The Federal Reserve takes the key interest rate north by another quarter point. On Wednesday morning, futures markets put the odds at 99.6% of a June interest rate increase by the Federal Reserve. Sure enough, the central bank made a move. It raised the key interest rate by 0.25%, taking the target range for the...
An umbrella can provide protection from the elements and insurance can play a vital role in protecting your financial plan and wealth. This month’s featured article Insurance and Investments touches on some important types of insurance coverage any sound financial plan should include like disability insurance and life insurance. However, I would like to add...
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided not to raise interest rates, expressing some concern over economic growth. The benchmark rate remains unchanged at the .75% to 1.00% level. As a reminder, the committee raised the target rate .25% at the March meeting citing improving economic activity and the prospect of further growth from fiscal...
While we are all looking forward to summer time, I would like to emphasize the need for an annual financial checkup. Now that the stress of tax season is out of the way, take that next step to ensure your financial plan is updated and your goals are current before your mind heads off to...
The Federal Reserve Raises Benchmark Interest Rate Monetary policy is normalizing due to economic improvement. On March 15, the Federal Reserve raised the benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point to a range of 0.75-1.00%. The increase was widely expected, and it represented a vote of confidence in the economy. 1 This was the central bank’s...
As I wrote in last month’s Retirement Report, February marked a special anniversary for me professionally, 10 years as a Certified Financial Planner™ professional. March also marks a special anniversary, 17 years ago on St. Patty’s Day I completed my Series 7 exam to become an officially licensed advisor in the financial services industry. When...
This February marks a special anniversary for me professionally, 10 years as a Certified Financial Planner™. You may have heard the news about the financial industry adopting new regulations written by the Department of Labor. If so, this month’s feature article The Fiduciary Standard is a timely piece to help you better understand the new...
Assessment of the economy, the markets, and its impact on you From the worst start in stock market history, to the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) European Union (EU) referendum or “Brexit,” to the shocking Trump election victory, to the Italian referendum, and the continuation of monetary action by the major central banks of the developed world,...
Happy New Year and best wishes for a healthy 2017. I hope you had a restful holiday season and are looking forward to a new and exciting year. You may be thinking of retiring soon or are a newly minted retiree ready to travel the world. If so, this month’s feature article How Much Will...
Wednesday’s FOMC’s decision to raise rates was telegraphed well in advance by market interest rates. Since the conclusion of the election, market interest rates have risen substantially. This left the FOMC no choice but to raise the federal funds rate .25% to a .50%-.75% range or they would risk being “behind” the curve. Official market...