News from Jackson Hole, Wyoming leads off this week, where central bankers from across the globe met last week. In addition, the analysts from Charles Schwab provide a market perspective, and an overlooked vehicle for saving for retirement is examined. No rate change until U.S. has 2% inflation and strong job market. Each year the
Conversations with clients and prospects inspire the selection of articles to include each week. These articles address content of recent conversations. Confronting the tax drag. Taxes can present a formidable risk for investors seeking to protect and grow their wealth. Exacerbating the risk these days, taxes have risen for many investors and may rise further
The markets are entering a “dead period”—the Fed won’t meet again until September; U.S. legislators on one of their extended breaks; Europeans go on vacation en masse; and Americans squeeze in their last vacations before school gets underway. With it goes lower trading volume, but does this quiet period reduce the risk of a market
U.S. economy returns to growth after winter downturn. The U.S. economy grew at a seasonally adjusted 4% in the second quarter, according to numbers released last week from the Commerce Department, topping most economists’ forecasts. This was a nice rebound from the first quarter’s steep contraction of 2.1%--the worst single quarter downturn in five years.
We have consulted over the past year with a number of clients and friends dealing with the serious illness of a family member. Indeed, we have dealt with this in our own families, and have gained what feels like a lifetime of experience compressed into a single year. This week we share a few things
This week we examine tools and techniques for more peace of mind in retirement. It is a companion to last week’s blog addressing some of the reasons retirees can run out of money. Retirement Account Participants Can Purchase Longevity Annuities. Under the new rules issued by the IRS, those with IRAs or 401(k) plans will be allowed to
“Our parents ran out of money.” The parents did not fit the profile of a couple that would run out of money. It was surprising. They were typical of the best of the old Southern gentry. He went to Washington & Lee, served his country in World War II, and got his MBA from Wharton.
I received a note this week from a young man completing his undergraduate studies: Thank you to everyone who has supported me and helped me to get where I am today. I wouldn’t be who I am without the people I have in my life. It is self-evident that a strong support network helps young
In our world of investment management and financial planning, uncertainty begets questions: sometimes the best reply to any of them is It Depends. This week we examine several current issues where It Depends. When will the Fed hike rates? It depends. What will the conflict in Iraq mean for the economy and investors—it depends. Will
Global growth appears to be gathering momentum after an unusual cold snap in the U.S. The employment picture has improved with four months of sustained job growth. And, inflation is firmly under control, with the implication that stock and bond markets are fairly valued in a low interest rate environment. Outlook for Global Growth. The