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As we wrote in our recent Rate and Credit View, the case for global bonds has strengthened as the structure of fixed income markets — and the sources of risk within them — have become increasingly asymmetric. The U.S. bond market...

As wealthy people approach their golden years, retirement planning often becomes a focal point of their financial strategies. One aspect of this planning that sometimes creates confusion or misinterpretation is the role of Social...

Outside of energy commodities, capital markets posted a downbeat March as cross-asset volatility spiked in response to the outbreak of hostilities in the Mideast, and kicked off April in similar, choppy fashion before posting a swift...

As strikes on Iran continue and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, it’s clearly too early for market watchers to stop thinking about geopolitical risk. As discussed in recent commentaries but worth repeating, history...

Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning. Factors that determine how much pay SS tax you pay, depending on your circumstances, include:If you have income from working in retirement.If...

Earnings drive stock prices over time, but not all the time. Clearly, we’re in an environment where stocks are moving on developments in the Mideast and related moves in oil prices and interest rates. At the risk of writing about...

Corporate credit markets have become unsettled about the potential for advanced agentic AI tools from firms such as Anthropic and OpenAI to automate functions across legal, analytical, marketing, and sales workflows, effectively...

Choosing and regularly reviewing your beneficiaries and asset distribution plan is critical for ensuring everything goes according to your wishes. This includes structuring your plan around cost-effective measures such as tax benefits...

Lower oil “intensity” — less oil used per dollar of economic output — means energy shocks have a smaller impact on growth than in past decades. And from the supply side, the U.S. is now a net exporter of petroleum products. Because we...

It’s difficult to separate the human and emotional side of war from the economic and market impacts. Without minimizing the human element, we focus on markets here. From that perspective, the energy market is the primary way through which t

Creating a well-structured and comprehensive estate plan is critical to ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that as much of those hard-earned assets go to your intended beneficiaries, and not lost to the...

Dividend strategies, a.k.a. equity income strategies, have outperformed to start the year, owing to the value-led cyclical rotation we are seeing in domestic equity markets. Looking beyond current performance, this week, we ask and...

LPL Research’s Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) sits at the center of our portfolio construction process because it defines how we expect diversified portfolios to generate more stable long‑term outcomes across shifting market...

Tax planning might be complex, but it's also essential—especially for wealthy families, where missing tax breaks or failing to optimize income could cost significant dollars, maybe millions, over a lifetime. And even in the short term,...

Wall Street narratives rarely stay still, and recent weeks have underscored how quickly sentiment can change as perceived new information challenges the status quo. Widely discussed anxiety over a potential artificial intelligence (AI)...

After a stellar 2025 in which emerging market (EM) equities returned 34%, 2026 is off to a good start with the MSCI EM Index up 7% year to date. Last year’s near doubling of the S&P 500 return was driven mostly by a weakening U.S....

The Federal Reserve (Fed) enters 2026 navigating potentially constrained policy conditions as resilient growth and above‑trend inflation intersect with an increasingly unsustainable fiscal trajectory. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized...

The federal income tax filing deadline isn’t until April. However, the start of tax season is nearly upon us. Here are some tips for navigating the tax filing process to help lessen some of the stress you may feel as Tax Day arrives.·...

Productivity growth is the key mechanism that allows the U.S. economy to expand above its long‑run trend without reigniting inflation. Recent data show U.S. nonfarm business productivity rising 4.9% in Q3 2025, a surge strong enough to...

The melt‑up in the metals market that defined 2025 has extended its strength into the early weeks of the new year, reinforcing the commodity sector’s position as one of the leading asset classes across global markets. To the surprise...

Managing retirement strategies and creating goals can help you stay focused and consistent in your financial efforts. It creates a sense of achievement while you make progress toward the pursuit of a fulfilling retirement and financial...

Fourth quarter earnings season unofficially kicks off this week with a dozen banks and asset managers in the S&P 500 slated to report. Results will come from some big names, including JPMorgan Chase (JPM) on Tuesday; Bank of America...

With 2025 behind us, it’s a good time to celebrate some of our better forecasts from last year while also reviewing some misses we can learn from. In our view, we got more right than wrong last year, but there were some misses among...

When you retire, you need your money to work for you. After years of saving and investing, you want to know: "How do I make my money last?" Wealthy retirees are already at a great starting point. But even with a strong financial base,...

