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Monday, September 18, 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....

Monday, September 18, 2023

Stocks ended the week roughly where they began as investors digested a mixed set of new economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.12%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell...

Monday, September 11, 2023

Concerns that the Fed may raise interest rates soured investor sentiment, sending stocks lower in a holiday-shortened trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.29%....

Monday, September 11, 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....

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Falling bond yields–spurred by weak economic data–helped lift stocks to weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.43%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 2.50%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

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Tuesday, August 29, 2023

The stock market rebound has significantly increased the number of workers with $1 million or more in their workplace retirement accounts. According to Fidelity Investments, employees with 401(k) balances exceeding $1 million rose 26...

Tuesday, August 29, 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...

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

If it feels like the financial markets are lurching from news event to news event in recent weeks, you’re right. They are. The markets were on pins and needles waiting for Fed Chair Powell to deliver his talk at the Jackson Hole...

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Nobody ever said you have to like a pullback in stock prices. But it's critical to understand 1) why they happen and 2) why they are challenging. A pullback is considered a moderate drop in prices from recent peaks that occur within a...

Monday, August 21, 2023

Stocks extended their August declines last week as higher yields and weak economic data out of China soured investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.21%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 2.11%. The...

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Wall Street is slowly starting to talk about an “expansion economy” and forgetting about any recession fears. July’s consumer inflation report was soft, so attention will soon shift to gross domestic product in the...

Monday, August 14, 2023

Positive inflation data failed to lift stocks from their August doldrums last week as economic data and a ratings downgrade soured investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.62%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Wednesday, August 9, 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...

Monday, August 7, 2023

Stocks retreated last week as bond yields increased following the Treasury's announcement indicating “a larger-than-expected funding need” and a downgrade in the federal government’s debt rating. The Dow Jones...

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

The Federal Reserve has a dual mandate—manage inflation and maximize employment. But sometimes, those economic goals conflict with each other. As you can see in the accompanying chart, labor shortages in 2022 pressured...

Monday, July 31, 2023

A Friday surge pushed stocks solidly into positive territory last week, ignited by cooling in an inflation gauge closely tracked by the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.66%, while the Standard &...

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Is Fed Chair Powell preparing to change his mind?In late June, he said, “A strong majority of (Fed) committee participants expect that it will be appropriate to raise interest rates two or more times by the end of the year....

Monday, July 24, 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...

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Sometimes, a picture is worth 1,000 words. So I decided to include an image of the June Consumer Price Index (CPI) report to help put inflation in better perspective:Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose just 0...

Monday, July 17, 2023

Better-than-expected updates last week on consumer and wholesale price inflation buoyed investor sentiment, driving stocks higher and lower bond yields. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.29%, while the Standard &...

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

As the Fed continues its fight against inflation, one of the more challenging parts of the economy is gauging what's happening in the jobs market.One July report showed the private sector added nearly 500,000 jobs, double the...

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

In advance of 2023, the recession drum beats were so loud it was deafening. Market pundits warned that as the Fed raised interest rates, it was just a matter of time before the economy entered a recession.But it’s July now, and...

Monday, July 10, 2023

Rising concerns about further rate hikes sent stocks lower to kick off the second half of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.96%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 1.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Stocks posted gains for the week to close out a stellar month, aided by positive economic data and reports that all major banks had passed the Federal Reserve’s annual stress test.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.02%,...

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Market timing is exhausting. And sometimes, it can be expensive. When you time the markets, you have to be right twice – first when getting out and second when getting back in.In the accompanying chart, you can see individual...

Monday, June 26, 2023

Stocks took a breather last week as investors digested the previous week’s surge and the month-to-date solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.67%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 1.39%. The Nasdaq...

Monday, June 19, 2023

Stocks climbed last week as reassuring inflation data boosted investor hopes that the rate-hike cycle was nearing an end amid fresh economic data pointing to continued economic resilience.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.25%,...

Monday, June 19, 2023

Jerome Powell skipped an interest rate hike at the Fed’s June meeting, but the market isn’t buying what the Fed Chair is selling about what’s next with short-term rates.Powell signaled that two more rate increases may...

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

A late-week rally sent stocks into positive territory, with the S&P 500 index closing just shy of the 4,300 mark.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.39%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Here’s a riddle. “I’m a two-word phrase that we heard almost every day for two years, but it has dropped from almost all economic talk in 2023?”Answer: Supply chain.As you can see from the accompanying chart,...

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Now that the debt ceiling negotiations are behind us and President Biden has signed the measure, what will Wall Street's wandering eye focus on next?Inflation? Interest rates? Recession? Artificial intelligence?More than likely,...

Monday, June 5, 2023

Stocks surged higher in the closing days of a holiday-shortened trading week, ignited by a political resolution on raising the debt ceiling and a strong employment report.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.02%, while the Standard...

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Markets moved in sync last week with perceived movement in debt ceiling talks, weakening early in the week and then surging on news of progress. A solid quarterly report and guidance from a mega-cap technology company helped with...

Friday, May 26, 2023

What is a bull market, and more importantly, who determines if we are in one?Technically speaking, a bull market is defined as a 20% gain in a stock market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500, from a closing low.So are we in one?...

Monday, May 22, 2023

Would it surprise you to hear that investors have moved past worrying about inflation? They have, at least for now.Wall Street has shifted its attention to Washington’s budget negotiations and how the debt ceiling will be...

Monday, May 22, 2023

Stocks rallied last week, propelled by growing optimism over reaching a deal on raising the debt ceiling and avoiding a technical debt default by the U.S.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.38% higher, while the Standard &...

Monday, May 15, 2023

Stocks were mixed last week as good inflation news was offset by mounting debt ceiling concerns and rekindled regional banking fears. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.11%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.29%. The...

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Don't hold a surprise birthday party for Jerome Powell. He would hate it. And if you plan on visiting the Fed Chair, call first. He doesn't like surprises.Powell delivered on his March promise at the most recent Fed meeting by...

Monday, May 8, 2023

A Friday rebound, triggered by a big tech company’s earnings beat and a strong jobs report, shaved much of the week’s accumulated losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Each May is Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate the wisdom of aging people, recognize their many contributions, and facilitate discussions related to older adults. This year’s observance coincides with the 2023 Retirement...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Financial markets can be challenging to understand. And when markets enter a “bad news is good news” cycle, it becomes even more challenging to follow along.Stock prices rallied at the end of April after the Commerce...

Monday, May 1, 2023

Strong earnings from several mega-cap technology companies offset renewed regional banking jitters and weak economic data, leaving stocks higher for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.86%, while the Standard &...

Friday, April 28, 2023

I wanted to take a moment to update you on the potential changes to Social Security benefits for 2024. As I'm sure you know, the Social Security Administration calculates annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) based on the Consumer...

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

From my perspective, we can't hear the word "better" enough in the weeks ahead."Better than expected." "Better than feared." "Better than forecasted."These are winning phrases that can be used by market pundits when they compare a...

Monday, April 24, 2023

Stocks remained resilient last week amid mixed earnings reports, hawkish Fed-speak, and lingering recession fears, closing out the five trading days with small losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.23%, while the Standard &...

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Over the next several weeks, we will hear from corporate leaders as they update investors on their first-quarter financials and provide a glimpse into the rest of the year.But this quarter, the actual financial results may be of only...

Monday, April 17, 2023

The combination of an improving inflation outlook resulted in a week of uneven, albeit positive, performance, in which cyclical and financial stocks rallied while technology, real estate, and utilities lagged. The Dow Jones...

Monday, April 17, 2023

A recent survey reported that 68% of parents had made financial sacrifices to support their adult children. It's often a difficult decision that can stress relationships, impact retirement strategies, and harm overall financial...

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

If you're an investor looking for something to worry about, you never have to go more than a few days on Wall Street.As you can see from the accompanying chart, 11 economic reports are scheduled for release during 19 trading days in...

Monday, April 10, 2023

Stocks ended a shortened week of trading mixed amid revived recession fears on Wall Street triggered by weak economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.63%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.10%. The Nasdaq...

Friday, April 7, 2023

Recently, you may have seen reports that the so-called “depletion date” for Social Security was adjusted. This refers to the predicted date when the long-running program will no longer be able to pay full benefits.Barring...

Monday, April 3, 2023

Stocks rallied last week on receding fears of a widening banking crisis, led by resurging investor interest in technology and communication services names.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.22%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Monday, April 3, 2023

Market timing must be exhausting. Always moving in and out of the markets based on economic analysis or business headlines must be so challenging.The accompanying chart shows that money held in money market mutual funds rose to $5.1...

Friday, March 31, 2023

It can be pretty easy to find things to worry about in today's economy. For example, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the average price of eggs increased by 60 percent in 2022. That means their price rose faster than almost...

Monday, March 27, 2023

Modest gains in major market indices masked sharp volatility amid the uncertainty arising from mixed messages emanating from public officials and revived banking fears. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.18%, while the Standard...

Friday, March 24, 2023

As the financial markets sort through the banking sector's issues, speculators have adjusted their outlook for interest rates for 2023 and beyond. In the first table, you can see that on March 3, speculators were expecting the Federal...

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

For the Federal Reserve, credibility is everything. And its credibility is being tested by how it plans to manage the banking system in the days leading up to its March 21-22 meeting. Last month, Fed Chair Powell confidently told Wall...

Monday, March 13, 2023

Stocks tumbled last week as investors reconsidered their interest rate expectations after Fed Chair Powell’s Congressional testimony that rates may need to go higher. Stocks also were rattled when a west coast bank was placed...

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Jerome Powell would be terrible to have in your book club. He would always reveal how the book would end.When the Fed Chair spoke following the Fed meeting in February, he said, “we’re in the early stages of...

Monday, March 6, 2023

A late-week surge, triggered by reassuring Fed-speak, propelled stocks higher last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up 2.58% for...

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

One of my favorite Warren Buffett quotes is, “Remember that the stock market is a manic depressive.”What he’s suggesting is that stock prices can sometimes swing wildly from day to day in response to even minor news....

