News, Insight and Opinions
Mind Games: The Negativity Gap
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- 4 minutes
Macroeconomic data shows a remarkably healthy US economy—but survey says the average American isn't feeling it. So why the disconnect?…
From the Desk: Will the Santa Claus Rally Continue?
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- 2 minutes
At the time of this post, the S&P 500 is up 3.85% this month alone. The Cleveland Browns are 2-1 over the same period. Clearly, the Santa Claus rally is benefiting both investors and Browns fans alike. The question is, will it continue?…
When Bulls Win—And Other Tales of Monopoly
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- 4 minutes
Just seven tech stocks drove 70% of the S&P 500’s gains in the first two quarters of this year. Now, the US Dept of Justice is fighting a landmark case against one of those seven. What might this portend for Google, other big-tech players, the market, and you?…
From the Desk of Joe: A Fourth Quarter Gameplan
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- 3 minutes
I'm a lifelong, diehard fan of the Cleveland Browns. I'm also a five-year fan of Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Given Sunday's Browns game and their debacle of the fourth quarter, I can't help but consider some similarities between these two relationships.…
Retirement's Happy Space-Time Collision
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- 4 minutes
Travel is a top retirement goal for many. But determining how much and how often to splurge on travel as a retiree can be daunting. Consider four steps to map out your retirement travel goals.…
The AI Cooperative
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- 5 minutes
The possibilities for artificial intelligence in the financial sector are thrilling—and concerning. What can history teach us about the dangers of letting the latest tech innovations loose on the stock market?…
ESG Investing and the Politics of Compassion
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- 4 minutes
The concept of ESG investing arose as a means for investors to support and benefit from companies that share their ethical concerns. Let’s explore why we need to know more than what we think we know about this growing trend.…
The Economy of Indulgence
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- 3 minutes
Drastic measures taken during the 2008 financial crisis were largely successful—but we’re still grappling with unforeseen repercussions. How did we get here? And how do we protect ourselves as investors?…
A Day in the Life at the Fed
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- 6 minutes
Inflation and recession might qualify as incendiary language when abused by ratings-hungry media bigmouths. Join us for a fictional day in the life at the Fed and find reason to push fear aside and take a colorful ride.…
Is It a Wonderful Life?
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- 4 minutes
As investors, maintaining perspective can be tough when life hits us with a daily poop emoji. With a bit of consideration, these three topics can help turn our internal frown upside-down: Trust, relativity and tolerance—in brief.…
In the Case of Wealth v. Empathy
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- 3 minutes
Recent studies point to a troubling conclusion: the size of our bank accounts can have a bearing on our ability to empathize. How is it that money can affect our compassion? A familiar adage suggests our attitude toward money is a force often underestimated.…
Was the Plan To Get Punched in the Mouth?
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- 3 minutes
April's Consumer Price Index (CPI) 12-month projection of 8.3% is a step in the right direction, but we continue to see the highest rates in nearly 40 years. Is this just post-pandemic fallout, or are there other forces at work here?…
Nixon, Crypto and the Goblins of Newness
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- 4 minutes
In practice, does Bitcoin portend economic freedom or anarchy? Is it a viable currency? And what is its present investment potential? Let’s take a stab at the latter two questions. Though it might be helpful to first talk about currency itself.…
War—What is it Good For?
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- 3 minutes
The U.S. market is indelibly tied to the country's involvement in global affairs—so as things threaten to boil over in Ukraine, should we prepare our wallets for the worst?…
The Valvano Principle
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- 3 minutes
The rhetoric surrounding success in sports tends to be relatively black and white: wins and losses. Life's no different. What's too rarely honored is all the effort in between.…
I Like My Market Corrections Sunny Side Up. You?
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- 3 minutes
Is an impending market correction the interstellar monster we might imagine it to be? It all depends on how you serve it. Order up!…
The Zen Investor's Bliss
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- 3 minutes
Two paths diverged in a wood, and I, as an investor, logically took the one with the sign that read: "Toll-Free Road to Zen-Like Investing."…
Those D@#% Yankees
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- 3 minutes
The story of the 1941 New York Yankees provides a lesson on how to keep yourself in check when the stakes are high and the ship appears to be sinking. Part II of our series underscores the value of taming emotion when there's volatility about.…
Becoming Khan
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- 3 minutes
It’s nothing new—the market runs on emotion. But how can we avoid doing the same? Spoiler alert: It IS all in your head.…
Bear Markets Come and Go
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Don't lose sleep over market volatility. There have been 10 bear markets since 1950, and the market has eventually recovered every time.…
There's Still Time to Contribute to an IRA for 2019
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Even though tax filing season is well under way, there's still time to make a regular IRA contribution for 2019.…
529 Plans and Financial Aid Eligibility
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- 3 minutes
If you're thinking about opening a 529 account, or if you've already opened one, you might be wondering how 529 funds will affect your child's financial aid eligibility.…
New Spending Package Includes Sweeping Retirement Plan Changes (SECURE Act)
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- 4 minutes
The SECURE Act represents the most sweeping set of changes to retirement legislation in more than a decade. Should you revisit your estate planning strategies?…
What Will You Pay for Medicare in 2020?
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- 1 minute
Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts change annually. Here's a look at some of the costs that will apply in 2020 if you're enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and Part B.…
College Cost Data for 2019-2020 School Year
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- 3 minutes
Each year, the College Board releases its annual Trends in College Pricing report. We've compiled the highlights for this school year.…
Tax Planning for the Self-Employed
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- 4 minutes
Ah, the joy of being self-employed—and then there's taxes. Learn how to do tax season like a boss.…
Taxation of Investments
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- 5 minutes
Filling out your federal income tax return may leave you scratching your head. Just how do you report your investments and how are they taxed?…
Understanding Personal Tax Credits
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- 3 minutes
You may be paying too much income tax if you're not claiming all the tax credits for which you're eligible. Which of these might apply to you?…
Income Tax Planning and 529 Plans
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- 3 minutes
The tax benefits offered by 529 plans make them attractive, but it's important to evaluate the consequences of withdrawals and contributions before you invest.…
Does Inversion = Recession? Does it Matter?
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- 2 minutes
Are we in a recession? Are we heading for a recession? Should we go to cash because of the recession? Let's clear this up.…
Should You Strategize Your Charitable Donations?
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The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 has made sweeping changes to tax deduction calculations. How can you maximize the tax impact of your charitable giving?…
Will the Holiday Shopping Season be Enough to Stop the Markets from Falling and Turn the Momentum?
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Will this holiday shopping season be enough to beat the bear? Early data suggests that may very well be the case.…
Can Tax-loss Harvesting Help You Save on Taxes?
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How do you harvest losses, and could it save you money? Here are a few things to consider.…
What Do These Big Drops in the Market Mean for You?
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- 1 minute
The last few weeks or so have been a little unsettling for many investors. How worried should you be?…
Will This Win Streak be SNAPped?
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- 2 minutes
Just how unusual have the last few months in the market really been? We dug up some statistics to give perspective.…
