LPL Research recently unveiled Midyear Outlook 2024: Still Waiting for the Turn, the semi-annual report that recaps where markets and the economy have been over the first half of 2024. I am excited to bring you a few of the key highlights today.
How much do you need to retire wealthy? Believe it or not, there’s no set number for anyone. Lifestyle and the quality of your retirement plan are certainly two big factors. But when considering the economy and inflation, a definitive picture of our financial future can feel somewhat elusive. So, to shed a little light (and provide a little guidance), here are a few telltale signs you might be set up for a “comfortable” post-work lifestyle.
After months of simmering inflation reports, it looks like inflation finally eased slightly in April. Are prices stabilizing? Can we breathe a sigh of relief? Let's dig a little deeper.
What’s your ideal retirement? Traveling? Practicing your favorite hobbies? Caring for loved ones? Whatever you envision, creating a plan of action can feel exhausting. There are, however, a few simple, yet commonly overlooked steps you can take today to help you feel more comfortable throughout your planning process.
With healthcare costs often resembling an unpredictable market, and long-term care expenses looming, the post-work years require careful financial planning. This blog post advocates for partnering with a financial professional to navigate these challenges, offering tailored guidance on Medicare, long-term care funding, and retirement law changes. By preparing strategically, retirees can confidently set sail into their golden years, free from the turbulence of unforeseen financial burdens.
The first quarter is in the books and it was an excellent one for stocks. The S&P 500 index rode a resilient U.S. economy, easing inflation, rising corporate profits, and anticipation of summer rate cuts from the Federal Reserve (Fed) to solid gains in March, the fifth straight winning month and the best first quarter since 2019.
The Federal Reserve has been in the headlines a lot lately as analysts try to figure out when policymakers will cut interest rates. Why does the Fed matter so much? Let’s discuss.
Stocks are off to a solid start in 2024. January gains are particularly enjoyable because of the old adage from the Stock Trader’s Almanac, “As goes January, so goes the year.” Nearly 75 years of historical data shows that when the S&P 500 has risen in January, the average gain for the remainder of the year has been about 12%. This January, the S&P 500 was up 1.6%.
Goal-setting. It's the bread and butter of success across so many domains. But are you only scratching the surface? Dive deeper. A financial professional doesn't just help connect the dots; they can help you reveal additional possibilities you hadn’t even considered! Let's explore why.
Mortgage rates have risen above 7%, leaving many buyers feeling like a reasonable mortgage is out of reach. While current rates look high compared to the ultra-low rates of the past decade, they aren't outrageous from a historical perspective.
The penultimate month of the year is often a time to reflect and offer thanks. And while economic and geopolitical uncertainty can overshadow the positives, there are things to be thankful for.
Do you feel like the economy isn’t making a lot of sense right now? There’s a big divide between the current data and what many Americans are feeling.