Monday, February 27, 2023

Concerns over a firmer monetary policy were heightened by fresh economic data, touching off a climb in bond yields and a slide in stock prices last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.99%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Friday, February 24, 2023

Investors put the economy on recession watch when the Fed started its “higher in a hurry” push with short-term interest rates in mid-2022. After the 10-year/2-year Treasury curve inverted in July 2022, it was “all...

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Would it surprise you that the U.K. stock market is hitting new all-time highs and several other European markets are either at new highs or approaching new all-time highs?It seems like only a few months ago, European economies...

Monday, February 13, 2023

Stocks drifted lower as a week of mixed earnings reports and resurgent worries over Fed monetary policy dragged on investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

The stock market can provide some head-scratching moments, which is why I like Warren Buffet’s quote, “...don’t watch the market closely. ”Stocks have been strong this year, and they rallied sharply before...

Monday, February 6, 2023

"Is the bear market over?"That's a question I've been asked a number of times in recent weeks. And my answer is the same, "Let's give it a little time."But people are quick to remind me that stocks are off to a good start in 2023,...

Monday, February 6, 2023

Stocks were mixed last week following better-than-expected corporate reports and increasing optimism over a slowdown in interest rates.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged lower, slipping -0.15%. The Standard & Poor’s 500 rose...

Monday, January 23, 2023

Stocks showed mixed results last week as recession fears resurfaced in response to weak economic data and a tepid start to a new corporate earnings season.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.70%, while the Standard &...

Monday, January 23, 2023

The initial read on Q4 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) gets released on January 26, and private economists and Federal Reserve estimates have very different economic outlooks. In the accompanying, you can see that the Atlanta Fed’s...

Monday, January 16, 2023

In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement. The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it's a follow-up to...

Thursday, January 5, 2023

In a holiday-shortened week, erratic trading left stocks marginally down for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.14%.

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Congress spent the final days of 2022 on new reforms designed to help Americans save more for retirement.You may hear the changes called SECURE Act 2.0, which is a follow-up to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement...

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

What does the bond market know that the Fed isn’t telling us? Fed officials recently have said that short-term rates will need to climb to over 5 percent to bring inflation under control.

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Hawkish comments by the Fed and weak economic data heightened investors’ recession concerns and sent stocks lower last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 2.08%. The...

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

While you probably already found your notice in the mail, you may be curious about the COLA increase happening for Social Security recipients in the New Year. Starting in January, beneficiaries will see an 8.7% increase to help offset...

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

The financial markets are complex systems. They can move from one event to the next so quickly that it's hard to know what’s driving prices.For example, look at the roundtrip oil prices in the chart below.

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Recession fears and concerns that the Fed may consider a longer rate-hike cycle sent stocks lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.77%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 3.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index..

Monday, December 5, 2022

Stocks ended higher last week as investors navigated the crosscurrents of a potential easing in future rate hikes and continued strength in the labor market.

Monday, December 5, 2022

It appears that America’s corporate leaders are preparing for the worst while hoping for the best.Almost half of S&P 500 CEOs in second-quarter conference calls pointed to “recession” as a potential headwind in 2023....

Monday, November 28, 2022

Growing optimism that the Fed may be ready to ease future interest rate hikes sent stocks higher in a quiet trading week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.53%.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

The stock market edged lower last week as it digested a crosscurrent of conflicting economic data and contrasting comments from Fed officials.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.01%), while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Friday, November 18, 2022

October's Consumer Price Index (CPI) had some encouraging news for investors, but others asked, "Is this a game changer or another head fake?"While it's a bit early to know the answer, it was great to see that inflation rose at a...

Monday, November 14, 2022

A cooling inflation number ignited a powerful rally on Thursday, sending stocks to strong gains for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 5.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Monday, November 7, 2022

Hawkish comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, following the announcement of another 75 basis points interest rate hike last week, cast a pall over financial markets, sending yields higher and stocks lower.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

You may have heard the phrase “contrarian investing,” but did you know that one of the most reliable contrary indicators is individual investors?Retail investors often do the wrong thing at the wrong time. But this year,...

Monday, October 31, 2022

Stocks overcame poor earnings results from some of America’s largest companies to post gains last week as investors cheered positive earnings surprises, easing inflation and a rebound in economic growth. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Monday, October 31, 2022

The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.Individual Retirement...

Thursday, October 27, 2022

I’ve always been a little cautious when people say, “it’s different this time.” But the table below suggests the Fed is approaching 2022’s inflation differently than other financial events in recent...

Monday, October 24, 2022

A positive start to a new earnings season and late-week hopes for a near-term easing in Fed rate hikes lifted investors’ spirits and powered stocks to gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 4.89%, while the...

Friday, October 21, 2022

Stubborn doesn’t seem like a strong enough word, but that’s how Fed officials are describing inflation.Inflation's “stubbornness” has been on full display in recent weeks: First, the Producer Price Index (PPI)...

Friday, October 21, 2022

With inflation hovering near 40-year highs, some investors are looking for investments that keep pace with rising prices. For many, a Series I Savings Bond is just the ticket. I Bonds give investors a rate of return plus inflation...

Monday, October 17, 2022

How well do you remember 1981? Harrison Ford had his first bow as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Frogger and Donkey Kong were all the rage at video arcades. Bob Ross left the Air Force and took up painting. On top of that,...

Monday, October 17, 2022

Stocks were mixed last week amid wide intra- and inter-day price swings, as technology shares bore the brunt of the downdraft. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.15% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

We measure the jobs market in many ways, but the Job Opening and Labor Turnover Survey or JOLTS report seems to be of particular interest to Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The JOLTS report tells the Fed how many job openings there are each...

Monday, October 10, 2022

A powerful two-day stock rebound cemented a positive week for investors as a new trading month began.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.99%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.51%. The Nasdaq Composite index increased 0...

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Traditionally, I’ve been a little cautious when people say, “it’s different this time.” After all, the past few years have seen more financial “firsts” than most. But despite that skepticism, this...

Monday, October 3, 2022

Rising recession fears and uncertainty in the bond and currency markets sent stocks to new 2022 lows last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.92%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2.91%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Wall Street is always searching for a hero to embrace or a villain to blame. And right now, Fed Chair Jerome Powell is the villain. After the September Fed meeting, Powell said interest rates may be heading higher for longer than...

Monday, September 26, 2022

Last week, Fed Chair Powell said the U.S. would not tame inflation without economic pain. This week heightened recession fears and sent stocks broadly lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 4.00%, while the Standard &...

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

You may have heard the expression, “You can talk yourself into just about anything.” If that’s true, corporate America better watch out.As publicly traded companies report quarterly sales and earnings, they often...

Monday, September 19, 2022

A hotter-than-expected inflation report sent stocks sharply lower last week as investors faced the prospect of more aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve for perhaps a longer period. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell...

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Believe me, everyone on Wall Street wants inflation to go away, or at least shrink back to below 2%, a level we enjoyed not so long ago.But Tuesday's Consumer Price Index report showed it might be some time before we see 2% again....

Monday, September 12, 2022

In a holiday-shortened week of trading, stocks posted healthy gains despite more tough talk on monetary policy from Fed officials. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 3.65%. The...

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

The overhang of Fed Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole speech the previous week carried over into last week as investors recalibrated stock valuations amid a seemingly more assertive monetary policy stance.

Friday, September 2, 2022

The White House recently forgave up to $10,000 to student loan borrowers as part of a larger debt forgiveness program. There are still quite a few questions to be answered, but here are some key points to know.

Monday, August 29, 2022

A comprehensive sell-off on Friday following comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell drove stocks to losses for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 4.22%, while the Standard & Poor's 500 dropped 4.04%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Monday, August 29, 2022

We’re entering a tricky time of year: September and October have a reputation for bringing an extra measure of market volatility. Some of the stock market’s most challenging events have hit in September and October, and...

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

I’m hearing a lot of mixed messages these days about the economy. Some headlines say we’re already in a recession; some say one is looming. Others hint that we’ll avoid a recession and have a soft landing. It makes...

Monday, August 22, 2022

Stocks tumbled on Friday, sending stocks to a weekly loss after an otherwise quiet August week of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped -0.16%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 1.21%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Friday, August 19, 2022

Have you ever heard the expression, "What's the smart money doing?""Smart money" is an expression that often refers to experts and suggests that well-informed people have a better perspective on current events and what actions to take....

Friday, August 19, 2022

Have you heard? The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on Tuesday, August 16. While the $430 billion package includes many provisions, I thought I’d highlight three key areas where you may benefit the most.Tax credits...

Monday, August 15, 2022

An improving inflation outlook buoyed investors’ spirits last week, helping lift stocks to solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 2.92%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 3.26%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Does waiting 30 days for a government report seem a bit unreasonable? After all, we live in a world of instant messages and real-time quotes. Why should we wait a whole month between updates on the Consumer Price Index to see what's...

Monday, August 8, 2022

Stocks turned in a mixed performance last week as investors struggled with headlines suggesting that the Fed was unlikely to soon ease up on its current monetary tightening policy.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while...

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

In the financial world, some weeks are more important than others, and we just lived through a big one. Let's unpack each of the four key stats:The Fed. As expected, the Fed bumped up short-term rates again at its July meeting. But the...

Monday, August 1, 2022

Undaunted by another Fed rate hike and news of a contracting economy, the stock market rallied last week on better-than-expected corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 2.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Sometimes, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion.And this may be one of those times.Government reports are telling a rather bleak story about the economy. The headlines talk about high inflation, rising interest rates, and a...

Monday, July 25, 2022

Stocks rallied last week as investor spirits lifted thanks to a better-than-expected start to the second-quarter earnings season.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.55%. The...

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Stop me if you heard this already—roughly half the population wasn’t alive last time inflation was at this level.It’s true. According to IMDb.com, Raiders of the Lost Ark was the #1 movie at the box office the last...

Monday, July 18, 2022

A record-high inflation report, the prospects of a more aggressive Fed, and growing recession fears sent stocks lower– though losses were pared by a Friday rally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the Standard...

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

If you’re trying to get an inside edge on Wall Street, you’re probably paying attention to an array of stats and measurements. But there’s one indicator you might be overlooking.I’m talking about the...

Monday, July 11, 2022

In a holiday-shortened trading week, stocks rallied despite mixed economic data and vacillating energy prices and bond yields.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.77%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.94%. The...

