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Friday, December 12, 2025

The Internal Revenue Service recently released new limits for 2026. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) IRA contribution limits are up...

Monday, November 17, 2025

There is always something to worry about on Wall Street. In fact, there’s even a saying about how stock prices perform when investors are fretting. “Wall Street climbs a wall of worry”—a quote that is often attributed to Warren...

Monday, June 30, 2025

Stocks staged a broad-based rally last week on investors’ hopes for a lasting Middle East ceasefire, hitting fresh record highs along the way. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.44 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 4...

Thursday, April 24, 2025

When Warren Buffett said, “Be fearful when others are greedy and be greedy when others are fearful,” he wasn’t just talking about investing. He championed contrarian thinking and urged people to capitalize when groupthink can result...

Friday, April 4, 2025

April showers came a month early as stocks fell in March. Tariffs were the primary cause of the market jitters, although that uncertainty became too much for markets to shrug off once economic data started to weaken. The U.S. economy...

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Thursday, March 27, 2025

Forget the Fed frenzy and take a timeout from tariff talk. Let's focus on what's really scrambling the markets right now: egg prices. After reaching an all-time high of $8.17 a dozen in early March, prices have trended lower and may...

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Do me a favor: print the chart in this email and pin it to your wall. I want you to have a constant reminder that stock prices see pullbacks several times during the year. It’s a normal, healthy part of the investing cycle. Is it...

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful” is one of my favorite quotes by Warren Buffett. His words of wisdom encourage investors to be contrarian. He challenges investors to “go against the grain” when...

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Stock prices were jolted lower in late January on concerns that a “black swan” event may lead to some restructuring in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. A Chinese AI firm appears to have developed a competitive AI model that...

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Christmas gifts touch our hearts with generosity and thoughtfulness. Amid all the glitter, tinsel, and bright lights, let us celebrate the greatest gift of all: the birth of Jesus Christ. As the spirit of Christmas lights your path...

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Outlook 2025 | Pragmatic Optimism | December 10, 2024 Outlook 2025 provides in-depth analyses and insights from LPL Research’s leadership team to help you prepare for the upcoming year. READ MORE Tracking #658532 (Exp. 12/25)

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Perhaps this year, more than ever, Thanksgiving gives us a chance to appreciate what we have – friendships, relationships, and a sense of connection. These gifts are priceless. I also want to thank you for choosing me as your trusted...

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris thanks to strong performance in key swing states that gave him 277 electoral votes to 224 for Harris (according to The Associated...

Saturday, October 26, 2024

The Internal Revenue Service released the updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2025 tax year. While these changes won’t impact you for some time, it may benefit you to start...

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Election years, particularly presidential elections, is when many American voters become fully engaged with the process. With that in mind, I often get the question: “Politics aside, which way is best for my bottom line?” It’s a fair...

Sunday, September 22, 2024

When you hear “hot dog” and “inflation” in the same sentence, you might think of those supermarket franks that plump up when cooked. In this case, we’re talking about the original dogs of the ballpark, a cultural touchstone of...

Thursday, September 19, 2024

More than 71 million Social Security beneficiaries can expect a 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in 2025, based on the Q3 inflation data so far. In other words, the COLA will raise the average benefit by $48 to $1,968 a...

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

August is the month when many families take their final summer vacation. It’s also the month when back-to-school preparations start and football season comes into focus. But August has a more unsettling side for investors. It’s a...

Monday, August 19, 2024

When I meet with people, one of the first topics we discuss is "emergency fund" money. I ask a few questions, such as, “Do you have any funds set aside?”, “Where is it located?”, and, most importantly, “What would trigger you to tap...

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Quick update for you: due to my upcoming European travel plans, I will be unavailable between June 24 - July 22. My office is open, and several of my wealth advisory partners/associates are here to assist as always. If you need to get...

Friday, May 24, 2024

Memorial Day is so much more than a long weekend. It is a chance for us to remember those who gave all for this great nation and the freedoms it offers. This Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the lives and legacies of those who made the...

Thursday, April 18, 2024

I recently read an article in which a financial columnist for a major publication was the victim of an elaborate and expensive scam. The con transpired over several hours, but it began with a phone call from a "trusted" retailer's...

Friday, December 29, 2023

It is almost time to ring in the New Year, and root on the Washington Huskies on New years Day! As December makes way for January, you may be excited thinking about new possibilities. Perhaps you want to take a moment to "refresh and...

Friday, December 22, 2023

I would like to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! May the tangible and intangible gifts of the season warm your heart, and may your family and friends make the celebration exceptionally warm and bright. I have...

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

LPL Research recently unveiled Outlook 2024: A Turning Point, which recaps where markets have been over the last half of 2023 to help position your portfolio through midyear of 2024. It’s with pleasure that we bring you a few of...

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Perhaps this year, more than ever, Thanksgiving gives us a chance to appreciate what we have – friendships, relationships, and a sense of connection. These gifts are priceless. I also want to thank you for choosing me as your...

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start...