2025 was a good year for most fixed income markets but we’re approaching 2026 with caution. All-in yields are still attractive for most markets, but spreads (the additional compensation for owning riskier debt) are low, suggesting...

The bull market appears poised to extend its run in 2026, fueled by ongoing enthusiasm around AI and further easing of monetary policy from the Fed. However, with valuations running high and midterm election years often bringing more...

In the world of investing, the "holiday effect," as it is often referred to, is a phenomenon where stock prices see an increase right before a major holiday. There are many theories on why this may occur. It could be from trading...

As the year draws to a close, it's an ideal time for business owners to evaluate their company’s financial health. Year-end planning is critical and can help establish a confident foundation for the future. However, for many business...

In our Weekly Market Commentary on November 17, we previewed our Outlook 2026 publication, due out on December 9. We highlighted several keys for markets next year, covering the U.S. economy, stocks, and bonds. This week, we broaden...

Third quarter earnings season winds down over the next couple of weeks and has once again met Wall Street’s high expectations. After tariff-muddled first quarter results, companies did a good job adjusting to tariffs in the second...

In a year that could easily be defined by a few different words — including but not limited to tariffs, technology, or more broadly, uncertainty — capital markets have plugged along splendidly. Despite a near-bear market correction in...

A qualified charitable distribution, or QCD, allows you to distribute funds from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to an eligible charity (a 501(c)(3) organization) as long as you’re 70 1/2 years of age or older. Since the gift...

Artificial intelligence (AI) makes daily headlines, and investors are questioning if businesses’ AI-related investment can continue at this pace. The money spent on data centers, software, and other AI-related investments reveal the...

There was no shortage of headlines on both the micro and macro levels last week. Earnings season ramped up as nearly half of the S&P 500’s market cap reported third quarter (Q3) results, including a handful of mega cap companies....

Americans are very generous. According to Fidelity, Americans give over $400 billion to charities each year, most of which come from individual donors. Over the years, despite periods of economic downturn, giving has grown above the...

Scare #1: Late Cycle Economy Even though we do not have all the official government data on the labor market, it’s no surprise that the U.S. labor market appears to be approaching stall speed. What’s concerning is the potential that...

In corporate credit markets, early indicators of stress often emerge subtly — not through dramatic dislocations, but through nuanced shifts in borrower behavior and market dynamics. Much like canaries in coal mines once signaled...

1. Create a living trust The way a living trust can avoid probate is by legally owning the assets that then get distributed to beneficiaries according to the terms of the trust, thereby bypassing the court-supervised probate process....

Sunday, October 12 marked the third anniversary of this bull market. Three years ago, the S&P 500 closed at 3,577 as investors feared inflation would become entrenched after wholesale prices unexpectedly accelerated. After a sharp...

We believe corporate America will follow up an outstanding second quarter earnings season with another good one in the third quarter. Support from a resilient economy, tariff mitigation measures, artificial intelligence (AI)...

As the leaves begin to fall and the year winds down, autumn offers more than pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters. It’s also a good time to clean up your finances. Just like spring cleaning helps freshen your home, fall financial cleaning...

U.S. equity markets have bucked the weak September seasonality trend (thus far) and rallied to fresh highs this month, with the S&P 500 holding onto a 2.7% monthly gain as of September 26. The melt-up has been underpinned by the...

During last week’s press conference after the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) rate decision, Chairman Jerome Powell warned his audience there is no risk-free path for interest rates right now. Inflation is above target and growth appears...

Global bond markets have sold off recently due to uncertainty surrounding key political changes most notably in France and Japan. Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, resigned last week, which adds a potential shift in fiscal...

If you are lucky enough to retire early before you become eligible for Medicare at age 65, you may have to contend with an expense you haven’t had to worry about while employed—the cost of health insurance. Health insurance isn’t cheap...

Some of you reading this title might think this commentary is about September seasonality. Sure, seasonality is part of our playbook and is getting a lot of attention right now. We would not be surprised if volatility were to pick up...

Social isolation makes people more susceptible to illness and death.1 While retirement is a time for relaxation and enjoyment from a lifetime of work, it may lead to a lack of purpose if you have depended on work for social activities...

