, investing should be a personalized process, shaped by your goals,...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | June 2025
Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 ended the second quarter at 6,204.95, its fifth record high of the year. The index surged 24.92% to more than fully recover all losses from its April 8 low at 4,982. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreHow to Support Black-Owned Businesses
Did you know that by supporting Black-owned businesses, you can further show your support for the Black community while improving your local economy at the same time? Here’s how to get started: Become a regular: Businesses thrive on...
Read MoreBalancing Savings and Happiness in Retirement
With increasing longevity and uncertainty about healthcare costs, many retirees find themselves afraid to spend their money during retirement, at a time when they are healthy and can enjoy their hard-earned savings. The same challenges...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | May 2025
Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 advanced 6.29% in May, ending the three-month stretch of declines that began in February. The index is now up 1.06% YTD and sits 3.78% below its all-time high. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreExploring Tax Benefits of Home Ownership
Owning a home is more than just having a place to call your own. Beyond the pride of ownership, there are significant financial advantages, particularly when tax season arrives. Navigating these benefits might seem daunting due to the...
Read MoreDo You Have Your Facts Straight When It Comes to Social Security?
When it comes to Social Security, many people have more questions than answers. By separating facts from fiction, you can make more informed decisions about your retirement planning. Myth 1: Social Security Won't Exist When I Retire...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | April 2025
Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 declined just 0.68% in April, capping a third straight monthly decline, its longest stretch of declines since 2023. April’s fractional decline follows a 5.6% decline in March. The...
Read MoreGrow Your Wealth Through Small, Consistent Habits
Building wealth in today's economy may feel like an uphill battle. Housing, utilities, and daily expenses keep climbing, making it challenging to cover essential costs and still have money left over. But, with careful planning and...
Read MoreMarket Uncertainty and Investor Behavior
Are the ups and downs of the stock market leaving you unsettled? Feeling hopeful when the market rises and uneasy when it dips is natural. However, these emotions can sometimes lead to hasty buying or selling, and attempting to...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | March 2025
Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 extended its 1.3% February loss, to end the first quarter down nearly 4.3% which is 8.66% below its Feb 19 record high. The S&P 500 fell 5.63% in March, its largest monthly decline...
Read MoreEmpathy Gaps: How Emotions Affect Our Behavior
Have you ever eaten an extra slice of pie for dessert only to promise yourself a diet just hours later? Or gone grocery shopping on an empty stomach and bought far more ice cream than you needed? These are classic examples of the...
Read More10 Budget Tips Every Young Investor Should Know
Budgeting is a powerful first step on the path to building wealth as a young investor. By establishing mindful financial habits now, you can build a solid foundation to support your long-term financial goals. Here are ten budgeting...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | February 2025
Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 backpedaled 1.30% in February, trimming its January gain nearly in half. The index ended February 3.09% below its record high set on February 19. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreThe Roth IRA’s Secret Tax Benefits That Everyone Should Know
1. Tax-Free Withdrawals Money that goes into a Roth IRA is after-tax dollars. Because you've already paid taxes on that money, once it is withdrawn, it comes out tax-free. There are some restrictions on those withdrawals if you want...
Read MoreCash Flow Management: A Straightforward Guide to Balanced, Tax-Intelligent Finances
Even small decisions can have a big impact on your financial situation. By understanding your cash flow and taking a tax-smart approach, you can help make your money work harder toward your long-term goals. What Is Cash Flow and Why...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | January 2025
Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 (+2.78%) had a good start to the new year, slightly more than fully recouping its 2.38% December loss. The Dow Jones Industrial Average outperformed the S&P 500 by 2 percentage...
Read MoreThe Power of Compounding
Did you know that money saved today is more valuable than money saved tomorrow? That’s due to the amazing power of compounding. To determine how quickly your savings may double, simply divide 72 by your current annual rate of return...
Read MoreHow to Add a Legacy Contact for Your Apple Account
In an increasingly digital world, much of our personal information—photos, messages, and important documents—is stored online. Planning for how your loved ones can access your digital legacy after your passing is essential, and Apple...
Read MoreMonthly Recap | December 2024
Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 trimmed its final quarterly gain of the year to 2.41% with a December decline of 2.38%. The broad-based index finished 2024 at 5,881.63, 3.4% below its December 6 record high of 6...
Read MoreFiscal Resolutions: 5 Tips to Get Your Finances In Shape
Just like the common vow to commit to exercise and dieting as a New Year’s resolution, it’s also a good idea to take stock of your financial situation and include some fiscal goals. Taking a good look into your overall savings plan,...
Read MoreGift Giving Considerations for Tax Benefits
To give is better than to receive, unless you’re giving more than your fair share to Uncle Sam. As you prepare your holiday gift list, you may opt to give family and friends gifts with lasting value that also offer tax benefits for...
Read MoreHow Women Can Prepare for Retirement
When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that today's average 67-year-old woman will live to age 88...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2025
The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)IRA contribution limits remain unchanged in 2025 at $7,000. Catch-up contributions for those over age 50 also remain at $1...
Read MoreAlign Your Values with Your Investments
What if you could grow your wealth while contributing to a better world? Socially responsible investing (SRI), also known as impact investing, can help position you to do just that. SRI is an investment philosophy that prioritizes...
Read More5 Essential Year-End Money Moves
The end of the year is prime time to reflect on whether you've met your financial goals. Some examples include repaying debt, saving for college, or building an emergency fund. Giving your finances a year-end checkup can help get you...
Read MoreDo Good With Your Wealth—Here's How!
As you approach retirement, you may find yourself reflecting on the legacy you'll leave behind. In addition to accumulating wealth, you might have a desire to leave a positive mark on the world. Sustainable investing offers a path to...
Read MoreCommentary | 8.28.24 | Trump vs. Harris: Navigating the 2024 Presidential Election
The latest themed commentary from Cetera Investment Management cuts through the fog of partisanship to focus on what matters as investors navigate the 2024 presidential election. The team provides analysis of key economic policy items...
Read MoreFinancial Watch | September 2024
Inflation and interest rates continue to influence savings rates among U.S. adults. According to a recent survey, 63% say inflation is causing them to save less for unexpected expenses and 45% say the same of interest rates. As a...
Read MoreA Look at Diversification
Ancient Chinese merchants are said to have developed a unique way to manage their risk. They would divide their shipments among several different vessels. That way, if one ship were to sink or be attacked by pirates, the rest stood a...
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