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Learn how Social Security benefits are taxed, what income thresholds apply, and strategies to minimize taxes in retirement.

Stocks had another strong year in 2025 as most market benchmarks enjoyed their third straight year of double-digit returns. Last year’s performance was particularly rewarding given how much stocks overcame — notably tariffs.

Financial wellness starts with three simple steps: budgeting, saving, and using credit wisely. Learn how to build confidence in your finances.

Stock investors were rewarded for staying the course in November as broad stock market averages recovered from a mid-month dip to end near record highs. The comeback extended the S&P 500 Index’s streak of monthly gains to seven...

Surprising earnings upside, easing trade tensions, and a favorable seasonal setup are balanced against supportive but less predictable monetary policy. We favor a selective tactical approach into year-end.

The U.S. Government has officially shut down. While political gridlock is never ideal, history suggests that shutdowns tend to be short-lived and have minimal sustained impact on the economy or the stock market.

As we navigate these crosscurrents, we encourage investors to remain diversified & consider adding equities on potential dips. Monetary and trade policy shifts, political dynamics, & corporate earnings strength present both opportunities...

The last few days of July and the beginning of August have brought a flurry of key economic data, central bank activity, company earnings results, and tariff news. Here are some takeaways from the week of July 28.

June is here! Where do the markets stand as we enter the summer months? Key catalysts to watch include inflation data, further developments in trade negotiations, central bank commentary, and progress on the tax bill. Learn more!

The latest recovery is another reminder that periods of turmoil can often create opportunities. Several factors are at play in the market’s recent recovery. Learn more in this month's market update.

April showers came a month early as stocks fell in March. We may be at peak trade uncertainty right now and volatility may stay with us for a while as the policy fog continues to clear.

March Market Update: Tariffs remain a near-term threat. Although exceptions, reductions, delays, or complete reversals may come, some tariffs will stick. Retaliation by trading partners will likely weigh on U.S. economic growth.

The new month brings concerns over U.S. AI dominance due to DeepSeek's advancements and potential tariffs used as negotiation tactics. However, strong economic fundamentals hint at a profitable year for stock investors in 2025.

We invite you to read the article below to learn more about this remarkable story of heroism and community spirit. Let's carry forward that sense of purpose as we strive for brighter days ahead.

Start January off right with our first market update of 2025! With 2024 fully behind us, it’s a good time to celebrate our winning calls from last year while also reviewing some mistakes to learn from them and improve our process.

Midyear Outlook 2024: Still Waiting for the Turn

Keith McGeorge

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

LPL Research recently unveiled Midyear Outlook 2024: Still Waiting for the Turn, the semi-annual report that recaps where markets and the economy have been over the first half of 2024. I am excited to bring you a few of the key highlights t

Five Tips to Ensure You Are Prepared for Long-Term Care in Retirement

Keith McGeorge

Monday, May 27, 2024

As Gen X-ers and Millennials move toward retirement, long-term care expenses are poised to make up an even larger share of their retirement expenses. In 2021, long-term care cost American adults an average of between $35,000 and $108...

How Interest Rates Can Make or Break Your Lifestyle

Keith McGeorge

Monday, May 13, 2024

Throughout the years, the market has experienced regular periods of volatility. Periodically, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMCC) reviews its monetary policy, which creates both worry and anticipation among consumers and...

Navigating the Empty Nest: 10 Financial Tips for This New Chapter

Keith McGeorge

Monday, April 29, 2024

Having your children move out of the house, leaving you and your spouse with an “empty nest,” is a life-altering experience. It will likely not be a quick adjustment, but preparing yourself mentally, emotionally, and even financially...

Stay Calm and File On Time! 7 Need-to-Know Tips for Last-Minute Tax Filing

Keith McGeorge

Friday, April 5, 2024

Tax season always has a way of sneaking up on us. A quote by American writer Rita Mae Brown that could have easily been uttered by the IRS or any one of us goes, “If it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would get done.” According to...

The Double-Edged Sword of Retirement Planning

Keith McGeorge

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Inflation impacts today’s savings rates and tomorrow’s retirement comfort Inflation, the silent force shaping our economic landscape, often creeps into our lives unnoticed until its effects become palpable. Its impact on retirement...

How High Earners Can Build a Strong Retirement with Their 401(k)

Keith McGeorge

Friday, March 15, 2024

Approximately 60 million workers contribute to a 401(k)-retirement plan. A 401(k) is a tax-advantaged retirement savings plan companies offer employees and is funded through elective salary deferrals. There are several benefits to...

Trading vs. Investing: Which One Fits Your Personality and Risk Tolerance?

Keith McGeorge

Friday, March 8, 2024

Both trading and investing involve purchasing financial assets for the purpose of growing the value of those investments and either earning a profit through a sale, the accumulation of interest, or dividends paid out (and reinvested in...

Why Your Credit Score Matters in Retirement

Keith McGeorge

Friday, March 1, 2024

Regardless of the stage of life, your credit score is an essential component of your financial health when you're in retirement. A consistently strong credit score can pave the way for greater confidence, easy loan access, and lower...

