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Thursday, February 25, 2021

Many have heard Social Security retirement benefits referred to as part of the “three-legged stool” of retirement: Social Security, a pension or defined benefit plan, and personal savings.1 The idea is that with these three...

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Budgeting should always be the centerpiece of your financial resolutions Did you make a New Year’s resolution at the start of the year? For 2021, many Americans are making the resolution to adopt healthy habits – concerning...

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Remember, it is never too early to start planning for your future The time to begin planning for your financial future is now. So, when it comes to preparing for retirement, the earlier you start, the better. Here are some steps to...

Thursday, February 25, 2021

With so many tax provisions tweaked in 2020—from the CARES Act in March to the Consolidated Appropriation Act in December—some taxpayers may find it challenging to get everything together in time to file their taxes by the...

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

New Market Signals Podcast Chief Strategist Ryan Detrick, Equity Strategist Jeffrey Buchbinder, and guest speaker Jason Hoody, Head of Investment Manager Research discuss why sustainable investing is a major trend that isn’t...

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Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Global markets avoid chill of cold and ice across the United States Weather-related power outages temporarily limited US oil output, helping to push the US oil benchmark to over $60/barrel for the first time in over a year....

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

US stocks open modestly higher after last week’s strong rally European markets firmly higher in midday trading with the United Kingdom outperforming after lagging last week. Asian stocks mostly higher as Japan’s Nikkei 225...

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Dear Valued Investor, “In the short-term, the market is a popularity contest. In the long-term, the market is a weighing machine.” Warren Buffett 2021 is under way, as our nation and the rest of the world look to begin to...

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Daily Insights The S&P 500 Index opens firmly higher to begin a busy week of earnings; over 100 S&P 500 companies set to report: European markets stronger in midday trading Asian markets surge overnight with Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan...

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Having a good credit score doesn't just get you the best interest rates. It can also reduce your auto insurance premiums, allow you to avoid security deposits, and in some cases, even help you get hired.1 But what goes into your credit...

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

When approaching the latter part of life, it is easy to get caught up in achieving every goal on your bucket list. Individual lists vary widely, but often are filled with wild adventures like skydiving and scuba diving in the Great...

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Most people who decide to purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles do so understanding that there are risks associated with investing, but believing that the potential growth they may realize over time...

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Small Caps Still Strong Small cap stocks have outperformed large cap stocks and breadth continues to improve. Earnings are expected to surge this year. LPL Research continues to maintain a neutral small caps view—but with a...

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Stocks open higher following the long weekend US stocks rise as investors await US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s stimulus pitch to Congress. Bond yields are higher. European markets are mixed in early trading. Asian stocks...

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

2021 Policies Update and the Markets In this week’s Market Signals podcast and video, LPL Research talks about 2021 policy updates and the possibilities of higher taxes and more regulation, more stimulus, higher Treasury yields,...

Thursday, January 7, 2021

Dear Valued Investor: Happy New Year! A new year offers a welcomed turn of the calendar and a fresh start. However, it’s difficult to put 2020 completely behind us just yet because the COVID-19 pandemic still presents a...

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Only one-in-four Americans (27%) feel very confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably when they retire, according to the 2020 Retirement Confidence Survey Summary Report.⁠11 While the number is up slightly from the...

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

For investors approaching retirement, it is important to begin thinking about retirement income planning. This involves a mindset shift from accumulating an investment portfolio designed for growth to creating a portfolio of retirement...

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

While the 2020 tax year saw some significant changes to filing deadlines due to the effects of the global pandemic, the 2021 tax season seems to be set to be on track with normal filing deadlines. With the pandemic still in sight, it...

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Solid holiday shopping season. Holiday sales grew 3%, beating forecasts for a 2.4% increase according to MasterCard’s SpendingPulse. Online sales rose 49% year over year. These results were impressive for a recessionary...

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Daily Insights Stocks open firmly higher. US markets opened higher following the emergency-use approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Fiscal stimulus discussions are ongoing, but there have been no major developments....

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

More than most years, it’s hard to look ahead to the next year, to 2021, without looking back at 2020. A global pandemic, a massive economic collapse, a bear market, a surprisingly sharp reversal, a hotly contested election where...