The winning streak for stocks continued in August, as the S&P 500 posted its fourth consecutive month of gains. It was an informative month for investors, as we learned that the labor market may not be as solid as expected, tariffs...

As central bankers, economists, and policymakers gathered last weekend in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park for the 2025 Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, the Federal Reserve (Fed) found itself at a critical juncture marked by...

Approximately 70 million workers contribute to a 401(k)-retirement plan. A 401(k) is a tax-advantaged retirement savings plan companies offer employees and is funded through elective salary deferrals. There are several benefits to...

Second quarter earnings season, which winds down this week and next, has met some of the highest expectations. Strong beat rates, big upside earnings surprises, and increases in estimates during the past four weeks were consistent...

We’re all ready to put the tariff talk to bed. But don’t worry. While this commentary provides an update on the tariff situation, there’s more happening on the policy front than just tariffs. Whatever policy we highlight, it’s clear...

It is estimated that about one-third of parents who are saving for their children’s college are concerned about how to pay for this education, and business owners are no exception.[i] You may worry about being able to manage college...

Last week was one for the ages in terms of the number and magnitude of events and data points for investors to digest. A Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting, the monthly jobs report, and the peak week of earnings season would be enough to...

We believe this more complex macro environment will force the Federal Reserve (Fed) to maintain its cautious stance on monetary policy for longer than markets originally expected. One factor adding to the complexity is the...

Within fixed income markets, a tug of war has unfolded between two opposing forces, much like the classic tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The benevolent Dr. Jekyll emerges when economic data suggests weakness, which leads to lower interest

Long-term care (LTC) planning is a significant financial decision that requires thoughtful consideration and precise planning. This undertaking can be more complex for high-net-worth families due to a more extensive and diverse asset...

If “tariff” isn’t the word of the year for stock investors so far, then perhaps it’s “uncertainty.” Uncertainty around trade policy dominated the path of the stock market in the first half and will continue to play a large role in the...

What is it? A secular trust is an irrevocable trust that you establish with a third party to hold assets for the exclusive purpose of funding your employees' nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plan benefits. A significant...

With investor focus now squarely back on U.S. equities as new all-time highs are in sight, we dig into why strategic allocations should still consider, despite recent outperformance and multiple expansion, diversification into...

Wealth and estate planning are vital for all individuals but are particularly essential for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals in the sandwich generation. "Sandwich generation" refers to individuals caring for their aging parents and...

Chinese equities have been a major focus for investors in recent months, with catalysts ranging from DeepSeek’s artificial intelligence (AI) advancements to tariffs and trade negotiations. However, the performance of Chinese equities...

With summer on the horizon, many of us are eagerly awaiting exciting activities and well-deserved getaways. However, these adventures can also lead to higher expenses that put extra strain on our wallets. The key to enjoying a...

Inflation’s effects on the economy, monetary policy, and the financial markets are wide-ranging. Higher inflation can constrain economic growth, tighten financial conditions, drive interest rates higher and even restrain stock...

As the global economy grapples with uncertainty, investors' perceptions of a financial crisis diverge significantly along generational lines. While older generations, particularly Gen X and Baby Boomers, lean towards pessimistic views, youn

There have been plenty of catalysts supporting the broader market’s recovery from the correction lows set last month. Oversold conditions fueled by indiscriminate selling left the S&P 500 with washed-out market breadth and a hard...

As one embarks on their journey toward a high-net-worth status, it's crucial to understand that strategic planning and intelligent decision-making are essential for wealth generation and preservation. One of the most powerful tools at...

There has been no shortage of trade policy curveballs thrown at the market since the White House announced shockingly high reciprocal tariffs on April 2. Stocks fell sharply and interest rates spiked on that news, prompting President...

In golf, as in finances, there are a few rules of thumb that may improve your game: keep a level head, avoid traps, practice before trying something new and stay the course. Applying lessons from the golf course to your financial life...

First quarter reporting season was solid, but results didn’t offer much of a confidence boost in the outlook for the rest of the year. It wasn’t corporate America’s fault — tariff uncertainty makes it very difficult for most companies...

As the cost of a college education continues to climb, many grandparents are stepping in to help. This trend is expected to accelerate as baby boomers, many of whom went to college, become grandparents and start gifting what's...

Investor sentiment dramatically changed after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other members of the Trump administration announced a temporary pause on tariffs with China. Was that sentiment shift warranted and did anything...

