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Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Coming up with enough money to put down when buying a house can be a major hurdle for most hopeful homebuyers. However, saving for a down payment doesn’t have to be so daunting. Check out tip #2 to see my contribution in this...

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

As enacted on December 20, 2019 Prepared for LPL by Davis & Harman LLP Open Multiple Employer Plans / Pooled Employer Plans -- The SECURE Act allows unrelated small employers to band together in “open” 401(k)...

Thursday, December 19, 2019

If you are age 70½ or older and charitably minded, you may wish to consider tapping your individual retirement account (IRA). The qualified charitable distribution (QCD), also known as an IRA charitable rollover, allows you to...

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

December has been widely viewed as a strong month for stocks, with this year following suit so far. What many probably don’t realize, however, is the majority of the gains have taken place late in the month. “December has...

Monday, December 16, 2019

In a recent study, 88% of millennials admitted that financial decisions are a source of tension in their relationship with a spouse or partner. This could help explain why some experts say financial problems are the #1 reason marriages...

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Monday, December 16, 2019

At one time, the only way you could join your company’s 401(k) plan, 403(b) plan, or 457(b) plan was to put pen to paper and sign yourself up by filling out the appropriate forms. Now, though, in an effort to help participants...

Monday, December 16, 2019

There are a lot of issues that couples need to think about when tying the knot -- wedding preparations, family, and, of course, finances. Addressing personal finance and investment issues before the big day may help improve your odds...

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Hindsight is 20/20, but finding clarity in future uncertainty can be fuzzy. AT LPL RESEARCH, as we look forward to the year 2020 and a new decade, some key trends and market signals will be important to watch, including progress on U.S...

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

It took nearly 15 months, but the Russell 2000 Index finally broke out to a new 52-week high. On November 25, the Russell 2000 gained an impressive 2.1% to close at its highest level since October 2018. Small caps have lagged their...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Charitable giving can play an important role in many estate plans. Philanthropy cannot only give you great personal satisfaction, it can also give you a current income tax deduction, let you avoid capital gains tax, and reduce the...

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

“We’re going streaking!” Frank The Tank in Old School As the bull market continues to make new highs, the past few weeks have seen some amazing market streaks. Here are three that have caught our attention. The S&P...

Monday, November 18, 2019

You can use a variety of strategies to pay off debt, many of which can cut not only the amount of time it will take to pay off the debt but also the total interest paid. But like many people, you may be torn between paying off debt and...

Monday, November 18, 2019

Once you have identified your budget goals and created a spending plan to meet them, you are ready to put your plan into action. Before you begin, though, here are some tips to avoid common mistakes. Involve the entire family....

Friday, November 8, 2019

Every year, about 140 million households file their federal tax returns.¹ For many, the process involves digging through shoe boxes or manila folders full of receipts; gathering mortgage, retirement, and investment account...

Friday, November 8, 2019

If college were a party, then student loans are the hangover. Unfortunately, the “hair of the dog” won't cure this headache, but here are some ideas for managing your student loan debt. The programs listed are not intended...

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

The Federal Reserve Bank (Fed) is widely expected to cut interest rates on Wednesday, October 30, which would be the third cut this year after nine consecutive hikes. The current fed funds rate target is 1.75–2%, with a 25 basis...

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Economic BlogOctober 22, 2019 The United Kingdom’s (U.K.) withdrawal from the European Union (E.U.), or Brexit, is stumbling along, and another delay looks increasingly likely. The U.K. Parliament’s “Super...

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

For many of us, buying locally matters. We’ve all heard the term and seen the signs: Shop Locally. Eat Locally. But let’s extend that thought for a minute: do you consider giving to your local charities? The fact is we are...

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

In 2014, almost one-third of baby boomers had nothing saved for retirement. For those who did save, the median was around $200,000. This is a far cry less than the $1 million experts recommend for a 30-year retirement plan. Luckily,...

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The average donor household in the United States gives around $2,000 a year, with small donations making up the bulk of charitable gifts, according to a report prepared by the Center on Philanthropy for Indiana University. The study...

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Kelly and Bob regularly set aside a small portion of their budget for charitable donations. In addition to feeling good about supporting a number of worthy causes, they’ve been able to deduct the value of their charitable gifts...

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The debate over the United Kingdom’s (U.K.) withdrawal from the European Union (EU), or Brexit, is reaching another milepost in what could be an action-packed week. Talks between the U.K. government and the EU have entered...

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

“The economy, stupid” — Phrase campaign strategist James Carville used to help Bill Clinton get elected in 1992. As Carville noted ahead of the 1992 election, the recession in 1990 and 1991 was top of mind for many...

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Am I Having Enough Withheld? If you fail to estimate your federal income tax withholding properly, it may cost you in a variety of ways. If you receive an income tax refund, it essentially means that you provided the IRS with an...

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Title: Balancing Act: Saving for Both Retirement and College Tracking No: 1-513181 As a reminder, advisors using and customizing pre-approved materials must read and adhere to the policies found in section 15.26.3 of the Advisor...

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

4 Retirement Planning Tips for Millennials and Gen X In 2014, almost one-third of baby boomers had nothing saved for retirement. For those who did save, the median was around $200,000. This is a far cry less than the $1 million experts...

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

At a time when your career is reaching a peak and you are looking ahead to your own retirement, you may find yourself in the position of having to help your children with college expenses while at the same time looking after the needs...

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the 10-year Treasury yield jumped 34 basis points (0.34%) in the week ending September 13, then gave back half that gain in a 17 basis point (0.17%) slide last week. The benchmark yield...

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

The Federal Reserve’s (Fed) policy committee starts its sixth two-day policy meeting of the year today. At 2:00 p.m. ET Wednesday, following the meeting’s conclusion, the Fed will announce its rate decision and release a...