Thursday, July 13, 2023

In advance of 2023, the recession drum beats were so loud it was deafening. Market pundits warned that as the Fed raised interest rates, it was just a matter of time before the economy entered a recession.But it’s July now, and...

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Independence Day serves as an occasion to reflect upon the principles and values that define the United States of America.This is a time to honor our founders' vision, courage, and sacrifices, through which they secured the cherished...

Friday, June 30, 2023

The U.S. Department of Education has officially announced that student loan payments will resume in October, ending the three-year-long pause that was implemented due to the pandemic.Starting September 1, interest will begin accruing...

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Now that the debt ceiling negotiations are behind us and President Biden has signed the measure, what will Wall Street's wandering eye focus on next?Inflation? Interest rates? Recession? Artificial intelligence?More than likely,...

Friday, May 26, 2023

Memorial Day is a time for Americans to honor and remember those who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. Veterans will think back on the men and women who served alongside them who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their...

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Would it surprise you to hear that investors have moved past worrying about inflation? They have, at least for now.Wall Street has shifted its attention to Washington’s budget negotiations and how the debt ceiling will be...

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Recently, you may have seen reports that the so-called “depletion date” for Social Security was adjusted. This refers to the predicted date when the long-running program will no longer be able to pay full benefits.Barring...

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Financial markets were shaken last week as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the California bank subsidiary of SVB Financial Group (SIVB), fell into FDIC receivership. SVB is the first FDIC-insured institution to fail since 2020 and the...

Friday, February 3, 2023

Breaking news for all savers: Congress recently passed a new set of retirement savings rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement. The law is called SECURE 2.0,

Friday, December 30, 2022

A new year is on the horizon. Each day that comes presents something new and exciting both for you and the people in your life.Is this the year you open the door to something new and exciting? Embark on some new travel adventure? Or...

Friday, December 23, 2022

Wishing you and your loved ones a warm and joyful Christmas. May your holiday celebrations be filled with good cheer, wonderful surprises, and memories to last a lifetime.

Friday, December 16, 2022

Merry Christmas from your trusted financial advisor at LPL Financial!The holiday season is upon us; from story time with sorely missed grandchildren to laughter with friends and family over long-cherished memories, there's little doubt...

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

The midterm elections are underway. In many states, ballots have been delivered and, in several cases, already returned by Americans exercising one of the most sacred of their Constitutional rights.Election Day is always the Tuesday...

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Stubborn doesn’t seem like a strong enough word, but that’s how Fed officials are describing inflation.Inflation's “stubbornness” has been on full display in recent weeks: First, the Producer Price Index (PPI)...

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

I’m hearing a lot of mixed messages these days about the economy. Some headlines say we’re already in a recession; some say one is looming. Others hint that we’ll avoid a recession and have a soft landing. It makes...

Friday, July 29, 2022

What would you do with a windfall? It’s a question I’ve read or heard a lot lately. Considering the Mega Millions jackpot has now grown to $1.02 billion, it’s safe to say most of us have thought about what it would be...

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Summer travel is picking up this year. If you’re headed to Europe, you may notice that you get more bang for your buck.Why is that?For the first time in almost 20 years, the U.S. dollar and the euro have reached parity. Souvenirs...

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

It’s natural to think “defense” during a bearish market season. But why not mix in some “offense” with your defense? Here are three moves we can discuss together that may be helpful during the current...

Saturday, July 2, 2022

Fourth of July!

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Let’s hear it for the dads, the ones who help us grow, give us guidance, and look out for us in a million different ways. In celebration of Father’s Day, here are some of the ways you can honor the father-figures in your...

Saturday, May 28, 2022

As we go into the holiday weekend, I wanted to wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day. For me, Memorial Day is more than the unofficial beginning of summer: it’s a chance to honor those who have sacrificed everything for their...

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Monday, April 11, 2022

Friday, March 18, 2022

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Current Events and markets

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Sunday, November 21, 2021

You see it in prices at the grocery store and the gas station. You feel it in your monthly budget. So why don’t the financial markets seem too concerned about inflation? Remember, financial markets are considered...

Monday, October 4, 2021

Higher bond yields and a legislative stalemate in Washington, D.C., added up to losses for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.36%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 2.21%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 3...

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

The Autumnal Equinox approaching on September 22 is a day with 12 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of darkness. This balance of day and night serves as a reminder of the change of seasons, and heralds the coming of fall colors and...

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

The stock market notched its 7th straight month of gains in August, and the Standard & Poor's 500 index has set 53 new highs so far in 2021.1 During August, stocks rallied as investors looked past the increased number of COVID-19...

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

The stock market powered to record levels last week amid talk of Fed tapering and a deceleration in new Delta variant cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.96%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased 1.52%. The...

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Stocks turned lower last week amid the increasing probability of a Fed tapering, mixed economic data, and growing concerns about the economic impact of the Delta variant.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 1.11%, while the...

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Are you having a tough time keeping track of inflation's mixed signals? You’re not alone. Consumer prices in July climbed at their fastest rate since August 2008. Worse, producer prices, which can be an indicator of future price...

