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Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Message Provokes Volatility
Modest gains in major market indices masked sharp volatility amid the uncertainty arising from mixed messages emanating from public officials and revived banking fears. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.18%, while the Standard...
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FDIC Insurance, SVB & Signature Bank
When events like Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank happen, it's natural to wonder how a bank safeguards your funds. Fortunately, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance was designed for this very reason:...
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Weekly Market Insights: Markets Cautious After Banking Woes; Awaiting Fed Reaction
Amid the reverberations of two U.S. banks being taken over by regulators and the spread of uncertainty to European banks, stocks trended higher last week on the strength of the technology sector.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was...
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Recognizing Suspicious Online Offers
Scammers are constantly adapting their strategies to get access to your personal or financial information. As scam tactics become more detailed and frequent, it’s important to know how to spot these attacks. Here are some...
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Know Any Students? Here’s Some Essential Scholarship Information
As of 2022, the average cost of tuition and fees for an in-state public college or university was almost $24,000 per year. And for private colleges and universities, that number is even higher. Let’s explore some basic...
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Managing Your Finances in Your 70s and Beyond
The financial situation you were in thirty years ago is far different from the financial situation you’re in now. You likely have different concerns and priorities. In this email, we’ve prepared a few considerations for...
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Weekly Market Insights: Fed’s Reassurance Boosts Stocks.
A late-week surge, triggered by reassuring Fed-speak, propelled stocks higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up 2.58% for...
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4 Things to Love About Roth IRAs
Roth IRAs are a highly recommended retirement account for a reason. Originally introduced as the ‘IRA-Plus’, these accounts were designed to empower middle-class Americans to save for retirement. To this end, they come with...
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Weekly Market Insights: FOMC Says Inflation is Still Too High
Concerns over a firmer monetary policy were heightened by fresh economic data, touching off a climb in bond yields and a slide in stock prices last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.99%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
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Weekly Market Insights: Powell: Inflation Heading in the Right Direction
Stocks were mixed last week following better-than-expected corporate reports and increasing optimism over a slowdown in interest rates.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged lower, slipping -0.15%. The Standard & Poor’s 500 rose...
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Weekly Market Insights: Earnings and Data Tell Two Different Stories on Near Future.
Stocks added to their early 2023 gains amid a busy stream of mixed corporate earnings results and conflicting economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.47%. The Nasdaq...
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How Inflation Impacts Retirement Income
Many people notice the effects of inflation on their grocery bill or at the gas station when a full tank costs more than they remember. But inflation affects other areas of your finances, including your long-term financial goals like...
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Don’t Fall for These 5 Common Money Misconceptions
We have all heard bad financial advice at some point in our lives. These misconceptions seem small but end up doing more harm than good. Here are a few of the most common misconceptions we’ve heard repeated by clients...
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Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Results Following Weak Economic Data
Stocks showed mixed results last week as recession fears resurfaced in response to weak economic data and a tepid start to a new corporate earnings season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.70%, while the Standard &...
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Weekly Market Insights: Inflation Cools, Stocks Warm Up
Stocks rallied last week thanks to fresh confirmation of inflation’s cooling trend and growing optimism that an inflation slowdown may provide the Fed with space to ease up on future rate hikes.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
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Tips for Setting Long-Term Financial Goals
It takes hard work, time, and dedication to pursue your ideal financial future. Setting goals can help you carefully consider what you want your financial future to look like and help you work towards that. Here are a few tips for...
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SECURE Act 2.0 Passed in Final Days of 2022
Congress spent the final days of 2022 on new reforms designed to help Americans save more for retirement.You may hear the changes called SECURE Act 2.0, which is a follow-up to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement...
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Weekly Market Insights: Erratic Holiday Trading Leaves Stocks in Doldrums
In a holiday-shortened week, erratic trading left stocks marginally down for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.14%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.30%. The MSCI...
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2023 Market Outlook: Low Expectations Are Easier to Beat
Cetera Investment Management is pleased to release its annual Market Outlook for 2023 titled, "Low Expectations Are Easier to Beat." In this outlook, they discuss while they expect volatility to remain in both stocks and bonds, stocks...
