Remembering and reflecting on 9/11 and how that day reshaped the world On September 11, 2001, the world stood still. As news of the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania unfolded, shockwaves of grief and disbelief reverberated around the globe. Thousands of innocent lives were lost that day, and the emotional scars left on the nation and the world are profound and enduring. However, the ripple effects of 9/11 went beyond the human toll, impacting various sectors … [Read more...]
August 2024 Recap
August 2024 Recap … [Read more...]
Investing in You During the Dog Days of August
A perfect time to deepen your financial knowledge and prepare for tomorrow The "Dog Days of August" traditionally refers to the hottest and often most lethargic days of summer. Derived from the period when the star Sirius, known as the "Dog Star," rises with the sun, this time of year has historically been associated with inactivity, particularly in ancient Roman and Greek culture. However, this slower pace offers a perfect opportunity to shift focus from the hustle and bustle of daily life … [Read more...]
The CrowdStrike Outage & Safeguarding Records
Proactive steps to safeguard financial planning records and documents CrowdStrike is a prominent cybersecurity technology company specializing in endpoint protection, threat intelligence, and cyberattack response services. Known for its innovative approach to cybersecurity, CrowdStrike provides businesses with comprehensive tools to prevent, detect, and respond to security threats. Their Falcon platform uses artificial intelligence to analyze and protect against potential threats in real-time, … [Read more...]
The Beige Book
Fed’s Beige Book: Evidence of Cooling Economy? Providing insights into the trajectory of the economy and monetary policy As the Federal Reserve's Beige Book prepares for release this week, investors are keenly watching for further evidence of a cooling economy. This comprehensive report, which compiles anecdotes about current economic conditions from the Fed’s 12 regional banks, comes at a pivotal moment. Recent government data indicating a slowdown in inflation has already set the stage for … [Read more...]
The Importance of a Mid-Year Financial Review
It is not just a routine task, but a strategic necessity to align with your goals As we reach the halfway mark of the year, it's a prime opportunity to assess your financial planning goals and review your investment portfolio. This mid-year check-in is essential for ensuring that you stay on track to meet your financial objectives. The economic landscape can shift significantly within a few months, affecting various asset classes differently. Therefore, reassessing your portfolio allows you … [Read more...]
Protect Against a Scorching Market and Weather
Intense summer heat and hot stock market both demand a careful approach As the first days of summer arrive, the nation finds itself in the grip of two concurrent heat waves: one from the atmosphere and one from the financial markets. While an intense heat dome blankets the Midwest and Northeast, driving temperatures to record-breaking highs, the stock market, led by the S&P 500 and NASDAQ, is also experiencing unprecedented surges. The current heat wave and the buoyant stock market share … [Read more...]
Five Planning Strategies for Turbulent Markets
Market turbulence is a challenge, but also an opportunity if faced head-on In times of economic upheaval, the natural reaction for many investors is to react with fear and anxiety. Market volatility can unsettle the most seasoned of investors, but with strategic planning and a calm approach, it's possible to weather the storm and emerge in a stronger position. Whether it's a downturn in the stock market, fluctuating interest rates, or broader economic uncertainty, certain wealth-planning … [Read more...]
Stock Buybacks, Apple and Warren Buffett
Critics are “either an economic illiterate or a silver-tongue demagogue” In the world of finance and investing, stock buybacks have become a focal point for corporations aiming to maximize shareholder value. The recent surge in buyback programs, exemplified by Apple's monumental announcement of a $110 billion repurchase plan, underscores the significance of this strategy in today's market landscape. Let's delve into what stock buybacks entail, their historical context, and why they are often … [Read more...]
The Fast Rising Tide of AI-Assisted Tax Scams
Planning and preparedness will help safeguard your financial well-being As the 2024 tax season unfolds, investors and taxpayers are facing a formidable new threat that leverages cutting-edge technology to perpetrate fraud. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become the latest tool in the arsenal of cybercriminals, enabling them to create lifelike images and convincing videos that impersonate taxpayers. The goal? To deceitfully claim tax refunds that rightfully belong to others. This surge in … [Read more...]