Thursday, July 7, 2022

With half the year behind us, now is a great time to consider what the remainder of 2022 may hold. However, with inflation and economic uncertainty causing many of us to delay or cancel vacations, large purchases, and more, it can be...

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

It’s natural to think “defense” during a bearish market season. But why not mix in some “offense” with your defense? Here are three moves we can discuss together that may be helpful during the current...

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

The SECURE Act of 2019 represented the biggest update to retirement law in over a decade. Now, Congress is deliberating on what “SECURE 2.0” legislation might entail.In March, the House passed the Securing a Strong...

Monday, June 27, 2022

Prospects of cooling inflation powered a rally in stock prices last week despite growing recession concerns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 5.39%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 climbed 6.45%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

At the risk of slowing economic growth, the Fed has driven short-term rates higher to rein in inflation. But it’s a tricky proposition.Raise rates too much, and you may trigger a recession. Don’t raise rates enough, and you...

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Stocks moved lower last week as recession fears deepened following a Fed hike in interest rates and weak economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 4.79%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 5.79%. The Nasdaq...

Friday, June 17, 2022

What an “interesting” week. In a move unseen since 1994, the Federal Reserve has taken an aggressive stance toward inflation by raising the key interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point.Investors initially...

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Some gloomy headlines are coming out of Wall Street lately. Have you noticed? It makes you wonder where the bullish thinkers have gone.

Monday, June 6, 2022

In a holiday-shortened week of volatile trading, stocks surrendered some of the previous week’s strong gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.20%. The Nasdaq...

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

The number one question I’m hearing this week is, “When are we going to see the stock market reach a low point?” In spite of recent volatility, my answer remains the same: rather than timing the markets, focus on time...

Monday, May 23, 2022

Stock prices remained in a downtrend, capped by a sell-off on Wednesday following a succession of disappointing earnings reports from several major retailers.

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

When markets cycle lower like they have been lately, perspective is critical. If you’re not connected to someone with experience, it can be easy to miss the big picture.

Monday, May 16, 2022

Inflation moved to center stage last week with the release of April’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Producer Price Index. Both numbers came near their 40-year highs but were lower than March’s year-over-year numbers.

Monday, May 9, 2022

After successive daily gains to begin the week, stocks staged a powerful relief rally in response to Wednesday’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announcement, aided by Fed Chair Powell’s comment that a 75-basis point hike...

Monday, May 9, 2022

Few investors should have been surprised when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates after its May meeting. Throughout April, Fed Chair Jerome Powell and several Fed Governors talked about the need to keep raising short-term rates...

Monday, May 2, 2022

Trading was volatile in the final week of April as investors struggled with the crosscurrents of global economic growth anxieties stemming from widening COVID-related lockdowns in China and a fresh batch of corporate earnings reports.

Monday, May 2, 2022

"Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful," according to legendary investor Warren Buffett.It's a great quote but complex advice to follow, especially in 2022 when stock prices are down double-digits. It...

Friday, April 29, 2022

Lately, the "Great Resignation" has led many Americans to leave their jobs for other opportunities, while others have chosen a different path: early retirement. We can all understand looking for a more suitable place of work, but some...

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

The advanced report on first-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be out later this week. Perhaps no economic report this year will be more scrutinized. Those looking for economic clues that could signal a recession will...

Monday, April 25, 2022

Hawkish comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell overshadowed many largely positive earnings results, sending stocks lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.86%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped...

Monday, April 18, 2022

Stocks began the week moving lower as bond yields climbed higher, with growth stocks suffering some of the steepest declines. Investors considered China’s ongoing lockdown warily, worried it might worsen supply-chain issues.

Monday, April 18, 2022

If you have a balance on a credit card or an adjustable rate mortgage, you might be noticing changes in your payments. Higher interest rates are starting to ripple through the personal finance landscape, and it doesn’t look like...

Monday, April 11, 2022

The Federal Reserve, in recent years, has been committed to being open about its policy on interest rates. And that commitment was on full display in recent weeks. In an early April speech, Fed Governor Lael Brainard said...

Monday, April 11, 2022

After a positive start to the week, stock prices turned lower on a more hawkish tone from Fed officials. On Tuesday, investors were surprised by comments from Fed governor Lael Brainard, one of the Fed’s more dovish members...

Monday, April 4, 2022

Stock prices bounced around following strong gains in two previous weeks as money managers appeared to reposition their portfolios ahead of the first-quarter close. Oil was under pressure all week as prices fell on news that Shanghai...

Monday, April 4, 2022

In recent weeks, the word recession has started creeping into business news and financial market coverage. Is that cause for alarm or just another attention-grabbing headline? There’s no simple answer.

Friday, April 1, 2022

April marks the start of Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized movement to promote and support financial understanding in children and teens. For many, it's a fantastic opportunity to teach and connect with their children...

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

When inflation is running hot, you can feel its overreach in almost every corner of the economy. People see it when they buy gas or buy food at the grocery store, but its influence touches mortgage rates, credit card debt, and...

Monday, March 28, 2022

Markets bounced around all week as investors grappled with the crosswinds of rising yields, continued hostilities in Ukraine, and hawkish comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

Thursday, March 24, 2022

The general enrollment period for Medicare goes from January 1st to March 31st. If you haven’t decided yet, your time is running out for the year.

Monday, March 21, 2022

When clients come into our office, they are seeking advice. However, I have also been on the receiving-end of advice learning from the lives of the people we serve. Recently, I had the chance to put it into action.

Monday, March 21, 2022

The uptrend began with a drop in oil prices and a lighter-than-expected wholesale inflation report. Stock prices initially buckled following Wednesday’s hawkish FOMC announcement, but turned higher as investors interpreted the Fed’s news...

Thursday, March 17, 2022

The Federal Reserve recently announced that for the first time in three years, it would increase short-term interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point.

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Staying positive these days is a lot easier said than done. Inflation is running hot, gasoline prices are up, interest rates are climbing, and it’s hard to remember the last time the stock market had a winning week.

Monday, March 14, 2022

Markets gyrated last week as Russia escalated its attacks on Ukraine, the U.S. banned imports of Russian oil, and more companies announced the suspension of business in Russia. Eastern Europe has added complexity to the Fed’s plans.

Thursday, March 10, 2022

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report was recently released and confirmed what economists anticipated: consumer inflation has risen 7.9% over the past year, the largest spike since 1982.

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

2022 is off to a challenging start for most investors. Stock prices have been down 6 of the past 9 weeks, and the major averages are either in or teetering on correction territory.

Monday, March 7, 2022

The uncertainty introduced from Russia’s invasion continued to whipsaw the financial markets last week. Intensifying hostilities sent stocks sharply lower as oil prices surged and a flight to safety drove investors to buy bonds.

Thursday, March 3, 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has made the Fed’s interest rate decision a little more complicated. The Fed appears set to raise interest rates by 0.25% at its March meeting.

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

It’s easy to get excited reading the news. With all of the storm and stress of the last few years, it’s only natural to react to each ping of our phone’s news apps with a deep sigh and a cynical “what now?”

Monday, February 28, 2022

The build-up to Russia’s eventual invasion of Ukraine triggered elevated market volatility, resulting in broad-based selling that sent the S&P 500 into correction territory as the holiday-shortened week of trading began.

Thursday, February 24, 2022

You’ve likely heard about the possible second-order effects, like a skittish stock market, potential energy supply constriction, and the threat of continuing supply chain disruptions.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

There is plenty to worry about these days. Top of mind is the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Closer to home, high inflation persists, and the Fed is preparing to tighten monetary policy.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

As tensions escalated between Russia and the West over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, investors moved away from risk assets, such as stocks, and sought the safety of U.S. Treasury bonds.

Friday, February 18, 2022

Like many Americans, you probably saw at least a few Super Bowl advertisements for the cryptocurrency industry last weekend. With all the excitement, you may even be tempted to invest in, or mine, cryptocurrency yourself.

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

You may have heard the saying, “inflation hurts savers and benefits borrowers.”  The expression suggests that borrowers benefit from inflation because they pay back lenders with dollars worth less than when the money was initially borrowed.

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

One way to measure how an economy performs is to see the number of jobs created. The trouble is, we track jobs in so many different ways it’s challenging to know what report is more important than the next.

Monday, February 14, 2022

Mid-week, a fresh batch of positive corporate earnings surprises lifted investor sentiment, helping stocks claw back losses with technology stocks posting some of the sharpest gains.

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

If you’re concerned about today’s market volatility, you might take some comfort from one of my favorite quotes by Warren Buffett. “I would tell them don’t watch the market closely,” said the Oracle of Omaha.

Monday, January 31, 2022

Rising bond yields, Federal Reserve uncertainty, and escalating tensions on the Ukrainian-Russian border unsettled markets all week. The week opened with two successive days of deep early losses that were erased by furious rebounds.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

The Federal Reserve met in mid-January, and clarified its position on monetary policy, providing the clearest hint yet about short-term interest rates. The fed hinted that the first interest rate hit could come as soon as March.

Monday, January 24, 2022

After the holiday weekend, stocks found little respite from this month’s selling pressures. The week began with the 10-year Treasury yield hitting a two-year high that triggered a broad retreat in stocks, with technology and other high-grow

Thursday, January 20, 2022

When bond yields go up, bond prices go down. It’s a time-tested principle, but it’s also one we haven’t experienced much since the pandemic began. At least, not until the past several weeks.

Thursday, January 20, 2022

For the first time in nearly 20 years, the IRS has released updated actuarial or life expectancy tables. Those who take required minimum withdrawals (RMD) from retirement accounts may already know we use these tables to calculate your RMD.

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Stocks were under pressure all week as investors grappled with higher bond yields and talk of possibly four rate hikes this year. Initially, intraday declines would bring out buyers and pare the losses.

Monday, January 10, 2022

The perception of a more hawkish Fed put a hard stop to the year’s positive start and pushed bond yields higher and stocks into a broad retreat. Technology and other high-valuation shares were particularly hard hit by rising yields

Monday, January 3, 2022

The end of the year is historically a strong period for stocks–a seasonal pattern dubbed “The Santa Claus Rally.” This year’s final week of trading did not disappoint as stocks posted healthy gains to kick off the week.