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Real rates (yields minus expected inflation) crossed into negative territory last week, garnering attention from the financial press as an additional signal of an economy at risk. But, as shown in LPL Research’s Chart of the day,...

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

First and foremost, our thoughts are with all of those that were impacted by Hurricane Dorian over the Labor Day holiday and all those that are still in its path. Many have asked us what stocks tend to do after a major hurricane hits...

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Business investment remains a critical component for this economic expansion. Capital expenditures (capex) drive productivity gains (more output per hour worked), which enables economic growth while keeping inflation contained. That...

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Economic Blog Trade tensions continue to weigh on China’s growth, creating added pressure to reach a trade deal with the United States. Economic reports released last week provided further confirmation that the trade war is...

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Going through a divorce can be a difficult experience both emotionally and financially. If you are divorced, you are not alone: approximately 40 to 50 percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce.[1] While transitioning...

Friday, August 9, 2019

There is a good possibility that you or your spouse will eventually require some form of long-term care (LTC). According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, at least 70% of people aged 65 or older will require some form of...

Friday, August 9, 2019

Long-term care insurance is one of the most complex types of insurance you may consider purchasing. Here’s a list of 10 questions to ask that may help you better understand the costs and benefits. What types of facilities are...

Friday, August 9, 2019

Thinking about the need and the costs of long-term care is enough to make anyone uncomfortable. But while it's a difficult subject to talk about, it's also a topic that often generates lots of questions and misunderstanding. Consider...

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

We’re a week into August, and trade tensions have been the biggest driver of U.S. stocks, as we predicted in our latest Weekly Market Commentary. Markets don’t like uncertainty, and we are getting a heavy dose of it now. On...

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

It could be a momentous week for U.S. monetary policy and the Treasury yield curve. The Federal Reserve (Fed) is expected to cut its policy interest rate for the first time in 10 years July 31. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day,...

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

U.S. stocks have powered back to record highs, and they could benefit more from a relatively expensive fixed income market. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, Stocks Appear Historically Cheap Relative to Bonds, S&P 500 Index stocks...

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Despite all of the other advances made in our society in recent generations, women continue to face unique challenges when it comes to preparing for their financial futures. Recognizing the Shortfalls For starters, women on average...

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

"How did it get so late so soon?" -- Dr. Seuss Dr. Seuss's whimsical take on life has been delighting children of all ages for generations. His simple but powerful words continue to resonate today, even in the context of planning for a...

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

When your child first started school, you doled out the change for milk and a snack on a daily basis. But now that your kindergartner has grown up, it's time for you to make sure that your child has enough financial knowledge to manage...

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

When it comes to saving for retirement, maybe you've done everything right. You started early, maxed out your 401(k) plan, invested in a diversified portfolio and avoided costly mistakes, such as cashing out your retirement plan....

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Central banks are back in easing mode, to the dismay of coupon-clipping fixed income investors. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, Global Central Banks Back in Easing Mode, central banks around the world are embarking on a marked...

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Let’s get one thing straight: Market pullbacks, corrections, and bear markets happen. Last year was a perfect example of this: The S&P 500 Index endured five separate 5% pullbacks throughout the year, and a nearly 20% bear market...

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

The 10-year Treasury yield has been flirting with dipping below 2% throughout the later half of June and into the start of July. As our LPL Chart of the Day, Will Trade Truce Help 2% 10-Year Treasury Yield Hold?, shows, the yield has...

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

We are pleased to announce the release of the LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets, with investment insights and market guidance through the end of 2019. LPL Research...

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

U.S. stocks could have a big year if LPL Research’s forecasts prove correct. All year, we’ve maintain our fair value target on the S&P 500 Index of 3,000, implying that we expect this bull market and economic expansion to...

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

If your family relies on your income, it’s critical to consider having enough life insurance to provide for them after you pass away. But too often, life insurance is an overlooked aspect of personal finances. In fact, according...

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Women play a central role in establishing and preserving family wealth -- whether nurturing the values of children, fulfilling charitable goals, or making investment decisions that affect the financial security of themselves or their...

Monday, June 10, 2019

If you’re divorced or separated, money management will become an important part of your life. While it may be true that money can’t buy or ensure happiness, your ability to manage your finances can play a large role in your...

Monday, June 10, 2019

Some life transitions, such as a career change or marriage, are planned, but a job loss or divorce can be sudden and unexpected. One common thread that accompanies all transitions, however, is the concern about whether there will be...

Monday, June 10, 2019

The end of a marriage is also the beginning of a new financial life. Reconsidering your financial arrangements -- whether or not your income will be reduced -- should be a priority as you adjust to your new circumstances. Some of the...

Friday, June 7, 2019

Benjamin Franklin once said, “a penny saved is a penny earned.”¹ The modern upgrade to that observation might be that $100 not spent is more like $143.² One way to find the money to meet your spending or saving...

Friday, June 7, 2019

Tip: DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on local, state, federal, and utility incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency. Source: DSIREusa.org, 2017 Americans will spend an estimated $317...

Thursday, June 6, 2019

It doesn’t take a degree in finance to see the cost of college continues to rise. In its 2017 report, the College Board showed that public four-year institutions raised prices an average of 3.2% annually between the 2007-08 and...

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

The S&P 500 Index has closed lower four consecutive weeks, its longest weekly losing streak since October 2014. The S&P 500 has closed down five weeks in a row only once since the bull market started in March 2009—a six-week...

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Tip: How Much? Check your Social Security earnings and see an estimate of your benefits on the website, www.ssa.gov. Social Security’s been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how...