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U.S. Markets Stocks powered ahead in the third quarter as solid economic data, strong corporate results, and a positive shift in Fed policy drove market momentum. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 7.79% while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 5.22%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite led the way, gaining 11.24%.1 A Jumpstart in July Stocks rose steadily in July as investors viewed economic updates, trade development, and second-quarter corporate results in a positive light. The White House announced a

Whether you’ve officially retired or are still working full time, it’s possible your health insurance options are changing. Depending on your age or health status, you may soon be qualified for Medicare. While you’ve likely heard of it before, we’re breaking down what exactly it is, who Medicare benefits and what each Medicare part covers.  What Is Medicare?  Medicare is a government-funded national health insurance program that was established in 1966. It is designed to offer coverage to individuals including:1   

On July 4, the One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law at a White House ceremony. This domestic policy bill extends the 2017 tax cuts set to expire this year, making some of those rules permanent. The bill also creates several new tax laws for individuals while addressing other tax issues for businesses.1,2  It might be a good time to check with your tax, legal, or accounting professional about the changes in the law. Some will start this year,

College tuition is at an all-time high. As of 2025, the average student loan debt is $38,375 per student, and the average monthly student loan payment was $536.1,2  It’s no wonder parents want to help their children pay off their student loans as quickly as possible. Paying off this debt could help set your child up for success as they make important financial choices, such as applying for a mortgage.  However, is paying off your child’s student loans early always

When considering your retirement strategy, how much thought do you give to how long you might live? It can be an uncomfortable reality to consider, but this shouldn’t dissuade you from giving it some serious thought.  For many people preparing for retirement, one of the biggest fears is running out of money. If you’ve lived to 65 years, you will probably live to at least 84 years if you’re male and 87 years if you’re female, according to Social Security

August is National “Make a Will” Month, and it’s a great annual reminder to update your will if needed and create a will if you don’t have one already. A will is an important estate-planning document that can help you transfer your assets with ease. Having a proper will can make the difference between a smooth transfer of assets and a probate nightmare.  Let’s learn more about what wills are, why you need one, and some tips on how to

With family health insurance premiums rising 297 percent since 2000, averaging over $25,000 annually, some employees feel the squeeze. Deductibles, too, have jumped nearly 50 percent over the last decade, further increasing out-of-pocket expenses. In this environment, understanding and using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can help families take more control of their healthcare finances.1 What Are HSAs and FSAs? HSAs and FSAs are special accounts designed to help manage medical expenses. If you have an

U.S. Markets  Markets rose in the second quarter as investors witnessed the new U.S. trade policy’s impacts unfold, while tensions continued in the Middle East.  The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 10.57%, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 17.75%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.98%.1  April Showers  Soon after the closing bell rang on April 2, investors were caught off guard by a tariff update from the White House. Global markets reacted to the news overnight. Stocks declined over

It seems like when summertime hits, time slows down. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over, taxes are complete, and vacation days are scheduled. If you find yourself with some extra time on your hands in the upcoming months, you may want to use this opportunity to check in on your family’s finances. While conducting a thorough analysis of your wealth may sound intimidating, we’ve broken the process down into eight simple steps to keep you focused

Life is unpredictable. One day, everything is running smoothly, and the next, you’re hit with a medical emergency, job loss, or unexpected home repair. That’s why having an emergency fund is crucial. But how much should you save? The answer depends on your financial situation, lifestyle, and risk tolerance. Let’s dive in. The General Rule: 3 to 6 Months of Expenses Financial experts commonly suggest setting aside three to six months’ worth of essential living expenses. This range offers a