Monday, December 20, 2021

Most people have heard about the Federal Reserve, but I’ve found that few understand the many roles it plays in the overall economy over the years. The Fed makes headlines every few weeks by updating investors on what’s going on.

Monday, December 20, 2021

Stocks weakened ahead of Wednesday’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting as investors weighed how aggressive the Fed might be in reversing its easy-money policies.

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

If you’ve been watching inflation news in recent months, you might have found it a bit overwhelming. We want you to know that we are watching inflation closely, and keeping tabs on various economic indicators.

Monday, December 13, 2021

Though much is still unknown about the Omicron variant, reports of potentially milder health effects and the efficacy of booster shots ignited optimism that its economic impact would be less severe than originally feared.

Thursday, December 9, 2021

If you weren’t paying close attention, you might have missed it. Fed Chair Jerome Powell dropped the word “transitory” when describing inflation during his recent testimony to Congress.

Monday, December 6, 2021

Stock prices were volatile all week, swinging wildly after staging a modest recovery to begin the week. Omicron fears were not the only issue weighing on investors.

Thursday, December 2, 2021

As Medicare’s open enrollment period is due to end December 7, recipients of the program are preparing for a larger-than-expected jump in prices for premiums and deductibles.

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

A confident consumer can be a powerful ally in an economy. But when the consumer starts to have questions, we can measure consumer confidence in everything from retail sales to home buying to the personal savings rate.

Monday, November 29, 2021

Investors woke up on Black Friday to reports of a mutated COVID variant, reviving fears of potential new economic restrictions. U.S. markets were not alone, as stock prices in Europe and Asia also tumbled.

Monday, November 22, 2021

A healthy retail sales report, falling jobless claims, positive earnings surprises, and strong manufacturing data lent support to stock prices, but investor sentiment was dampened by several concerns.

Friday, November 19, 2021

You see it in prices at the grocery store and the gas station. You feel it in your monthly budget. So why don’t the financial markets seem too concerned about inflation?

Monday, November 15, 2021

At the White House on Monday, President Biden signed a $1T bipartisan infrastructure bill set to enable enhancements for transportation and utilities over the next five years.

Monday, November 15, 2021

After moving higher on Congressional approval of a $1 trillion-plus infrastructure spending bill, stocks drifted lower as investors took a breather after a weeks-long run-up in prices.

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Preparing for retirement just got a little more financial wiggle room. This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new contribution limits for 2022.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

At its November meeting, the Fed outlined its plan to taper monthly bond purchases, which will end this pandemic-era policy response by July 2022

Monday, November 8, 2021

A Federal Reserve announcement on tapering, a fresh batch of corporate profits, and encouraging economic data lifted stocks to another weekly gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.42%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Monday, November 1, 2021

For now, it appears that changes to capital gains and personal tax rates are off the table. The conversation is shifting to a new corporate minimum tax while adjustments to estate taxes may be still under consideration.

Monday, November 1, 2021

The week kicked off with the Dow Jones Industrials and S&P 500 index setting record highs as the financial markets carried over the previous week’s price momentum. Stocks continued to climb on a string of forecast-beating earnings results.

Monday, October 25, 2021

To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes.

Monday, October 25, 2021

Fears over inflation, supply shortages, and slowing economic growth in China were pushed aside last week as investors reacted to a daily succession of positive corporate earnings surprises.

Monday, October 18, 2021

There are a lot of questions about President Biden’s Build Back Better plan and potential tax law changes, including an adjustment to capital gains taxes.

Monday, October 18, 2021

After beginning the week on a lackluster note, stocks turned higher on Wednesday as companies kicked off a new earnings season and details about the Fed’s taper plans emerged.

Monday, October 11, 2021

After suffering losses on concerns over delays with raising the federal debt ceiling, stocks rebounded as the Senate moved toward finalizing a debt ceiling agreement. While the agreement is only a short-term solution, it was enough to...

Monday, October 4, 2021

The reality of a more hawkish Fed finally hit the bond market, sparking a sell-off in bonds that sent yields higher. Higher yields hurt technology and other high-growth companies, and that weakness spread to the broader market.

Thursday, September 30, 2021

All eyes are on Washington and Wall Street as these events play out, with potentially far-reaching consequences that seem to shift hour by hour. Markets appear headed to some of their lowest monthly returns in over a year.

Thursday, September 30, 2021

In this podcast, we explain the ways retirees may try to overcompensate because of this lie and we suggest that baby boomers are the most powerful generation to have ever lived on earth.

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

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

Monday, September 27, 2021

Last week began with a sharp sell-off on contagion concerns that the financial difficulties of a large, debt-laden Chinese property developer could spread to other parts of the global financial system.

Monday, September 27, 2021

work has a bad reputation in today’s culture and retirement has become the pathway to set us free from our jobs. In this podcast, we trace the origins of this lie back and we explain why the only way to actually live is by working.

Thursday, September 23, 2021

This tumult is not the only area of concern in the Chinese economy. Chinese President Xi Jinping is enacting policies throughout the year designed to give the government greater control over private enterprise.

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

We tackle the lie: retirement is all about you. In this podcast, we explain the reasons this lie so easily entraps retirees and the effect it has on someone that makes retirement selfish.

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

The Build Back Better Act. Or the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill. Or the Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan for Working Families. Regardless of what name you’ve heard, one fact is clear...

Monday, September 20, 2021

While tamer inflation and higher-than-expected retail sales may typically be constructive for the market, any investor enthusiasm it generated was fleeting.

Thursday, September 16, 2021

In this podcast, we give pre-retirees ways to break-away from a “destination mentality” that says you can finally begin living once you stop working.

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

If you are feeling a bit confused about the direction of inflation, you’re in good company. Some of the best and brightest economists in the country are having a tough time getting their arms around the current inflation trends.

Monday, September 13, 2021

In a holiday-shortened week of trading, markets were choppy as investors grew cautious in the face of a potential Fed tapering decision later this month and the impact of Delta on the economic recovery.

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

In this podcast, we dismantle the lie, “You Have to Retire”, encouraging people not to get trapped into an ageism mindset which says you have to retire because you reached a certain age.

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Investors gravitated toward the high growth technology and communication services sectors, as well as the more defensive sectors, such as utilities and real estate.

Monday, August 30, 2021

At 73 years old, Dennis Benson is busy tuning pianos, photographing events and playing music. In this podcast, Dennis explains the importance of always learning new things and how having a La-Z-Boy is good, but being addicted to it is bad.

Monday, August 30, 2021

Your workplace retirement account can play a critical role in your overall retirement strategy. However, some have gone further with the accounts than others, especially recently.

Monday, August 30, 2021

Stocks continued their climb through midweek, pushing the S&P 500 to another record high and the NASDAQ Composite above 15,000 for the first time.

Monday, August 23, 2021

Stocks turned lower last week amid the increasing probability of a Fed tapering, mixed economic data, and growing concerns about the economic impact of the Delta variant. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 1.11%, while the...

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Scott Lawrence, CEO of Lawrence & Schiller, explains how he finds energy by interacting with others and how retirees today are missing out on opportunities to make and grow relationships.

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Are you having a tough time keeping track of inflation's mixed signals? You’re not alone. Consumer prices in July climbed at their fastest rate since August 2008.

Monday, August 16, 2021

Stocks moved higher amid relatively light trading last week. After initially retreating under the weight of Delta variant updates, stocks grinded higher, catalyzed by the Senate’s passage of a $1 trillion infrastructure bill.

Monday, August 9, 2021

The crosscurrents of strong corporate profits and the rise in Delta variant infections led to a roller coaster week of price action, as markets alternated between daily gains and losses.

Friday, July 30, 2021

Bruce Schoeman serves as Encore Pastor at the AG Church in Willmar, MN. In this podcast, Bruce challenges baby boomers to be the glue of society and capture the idea that your highest level of influence is still ahead.

Friday, July 30, 2021

On this episode, we continue our series on retirement stories with Bob Shank, founder of The Master's Program. In this podcast, Bob rejects the American standard of retirement and points to Jesus’ life as a model to true retirement.

Monday, July 26, 2021

Vern Anderson is one of the original co-founders of Douglas Machine, Inc., a successful and long-standing manufacturing company. In this podcast, Vern shares the ups and downs of starting Douglas Machine and how prayer played a role.

Monday, July 26, 2021

Overcoming a COVID-related economic growth scare, stocks moved higher amid a week of strong corporate earnings reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.08%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.96%.

Monday, July 19, 2021

It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.

Monday, July 19, 2021

Stocks weakened amid an active week of news, including two important inflation reports, Congressional testimony from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, a string of economic reports, and the start of the second-quarter earnings season.

Friday, July 16, 2021

In this podcast, Jeff Gould talks about the key struggles for people in each quarter of life. He specifically speaks to baby boomers encouraging them to rethink retirement stepping into a life of greater significance and honor.

Monday, July 12, 2021

In a truncated week of trading, stock market action was turbulent and indecisive. A mixed start saw cyclical stocks sell off amid concerns of slowing economic growth, while growth stocks advanced in response to falling yields.

Monday, July 12, 2021

Scott Thoma not only has an incredible childhood story, now at the age of 62 he is a feature writer for a senior publication sharing the stories of other retirees. In this podcast, Scott recounts how the events following the Tracy tornado.

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Rising conviction in the economic recovery and waning inflation worries drove stock prices higher, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite racing to record closes to begin the week.

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Phil Saint tells his story of growing up in Ecuador after losing his father when he was only one year old. He also shares how God carved a unique path for his life while still using the power of his father’s story to impact others.

Friday, June 25, 2021

Bill Nelson is a former teacher and coach. At 78 years old, he is still using his teaching skills educating and inspiring fellow retirees into a life of wellness and purpose.

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Jeremy Brown of Throne Publishing Group believes our stories reveal how God has created us for a greater purpose. In this podcast, Jeremy explains two lies society wants retirees to believe about their own stories.

Monday, June 21, 2021

At its June meeting, the Federal Reserve confirmed what many of us have suspected for some time: prices are rising. In fact, prices are climbing faster than many expected.