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Using Diversification Long-Term
One of the most basic principles of pursuing the growth of long-term wealth is diversification. A diversified approach to building wealth helps to mitigate risk while capturing the benefits of rising markets. Why is it so important to...
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Weekly Market Insights: Recession Concerns, Fed Talk Keep Stocks Cold
Hawkish comments by the Fed and weak economic data heightened investors’ recession concerns and sent stocks lower last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 2.08%. The...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Slide on Recession Concerns
Recession fears and concerns that the Fed may consider a longer rate-hike cycle sent stocks lower for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.77%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 3.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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Remembering Pearl Harbor
In Hawaii, amid the verdant natural beauty and warm, welcoming waters, there stands a monument. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial marks the destruction of the USS Arizona, the final resting place of 1,102 soldiers who lost their lives...
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IRS Form 709: What to Know
What is the Form 709The Form 709: United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return allows you to report the transfer of assets that may be subject to federal gift tax and other specific generation-skipping transfer...
Read MoreNew Retirement Contribution Limits for 2023
The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.Individual Retirement...
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Weekly Market Insights: Fed Talks Turkey on Lower Rates, Boosting Markets
Growing optimism that the Fed may be ready to ease future interest rate hikes sent stocks higher in a quiet trading week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.53%. The Nasdaq...
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What to Know About Living Wills
To determine whether a living will would be beneficial for you and your loved ones, it’s first important to discuss what a living will is.What is a living will?As a standard will can help your loved ones carry out your wishes, a...
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Weekly Market Insights: Cooling Inflation Brings Market Gains
A cooling inflation number ignited a powerful rally on Thursday, sending stocks to strong gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 5.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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Thank You Veterans!
Thank you to all who dedicated themselves to serve our country. May we always remember and be grateful!
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Get Retirement Ready with a Retirement Checklist
Plan for Your FutureYou may have considered all the fun things you will do in retirement – travel, take up a new hobby or spend more time with your family – but well before your official retirement, it’s a good idea...
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Five Financial Tips for New Parents
As a new parent, you have so much to think about in addition to having experiences you haven’t had before. It can be very overwhelming. You may have considered the cost of having a child and the increase in your regular expenses...
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10 Fun Things to Do in Retirement
Now that you are on your way into retirement and your days of working full time are gone, you may have more time on your hands. To make the most of your time in retirement, we’ve come up with a few ideas to help you get started....
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Weekly Market Insights: Volatility Reigns; Inflation Remains Unchecked.
Stocks were mixed last week amid wide intra- and inter-day price swings, as technology shares bore the brunt of the downdraft.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.15% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500...
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Help Protect Your Investments
If you have little experience with investing in stocks, bonds, or even real estate, it can be nerve-racking. You might feel like the slightest change in the stock market could have a negative impact on your investments and portfolio....
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Weekly Market Insights: Boost Early in Week Keeps Markets Ahead
A powerful two-day stock rebound cemented a positive week for investors as a new trading month began.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.99%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.51%. The Nasdaq Composite index increased 0...
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Weekly Market Insights: U.S. and U.K. See Financial Turbulence
Rising recession fears and uncertainty in the bond and currency markets sent stocks to new 2022 lows last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.92%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2.91%. The Nasdaq Composite...
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Weekly Market Insights: Fallout From Powell Comments Continues
Last week, Fed Chair Powell said the U.S. would not tame inflation without economic pain. This week heightened recession fears and sent stocks broadly lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 4.00%, while the Standard &...
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.1If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...
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Compare a 403(b) with a Roth IRA
When deciding what types of retirement accounts you may need, it’s important to understand how your various options compare to each other. A few options you may have are 403(b) plans and Roth IRAs. It’s good to know...
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Weekly Market Insights: White Hot Inflation Report Alarms Investors
A hotter-than-expected inflation report sent stocks sharply lower last week as investors faced the prospect of more aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve for perhaps a longer period.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell...
