Blog

Last week did not play out how we anticipated. Coming into the week, it was all about Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell’s congressional testimony and the February jobs report. Instead, we got a shockingly fast collapse of...

Women and Investing: Greater Risks and Challenges

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Despite progress toward financial planning and saving, women often face challenges regarding their financial security. Among these challenges is more time away from the workforce, the gender pay gap, and other factors that impact their...

Suggesting an economy makes “no landing” makes no sense. Analogies eventually break down, especially this one. Economic activity does not stop like an airplane eventually does, but rather the economy will settle into a...

Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months. We started the year hopeful that stocks would benefit from a better economic and monetary policy environment by the spring, but recent...

Solving “The Case of the Missing Money”

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Where does all your money go? The truth is usually not that mysterious. You can discover it with a little discipline on your part—along with the help of a budget. Many people spend their money in small increments without...

While concerns about the debt ceiling have been increasing, markets, businesses, and the economy are likely to see only minimal impact until we are days, or maybe a few weeks, from the “x date,” the date on which the...

Financial Independence and Married Women

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

What Married Women Should Know About Financial IndependenceMarried women—particularly those with young children—are statistically more likely than other demographic groups to leave the workforce after marriage.1 Even for...

Markets have adjusted to several changes this year. The pace at which inflation has cooled is slowing. The market has started to believe the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) “higher for longer” message. The bar for earnings...

Entrepreneurship and Financial Risk: What You Need to Know

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Entrepreneurs tend to be natural risk-takers but this doesn't mean committing to uncompensated risk. A wise entrepreneur considers their potential exposure before leaping into a new business venture, moving forward only on those...

Soft landing or no soft landing, that is the question, with all due respect to William Shakespeare. But while this may be the most commonly asked question these days, it may not be the most important or the toughest. That honor goes to...

Does the 60/40 Asset-Allocation-Pie Make Sense?

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

No allocation can cure the ill effects of stampeding in and out of marketsThe magic asset allocation number so often touted is a 60/40 split between stocks and bonds. This is supposed to give you the growth potential of equities and...

Investors got more excited about international investing late last year. Some of that was chasing better returns, as developed international equities solidly beat the U.S. over the last three months of 2022. Some was the increased...

Whether you’re one to set ambitious New Year’s resolutions or simply use the beginning of the year to reset on a few habits, there’s almost always some value in reflecting on the past year before looking ahead. The...

How Much Tax Should You Have Withheld?

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Overpaying your taxes allows the IRS to hold onto your money longerEach time you start a new job, your employer will give you a Form W-4 to complete that determines the amount of Federal income tax that is withheld from each paycheck....

The script has been flipped in 2023. Last year’s underperformers have turned into outperformers this year, driving the S&P 500 Index up over 5% this month. The pace and composition of the rally have left many investors skeptical...

What Should Millennials Consider Doing With Their Money?

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

As the oldest millennials have reached their forties, this generation is purchasing homes, paying off student loans, and starting their families. But while millennials might get some teasing for their "avocado toast" tastes and...

The latest episode of the debate between stock market bulls and bears has gotten more interesting. For every valid point from one side, there’s an equally compelling argument on the other side. Perhaps the best reason for the...

Gift and Estate Taxes

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

If you give away money or property during your life, those transfers may be subject to federal gift and estate tax and perhaps state gift tax. The money and property you own when you die (i.e., your estate) may also be subject to...

Fourth quarter earnings season is underway and probably won’t bring much good news. Lackluster global growth, ongoing profit margin pressures from inflation, and negative currency impacts are likely to translate into a...

Do You Need Financial Wellness?

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Financial wellness is the ability to have a healthy financial life and feel good about your financial situation. Financial wellness doesn't have just one meaning because it can mean something different to each person. Financial...

We believe accountability and modesty are among the keys to success in this business. In striving for those qualities, LPL Research has a tradition of starting off a new year with a lessons learned commentary. We got some things wrong...

We wish you a happy New Year and hope you were able to close out 2022 with friends and family.The beginning of a calendar year is often the time when the previous year’s reflections transition to a new year’s hopes. Given...

Homebuying 101: Gen-Z and Millennial Edition

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

According to the most recent Generational Trends report from the National Association of REALTORS®, Millennials currently make up the majority of home buyers, with Gen Z waiting in the wings as the next generation of...

2022 was a dizzying year as markets and the global economy continued to find itself out of balance due to the still present aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the policy response to it. If 2022 was about recognizing imbalances...

Are You Fiscally Fit? 5 Ways to Check the Health of Your Wealth

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Just as it is important to be physically and mentally fit, it is also important to be fiscally fit. Fiscal fitness is not only about how much money you earn or the balance in your savings or retirement accounts. Instead, it is...

Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and highs and lows we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. Whether it’s about the markets and...

The Federal Reserve (Fed) wrapped up its last Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting of the year last week, where it hiked short-term interest rates for the seventh time in as many meetings, taking the fed funds rate to 4.5%...

Keep the Holidays Merry and Bright

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

The holidays are often filled with a lot of hustle and bustle that can make it difficult to prioritize our physical and mental health. To help you slow down and focus on your own well-being, here are some tips for having a happy and...

Despite the S&P 500 Index starting December with five consecutive days of losses, we think December is down but not out. December often starts slow but historically has been a strong month. There are also some potentially supportive...

What Insurance Policies Do You Need?

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Insurance is a great way to protect yourself and your loved ones from high or unexpected costs. There are several different types of policies that you can purchase for different purposes, but here’s a closer look at how you can...

Economic and corporate data support the initial strong reads on holiday retail sales despite the macro headwinds, reinforcing the idea that today’s consumer is in a better position than usual at this point in the business cycle....