Monday, August 23, 2021

Are you having a tough time keeping track of inflation's mixed signals? You’re not alone. Consumer prices in July climbed at their fastest rate since August 2008. Worse, producer prices, which can be an indicator of future price...

Friday, August 20, 2021

Over the last year, many have seen their lives impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ways in which we work, live, and communicate have drastically changed, to say the least. It’s difficult to predict what other aspects of life...

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

The stock market posted small losses last week despite a very strong showing by corporate America.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.36%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 0.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index dropped...

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Who doesn’t love summer? The days are long and bright, and the feeling of adventure and possibility is in the air. It’s a time of living in the present and a time of looking to the future. Looking to the future is, of...

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Stock market returns proved fairly muted in this holiday-shortened week. Optimism tied to strong manufacturing data was offset by the ever-present fears posed by inflation.This week the Institute for Supply Management released May...

Thursday, May 27, 2021

The market got off to a strong start on Monday and then proceeded to level off in the days that followed. Stocks initially performed well after some dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials but cooled thereafter on the heels of...

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Stocks got off to a rocky start this week. Inflationary concerns remain front-and-center in the minds of investors right now, although a surge in global COVID-19 cases is certainly not helping. On the inflation front, thus far,...

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

In December, LPL Holdings, Inc. (LPL Holdings) and Macquarie Management Holdings, Inc. announced an agreement whereby LPL would acquire the wealth management business of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. While this change is expected to...

Friday, April 30, 2021

Stocks mostly treaded water this week. Corporations have, by and large, reported strong quarterly earnings, but expectations have been so high the market’s response has been muted. However, it can be quite healthy for the market...

Friday, April 16, 2021

While a little bumpy along the way, the markets performed fairly well this week amid news of bank earnings, consumer prices and COVID-19 vaccines. All things considered, investors have behaved calmly and taken everything in stride....

Thursday, April 1, 2021

This morning, 4/1, the much followed S&P 500 Index hit another milestone, crossing the 4,000 point mark for first time in history! No April fools joke.....The market began the week on a calm note as volatility and trading volumes both...

Friday, March 12, 2021

The markets have been a bit choppy this week—and much of that choppiness is due to back-and-forth intra-market rotations. Looking back to Monday, the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite moved into correction territory, falling 10%...

Thursday, March 4, 2021

After struggling toward the end of February, stocks got off to a strong start as March began. Equities performed well early in the week due to positive news regarding the vaccine rollout and rising belief from investors that inflation...

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Good morning, here's the latest news from your financial planner dude - Equities languished a bit this week due to continuing inflationary fears and weakness in some of the technology stocks that led the way in 2020. While the market...

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Stocks were a bit mixed to begin the holiday-shortened week. Some investors’ worries were elevated by concerns the recent rise in long-term interest rates could hamper the nascent economic recovery. Others believe the rate...

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Stocks continued to grind higher this week. Strong corporate earnings are a quietly positive story for 2021, as 83% of companies have beaten their fourth quarter 2020 earnings estimates. That many companies besting expectations is a...

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

An early Happy Valentines Day! After treading water as January came to a close, stocks returned to their winning ways last week. Equities rallied on the heels of strong earnings, continued vaccination rollouts, and ever-present...

Thursday, January 21, 2021

There was a political changing of the guard this week as President Trump exited the presidency and President Biden was inaugurated as America’s 46th president. Meanwhile, stocks got off to a solid start on a holiday-shortened...

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Happy Holidays! While still hovering near an all-time high, the stock market experienced some back and forth movement this week as investors continue to wrestle with weakening economic data and the optimism tied to vaccines and...

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

I hope this note finds you and those around you safe and healthy during this unprecedented time. You may have heard recently that LPL Financial Holdings Inc. and Macquarie Management Holdings, Inc. announced the signing of an...

Thursday, November 19, 2020

An early Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! The holiday will most likely be a little different this year, but enjoy your turkey feast, however that may look like! Gobble-Gobble! In an echo of last week’s Pfizer vaccine...

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Stocks rocketed out of the gates this week as Pfizer, Inc. and BioNTech announced preliminary COVID-19 vaccine efficacy results that showed the joint venture’s vaccine candidate was more than 90% effective in a recent channel....

Thursday, November 5, 2020

While the final days of October were no doubt challenging for investors, stocks staged a comeback this week. Much of this week’s resurgence seemed to be based on the fact that this bruising election season may be nearing an end....

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Volatility, after being at a low ebb in recent months, returned this week as stocks struggled for several reasons. First, a renewed surge in COVID-19 cases and subsequent hospitalizations have led to worries that another wave of...

Thursday, October 22, 2020

As we get closer to election day, the market is a bit adrift and directionless. At the time of this writing, former Vice President Joe Biden has a considerable lead in the polls and, as such, investors have been weighing the potential...

Thursday, October 15, 2020

While not quite going up in a straight line, stocks have performed well since the middle portion of last week. In a bit of a recurring theme, investors remain optimistic that some form of fiscal stimulus will get passed by Congress...

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

We all need a little perspective....check out the attached chart on past market declines