In past recessions, industries like manufacturing and construction were often the hardest hit. For example, some economists referred to the Great Recession as a “man-cession” because at the outset, more men lost jobs than women. In some households, wives were able to find employment more often than men. The recovery, however, favored men, who regained…

A recent survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that almost 90% of Americans were feeling anxious about their money situation.1 39% were worried about job security 48% worried about paying bills 28% didn’t know if they could pay their utilities 41% were worried about not having enough emergency savings 23% were worried…

The research firm Spectrem Group estimated that at the end of 2019 there were 11 million millionaires in the U.S. By the end of the first quarter in 2020, that number had dropped by at least half a million. Clearly, the recent stock market woes have taken a toll on everyone, not just the working…

On March 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a historic $2 trillion stimulus package designed to provide economic relief to Americans affected by the coronavirus pandemic, which by now includes every single person in the country, not to mention around the world.1 While everyone…

“When seeking directors, CEOs don’t look for pitbulls. It’s the cocker spaniel that gets taken home.”1 The above quote is one of the ideas Warren Buffett conveyed in his most recent Berkshire Hathaway annual letter to shareholders.1 Buffett drives home the point that people who serve on the boards of public companies are there to…

Breaking Down the Recent Jargon of the Market The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq experienced quite a roller coaster ride in March. There are mixed opinions as to whether it was due to the global economic impact of the seemingly unstoppable new COVID-19 coronavirus or due to the federal…

Financial advisors often tell clients to keep an emergency fund of liquid assets, with enough to cover three to six months of living expenses. It makes you wonder why America’s largest companies don’t maintain a similar practice, with three to six months of emergency savings to help keep workers on payroll during difficult times. Unfortunately,…

According to Merrill, four of the most common risks to your retirement strategy are1 A significant market drop shortly before or early in your retirement Inflation reducing your spending power over time Unexpected medical and/or long-term care expenses Outliving your assets If you are nearing retirement, it might be time to review your current financial…

As we enter a new year, it’s time to start thinking about smart tax moves to help minimize what you’ll owe Uncle Sam on April 15, 2020. Given the fact that the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act went into effect only last year, taxpayers are still learning the ins, outs and potential undiscovered advantages…

If you’ve been lucky enough to receive employer-subsidized health insurance throughout your career, retirement may be a bit of an eye-opener. Many retirees expect Medicare to cover all their health care expenses, but it doesn’t. You’ll pay a premium for comparable coverage, plus you may have to contribute to deductibles and copays throughout the year.…