Make the most of your retirement savings options and secure a stable future Planning for retirement is a cornerstone of financial wellness. Each year, the Internal Revenue Service adjusts contribution limits for various retirement accounts to reflect inflation and ensure individuals have ample opportunities to save for their future. In 2025, significant changes to contribution limits and income restrictions offer new opportunities for savers, especially for those utilizing 401(k)s, IRAs, and … [Read more...]
AI and Productivity – A Revolution in Waiting?
Focus on tangible economic impacts and not speculative stock movements The past week delivered a stark reminder to artificial intelligence investors of how swiftly fortunes can shift. The sudden emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI firm boasting a world-class model developed at a fraction of the cost of its Western rivals, triggered a massive selloff in Nvidia and other US tech leaders. This market reaction underscores the rapidly evolving competitive landscape of AI – but what are the broader … [Read more...]
What to Expect in 2025 From a 2nd Trump Term
Predictions vary, but the overarching themes provide a roadmap for 2025 As your financial advisor, it’s my role to help you navigate the opportunities and challenges of the financial markets, especially during times of significant change. With the return of Donald J. Trump to the White House, 2025 is shaping up to be an unconventional year. Wall Street’s projections, traditionally centered on growth, inflation, and other economic indicators, are now profoundly influenced by this singular … [Read more...]
A Quarter-Point Rate Cut Days After the Election
Implications for household finances, stock markets and bond markets In a recent decision, the Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point, a move aimed at bolstering the economy amid ongoing uncertainty. Interest rate adjustments are a fundamental part of the Fed's monetary policy toolkit, used to manage economic growth, control inflation, and respond to potential economic downturns. Here is how this rate cut might impact households, stock markets, and bond … [Read more...]
Fed Rate Cut: Short & Medium-Term Implications
While important, it should not be the sole driver of your investment decisions The Federal Reserve plays a pivotal role in the U.S. economy, and one of its most influential tools is the adjustment of interest rates. When the Fed cuts interest rates, it can have wide-reaching effects across the economy, including for consumers, stock market investors, and bond market investors. Recently, the Fed decided to cut rates by 50 basis points (0.50%), a significant move that signals a shift in monetary … [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 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...]
Steady Federal Reserve Rates are Good for Us
It’s a calculated strategy to help ensure long-term stability for the economy As a financial advisor, my goal is to navigate the ever-changing economic landscape to identify opportunities and strategies that benefit my clients. A topic of recent interest among investors is the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain current interest rates, rather than pursuing a lowering strategy. While this may initially seem like a cause for concern, a closer examination reveals that steady rates have … [Read more...]