work & family

Balancing Work and Family

At one time, the typical American family looked like this: a breadwinner father who commuted a short distance to work and earned a very good living, and a stay-at-home mother who took care of the kids and family home with aplomb. Life seemed easy and manageable, with plenty of time for family meals, parent relaxation, and important life lesson discussions, and little … Read more

Caring for your Aging Parents

WHAT IS IT? Caring for your aging parents is something you hope you can handle when the time comes, but something you probably hope you never have to do. Caring for your aging parents means helping them plan for the future, and this can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. When the time comes for you to … Read more

The Joys and Financial Challenges of Parenthood

Parenthood can be both wonderfully rewarding and frighteningly challenging. Children give gifts only a parent can understand — from sticky-finger hugs to heartfelt pleas to tag along on Saturday morning errands. You raise them with a clear goal that you secretly dread will actually take place — that someday they will be grown, independent, and ready to move out on their … Read more

In Defense of Core Bonds

Core bond investors have experienced one of the worst starts to the year ever, potentially calling into question the validity of bonds in a portfolio. Despite the poor start, we don’t think the value proposition for bonds has changed much. Moreover, with yields on most fixed income markets moving sharply higher, now could be a good time to … Read more

4 Ways to Be Your Own Financial Valentine

Whether you’re single, paired, or somewhere in between, Valentine’s Day may present the perfect opportunity to show your bank account some love. Below are four tips and tricks to set you on the path toward becoming your own financial valentine. BE A GOAL-GETTER If it’s been a while since you’ve set any financial goals for … Read more

October Is National Financial Planning Month

FIVE TIPS TO FINDING A FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL THAT FITS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY The financial professional you pick to manage your assets and advise you on key financial decisions may affect your retirement and other major financial goals more, maybe, than even you. Make the right choice. When trying to find a financial professional, you … Read more

Financial Planning Tips for Young Adults

Whether you’re still living at home, in school, or starting your career, your late teens and twenties present a prime opportunity to think about your financial future. Though you may not hit your peak earning years until your 40s or 50s, learning positive financial habits early might help support you when you need it later.1 Below, … Read more

Four Tips for Gaining Financial Independence

THE GOLDEN RULE OF FINANCIAL PLANNING: IF YOU CAN PLAN IT, YOU CAN PURSUE IT Over the past July 4th, we celebrated our country’s history of declaring independence and guaranteeing basic human freedoms. But true freedom includes financial independence, as well. Self-sufficiency isn’t guaranteed, but every one of us has the opportunity to achieve it. … Read more

Why Invest?

To accumulate wealth, people may choose to invest their money into various types of investments. Investing creates opportunities that otherwise would be difficult to manage due to the consistency of contributing to the investment. However, investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate … Read more

Five Financial Mistakes You Should Avoid

We all make mistakes, and through them, we learn. But when it comes to finances, trial-and-error may not be the most suitable approach for you. Maybe you’re making some simple mistakes that can be fixed with a little bit of effort. Your financial professional can help. FIVE FINANCIAL MISTAKES TO AVOID Avoiding some of the … Read more