Insights

Weekly Market Commentary – June 17, 2019

The S&P 500 followed up the previous week’s strong gains with an increase of 0.5% last week. Decent economic data was encouraging but not strong enough to change expectations for much-desired interest rate cuts this year. The global MSCI ACWI climbed 0.3%. Heightened risks loom in the global market from tanker attacks and Hong Kong protests. The Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index was unchanged as expectations for economic growth remained subdued. Read more

Why You Need a Will (and You Need One Today)

by Sarah Duey, JD, CFTA, CAP®, Vice President, Trust Services

Who wants to spend an afternoon thinking about their mortality? No one, which is why more than half of Americans don’t even have a will.

The foundation of your estate plan is a Last Will and Testament. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary – June 10, 2019

The S&P 500 surged 4.5% last week as optimism about the Federal Reserve cutting rates and the quick end to potential tariffs on Mexican goods pushed markets higher. The global MSCI ACWI soared 3.6% as international markets participated in the surge, but not as much as domestic markets. The Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index gained 0.4% as weak jobs data and the hopes of interest-rate cuts pushed rates lower and bond prices higher. Read more

Hitting Your Retirement Savings Goal and Picking the Date is Not the End Goal

I have a grievance with the retirement planning industry. I feel too much focus is on the wrong thing and critical concerns are often neglected. Too many articles, too many planning calculators and too many planners make the goal seem like it is all about flipping a switch on a certain date. The day you retire is the beginning of a long phase, not an end goal. Picking the right date is important but there are other issues that need addressing to make your retirement phase enjoyable like a detailed retirement income plan.

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Teaching Kids about Money in the Summer Months

Summer arrives – bees, picnics, nostalgia and the chaotic sound of kids everywhere. It’s enough to bring back memories of sweating behind a lawnmower or scrubbing grandpa’s car to get a few precious dollars to spend at the mall or the movies. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary June 3, 2019

The S&P 500 plunged 2.6% last week as economic data remained soft and the Trump administration surprised investors by threatening tariffs on Mexico over immigration concerns, rather than trade negotiations. The global MSCI ACWI dropped 1.9% as international markets held up slightly better than the U.S. The Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index soared 0.9% on worries tariffs and the associated uncertainty will push rates lower. Read more

5 Reasons to Think About Long-Term Care Planning Today

By Jamie Hopkins, Director of Retirement Research at Carson Group

I once received an email from a family friend about long-term care insurance. He was frustrated over a premium increase – which wasn’t the first rate hike – yet, he was still thankful for the policy. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary May 27, 2019

The S&P 500 dropped 1.1% last week to extend its losing streak to three weeks. Ongoing trade disputes and weaker economic data raised concerns regarding slow economic growth. The global MSCI ACWI declined 0.9% as international markets moved with the S&P 500. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary May 20, 2019

The S&P 500 dropped 0.7% last week primarily due to a sharp decline on Monday after the Chinese retaliated against increased U.S. tariffs. The global MSCI ACWI also declined 0.7% as international developed markets increased slightly, but declines in emerging markets pushed the overall index lower. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary May 13, 2019

The S&P 500 dropped 2.1% last week as optimism that the U.S. and China will reach a trade deal was beaten down by additional tariffs and accusations of backing away from agreed-on compromises. The global MSCI ACWI slid 2.5%. Read more