2 Key Brexit Dates
With everything else going on this year due to COVID-19, it’s been easy to lose track of the latest fallout of the United Kingdom’s (UK) withdrawal from the European Union (EU), also known as Brexit. The UK is currently in the middle of an 11-month transition period that started on the official Brexit date of … Read more
Beige Book Barometer Turns Positive
The outbreak of COVID-19 caused considerable deterioration in the economy and left many wondering when we might expect conditions to improve. As historic stimulus measures were implemented to backstop the economy from outright collapse, many also wondered if this would be enough to restore sentiment to a level where economic activity would follow. We are … Read more
Life Insurance Awareness Month
September is National Life Insurance Awareness month. And while most of us likely recognize that life insurance provides us peace of mind and security, there may be a few things you don’t know. LIFE INSURANCE IS NOT JUST FOR THE YOUNG Many people – but not enough – will buy life insurance in young adulthood. … Read more
Life Insurance and Charitable Giving
Life insurance can be an excellent tool for charitable giving. Not only does life insurance allow you to make a substantial gift to charity at relatively little cost to you, but you may also benefit from tax rules that apply to gifts of life insurance. WHY USE LIFE INSURANCE FOR CHARITABLE GIVING? Life insurance allows … Read more
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
Your life insurance needs change as your life changes. When you are young, you may not have a need for life insurance. However, as you take on more responsibility and your family grows, your life insurance needs increase. Your needs may then decrease after your children are grown. You should periodically review your needs to … Read more
A Quick Look at Life Insurance Needs
Have you ever wondered how much life insurance is “enough”? One general rule of thumb says that you should buy an amount equal to five to seven times your annual income. Sure, it may be a reasonable guideline, but this method does not relate life insurance needs to your personal financial goals. A better method may be … Read more
Comparing Life Insurance Policies
Like anyone else, you want a life insurance policy that meets your needs and budget. But how do you find the right policy when there are so many to choose from and many of them seem so similar? The key is knowing how to compare policies and evaluate the results. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT–AND COMPARE … Read more
Which Bull Will It Be?
The incredible rally off the March 23 bear market bottom continues, with the S&P 500 Index up more than 50% from those fateful lows. It feels like a lifetime since the longest bull market ever ended. Remember though, although the recent bull market was the longest, it wasn’t the greatest, as the 1990s bull gained … Read more
Market Update: Daily Insights
US Stocks opened slightly lower. The modest selling pressure that followed the somewhat downbeat economic commentary from Wednesday’s Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting minutes has carried over this morning. Futures pared losses overnight on reports that US and China trade officials have agreed to meet in the coming days, but an increase in jobless claims dampened sentiment ahead of … Read more
Longevity Risk and Retirement Income
How long might you live in retirement? Think carefully. Your answer could influence whether you have enough money for a comfortable retirement or just scrape by. According to pension mortality tables, at least one member of a 65-year-old couple has a 72% chance of living to age 85 and a 45% chance of living to … Read more
3 Estate Planning Strategies You Should Consider Now
Today’s low interest rates are a far cry from the double-digit rates seen in the 1970s and 1980s when even a certificate of deposit (CD) could yield up to 20 percent per year.1 But there are some distinct advantages to a low-interest-rate environment, and now is a great time to look into some tax-saving estate planning … Read more
