If you follow the financial news, the term fiduciary has come up repeatedly over the last several weeks, primarily due to the Department of Labor announcing a rule mandating that financial advisors put client’s best interests first when making recommendations for retirement plan rollovers to IRAs and annuities. There are many who oppose this rule; primarily advisors who…
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The excitement of the NCAA basketball tournament, famously known as “March Madness,” is in full swing, and I’ve been eagerly tuning in. This annual event is my must-see sporting occasion of the year, holding my attention regardless of how far my beloved Tar Heels advance. That’s why the article, What I See When I Watch…
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Baby boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964, are currently between the ages of 60-78. Most are retired or contemplating retirement. There are several planning considerations for baby boomers to be cognizant of in terms of cash flow and tax planning, both prior to and throughout the retirement years. Retirement Plan Contributions – Baby…
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When seeking a financial advisor, you might come across recommendations from friends, podcasts, or online forums to look for a NAPFA advisor. But what exactly does NAPFA mean and why are its advisors highly regarded?
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Choosing a financial advisor is an important decision, as he or she will play a critical role in helping you achieve both your personal and financial goals. When considering a fee-only financial advisor, there are a few key questions you should ask to ensure you find the right advisor for you. What services do you…
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In light of the recent banking crises involving Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), Signature Bank, and the takeover of First Republic Bank by JPMorgan Chase, US policymakers have shown their commitment to “backstop” all deposits and created the Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) to support vulnerable banks. These crises were likely due to a combination of…
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As we embark on a new year, especially after coming off one that was challenging in so many ways (especially from a financial perspective), it is a great time to take a step back and assess your overall financial position. While it is natural to focus on account balances, we encourage you to think about why…
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The rapid collapse and subsequent bankruptcy of FTX, a Bahamas-based cryptocurrency exchange, has consumed mainstream media outlets since mid-November. Many people, both professionals, and next-door-neighbors are talking about whether or not cryptocurrency is dead, and some of them are wondering whether they will ever receive their lost cryptocurrency again. Background FTX was a cryptocurrency exchange…
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Earlier this month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers had risen 8.5% for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2022. This marked the fourth consecutive month where the annual CPI rate was 7% or more. When it comes to the reality of higher inflation,…
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When it comes to determining how to allocate your savings, what is the difference between investing and speculating? Investing is characterized by: Productive capacity: An investment involves deploying capital in a company, property, or other entity that produces something of value. A stream of benefits: The value produced by an investment can ultimately be measured…
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