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Weekly Market Insights: Markets Upbeat, Despite Gloomy Inflation Talk
In a holiday-shortened week of trading, stocks posted healthy gains despite more tough talk on monetary policy from Fed officials.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 3.65%. The...
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Happy Labor Day to You!
For many, Labor Day is seen as the end of summer, but it’s an annual national tribute to the contributions that workers have made to the strength, success, and security of our country. Here are some interesting facts about this...
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Weekly Market Insights: Powell comments spur sell-off on Wall Street
A comprehensive sell-off on Friday following comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell drove stocks to losses for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 4.22%, while the Standard & Poor's 500 dropped 4.04%. The Nasdaq Composite...
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Weekly Market Insights: Markets Tap Brakes, But Hold Fast Against Downbeat News
Stocks tumbled on Friday, sending stocks to a weekly loss after an otherwise quiet August week of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped -0.16%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 1.21%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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The Importance of Diversification
Diversify Your Financial PortfoliosYou’ve likely heard the phrase: “Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket.” But what does that phrase mean for your finances? When applying this phrase to your finances, the true...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Have Warmer Week as Inflation Cools
An improving inflation outlook buoyed investors’ spirits last week, helping lift stocks to solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 2.92%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 3.26%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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Weekly Market Insights: Markets Rally; Earnings Better Than Expected
Undaunted by another Fed rate hike and news of a contracting economy, the stock market rallied last week on better-than-expected corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 2.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
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How SECURE 2.0 Might Change Retirement
The SECURE Act of 2019 represented the biggest update to retirement law in over a decade. Now, Congress is deliberating on what “SECURE 2.0” legislation might entail.In March, the House passed the Securing a Strong...
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Want to Pursue Your Financial Goals?
How Compound Interest Can Help You SaveCompound interest is a powerful tool that can help you save money through savings and investment accounts. It works by adding together small amounts of interest and compounding it to help your...
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Building Your Wealth with a Roth IRA
As you are building your wealth and saving for retirement, a Roth IRA could be a tax-advantaged solution for you to invest your money and boost your retirement savings.Money that goes into a Roth IRA is after-tax dollars. Because...
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Annuitizing Your Retirement Savings
Could An Annuity Be The Right Option For You?If you’re retiring soon and own an annuity, you may be considering converting your retirement investment into a series of periodic payments. Or you may consider finding out more about...
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Getting Rid of Debt Through Consolidation
Find The Solution That Works For YouYou may have college debt, a mortgage and possibly a few credit cards dragging you down. If you're in need of a way to manage this debt, consider debt consolidation. Consolidating your debt can help...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally Despite Mixed Data
In a holiday-shortened trading week, stocks rallied despite mixed economic data and vacillating energy prices and bond yields.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.77%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.94%. The...
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Quarterly Recap | Q2 2022
Quarterly RecapMarket IndicesAt-A-GlanceThe S&P 500 ended the quarter 20.48% below its January 3, 2022 peak and all-time high.The Nasdaq Composite fell 8.65% in June, extending its 2Q loss to 22.28% for its worst quarter since 2008....
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally, Despite Recession Concerns
Prospects of cooling inflation powered a rally in stock prices last week despite growing recession concerns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 5.39%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 climbed 6.45%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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Don't go it alone.
When markets cycle lower like they have been lately, perspective is critical. If you’re not connected to someone with experience, it can be easy to miss the big picture.If you zoom out a bit in history, most investors haven't...
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Care for a COLA with Your Social Security?
As you might have heard, people are talking about a big bump in Social Security benefits next year.The Senior Citizens League says payments could rise by as much as 8.6 percent in 2023, compared to an increase of 5.9 percent in 2022....
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Slip on Mixed Economic News
In a holiday-shortened week of volatile trading, stocks surrendered some of the previous week’s strong gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.20%. The Nasdaq...
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Not "That '70s Show"
In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses the recent bout of inflation with the 1970s. When you think of the 1970s, you’re likely to think of bell bottom jeans and disco music. While some of...
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