Tariffs and the Market
On April 2, President Trump announced new tariffs on nearly all major trading partners. These tariffs are “reciprocal” in that they correspond to tariffs each country imposes on U.S. goods and are on top of previously announced duties. The average tariff rate across countries is 25%, with rates for some as high as 49%. While […]
Trade Wars and Market Risk
Trade headlines continue to weigh on markets as new tariffs go into effect. President Trump recently confirmed tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, dashing hopes of more extensions or last-minute deals. Additional tariffs are expected in the coming months, including reciprocal ones against countries that impose duties on U.S. goods. Investors worry that a trade […]
How Earnings Can Guide Investors in Difficult Markets
With markets nervous about stubborn inflation, a gradually slowing labor market, and the timing of the first Fed rate cut, investors are more focused on this corporate earnings season than usual. This is because while the economy has avoided a “hard landing” corporate earnings only began to rebound in the second half of 2023. Since […]
Navigating the Ripple Effects: Oil Prices’ Influence on Inflation, Federal Policies, and Market Dynamics
The stock market has become increasingly jittery, with the S&P 500 experiencing its first 5% pullback of the year. The possibility that the Fed could delay its first rate cut, the decline of technological and artificial intelligence stocks, and tensions in the Middle East have all contributed to the market swoon. In uncertain market environments […]
California’s High Earners: Facing a Significant SDI Tax Increase: What You Need to Know
California’s implementation of SB951, removing the cap on State Disability Insurance (SDI), marks a significant shift in tax obligations for high-income earners. This legislative change is twofold: not only has the cap on SDI been eliminated, allowing the tax to apply to all earned income, but the SDI tax rate itself has increased to 1.1%. […]
Creating an Income Stream in Retirement: Withdrawal Considerations, Taxes, and More
There’s more to a retirement plan than ensuring you’ve saved enough to stop working. Thinking about how to strategically withdraw from that savings is just as important as focusing on your growing nest egg number. A sound withdrawal strategy can make your money last longer, reduce your taxes, and allow you to spend more. Here […]
Legacy Planning 101: Ensuring Your Spouse’s Wishes Live On
In the world of finance, legacy planning isn’t just about numbers; it’s about preserving a story. For our clients, navigating the estate planning maze with their family values in mind can be a powerful way to honor and continue their spouse’s legacy. Of course, this is often easier said than done! Let’s go over a […]
Financial Planning for Widows: Maximizing Pension and Social Security Benefits
When navigating widowhood, thinking about your future financial well-being may be stressful. Even if you feel confident with the funds you currently have, or were left to you when your spouse passed away, you may still have many different questions keeping you up at night: Pension and Social Security benefits can be confusing even during […]
3 Signs Your Aging Parents Need Financial Help
Are you worried about your parents as they age? Maybe you suspect they are becoming less capable of handling their finances independently? You’ve possibly even thought about saying something to them but are worried about how they will respond. If so, you aren’t alone. It’s a fine line to walk between helping your aging parents […]
Medicare and Summer Travel
Are you getting ready to take a summer vacation? If you plan to travel, did you know you may not have the same health coverage while away? People enrolled in Medicare might want to take another look at their policy to ensure they’re still covered throughout summer travels, especially for overseas trips. If you are […]