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...
The Italians have voted on a pivotal constitutional referendum which has resulted in an overwhelming vote of No. What is certainly shaping into a global political trend, voters rejected the continuation of the status quo and once again supported anti-establishment ideals. While the details of the political implications of the referendum are important, the interest...
2016 is coming to an end and it will surely be considered one of the most memorable years in history. Change is certainly one of the buzz words of the year and if you are looking to change it up a bit this holiday season, see the recipe below which is a new take on...
History was going to be made last night one way or another. Would we elect our first woman President? Our first nonpolitician President? However, based on the experts, the pundits, and the polls, this election was a formality. We would all participate in the process and go through the motions, but in the end the...
With the market so volatile, you need one in place. The Market Is Cyclical… As history proves time, and time again, the stock market is cyclical. Like gravity, what goes up, must come down. The problem with this cycle is that many investors don’t have the time or the willpower to ride yet another wave...