Friday, December 4, 2020

Financial wellness, like physical wellness, isn’t something you should ignore. Instead, it's a critical concept for anyone who wants to be knowledgeable and confident about their finances, and in fact, financial wellness is so...

Friday, December 4, 2020

New Year's is traditionally the time to review your life and make resolutions for change. In addition to thinking about working out, eating healthy, and meeting personal and professional goals, you should also think about your...

Friday, December 4, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic put quite a crimp on large parties or even smaller gatherings in close quarters, and now, holiday gatherings and events are likely to look very different in 2020. But different doesn't necessarily mean bad, and...

Friday, December 4, 2020

If you’re looking for way to save money as you head into 2021, there are a few ways that can potentially cut costs around your household, without having a major impact on your lifestyle. Read on for three ways you can trim some...

Friday, December 4, 2020

2020 doesn't just mark a new year, but the beginning of a new decade—and with it, some more changes to the federal tax code. It can often be easy to put tax preparation on the back burner, but being proactive can help you save...

Thursday, December 3, 2020

December 3, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: As 2020 comes to a close, we are already looking forward to a new year—and to a world very different from the one we’re leaving behind. Areas of the economy have been damaged and may...

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

COVID-19 May Threaten the Recovery The stock market doesn’t appear fazed by the recent increase in COVID-19 outbreaks, but underlying economic data is beginning to reflect the latest government and consumer shutdowns. LPL...

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

COVID-19 cases have been rising in several regions around the world, prompting many countries to implement new restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. Governments in a few European countries have rolled out what has been dubbed...

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

It took more than two years, but small caps finally broke out to new highs, as the Russell 2000 Index on Friday closed at its first new high since August 31, 2018. This capped off one of the longest stretches ever without a new high....

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Dear Valued Investor: Former Vice President Joe Biden has been elected the 46th President of the United States, defeating President Donald Trump in a tight race and bringing an end to the highly contested 2020 election. The new...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

As the end of the year approaches, it's time to consider strategies that could help you reduce your tax bill. But most tax tips, suggestions, and strategies are of little practical help without a good understanding of your current tax...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Retirement is the time in your life when you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of years of hard work. But unfortunately, when the market is volatile, it may bring additional anxiety and stress. The good news is, a volatile...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

2020 has been one of the most unprecedented years in recent history, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all. And with the uncertainty surrounding just about everything,...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance to retired individuals, regardless of their medical condition, and some younger people with disabilities or certain health conditions. You can receive Medicare coverage...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

See if you can spot the flaw in this couple's plan: A husband and wife are retiring next month at age 62, with an equal amount saved in retirement and non-retirement accounts (let's call it $500,000 each). Like most, over their...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

November 4, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: The American people have voted, casting a record number of ballots under extraordinary circumstances, which is a testament to the enduring resilience of our democracy. Determining the outcome of...

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Market Blog With the election only eight days away and earnings season in full swing, stocks have bucked the usual October weakness during election years so far in 2020 (Monday’s losses notwithstanding). The good news is this...

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

US equities look to rebound from Monday’s selloff. The S&P 500 Index opened higher this morning after lack of progress on stimulus talks contributed to broad-based losses Monday. Investors may start looking ahead to a...

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Daily Insights Stocks open slightly lower as earnings season begins. Once launched by Alcoa, the unofficial start to earnings season now begins with several financial firms reporting. The S&P 500 Index opened slightly weaker Tuesday...

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

With COVID rocking the employment landscape for job-seekers, some women have taken this opportunity to reinvent themselves and take charge of their own financial futures by launching a business. Entrepreneurship is one of the most...

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

By the last third of the calendar year, you're likely to have a pretty good idea of what your annual income will be and whether any major expenses or big life changes await you. This can allow you to engage in more robust tax planning,...

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Market Blog Index Performance View expanded table. View expanded table. View expanded table. US and International Equities The S&P 500 Index gave back some gains in September after a strong five-month run, with most sectors finishing...

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are designed to help you save money on medical costs by giving you access to a special savings account with tax benefits. Although these plans are very similar, they...