You’re About to Retire: Here are 7 Tips to Stay Independent

Keith McGeorge

Friday, February 23, 2024

Independence is important in retirement. The more independent retirees are, the more fulfilling their retirement is likely to be. However, living independently as you age isn't always easy and may take some degree of planning well...

Pro tip: apply for Medicare early.

Keith McGeorge

Thursday, January 11, 2024

If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably been thinking about your health quite a bit lately — especially if you’re approaching retirement. Trust me, I understand. Anticipating your future medical costs can...

Powell's Pivot: Dovish Fed Sees Rate Cuts in ‘24

Keith McGeorge

Monday, January 8, 2024

Fed Chair Powell finally made his much-anticipated “pivot” at the close of the Fed’s two-day December meeting, saying he sees short-term rates heading lower next year. Perhaps much lower. Surprised but excited, the...

"Shaking Off" Economic Downturn: The Taylor Swift Effect

Keith McGeorge

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Time's Person of the Year, Taylor Swift, is shaking off economic downturns and hitting high notes not just on stage but in the U.S. economy, too. The pop sensation's impressive impact extends beyond her record-breaking music, reaching...

Staying Upbeat in a Down Market

Keith McGeorge

Monday, November 13, 2023

Investors know that the stock market moves in cycles, but few are comfortable when the cycle takes stock prices lower. And since late August, the cycle has been decidedly lower. If you’re looking for reasons to worry, you...

Guiding the Boomerang Generation

Keith McGeorge

Thursday, November 9, 2023

I've seen the "Boomerang Generation" in more than a few headlines lately. These young adults return, or "boomerang," to their parents' homes as they attempt to navigate the property market. The key culprit is mortgage rates nearing...

Medicare's Open Enrollment

Keith McGeorge

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment beginning soon, there are a few questions you may want to ask before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage. Have you changed or added...

All Eyes on Q3 GDP

Keith McGeorge

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

A lot of number crunching needs to happen before the advanced estimate for Q3 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is released. The Atlanta Fed expects Q3 GDP to check in at over 5 percent. Meanwhile, blue-chip economists are forecasting...

Unwrapping Halloween's Candy Economy

Keith McGeorge

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

I hope this email finds you in high "spirits" as we approach the spookiest time of the year. As the days creep closer to Halloween, confectioners weave a sweet web in preparation for this enchanting holiday. Did you know that the...

Why Are Investors So Fearful?

Keith McGeorge

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

If you're a fan of Warren Buffett, you'll recognize this quote: "Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful." In recent weeks, the investing outlook has become a bit murky, which has led some people to let...

Budget Bill Next “Headline Risk” for Stocks

Keith McGeorge

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s a headline risk for the markets?” Headline risk is the chance that an unsettling news event–anticipated or a surprise–can add volatility to the financial markets....

How M1 Money Supply & Inflation Are Related

Keith McGeorge

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Sometimes, a picture tells a thousand words, and this chart of the M1 money supply certainly does just that. M1 rose rapidly during the pandemic due to an effort to provide stimulus packages to those who suffered financial loss during...

September Is National Life Insurance Awareness Month

Keith McGeorge

Monday, September 11, 2023

It’s time for your life insurance checkup. September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage.1 If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...

Reasons Not to Write Your Own Will

Keith McGeorge

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Ever considered writing your own will? While you can draft a will on your own, there are plenty of reasons why you may not want to go that route. Most people do it to save money, but they may overlook or forget to take care of some...

Happy Labor Day!

Keith McGeorge

Monday, September 4, 2023

The first Labor Day was celebrated over 100 years ago, created by the labor movement as a day to honor the achievements and contributions (both social and economic) of American workers. I’ve always found the way we celebrate to...

September Is National Life Insurance Awareness Month

Keith McGeorge

Monday, September 4, 2023

It’s time for your life insurance checkup. September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage.1 If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat; Powell Talk Goes Hawk

Keith McGeorge

Monday, August 28, 2023

Stocks fluctuated last week, jostled by fitful bond yields and headline news, before ending strongly following Fed Chair Powell’s comments on the monetary outlook. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.45%, while the...

Your Quarterly Medicare Newsletter

Keith McGeorge

Monday, August 21, 2023

Are you already planning for the end of the year? Where did the time go? In this edition, we’ll be looking into navigating Medicare for the first time, particularly if you are under the age of 65. Don’t forget Medicare...

A.I. Is Everywhere

Keith McGeorge

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

If you've heard CEOs mention "A.I." multiple times during second-quarter conference calls, you're not imagining it. There have been an astounding 1,072 mentions of A.I. (and counting) so far.1 Some believe that A.I. has the potential...

Why August Can Be a Volatile Month

Keith McGeorge

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Why is August a volatile month? One simple reason: many people are on vacation. And when people are out of the office, the financial markets often see less trading, which can cause big price swings following news events. The Fitch...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Advance and Retreat on Mixed News

Keith McGeorge

Friday, July 28, 2023

Stocks moved to the rhythm of earnings season last week, initially rising on positive earnings surprises and faltering later in the week on key earnings disappointments.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.08%, while the...

Everyone Needs an Estate Strategy

Keith McGeorge

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Effective estate management enables you to manage your affairs during your lifetime and control the distribution of your wealth after death.