Monday, June 21, 2021

The Federal Reserve’s announcement on Wednesday that interest rate hikes may likely occur sooner than expected and that it had underestimated the pace of inflation unsettled investors.

Monday, June 14, 2021

May’s CPI saw an increase in inflation that exceeded most expectations. Paradoxically, markets advanced on the news, sending the S&P 500 to a new record close and the technology-heavy NASDAQ Composite higher.

Friday, June 11, 2021

If you are a retiree, you have a story that needs to be shared. In this podcast, we give the reasons retirees are so valuable and how to find turning points in your own story.

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Recently, you may have seen headlines regarding the Securing a Strong Retirement Act, also referred to as the second version of the SECURE Act, or SECURE Act 2.0.As the bill moves from the House of Representatives to the Senate, many...

Monday, June 7, 2021

If there is a "silver lining" to all the inflation talk, it may be that Social Security benefits are expected to see a larger-than-normal increase in 2022.

Monday, June 7, 2021

While stocks ended on a strong note, the performance of industry sectors varied widely. Energy, real estate, utilities, and a number of reopening stocks performed well, while consumer discretionary stocks lagged.

Monday, June 7, 2021

Retirement communities have exposed a deeper issue with the way our society views retirees and the “American Dream." In this podcast, we pose challenges to retirement communities, our own societies, and retirees as individuals.

Friday, May 28, 2021

Retirement communities do lots of good for the life of a retiree. However, too much of a good thing can be bad. In this podcast, we propose three ways retirement communities fall short of living a “Repurposed” retirement.

Thursday, May 27, 2021

With upward trending prices, an important question arises - Is the Federal Reserve ahead or behind in its monetary policy regarding inflation?

Monday, May 24, 2021

With inflation appearing to accelerate, this is the first sign that the Fed is considering such a scaling back. While such a change might be inevitable,

Monday, May 24, 2021

Stocks began last week extending their losses from the previous week, as the slide in technology and other high-growth stocks resumed. Inflation worries also weighed on the market.

Monday, May 24, 2021

In this podcast, we will take a deep look at the good things retirement communities have done for the life of a retiree and how they have provided solutions for retirees’ deepest needs.

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Inflation can be a scary word for people who are retired. It’s code for “prices are going up, but my income may stay the same.” The most recent reading on consumer prices put inflation back into the conversation.

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

When we use the term “wealth transfer”, many times, people assume that means estate planning. There are several key differences between these two tactics.

Monday, May 17, 2021

After back-to-back losses, the retreat in stock prices culminated on Wednesday, following the release of the higher-than-anticipated Consumer Price Index (CPI) report.

Monday, May 17, 2021

The very first retirement community launched on January 1st, 1960 by Del Webb in Sun City, AZ. In this podcast, we take a look at the life of Del Webb and explain how he created a solution geared towards an emerging retirement population.

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

The demand for retirement communities was formed decades before the very first retirement community was established in 1960. In this podcast, Ben will explain four major factors that shaped the mindset towards retirement.

Monday, May 10, 2021

Energy, financials, materials, and industrials led the market higher on more upbeat news regarding the economic recovery. But technology and other high-valuation companies didn’t participate in the rally.

Monday, May 3, 2021

Investor sentiment was dampened by rising COVID-19 infections in India and Japan, along with mounting inflation worries.

Friday, April 30, 2021

In our experience, one of the most underestimated changes a person encounters post-retirement is in their marriage. In this podcast, Ben will explain three concepts you need to understand regarding your marriage and retirement.

Thursday, April 29, 2021

A recent survey shows that 63% of investors are more interested in protecting their financial assets and planning for uncertainty in the future than anything else. There are many reasons for this change.

Monday, April 26, 2021

If you are concerned about capital gains—or any other proposals being debated on Capitol Hill—please give us a call. We'd welcome the chance to hear your perspective, and hopefully, we can provide some guidance.

Monday, April 26, 2021

Despite continued better-than-expected corporate earnings, stocks retreated as concerns over rising global COVID-19 infections weighed on investor sentiment. A mid-week rally erased much of these losses, with reopening stocks and small cap

Friday, April 23, 2021

It is nearly impossible to have a career over the course of decades and not have some of who you are connected to that job. In this podcast, Ben will give you ways to understand this shift in identity.

Monday, April 19, 2021

Stocks rallied early in the week on strong retail sales, a sharp drop in initial jobless claims, and a retreat in bond yields. Stocks then climbed to fresh record highs on Thursday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising above 34,000.

Monday, April 19, 2021

In this hyper-competitive market, many retirees are thinking of taking advantage of the situation by listing a property or home. If this sounds like you, give our office a call. If this sounds like you, give our office a call.

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Older people tend to have a reputation of being a bit grumpy. While this is a light-hearted way to view retirees, there are serious ramifications of this attitude. Ben gives four ways make sure your mentality stays positive.

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

President Joe Biden has already made some significant economic decisions including the signage of a sizable COVID-19 relief bill. As the current administration continues to execute these proposals, you need to understand the possible...

Monday, April 12, 2021

A blow-out jobs report and an all-time high in the ISM-Services Index, coupled with the continued rebound in technology stocks, powered the Dow Industrials and S&P 500 to record highs to open a new week of trading.

Monday, April 12, 2021

After spending over 30 years in the financial business, Virg DeJongh wrote his first book and using his experiences to help other people walk through their own transitions in life.

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

On this episode, Jerrid Sebesta talks about retirees and their health. Physical health is an aspect of retirement that cannot be ignored. In this podcast, Jerrid is going to focus on the importance of activity for a retiree and...

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

President Joe Biden introduced the much-anticipated American Jobs Plan, which outlines an approach to spend roughly $2.2 trillion on the nation's infrastructure and other projects.

Monday, April 5, 2021

Overcoming a rocky start, stocks rallied into the close of a holiday-shortened week of trading as technology shares staged a powerful recovery and investors reacted positively to President Biden’s infrastructure spending proposal.

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

The IRS has also settled on May 17, 2021 as the deadline for contributions to individual retirement arrangements (IRAs and Roth IRAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), and Coverdell education savings accounts (Coverdell ESAs).

Monday, March 29, 2021

According to research by Deutsche Bank, Google searches for “inflation” are rising rapidly and recently hit a peak not seen since the tracking began 13 years ago.

Monday, March 29, 2021

In this podcast, John Chase explains the emotions he felt on the final day of his career. He also shares the vision for his retirement that encompasses using his experiences to impact the next generation of surgeons.

Monday, March 29, 2021

After a promising start to the week, stocks turned negative on mounting concerns about economic growth in Europe, with broad losses in energy, cyclicals, and technology.

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

The decision of when to take Social Security depends highly on your specific circumstances. Here are six reasons you should NOT wait to file for your Social Security benefits.

Monday, March 22, 2021

You’re likely to hear phrases like “market dislocation” or other buzzwords as pundits explain what’s happening in the bond market. But know that we’re keeping a close eye on the markets and are evaluating opportunities.

Monday, March 22, 2021

The stock market began the week on a positive note, rising on optimism over the economic reopenings and a decline in bond yields. Technology shares staged a strong turnaround from the previous week.

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Less than one month ahead of the traditional date, the I.R.S. has delayed the deadline for filing and paying taxes. The new deadline is May 17, 2021. The delay follows continued disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Monday, March 15, 2021

The decision of when to take Social Security depends highly on your specific circumstances. You can start taking it as early as age 62 or wait until you’ve reached full retirement age.

Monday, March 15, 2021

Stocks marched higher as bond yields leveled off and the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill moved through the legislative process. A muted inflation number and a better-than-expected jobless claims report evidenced an improving economy.

Monday, March 15, 2021

Legacy can be a daunting task for a retiree, but it doesn’t have to be if you look at the correct definition. In this podcast, Ben will show you how to have the greatest impact on others using your life today.

Thursday, March 11, 2021

The House of Representatives passed a $1.9 trillion relief package focused on economic relief following the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was signed into law at the White House on Thursday.

Monday, March 8, 2021

Social Security benefits represent on average a third of retirees’ income.1 Nearly 90% of Americans 65 and older receive some type of Social Security benefits. About half of married couples and 71% of unmarried people on Social...

Monday, March 8, 2021

The week began on an ebullient note as stocks surged on a retreat in bond yields and approval of a new vaccine, with sharp gains in reopening stocks, hard-hit technology companies, and small-cap companies.

Monday, March 8, 2021

Looking back and reflecting on past experiences, good and bad, can help shape your purpose in retirement. Ben will encourage you to identify turning points in your past which can reveal ways God is bringing your story full circle.

Thursday, March 4, 2021

I’m sure you’ve heard that the House recently passed the Senate another round of stimulus to try and counteract the economic effects of COVID-19. Many are left wondering how the additional stimulus package will affect the economy.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Social Security benefits represent on average a third of retirees’ income. There are important factors you NEED to know regarding Social Security and your retirement. Here are the first two.

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Society will tell you that people in retirement don’t have as much to offer as the younger generations. The truth is retirees are the most powerful group of people our society has ever seen.

Monday, March 1, 2021

The 10-year Treasury yield climbed last week, from 1.34% to 1.42%, sending shudders through the stock market. While investors generally understand that economic strength may lead to higher bond yields, it was the speed at which...

Thursday, February 25, 2021

On Monday, Feb. 22, the White House announced several changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).If you’re a small business owner in need of financial assistance, you may find these changes helpful in securing a PPP loan.

Monday, February 22, 2021

Rising bond yields dampened investor enthusiasm for high-multiple growth companies last week, sending market averages mostly lower in a holiday-shortened week of trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.11% for the week. But...

Thursday, February 18, 2021

At this time last year, it was still unknown that a deadly global pandemic was on the rise, eventually stalling economic growth and sending crude oil prices into negative territory.

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Not only should a retiree be a leader, they need to understand the impact of leading continues to grow with age. In this podcast, Ben will give you tangible ways to take what you’ve learned over the years and use it to add value to others.

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

When it comes to retirement planning, much of the focus is on saving, investing and growing assets. And while that is important, too often the importance of mapping-out retirement spending gets lost in the fray.

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

It can be easy to overlook the nation’s solid economic fundamentals when the financial media splashes stories every day about an army of amateur traders, short-selling mania, and initial public offerings (IPOs) that double in...

