August 2017 Monthly Insight: Social Security Trust Funds: Financial Trouble Ahead…Maybe
“We put those payroll contributions there so as to give the contributors a legal, moral, and political right to collect their pensions… With those taxes there, no damn politician can ever scrap my social security program.” -President Franklin Roosevelt, as quoted by historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr. Social Security Trust Funds: Financial Trouble Ahead…Maybe On July 13, 2017, the Trustees of the Social Security insurance trust funds released their 2017 Annual Report. The report’s true purpose is to notify Congress of the funds’...
read more7 Ways to Help You Cut College Costs
As we gear up for back to school season, you might be feeling the heat of those college tuition bills. You’re not alone there. In fact, many parents choose to swallow the bitter pill, assuming they earn too much to qualify for financial aid. However, there are a number of strategies that even wealthy families can employ to cut expenses. Our new white paper features seven steps for estimating costs and maximizing financial aid. Click the thumbnail below to download the...
read moreQ2 2017 Quarterly Market Review
We are pleased to present the Q2 2017 Quarterly Market Review for your perusal! This report features world capital market performance and a timeline of events for the past quarter. It begins with a global overview, then features the returns of stock and bond asset classes in the US and international markets. The report also illustrates the impact of globally diversified portfolios and features a quarterly topic. To download the report, click the thumbnail...
read moreJuly 2017 Monthly Insight: On the Importance of Ignoring Distractions and Financial Literacy
Ignore the Distractions Beyond last month’s synopsis regarding how the markets are reacting to Washington, we’ll stay out of the political weeds and let you form your own opinions. The current environment in Washington is generating an enormous amount of political uncertainty. But, political and international uncertainty has yet to generate economic uncertainty. Hence—and this is important—it really is about the economy. We were told by the pundits that political gridlock and any unraveling of Trump’s tax cut and infrastructure agenda would...
read moreWhat’s Your Money ‘Archetype?’
There are eight common money behavior patterns or ‘archetypes’ battling it out in every investor. Being aware of your unconscious attitudes and behaviors toward money can give you an edge in managing your finances. Have you ever had a friend who blew big sums of money on fancy cars or gadgets? Or a buddy who poured resources into the investment scam of the month without regard for risk and consequences? Or maybe you’ve known some family members who routinely ignore or procrastinate on financial planning decisions until the last possible...
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