529 plans are designed to accommodate the account changes that you may need to make over the years. Whether you need to change the account owner or beneficiary, your investment options, or your monthly contributions, here's what you'll...

A busy week of earnings, trade negotiations, and monetary policy meetings left the S&P 500 down around 0.5%. Buyer fatigue appeared to be setting in at this stage of the recovery as risk appetite from positive trade headlines faded by...

Student financial aid, like most anything financially related, involves strategy and a bit of finesse to make your money and time work for you. Some might believe that receiving the offer you were hoping for from the Free Application...

The municipal bond market faced significant volatility in April, driven by spillovers from a turbulent Treasury market. Treasury yields were pressured higher by rising inflation expectations; the Federal Reserve’s cautious policy...

If you are worried about being able to afford college costs for your children or teens, a 529 education plan might be one way to boost your savings. These plans allow you to save and invest for college while perhaps enjoying tax...

Firefighters are in the small group of Americans who have the option of an employer-sponsored pension plan, but this may not be enough for a confident retirement. Here are 4 financial planning tips to help build a strong financial standing.

The softer tone toward China from the White House, President Trump’s pledge not to fire Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome (Jay) Powell, and renewed optimism about Fed rate cuts all helped drive a strong market rebound last week. The...

As we enter Springtime and approach the Summer Season, this is a perfect time for us all to consider doing some “Financial Spring Cleaning.” Especially given the changes many experienced in recent years, we want to make sure we are...

Clouds of uncertainty continued to hang over U.S. equity markets last week. The S&P 500 slid 1.5% as investors sought refuge in safe-haven assets. Treasury yields declined significantly across the curve, including 0.15–0.20% drops in...

Last week we were able to check several of the boxes on our stock market bottoming process checklist. Panic-level fear in investor surveys? Check. Volatility and volume spikes consistent with prior major market lows and capitulation?...

When it comes to your investments, staying mentally healthy may assist with good decision-making. Here are a few simple mental health tips to help you remain in control.

This is what we call a gut-check moment. A time when the headlines feel loud. The numbers feel sharp. And your instincts may start to question your plan. Giving advice not to panic during severe market downturns can feel a little cliché...

Markets got quite a surprise from the Trump administration last week in the form of tariffs above even the most aggressive forecasts, increasing the risks to economic growth and corporate profits. China quickly retaliated, Europe may...

Wednesday is the big day when the Trump administration will provide more clarity on their tariff plans. The latest news has been a mix of encouraging talk about narrow reciprocal tariffs and deep and biting auto (and auto parts)...

Trade uncertainty and nagging inflation made Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell walk a tightrope at the latest press conference. The Chairman of the Fed’s monetary policy-setting committee stressed the uncertainty about...

Introduction If you pay for household helps you may be liable for the "nanny tax," even if your employee is not a nanny, per se. The nanny tax refers to three federal employment taxes that household employers may have to pay for their...

U.S. equity markets officially entered correction territory last week for the first time in 344 trading days. Tariff uncertainty feeding into economic growth concerns has been the primary catalyst behind the risk-off rotation. The 10%...

What is shifting income and tax liability? Income shifting (also known as income splitting) may be defined as dividing income among taxpayers in a way that lowers the overall tax burden imposed on the income. Typically, income is...

Market volatility has arrived in force. The slowdown in the economy and more policy-driven volatility was the consensus expectation coming into 2025. What was not expected, however, was how much the Trump administration would lean into...

Heightened volatility and uncertainty in both financial markets and the broader economy present challenges and opportunities for investors. Understanding the fundamental differences between the strategic and tactical investment...

What is a charitable gift? A charitable gift is a contribution of cash or property to, or for the use of, a qualified charity. A gift is "for the use of" an organization when it's held in a legally enforceable trust for the qualified...

Fourth quarter earnings season is nearly complete, and it has been a good one. S&P 500 companies grew profits more than 18% year over year, according to FactSet data, with mega cap technology and financial companies doing most of the...

What is self-employment tax? If you are self-employed, you generally must file a Schedule SE, Form 1040, and pay an additional tax on your self-employment income. The federal government uses this tax to fund Social Security and...

