Top Financial Concerns of Baby Boomers, Generation Xers, and Millennials
Many differences exist among baby boomers, Generation Xers, and millennials. But one thing that brings all three generations together is a concern about their financial situations. According to an April 2016 employee financial wellness survey, 38% of boomers, 46% of Gen Xers, and 51% of millennials said that financial matters are the top cause of stress in their lives. In fact, baby boomers (50%), Gen Xers (56%), and millennials (60%) share the same top financial concern about not having enough emergency savings for unexpected expenses....
read moreOctober 2016 Monthly Insight: Potential Volatility on the Horizon
“In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these.” – Paul Harvey As we enter the fourth quarter of 2016, it’s worth noting that this long-running bull market has now lasted nearly seven and a half years. If that seems hard to believe, let us remind you that the S&P 500 index hit the Great Recession low of 677 on March 9, 2009. Yet on September 30, 2016, the market closed at 2,168, up over 220% since the 2009 bottom on a price basis, not including dividends. Since we’re now into...
read moreThe Importance of Saving for Retirement at a Young Age
If you’re an adult in your 20s, you are entering an exciting stage of life. Whether you’ve just graduated from college or are starting a new career, you will encounter many opportunities and challenges as you create a life of your own. As busy as you are, it’s no surprise that retirement may seem a long way off, especially if you’re just entering the workforce. What you may not realize, however, is that there are four very important advantages to begin planning and saving for retirement now. 1. Money management skills...
read moreSeptember 2016 Monthly Insight: Election Edition
As of Labor Day, September 5, there were only 64 days until Election Day. However, early voting in Tennessee starts Wednesday, October 19, just 44 days after Labor Day weekend signals the end of summer. There are many issues surrounding the presidential election this year – immigration; ISIS; gun control; education; foreign policy regarding China, Israel, and Iran; and the list goes on. One area that concerns and affects us all is tax policy. In general, candidates Trump and Clinton seem to be pulling the party line, with Trump coalescing...
read moreAugust 2016 Monthly Insight: Happy 4th Memories
Like many of you, Don and I and our families had a wonderful time celebrating the Fourth of July holiday weekend. When I was growing up, the Fourth seemed mostly about barbeques, friends, hanging out at the pool, and fireworks. It was also always the end-of-season tournament for my little league team, after which I looked forward to our upcoming vacation. Throughout the years, however, we’ve come to better appreciate what Independence Day really means. We have a measure of freedom in our nation few today and even fewer throughout recorded...
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