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Mark Deterding is the founder of Triune Leadership Service and has authored two books, Leading Jesus’ Way and A Model of Servant Leadership. In this podcast, Mark will discuss the foundation of living with purpose in retirement.

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Stocks powered higher to begin the week, buoyed by rising confidence in economic recovery and the potential for another round of fiscal stimulus.

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

As the social media trading frenzy fizzled, investors were able to focus on more fundamental issues, like economic data and a fresh batch of corporate earnings.

Friday, January 29, 2021

Matt Birk is a 15-year veteran of the National Football League. In this podcast, Matt describes some of the struggles associated with leaving behind a high-profile identity and moving forward with a life of significance.

Thursday, January 28, 2021

On this episode, Ben Taatjes and I talk about defining your “why” in retirement. To have a clear path for your life, you must start with the end in mind. In this podcast, we discuss three specific areas for you to establish...

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Every year we host a free, local event called JUMP-START | IGNITE YOUR DEBT-FREE JOURNEY to help families begin this trek of being debt-free and saving. There are three major sections covered in JUMP-START and crucial for you in 2021.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Every few months, you may hear the phrase “earnings season” as you listen to financial news.But what exactly is “earnings season,” and why is it important to Wall Street?Earnings season is the time when a...

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

In a holiday-shortened week, stocks rallied as investors welcomed testimony from incoming Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to the Senate Finance Committee that suggested lawmakers needed to “act big” on fiscal stimulus.

Monday, January 25, 2021

On this episode, Ben Taatjes and I discuss two major questions for a Christian retiree. We dive into the idea of working in heaven. Also, we pose the question “Should a Christian ever retire?” In this podcast, Ben shares...

Friday, January 22, 2021

Recently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that tax season will start a little later than usual. This year the IRS will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax returns on Friday, February 12, 2021.1 In light of the...

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

The 10-year Treasury yield has climbed higher since the New Year, which means that some bond prices are dropping. You may have seen the headlines that say, “10-Year Yields Over 1%."

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

On this episode, Ben Taatjes and I talk about spending money in retirement. Normally, we steer away from financial topics on the show, but there are certain mindset shifts that need to occur regarding wealth and income.

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Markets drifted lower last week as uninspired investors digested mixed news on the economic front. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.91% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slid 1.48%.

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s the importance of preparing for the unexpected. Likely there will be more surprises in 2021, so, we need to be ready. Here is a list of things to start doing in 2021

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

On this episode, Ben Taatjes and I talk about happiness in retirement. Ben makes a bold statement claiming that if a person is unhappy while working, they will be unhappy in retirement. In this podcast, we talk about how changing an...

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

As election season draws to a close, it's a great time to review what type of legislative support would be needed to pass certain policy proposals that may come forward from the Biden Administration.It's important to remember that...

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%.

Friday, January 8, 2021

The first week of 2021 has already had many ups and downs. Just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean that the 2020 issues go away, and so far, 2021 has been no exception to this rule. The markets opened on January 4 and...

Thursday, January 7, 2021

January is Financial Wellness Month, a time to remind people to make arrangements for their financial strategy. For me, it’s time for me to connect with new clients and discuss their financial situation and aspirations for their...

Monday, January 4, 2021

After a bit of political posturing in December, the $900 billion Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (2021 CAA) was signed into law by President Trump as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact employers and employees.

Monday, January 4, 2021

Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased by 1.43%.

Thursday, December 31, 2020

The year 2020 taught me that life is short, but God is right there with us. C.S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

If nothing else, the year 2020 forced us all to learn to adapt to doing normal things differently. While coronavirus has not had a significant negative effect on our business, the same sentiment applies. What was once uncomfortable has...

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

I guess you could say it’s a good problem to have, but several of my clients recently have mentioned that money earmarked for 2020 hasn’t been spent due to COVID-19 restrictions. These clients want to impact their families.

Monday, December 21, 2020

Stocks climbed higher amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and an improving outlook for a fiscal stimulus bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged all year, gained 0.44%.

Monday, December 21, 2020

The year 2020 has made me really uncomfortable. COVID-19 itself has had little effect on me, but, the sense of control-loss did. I’m learning it is in these seasons I have to rest and let God do His work on me.

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell...

Monday, December 14, 2020

Very few of us will disagree that 2020 has been a difficult year. We are looking forward to the start of 2021, so we can put 2020 behind us. However, my life pre- and post-COVID are not much different. So, why do I feel this way about 2020?

Friday, December 11, 2020

Your investment strategy is a lot like a marriage. One day you may feel like everything’s going swimmingly. The next day, there might be an argument over who forgot to load the dishwasher.

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note.401(k)sThe salary deferral...

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Stocks marched higher last week on an improving outlook for the passage of a fiscal stimulus package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on 1.67%.

Monday, December 7, 2020

It's not uncommon to find people who understand little about their tax return & how to maximize planning opportunities within a tax return. One of the most beneficial strategies to lower income taxes is to maximize you income tax brackets.

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data, and the easing of political uncertainty. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.21%.

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

It is with great excitement that I announce my return to Taatjes Financial Group. If you recall, I moved my family moved to South Dakota in late July. It was a tough decision, but I felt it was necessary. AUDIO: Changing Externals Does...

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

After giving directly out of your IRA, the next thing that can be done is giving appreciated assets to charity. This can be a complicated process if you have an asset that you want to split between multiple charities. Thankfully there...

Monday, November 16, 2020

Now is the time of year that we start to examine charitable giving with our clients. Many have been giving throughout the year, but a review is in order to make sure you have maximized the tax savings with the giving you want to do....

Monday, November 2, 2020

Tuesday, November 3rd 2020 is finally here and we want to make sure we are taking time to reassure our clients and investors alike that although this seems to be a chaotic time, there is more positive than negative in the world....

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

When saving for retirement in a farming family, financial planners tend to focus only on the Farmer himself. What many people don’t always realize is that the rest of the family has opportunities to save for retirement, too....

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

When it comes to the mental side of retiring from a farming career, things can get complicated quickly. Farming is more than just a job, it’s a lifestyle. Farming is engrained into life at a very young age, most farmers grew up...

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

When it comes to farming there are a number of hurdles faced when deciding to retire. Two of the most common hurdles that we deal with at Taatjes Financial Group are the mental/emotional side of ending your farm career, and the tax...

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

The most discussed topic that is brought up in client meetings revolves around the election and how it will affect clients’ portfolios.

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

This is one of the most commonly asked questions that we hear in our office, “How much do I need to retire?” There isn’t an easy answer to that question.

Monday, September 21, 2020

When interest rates rapidly declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, investors were left with few options when it came to earning interest in a checking or savings account. Here are alternatives to consider in this low interest environment.

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

The decision of when to begin Social Security benefits should be one that is well thought out, not an emotional decision based on a retirement date.

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

September is here and that means one thing – it’s back to school time! Whether COVID-19 has your grandkids going back to school virtually or in-person this year, one thing remains the same, how do they pay for it?

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

In working with retirees all across the nation I have learned that many retirees miss work more than they thought they would. Many times we don’t appreciate the positive aspects of work.

Monday, August 24, 2020

Covid has affected all of our lives. Listen to our latest radio show for some tips on how retirees can gain perspective during this trying time.

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

As a National Social Security Advisor certificate holder (NSSA), I get lots of questions from people regarding Social Security benefits. Here are answers to common questions I receive from our clients.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Two big changes for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) became effective in 2020. Here is a quick overview of the changes. {Audio}Two big changes for RMDs SECURE Act The first change happened at the end of 2019 with the passing of...

Monday, July 20, 2020

If you are nearing retirement or already retired, you may be thinking now is the time you can relax and forget about budgeting, but this is not the case.

Monday, July 13, 2020

Last week we discussed the first four of eight common, avoidable, mistakes that could upend your retirement. This week we continue with the last, but certainly not least, mistakes to side step when planning for your retirement.

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are the first four of eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible.

Thursday, July 2, 2020

With all the craziness in our society now-a-days, it is more important than ever to reiterate this idea of wealth and income. Here are a few things to remember as you build your retirement plan.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

As COVID-19 began affecting the United States earlier this year, the Treasury Department moved the deadline for individual income tax returns to July 15th. The deadline applies to several other tax-related deadlines as well.

Monday, June 15, 2020

Between COVID-19, civil unrest and the up-coming presidential election, it's safe to say market volatility is going to be a common theme for the remainder of 2020. How should an investor handle these times?

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

As companies restructure and look for ways to save money, oftentimes they will incentivize the voluntary departure of the company before your normal retirement date.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

An estate plan is a wonderful gift to give to the next generation. This isn't about the money or the legacy. An estate plan ensures that your kids and loved ones won't have to make cumbersome decisions during an already difficult time.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

It’s no secret, the pace of our lives has slowed since the COVID-19 shutdowns. We’re working from home, traveling less and have fewer appointments. So, now is a great time to tie up some loose ends.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

If you are considering an early retirement because of COVID-19, here are four questions you need to answer first.

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

The 10-year rally in the stock market came to a screeching halt due to COVID-19 in Q1 2020. We saw investors flee the markets as uncertainty flooded the global economy. Here are three ways investors can handle the unknown road ahead.

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Millions of Americans have already received their Economic Impact Payments authorized by the CARES Act. Whether your direct deposit has arrived or not, here are some tips and suggestions once you receive your stimulus money.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

While it's impossible to predict the future of the stock market, it's hard to deny we are in the eye of a storm. However, there are things you can do to position yourself financially during this time of market volatility.

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Small businesses are likely the most-impacted sector of the business world by COVID-19. Not only has the CARES Act offered help to individuals, it has several features to help small business with 500 employees or less.

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

In response to this world wide pandemic, Congress has issued quite a few measures, including the passage of the CARES Act, to help the economy deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. Here are a few things that may directly affect you.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

How should an investor handle these times? Here are three things you need to do if you are investing during this Covid-19 stock market.

Monday, March 16, 2020

Our top priority is and always has been the health, safety and well-being of our clients and their families. With regards to the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we are providing alternative meeting options for our client’s safety.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Not everyone has a retirement professional, but many people have a 401(k) at work. So, how should you handle your 401(k) during turbulent financial markets? If you have one, make sure you do these three things.