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Nearly one in three U.S. adults serves as the primary caregiver to a relative or other close loved one.1 With respite facilities throughout the country closed or operating on restricted hours as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many...

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

As the saying goes, "50 is the new 40"—and with Americans living longer than ever before, it's not unusual for those in their 50s, 60s, or even 70s to be in their peak earning years.1 But for those who would prefer the option of...

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Dear Valued Investor: Autumn has arrived, with students back in school, baseball playoffs beginning, and football in full swing. Life is trying to get back to as normal as possible despite the ongoing impact from COVID-19. While the...

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

The first presidential debate is tonight, September 29, with millions of people expected to tune in to see how each candidate handles the pressure. With tensions heightened amid an election that may be much closer than the polls...

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Now that you have decided that Medicare Advantage is an option worth exploring, you may be wondering what the next steps are to signing up. While the steps for signing up are simple, there are a few key points to remember during the...

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Global stocks look to rally. Most major Asian indexes were higher overnight following strong data on Chinese industrial activity and retail sales, although Japan’s Nikkei lagged. The Euro Stoxx 600 is higher at midday. The S&P...

Monday, September 14, 2020

Saving for a high-net-worth retirement is not always an easy process, but necessary if an investor with a high-net-worth wishes to enjoy the same lifestyle they were accustomed to while they were working. So how does one maintain their...

Monday, September 14, 2020

Many of you already have estate documents, probably executed many years ago. You need an estate attorney to look over your documents every 10 years or so. Here are a dozen points to review. Do you have a will and powers of attorney for...

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Dear Valued Investor: Back to school this year will be different. On the one hand, like other years, it marks the end of summer, the arrival of cooler weather, kids hitting the books again, and Labor Day gatherings. But unlike other...

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

This Sunday, Warren Buffett turns 90 years young. “What can we say about one of the greatest investment minds that hasn’t already been said?” asked LPL Financial Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick. “We...

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

The S&P 500 Index is a few points away from a new all-time high, completing one of the fastest recoveries from a bear market ever. But this will also seal the deal on the shortest bear market ever. Remember, the S&P 500 Index lost 20%...

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Open enrollment season is one of the shortest—in most cases, employees have only a few weeks to research their options and make a decision on things like their 401(k) contributions, health and dental insurance, disability...

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Do you have a will, investing in education or building a Freedom Fund? Amid the heat of mid-summer, do you remember your New Year’s resolutions regarding your personal financial planning? How are you coming with your to-do list?...

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

If you've been diligently saving for your retirement, you may often find yourself wondering when you can afford to set an official retirement date. The answer to this question can often depend on how much monthly or annual income your...

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Market Blog Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Facebook. These five stocks have helped spawn a number of acronyms as they try to capture the rise of mega-cap tech stocks that have led the market higher for much of the past decade....

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

A major issue in estate planning is who to name as beneficiaries on life insurance policies, pension plan accounts, IRAs, and annuities. This important decision often doesn't take into account the substantial estate and income tax...

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

The managers of well-run businesses usually name "backups" to keep things going smoothly -- just in case. That's also a smart plan for your personal finances, where you risk experiencing financial losses or other difficulties if you...

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Retirement income is different than what you're used during a full-time career. You'll have a new set of concerns, but you'll also have a decent amount of freedom to make your money behave the way you want. Here are nine of the most...

Friday, June 26, 2020

Retirement is inevitable, but knowing exactly when to do so is often unclear. No matter when you actually begin your retirement, you’ll benefit from planning your post-work life as early as possible. According to Gallup, the...

Friday, June 26, 2020

Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire. It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...

Friday, June 26, 2020

As more Americans shoulder the responsibility of funding their own retirement, many rely increasingly on their 401(k) retirement plans to provide the means to pursue their investment goals. That's because 401(k) plans offer a variety...

Friday, June 26, 2020

Sometimes, even highly-compensated individuals may find it difficult to achieve long-term success when it comes to managing their personal finances. Although they may attain a comfortable level of income, their focus may be on career...

Friday, June 26, 2020

Americans, it seems, are spenders. Personal savings rates are low and many people spend beyond their means. If you're among those Americans who can't seem to save, it might be time to create a budget. A budget allows you to understand...