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U.S. Markets Stocks posted solid gains in the first quarter as enthusiasm about artificial intelligence, signs of a soft landing, and dovish talk from the Fed buoyed investor confidence. For the quarter, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 5.62%, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 10.16%, and the Nasdaq Composite picked up 9.11%.1 Rocky Start in January Stocks saw modest gains in January as positive economic data (retail sales, gross domestic product [GDP] report) and upbeat Q4 corporate reports

Successfully saving for short-term and long-term goals is an important part of any financial strategy. Since 2007, every April, we have celebrated America Saves Week, which is dedicated to helping people save.  Let’s learn more about what America Saves Week is and its themes for this year. We’ll also share tips and tricks to help you save for what matters most.  What is America Saves Week?  America Saves Week is an annual celebration that encourages Americans to take charge of

In an era dominated by digital transactions and online financial activities, protecting your personal information is more crucial than ever. If you suspect that your personal information or identity was stolen, freezing your credit is one way to protect yourself, as it restricts access to your credit report.  Here, we will delve into the reasons for freezing your credit, how to freeze your credit, and the benefits of this powerful financial safeguard.  Understanding Credit Freezes  A credit freeze is a

In the digital age, where technology has revolutionized the way we manage our lives, safeguarding our financial documents has never been more critical. From tax returns and bank statements to investment portfolios and insurance policies, our financial well-being relies on organized and secure documentation. Here, we share a comprehensive guide on what financial documents you should back up and why these backups are crucial for your financial future. Personal Identification Documents Passport and Driver’s License Copies of your passport and

Credit cards have revolutionized the way we manage our finances. However, this convenience comes with its own set of risks, including credit card fraud. As technology advances, so do the tactics employed by cybercriminals to steal sensitive financial information. According to Bankrate, in 2021, the FTC dealt with nearly 390,000 reports of credit card fraud, with US losses projected to reach $165.1 billion in the next decade.1 Protecting yourself from credit card fraud is vital for financial security and peace

Achieving financial independence is a goal that almost everyone has. It brings you the personal freedom to do what you want. For most people, however, debt is a significant roadblock. In fact, the average adult has around $103,358 in debt.1 This includes all types of consumer debt, such as credit cards, personal loans, student loans, mortgages and auto loans. The good news is that there are strategies to pay down debt and work toward financial independence. How can you do this?

January is Financial Wellness Month, which means it’s a good time to remind people to plan and update their financial strategy.  Now is a great time to connect with your financial professional to discuss your financial situation and aspirations for the future. You should also assess if your financial strategy needs any adjustments or changes based on your lifestyle.  Defining Financial Wellness  The first thing to do is define what “financial wellness” means for you. This varies drastically from person

U.S. Markets  Stocks moved higher in the final three months of the year as bond yields trended lower in growing anticipation of a potential Fed easing.  For the three months ending on December 31, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 12.5% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up more than 11%. The Nasdaq Composite, which led throughout 2023, led again, tacking on nearly 14%.1  A Shaky Start  As satisfying as the fourth quarter’s results were, the quarter began

The new year is almost here, and now is the time to create financial goals to help you set yourself up for a more financially stable future. Sometimes, getting your finances organized can be a daunting task, but setting a few yearly goals can be easier than you think. Start the year off right by getting started on the five financial goals listed below.  Draft a Monthly Budget Even though this may seem like an obvious goal, many people find

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to look back on your 2023 financial journey. Did you achieve the goals you set out to accomplish at the beginning of the year? Did you experience unexpected financial challenges? Were there areas where you excelled and others where you fell short? This blog will guide you through the process of checking in on your annual financial goals, evaluating your performance over the past year, and setting meaningful goals for 2024.