Monday, March 2, 2020

While we don't wish for market volatility, it gives financial firms like Taatjes Financial Group a way to showcase the value we add. Here are three things your financial advisor should be doing during turbulent market times.

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Lots of news outlets this week headlined the stock market's worst point drop in history. And while this was true, as an investor it's important to make sure you're paying closer attention to the percentage, not just the points.

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Far more times than not, when we work with new clients that have a cash value life insurance policy, we are looking for better ways to use those premium dollars.

Monday, February 3, 2020

Dave Ramsey suggests everyone should have 10x their annual income in life insurance. While that's a good rule-of-thumb, the process by which we determine this amount is more intricate and detailed. Here's a look at four major factors...

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

You've done a life insurance self-check and now it's time to take the next steps with your existing policy. Here's a step-by-step process that will help you find the right policy for you.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

While we understand life insurance isn't necessarily a fun topic to think about, it is extremely important you regularly do a life insurance self-check. Here are three questions that will get you started.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Congress has opened up new opportunities in 2020 for people to save more for retirement and earn more money while on Social Security. Here's a breakdown of the new changes for 2020.

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

On December 20th, 2019 President Donald Trump signed The Secure Act into law creating some great opportunities for retirees in 2020. Now is the time to do these three things for the new year.

Monday, December 30, 2019

On December 20, 2019 the President signed a new budget bill into law. Here is a summary of the major items that may impact you especially if you are near the age of 70 or have a 529 plan.

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

It's unwise to think we can retire away from using our abilities at work and not miss them. Instead, a Repurposed retirement is an extension of those abilities to add more value to others.

Friday, December 20, 2019

Time and experience, in and of themselves, does not teach you anything unless you stop and reflect on them. Reflection is how you can turn those experiences into a Repurposed retirement.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

The thought of trying to find your new purpose in retirement may sound daunting. However, if we break it down into two different types, you'll find it easier to make the transition into a Repurposed retirement.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Starting your journey to being Repurposed in retirement begins with understanding the two different paths you can take. Here is a breakdown of those avenues along with the overarching objective to this journey.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Even though we recommend a slow and steady transition into retirement, leaving your job "cold turkey" works for many people. If you're planning on leaving your career abruptly, here's a few things to keep in mind.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Retirement is a massive life-change. So, the transition into retirement needs to be carefully plotted and planned out. Here are three things to consider before making the leap from your career into a Repurposed retirement.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

The path to living a Repurposed retirement actually starts well before you retire. It begins with reimagining what work means to you and having a healthy relationship with your job.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

A major step in living a Repurposed retirement is reflecting on the way we think about work. It may sound backwards, but it’s extremely beneficial to understand how work has positively impacted your life.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Don't retire only to focus on your activities, your hobbies and your life. Rather, see others as opportunities to serve and look for ways to meet their needs. Here are three key concepts regarding a Repurposed retirement.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Once you differentiate between retirement and Repurposed, chances are you won't have any desire to merely retire. Here's further discussion on how to have influence and significance in retirement.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

The actual definition of retirement isn't flattering. Once you differentiate between retirement and Repurposed, chances are you won't have any desire to merely retire. Here's a breakdown of these these two concepts.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Retirement can be like a shiny new car in a showroom. It's something we want and save for many years. But, when we actually get it, it doesn't bring us the fulfillment we thought it would.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Retirement is a dramatic life-change. Retiring Repurposed not only deals with those changes, but helps retirees live with purpose, have impact on others, and leave a legacy. Here are some of the basics behind living a Repurposed retirement.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Retirement planning and taxes go hand-in-hand. Whether you're retired or not, it's critical that your retirement strategy weighs heavily on your current or future tax burden. Here are three things to consider so you don't disregard taxes.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Robo-advisors have been receiving lots of undeserved praise lately as a method of investment management mainly because of their low fees. But, as with many things in this world, you get what you pay for.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

So, you are on the verge of retirement and you are faced with a difficult choice regarding the defined-benefit pension plan you are fortunate enough to have. Before you make an irrevocable decision, here's three common pitfalls to avoid.

Friday, September 6, 2019

At age 19, Anthony ONeal was deep in debt and short on hope with no direction of where his life was headed. But after hitting rock bottom, he turned his life around and committed to helping students find and pursue their passion.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Many times we hear people say "why would I hire a retirement planner when I can do it myself?" Retirement is a big deal and you only get one shot at it. Here are three reasons you shouldn't have a DIY approach to retirement.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Sallie Graves and Jill Fellows founded Nolan’s Place after Sallie’s son, Nolan, was diagnosed with autism. It became increasingly evident their community lacked the facility Nolan needed. So, they quit their jobs to create one of their own.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Redtail University is an in-depth technology training for Redtail Client Relationship Management (CRM) Technology. Utilizing this new CRM technology will enable the firm to work more efficiently and better serve our clients.

Monday, August 26, 2019

Life insurance is good and has a very specific role, but it's a bad choice for developing retirement income. Here are three reasons a whole life insurance policy is not a good idea for retirement income planning.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Having real estate as part of your retirement plan has plenty of advantages that compliment traditional retirement planning. Here are three forms of real estate to consider for your retirement income plan.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Emily Esfahani Smith breaks down the definition of living a happy life versus living a meaningful life. She also talks about what she calls the four pillars of meaningful life.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Just because you retire doesn't mean you can't work or shouldn't work. Part-time employment can benefit you in ways that stretch far beyond financial.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Ben Taatjes was recognized by HD Vest at its recent Premier Advisors’ Forum. As part of the top-15 performing HD Vest Advisors, he was also selected for membership in the forum’s prestigious President’s Advisory Council.

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

When considering retirement income, annuities are often a point of much debate and confusion, but they don't have to be. Understanding what they are and how they work is crucial in deciding if they are right in your retirement income plan.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

You've been saving and investing for years. Now it's time to turn those investments into income sources when you retire. So, how do you do this and where do you start?

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Social Security is one of the most common forms of retirement income for retirees today. It may also be the most important, especially for those retirees that won't have other streams of income.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Claire Molden is already a crucial member of the Taatjes Financial Group team. This designation gives our company even more horsepower to better service and guide our clients.

Monday, July 15, 2019

One of the biggest keys to retirement is understanding the difference between wealth and income. In fact, I dedicated an entire chapter to this topic in my book, "Repurposed: The Untold Story of Retirement in America".

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Only a few generations ago, high-school graduates rarely went on to college. But, through the years, going to a 4-year college after graduating from high school has become the standard.

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is an option for eligible high school students to enroll in college or university courses to earn credit for both their high school diploma and their college degree at the same time.

Monday, July 1, 2019

Scott Riley is the founder of Be the Flow, a Chicago-based movement that is helping people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction or self-doubt.

Friday, June 28, 2019

On November 23rd 1998, Bill Wiese had an out-of-body experience in hell. It was neither a dream nor a near death experience, but a “vision”.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Congratulations, you just graduated college! Besides looking for that first job, the next order of business is to begin paying back your students loans. Here are some tips to consider as you begin paying for that education.

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

The earlier you start planning for college, the better. However, even if you didn’t start when your child was a baby, there are ways for you and/or your child to pay for a college for a education.

Monday, June 17, 2019

Doug Griffiths, author of “13 Ways to Kill a Community”, has helped improve over 500 communities across North America. After retiring from politics in 2015, he founded 13 Ways, a company dedicated to helping community grow.

Sunday, June 16, 2019

Brian Orsten was severely injured in a house explosion that nearly took his life in May of 2018. In this podcast, Brian retells the harrowing details of surviving this fireball and the medical miracles that followed.

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

It's never too early to start saving for your kids' college education. Here are four ways you can begin building a college savings plan.

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

After meeting with hundreds of people that are shopping around for a retirement professional, I've noticed several common red flags in their retirement plans. Here are five of the most-common you need to make sure aren't in your plan.

Thursday, May 30, 2019

You've likely been told the more you contribute to your 401(k) the better. But, do situations exist where you are contributing too much? Here are three questions to consider when deciding how much money you should put into your 401(k).

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, found out there were children community that didn’t have their own beds. It was in 2012 he built and donated his first bunk bed.

Monday, May 20, 2019

Unless your home is in foreclosure, we would never recommend you borrow against your 401(k). Here are five reasons to consider if you're in need of money and are considering borrowing against your 401(k).

Monday, May 13, 2019

Down markets offer a good time to move your money out of those tax-deferred accounts and into something that won’t be taxed when you retire. Sure, you’ll pay taxes as you make that conversion, but there’s a good...

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Lynne Raatz is a Leadership Coach and Consultant at GIANT Worldwide as well as a mother of three and former active duty Army Officer. She believes that living with purpose begins with identifying how each of us are uniquely hardwired.

Monday, May 6, 2019

As a small business owner, everything falls on your shoulders including a retirement plan for your employees. Here are three options we see many business owners use along with some pros and cons to each option.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Roth 401(k)s are becoming more common. In fact, over half of companies that offer a retirement savings plan offer a Roth 401(k). So, here's what you need to know regarding a 401(k) and a Roth 401(k).

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Your company 401(k) is a big deal. It can be the most effective vehicle by which you save and build wealth for retirement. Chris Hogan, author of the book Everyday Millionaires, surveyed 10,000 people with a net worth of more than $1...

Monday, April 15, 2019

Now that we have officially passed the tax deadline for 2018, many people will be looking forward to their tax refund checks. Here are some smart things to consider doing with that money.

Monday, April 8, 2019

This is arguably the longest bull market in history. And while this is great, you need to understand what it means to your portfolio with regards to this aging bull market. {AUDIO} Dealing with an aging bull market Volatility is here...

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Many people don't understand how their social security is taxed with regards to their retirement income plan. One of the benefits of working with Taatjes Financial Group is we understand and can help people look at the tax implications...

Monday, March 25, 2019

The hustle and bustle of tax season is upon us with the deadline quickly approaching. Here are a few things you can do this tax season to make sure you have the best understanding of the taxes you are paying.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Sara Carlson is the Executive Director of the Willmar Area Community Foundation. We sat down for a conversation about Donor Advised Funds and how the Willmar Area Community Foundation can partner with donors to create an effective...

