The Markets (as of market close May 27, 2016) Stocks enjoyed one of their best weeks in months as each of the indexes listed here posted gains last week. Some positive economic data, particularly in the housing sector, along with higher oil prices may have influenced the favorable returns. The Dow and S&P 500 [...]
Lofty Goals, Limited Means: Finding Ways to Boost Your Investments If you're ready to start investing or ramp up your current investment initiatives but there just doesn't seem to be enough money left over at the end of the month, don't give up. The following strategies could help you manage your money better and free [...]
Can You Afford Early Retirement? Early retirement is a phrase many Americans wish they could turn into a reality. While retiring in your 50s or early 60s sounds enticing, it typically requires years of planning to make sure you've accumulated enough retirement assets to last for 20 or 30 years or more. It's important to [...]
Your Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough? Have you ever had one of those months? The water heater stops heating, the dishwasher stops washing and your family ends up on a first-name basis with the nurse at urgent care. Then, as you’re driving to work, giving yourself your best, “You can make it!” pep talk, [...]
The Markets (as of market close May 20, 2016) The Dow slipped for the fourth week in a row as investors may have been influenced by the uncertainty surrounding whether the Fed will raise interest rates at its next meeting in June. The S&P 500 rebounded slightly, posting a marginal gain for the first time [...]
Nearing Retirement? Time to Get Focused If you're within 10 years of retirement, you've probably spent some time thinking about this major life change. The transition to retirement can seem a bit daunting, even overwhelming. If you find yourself wondering where to begin, the following points may help you focus. Reassess your living expenses A [...]
Social Security: What’s Changing in 2016? Whether you will soon be applying for Social Security, or are already receiving benefits, here’s what you need to know about what’s changing (and not changing) in 2016. What’s Not Changing No Cost-of-Living Increase: Because inflation was unchanged from the third quarter 2014 to the third quarter 2015, there [...]
The Markets (as of market close May 13, 2016) Despite gains earlier in the week, each of the indexes listed here closed last week down from their prior week's closing values. The Dow and S&P 500 extended their losing streaks to three weeks, with the Dow suffering the largest weekly regression, falling over 205 points. [...]
Four Lessons Grandparents and Grandchildren Can Learn Together If you’re a grandparent, maintaining a strong connection with your grandchildren is important, but that may become harder over the years as they leave for college or become busier building their careers and families. While they’re just starting out financially, you have a lifetime of experience. Although [...]
Understanding Stock Market Indexes No doubt you've seen headlines reporting that a particular stock index is up or down. But do you know what an index is, and how understanding the nuts and bolts of a specific index may be helpful to you? An index is simply a way to measure and report the fluctuations [...]