The U.S. Treasury market is entering a significant transition period in 2025, facing both structural adjustments and all-too-familiar policy discussions. As the Federal Reserve's (Fed) shift from a zero interest-rate policy (ZIRP)...

When it comes to planning for retirement, there are a myriad of strategies and options available. One often overlooked method is making after-tax contributions into retirement savings vehicles. This approach to investing after-tax...

Stocks continued to climb the wall of worry last week and shrugged off tariff headlines, inflation volatility, and signs of a slowdown in retail spending. President Trump reinstated a full 25% tariff on all steel imports — effectively...

In today’s fast-paced environment, careful financial planning is crucial when it comes to growing and preserving your wealth. The decisions you make today could have a lasting impact on your finances. Please use the checklist below to...

There are more ways to express your love to your partner on Valentine's Day besides flowers, candy, or a gift. Consider what you can do before retirement that will help both of you work toward a confident financial future. Here are...

Use of the terms “bull” and “bear” in financial markets can be traced back to London’s financial district in the late 19th century, used as an analogy for how each animal attacks; the bull thrusts its horns upwards, and a bear swipes...

The new month brings two major market-moving stories to digest. First is the advances in artificial intelligence (AI) by Chinese startup DeepSeek. It has caused some investors to question America’s lead in the AI race and American...

Divorce can significantly change life and has considerable implications on taxes. Tax filing after divorce requires understanding new filing statuses, exemptions, child deductions, alimony, and property settlements, among other things....

With China’s DeepSeek pressuring investors to take a closer look at the current environment of artificial intelligence (AI) development within the U.S., some are taking a moment to question the accuracy of a much larger idea —...

The Federal Reserve (Fed) cut interest rates last September and, to date, the central bank has lowered rates by 1%. But over the same period, long-term Treasury yields are higher by 1% (per the 10-year Treasury yield). Does that mean...

Earnings season is underway and, thanks to the banks, it’s off to a good start. Currently, consensus estimates are calling for a strong 12% year-over-year increase in S&P 500 earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter of 2024....

The percentage of adult Americans who invest toward retirement is nearing an all-time high at over 63%.1 These days it is far easier to pursue different investment instruments to manage and preserve wealth and over the past few decades...

As the new year officially gets underway, there’s the usual sense of renewed optimism and excitement over new opportunities. However, recent stock market activity is casting a shadow over this sentiment. Momentum in equity markets has...

Understanding the guidelines surrounding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) becomes crucial as we navigate the complexities of personal finance and retirement planning. For those who have inherited retirement accounts or are...

With 2024 fully behind us, it’s a good time to celebrate our winning calls from last year while also reviewing some mistakes to learn from them and improve our process. The good news is we got more right than wrong last year, but...

Retirement is a chapter of life that, for some, may signal leisure, freedom, and working by choice, not necessity. However, this phase usually requires retirement income from retirement savings withdrawals. Different retirement account...

Charitable giving is a way for you to participate in something meaningful to you and your family, a cause that aligns with your core values while benefiting members of the community. People can benefit greatly from giving – personally,...

To say the U.S. economy has been difficult to read is an understatement. From generationally high inflation and interest rates to concerns about the labor market, it’s no wonder consumers are unsure about the overall health of the...

LPL Research recently unveiled Outlook 2025: Pragmatic Optimism. The annual update offers a comprehensive analysis of the economic and market environment. I’m excited to bring to you a few of the key takeaways today. Looking back on...

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

LPL Research’s Outlook 2025: Pragmatic Optimism will be released tomorrow and available on LPL.com. Here we just provide an appetizer before the main course and share some of the stock and bond market themes covered in the full...

Just what you need, right? One more time-consuming task to be taken care of between now and the end of the year. But taking a little time out from the holiday chores to make some strategic saving and investing decisions before December...

The dollar’s continued climb higher has been predicated on a host of factors — including the rise in geopolitical risk and the dollar’s safe haven status as inflows have picked up markedly, uncertainty with regard to the Federal...

It’s a Whole New World One of the biggest fears for investors right now is the resurgence of inflation from adverse effects of Trump’s potential trade policy. Also worth mentioning, general market uncertainty is building, thanks to an...

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to find amazing deals, but they’re also a prime time for scammers. While you’re hunting for bargains, stay alert to avoid getting caught in a scam. Here are some common tricks to watch out...