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Ken Coleman of Ramsey Solutions is the host of The Ken Coleman Show and author of the new book, The Proximity Principle.

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Even though it's too late to give charitably for the 2018 tax year, now is a great time to begin planning your 2019 giving. Here are some ways and strategies that you can give to charity and put you in a tax-advantageous position....

Friday, February 22, 2019

Introduced into the Senate on 2/16/2017, Senator Bernie Sanders has recently re-introduced this amendment as part of his presidential campaign. It would amend the current social security system to help boost social security payouts,...

Friday, February 15, 2019

If, at any time within 12 months of receiving your first benefit check, you regret your decision to claim benefits early and wish you'd have been able to let your payout grow, here's what you can do and how the process works.

Monday, February 11, 2019

Applying for Social Security is a big deal and you only get one shot at it. So, you want to make sure you're making the best decision with regards to your retirement plan.

Monday, February 4, 2019

The Social Security system is complicated. And as an NSSA (National Social Security Advisor certificate) holder, I get lots of questions from people regarding Social Security benefits. Here are three of the main questions I've seen...

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

I often joke, money doesn't buy happiness, but pensions do. This statement is actually a chapter title from "Repurposed: The Untold Story of Retirement in America". Obviously this is a play on words, but, in all seriousness there's...

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Legacy Planning: It's More than Money

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

We are happy to announce Tim Mattern has been chosen to serve on the Youth for Christ board of directors. Tim has been with Taatjes Financial Group since 2016. One the biggest reasons we brought him on our team was his desire to serve...

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Recently I sat down with Jerrid Sebesta to discuss some of the changes to the Roth IRA in 2019. We covered how the contribution limits have changed as well as a "backdoor contribution" - strategies for getting money into a Roth IRA if...

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Taatjes Financial Group welcomes new Director of First Impressions, Kendra Peterson to our team.

Friday, December 21, 2018

Matt Birk is a 15-year veteran of the National Football League. A six-time NFL Pro Bowl Selection and two-time All Pro, Matt proved to be an undisputed leader on the field and was named the sixth smartest athlete by Sporting News. He...

Friday, December 21, 2018

Holly Hoffman was the last remaining member of the Espada Tribe standing on Season 21 of CBS' hit reality show "Survivor Nicaragua". Through that experience, and others throughout her his, Holly was inspired to share her message of...

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Within months of losing both of his hands in a 500-ton power press, Brad Hurting rejoined his high school football team. Within a year-and-a-half, he regained his starting linebacker position, led his team in tackles, and earned...

Friday, November 23, 2018

Leland Klassen has become recognized as Canada's premier clean comedian. He decided nearly 20 years ago at the beginning of his career he would remain clean despite what everyone else was doing. In this podcast, Leland talks about his...

Monday, November 19, 2018

We are thrilled to announce Cynthia Williams' promotion to Financial Services Assistant. Cynthia joined Taatjes Financial Group in August of 2017 as Director of First Impressions/Receptionist. Over the past year Cynthia has shown a...

Monday, November 12, 2018

Danny Silk serves on the Senior Leadership Team of both Bethel Church in Redding, CA and Jesus Culture in Sacramento, CA. He is the President and Co-Founder of Loving on Purpose a ministry to families and communities worldwide. Danny...

Monday, November 5, 2018

Tom Henderson, founder of Restoration Generation, was raised in a home shattered by divorce and addiction. Today, Tom delivers a life-changing message that brings hope and encouragement to high school students around the country.

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Dr. Charles Jackson is a creation scientist that believes purpose is found in the book of Genesis. In this podcast, Dr. Jackson addresses questions such as: Did dinosaurs and man coexist? What happened to our Earth during the flood?

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Most people like the idea of an advisor that has experience, been through the ups and downs of the market, and ultimately one that can relate to a retiree. What if I told you that considering hiring a younger advisor may hold some...

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Dr. Charles Jackson is a creation scientist that believes our origins and purpose for life on Earth are found in the book of Genesis. In this podcast, Dr. Jackson addresses questions such as: Can science and faith coexist? Is the...

Friday, October 19, 2018

Dareth Ly survived the Cambodian genocide of the 1970s. When he was 7 years old, he and his family were driven out of their home and into the jungle by the Khmer Rouge, a radical communist regime.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Dareth Ly survived the Cambodian genocide of the 1970s. When he was 7 years old, he and his family were driven out of their home and into the jungle by the Khmer Rouge, a radical communist regime.

Monday, October 8, 2018

Tim Mattern of Taatjes Financial Group located in Willmar and Clara City has achieved National Social Security Advisor certificate from the National Social Security Association LLC in Cincinnati. The NSSA certificate promotes advanced...

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Gary Steffes retired from professional hockey in 2017 after a successful 7-year career. Gary is now the Campus Director for FCA Hockey in Alexandria, MN where he helps young hockey players live with more purpose and significance.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Spencer Hutton is a licensed realtor in Minneapolis. He and his team are not only in the business of helping clients buy and sell homes, they are in the business of fighting human trafficking.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Tom Truszinski is the Center Director for MN Adult & Teen Challenge in Rochester. Tom was the V.P. of a large financial firm in St. Paul. He was even featured in the Wall Street Journal. At the same time, he was a raging alcoholic.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Mark Whitacre exposed an international price fixing conspiracy to the FBI while working for Archer Daniel Midland, ADM, in the early 1990's. He later served 9 years in federal prison for fraud and tax invasion.

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Vince Miller, founder of Resolute, a non-profit focused on providing men with tools for discipleship and mentorship, believes our purpose is not found within ourselves, rather given to us by our Creator.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Bob Willbanks is the founder of Ambassadors for Business, a non-profit based in Minneapolis which focuses on equipping people to walk with greater purpose and impact in life and at work.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Jamie Groen, Executive Director of Children of the Promise was changed forever on his first trip to Haiti. His purpose and calling were revealed to him which he now lives-out through his work and family. In this podcast, Jamie...

Friday, July 27, 2018

Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Darling was working for the White House Military Office when 9/11 happened. He then spent the next 24 hours in the President's bunker beneath the White House rubbing shoulders with President Bush.

Monday, July 2, 2018

Mike Lindell, inventor and CEO of MyPillow struggled with addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine for years dating back to the 1980s. Even after starting MyPillow in 2004, he was a heavy crack user. But, today Mike is sober.

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Jay Tornquist had leukemia and was given two months to live. Even with chemotherapy it appeared there was no hope. Jay and his wife, Kathy, decided to stop treatments and pray. Within a week Jay walked out of the hospital with no...

Monday, June 18, 2018

Jay Tornquist had leukemia and was given two months to live. Even with chemotherapy it appeared there was no hope. Jay and his wife, Kathy, decided to stop treatments and pray. Within a week Jay walked out of the hospital.

Monday, May 28, 2018

Joe Mayers, actor in the one-man dramatic presentation, The Bema Live, which is about a raptured man and his experience before the Judgement Seat of Christ. In this podcast, Joe talks about how his perspective on life and purpose has...

Monday, May 7, 2018

“Monster” Mike Schultz was injured during a snocross race in 2008 that led to the amputation of his left leg above the knee. To most pro athletes, this would have been a career-ending event, but not to Mike. Within months,...

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Mark Henderson, founder of The Inspired Legacy, a platform dedicated to inspire and equip fathers to love unconditionally, lead boldly and live a life with no regrets. In this podcast Mark shares the ups and downs with three children...

Friday, April 13, 2018

Jason Ranck, author of Life Reimagined, says his work and home life used to be overwhelming, nearing burnout. His wife’s health was at rock-bottom with two small children at home. This set Jason on a mission to rethink his work...

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Adam Trask, ministry director at The Fortress in Willmar, MN was a self-proclaimed heroin junky. Now, at 32 years old, he has the opportunity to pour his life into other men struggling with addiction. In this episode, Adam shares...

Monday, March 19, 2018

Colleen Batchelder is a young speaker and entrepreneur. She consults with companies and helps them create teams that function from a place of communication and reach the millennial generation. Colleen is also the Founder and Director...

Monday, March 5, 2018

Born with no arms or legs, Chris Koch established early in his life he would not be raised with pity or sympathy. Instead, he has made an intentional effort to live a fun, positive life with a strong sense of humor. In this podcast,...

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

J. Caleb Perkins is a compelling influential leader with a passion for people and a heart for stories. He is an audacious millennial and gifted orator who carries a timely message of change through the art of storytelling. J....

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Dan Stoltz, CEO of SPIRE Credit Union, is a man dedicated to living-out his mission in and out of the marketplace. He describes the importance of having a personal mission statement and engaging with it on a daily basis. Dan also...

Monday, January 29, 2018

Courtney Godfrey, TV reporter for FOX9 in the Twin Cities, was recently involved in a boating accident leaving her an amputee. She discusses the physical and psychological challenges of being a young, active, up-and-coming broadcaster...

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Dave Baker, Minnesota State Representative and small business owner, will admit he's not the most-polished leader. But, he has a knack for dreaming and instilling a vision. Dave attributes purpose in his life to pivot points including...

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

SEP-IRA stands for a Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Arrangement. It provides business owners a method to contribute toward their employees' retirement as well as their own retirement savings. A SEP-IRA can still be...

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Steve Masseth, administrator for Community Christian School in Willmar, MN knows the power of avoiding mission-drift. Steve shares his own testimony of how he and his wife wavered off-course. He gives advice for people looking to...

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Recently, we've been talking about the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and the effects on individuals. Now, let's focus on the changes and the effects on corporations. Even if you don't own a company, the changes to the...

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Adam Weber, founder of Embrace Church in Sioux Falls, SD and author of the book, Talking With God, admits being a pastor and a writer are two things he originally avoided. In this podcast, Adam gives practical tips for people...

Friday, January 12, 2018

When Jack Jablonski was 16 years old his life changed forever after he was hit during a high school hockey game. The resulting injury left him quadriplegic. Today, Jack continues down his road to recovery, believing that every day...

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Do you have a 529 plan? As you may know, we are huge fans of 529 plans - using them to impact your children and grandchildren. The new tax bill offers some exciting changes by which you can use those funds starting in 2018. Also, there...