Through their philanthropic activities, high-net-worth (HNW) individuals play a significant role in our continuously evolving global society. Giving back to society is no longer just a moral responsibility for many of them; it is also...

As we age, planning for the future becomes increasingly important. This is especially true when it comes to long-term care. For married couples, this planning is not just about individual needs but is also about ensuring that both...

For high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, their wealth comes with the ability to create significant change. However, wielding this influence requires strategic planning and understanding how to transform...

There has been a lot of talk lately about capital gains taxes. An investor will buy an asset at one price and sell it at a higher price for a profit. This profit is called a capital gain. These capital gains are subject to taxation by...

Finally! For the first time in more than four years, on September 18, the Federal Reserve (Fed) cut interest rates. While the debate over how big the cut would be was settled (a half point, not a quarter), questions about where the Fed...

Election years are a time of uncertainty and excitement for many people. There may be concerns with social and public policy, and the implications of legislature on the market and personal finances. Historically, elections haven’t had...

Making these moves can impact your financial health for a better future As the end of the year approaches, it's an opportune time to review your financial status and make strategic decisions that can impact your financial well-being in...

With fall upon us and students back in classrooms, it seems like a good time to reflect on the various tests that the U.S. economy and stock market have passed recently. When the economy and markets are tested, the foundation for...

As far as social change agents go, few have merged philanthropy with administrative acumen and television-around-the-world appeal as strongly and effortlessly as Melinda Gates. A social change agent for women and girls and a...

In today's society, blended families, where at least one parent has children not genetically related to the other spouse or partner, are increasingly common. This family structure has its dynamics and challenges, especially regarding...

Stocks must have gotten the memo that August tends to be weak historically. July, the eighth positive month in the past nine, was quickly forgotten as the beginning of August greeted us with a selloff. The primary catalyst was August...

Education has become increasingly expensive for parents, especially for those hoping to help their children stave off the burden of massive student debt. This may include having to contend with soaring inflation, spikes in cost of...

As we go through various stages of life, our insurance needs may vary significantly. Here’s a breakdown of the different stages: Early Adulthood (20s and 30s) Considerations: Affordability. Life insurance will be less expensive if an...

For generations, the story that we as women have been told regarding how to strike the balance between motherhood and paid work has felt contrived and unrealistic. But increasingly, today’s women will write this same story for our...

Although many teens are loath to admit it, they rely heavily on advice from trusted adults in their lives—especially their parents. As these teens begin moving out and heading to college, it becomes even more important to set them on a...

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

The "Sandwich Generation" is composed of adults who are ‘sandwiched’ between competing financial responsibilities. Many Sandwich Gen members support their aging parents while also providing for their children (or even grandchildren)...

Going through a divorce can be an emotionally charged and stressful event. Aside from the emotional toll, there's often the challenging task of disentangling finances and assets, a process that frequently leaves many divorcees in a...

Financial affluence often comes with various benefits and challenges, including the requirement for suitable insurance coverage. High-net-worth (HNW) families typically have a more complex risk profile than the average household,...

For many high-net-worth (HNW) individuals, managing finances and minimizing their tax burden are top priorities. One strategy that often gets overlooked in the pursuit of reducing taxes is life insurance. While life insurance is...

A solid estate plan should not only provide for your assets after you pass, but also plan for your long-term care while you're alive. With the median cost of a long-term care facility approaching $8,000 per month, paying for long-term...

April showers brought May flowers as markets placed greater importance on economic growth and corporate profits than the “higher for longer” interest rate messages from the Federal Reserve (Fed). In fact, the S&P 500 ended May above...

Annuities are investment strategies offered by insurance companies that provide a steady income stream in retirement. These financial vehicles may particularly appeal to high-net-worth (HNW) investors for various reasons. At their core...

When people think of life insurance, the first thing that may come to mind is ensuring your loved ones are covered enough should something happen to you. It is a concern that more than half of all Americans consider, with at least 52%...

529 education savings plans allow families to put away money for their children's education without paying taxes on the earnings, as long as the withdrawals are used for qualified educational expenses and fall within the applicable...

Mental strain and burnout are very real for small business owners. The stress of trying to provide for yourself financially, your family, and your employees and keeping your business growing may sometimes put you into an unhealthy...

For many high-net-worth (HNW) individuals, managing finances and minimizing their tax burden are top priorities. One strategy that often gets overlooked in the pursuit of reducing taxes is life insurance. While life insurance is...

National Financial Advisor Day is a celebration on April 18 of each year. This date is a time to explore the world of financial professionals and understand how they may help you navigate the complexities of managing your money....

The first quarter is in the books, and it was an excellent one for stocks. The S&P 500 index rode a resilient U.S. economy, easing inflation, rising corporate profits, and anticipation of summertime rate cuts from the Federal Reserve...

Social Security benefits are critical to retirement planning. These monthly benefits provide a financial safety net for millions of Americans. But you must navigate the system strategically to get the most out of your Social Security...

Financial literacy is essential for everyone but can be crucial for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals who may have more wealth to lose than others. Navigating the complex financial landscape is no small task, and having the foundation...

In the complex landscape of healthcare coverage, individuals often find themselves navigating the options of private and public health insurance. While public plans, such as Medicare and Medicaid, are funded and administered by the...

If you're nearing retirement age, you know the Social Security process and how much you will likely receive. With that information, you may have also anticipated that your Social Security benefit would not be enough to sustain you in...

As high earners not rich yet (HENRYs), women may find themselves in a position where their earning potential is high, but they may still have uncertainties about building their credit confidence. Establishing and managing credit is a...

You started a business, took the initial steps to build a foundation, and are now working to grow and expand your customer base. What are the next steps to take? Here are five suggestions to help your business prepare for potential...

If you are a single person, Valentine’s Day probably doesn’t mean all that much to you, aside from the relief of not having to spend all of that money on jewelry, flowers, chocolates, and an expensive dinner....

As high-net-worth individuals navigate the complexities of financial planning during their working years, one critical aspect often goes overlooked—long-term care. In 2021, the median monthly cost of a private room in a nursing...

Do you consider yourself a high-net-worth individual (HNWI)? Most people tend not to categorize themselves or see themselves as anything more than a spouse, parent, sibling, neighbor, boss, or business owner. However, society does...

Financial education, planning, lifestyle adjustments and advice are crucial As Generation X, often referred to as the "forgotten generation," inches closer to retirement, a unique set of challenges and concerns emerges. Born between...

Your financial professional can help leverage these changes to impact your tax liabilities It is crucial for individuals to engage in strategic tax planning with their financial professionals, particularly considering the changes to...

People have been making New Year’s resolutions for at least 4,000 years, beginning with the Babylonians, who supposedly made promises to the gods. The idea of transforming our lives for the better, from one year to the next, is...

Asset management and financial wellness can help develop long-term confidence when wealth transfers from generation to generation. Understanding and implementing financial wellness techniques is essential for effectively sharing wealth...

LPL Research recently unveiled Outlook 2024: A Turning Point, which recaps where markets have been over the last half of 2023 to help position your portfolio through midyear of 2024. It’s with pleasure that we bring you...

Present economic conditions are ripe with opportunities to enhance income Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of many years of labor; a season to reap the benefits of smart saving and investing. However, with the changing tides of...

Charitable giving is an excellent way for businesses to help others while taking advantage of additional tax breaks. Billions of dollars are given each year in the U.S. to a wide range of charities providing valuable community services...

As we approach the last quarter of each year, it is a good time to plan for the next one. Year-end planning is especially important for existing retirees and those hoping to retire in the next few years. There are tax and income...

The cost of long-term care can vary widely based on location (both city and state) and level of care needed. However, one thing is for certain: with 7 in every 10 people requiring long-term care at some point, preparing for this...

If you're thinking about opening a 529 account, or if you've already opened one, you might be wondering how 529 funds will affect your child's financial aid eligibility. A general word about financial aid The financial aid process is...

Every year, around 3 million Americans are required to evacuate their homes due to a natural disaster.1 What's more, this figure does not include the millions of other individuals who are temporarily displaced as a result of fire,...

Tips to help your wealth have a legacy that lasts beyond a lifetime The allure of sudden wealth is enchanting. It's the narrative that has inspired countless rags-to-riches tales, propelling ordinary individuals into the financial...

When your local weather forecaster tells you that it’s going to rain, what do you do? That’s easy—you reach for your umbrella. So why not purchase an umbrella that can protect you in stormy financial weather? Umbrella...