How The Secure Act 2.0 Could Change The Way You Save For Retirement

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Thursday, December 1, 2022

The pending legislation for the proposed retirement reform, better known as the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act 2.0, is expected to be passed into law by the end of 2022. In March of this year, the...

Thanks and Giving: How You Make a Difference on Giving Tuesday

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Monday, November 21, 2022

Giving Tuesday is a day to extend the goodwill that the holiday season may bring to help others. With so many in need, the holiday season is a reminder to help those less fortunate. Whether you want to donate your time or contribute...

Recent inflation data has tempered expectations for future Federal Reserve tightening, including a potential peak in the terminal rate near 5.0% in May or June of 2023. While the market has welcomed this news, history suggests the path...

Winter Tea Ceremony

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Robiraki—opening of the sunken hearth. This signals the beginning of winter tea and in Japan is done on the first day of the boar in November. The tea leaves that were picked in late April or early May are stored in a tsubo (or...

Appropriate Checklists for Year-End Tax Planning

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

What are appropriate checklists for year-end tax planning?Tax planners often develop checklists to guide taxpayers toward year-end strategies that might help reduce taxes. Typically, suggestions are grouped into several different...

The growth vs. value debate has been pretty one-sided in 2022, with value outperforming growth for a sustained period for the first time in almost 15 years. However, the debate is heating up as investors begin to consider whether the...

Bait-and-Switch Scams: What You Need To Know To Avoid Getting Caught

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

 There is a saying that if it is too good to be true, it probably is. Even though you do not want to let an opportunity to save money pass you by, you need to be cautious when shopping or applying for a loan. In 2021 alone, the...

Midterm elections are upon us, with Election Day on Tuesday. Republicans are strongly favored to win the House, and the Senate is roughly a tossup. We believe either outcome would be market-friendly, although the bigger market driver...

5 Expensive Long-Term Care Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

The vast majority of Americans need long-term care. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 70% of people over age 65 may need some long-term care during their lives.1 Unfortunately, planning for long-term care...

With a series of important economic indicators suggesting the economy is declining and inflation is finally decelerating, albeit very slowly, markets are beginning to factor in that the Fed may soon transition to a less aggressive...

Financial Planning and Living Globally

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

The past 100 years have seen changes in how people plan for their financial futures and how they live. Borders no longer restrict people from living in one country; their profession often takes them to parts of the world they never...

If the U.S. economy enters a recession, the causes and potential outcome will be hotly debated. At LPL Research, our starting point is always looking at history. This week’s commentary will remind us of three things we know about...

Estate Planning Challenges for Unmarried Couples

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

It seems that state and federal laws governing estate planning may be running behind the growing trend of couples living together outside of marriage. For these unmarried partners, more creative estate planning strategies could be the...

Expectations are very low for this earnings season. The challenges are many, with intense cost pressures and slowing economic growth at the top of the list. The chorus of analysts and strategists calling for big cuts to estimates has...

How to Help Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Massive computer hacks and data breaches are now common occurrences — an unfortunate consequence of living in a digital world. Once identity thieves have your information, they can use it to gain access to your bank and credit...

As Federal Reserve (Fed) officials continue to emphasize the Fed’s commitment towards restoring price stability, the dollar marches ever higher. Markets are currently pricing in another 75-basis point rate hike at the November 2...

How Financial Planning Can Help Prepare for LTC Costs

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

With the cost of long-term care (LTC) increasing year over year, considering how the costs of long-term LTC will impact your financial plan is essential. According to insurance company Genworth, the price of LTC services increased...

On October 16, China will begin its 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing. This plenum is especially significant because it is expected that President Xi Jinping will be granted an unprecedented third term,...

Term vs. Cash Value Life Insurance

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Which type of life insurance is better--term or cash value? Insurance buyers have been asking this question for generations. When choosing between these two fundamentally different alternatives, you'll need to think about the amount of...

The LPL Research Strategic and Tactical Asset Allocation Committee is increasing its recommended interest rate exposure in its tactical allocation from underweight to neutral. Now that interest rates have moved substantially higher, we...

1) Volatility may be uncomfortable … but it’s normal.Just like muscle fatigue is part of any intense training program, volatility is an unavoidable part of the investment process as well. It’s easy for investors...

Estimating College Costs

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

What is the forecast for college cost increases?A college education is expensive. All those benefits of personal growth, expanded horizons, and increased lifetime earning power come at a price, a price that increases every year....

Inflationary dynamics continue to surprise to the upside, and markets now expect the Fed to pursue one of its most aggressive rate hiking campaign in years. U.S. Treasury yields continue to move higher as well. We think we’ve...

Here’s Why Your Credit Score Matters and How to Improve It

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Credit can be a scary subject to approach, whether or not you want to jump into it isn’t an option in most cases; credit determines a lot, but it can also be a great financial tool when used properly. When your credit score is...

Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell reiterated his warning that getting inflation under control will require some pain. Powell is likely making these warnings based on the arcane, clunky relationship between inflation and unemployment....

When it comes to stock market performance, August was “the best of times, and the worst of times.” The strong market rally that peaked in mid-August was viewed by many analysts as a transition from a bear to bull market,...

National Life Insurance Awareness Month

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

It’s also a good time to talk about the insurance crisis facing baby boomersBaby boomers’ huge numbers and surprisingly shaky health threaten government old-age benefits. That’s why you need to bolster your own...

The difficult 2022 for stocks may not get much easier because as we now wait for better news on the inflation front, we have to contend with a seasonally weak month of September. While we got some welcome news in Friday’s jobs...

Preparing for the Worst: Disaster Planning

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Given the daily responsibilities of running a business, planning for an event that may or may not happen may not seem to be a priority. But by preparing for a major disaster, your company will be in a better position to cope with more...

Earnings growth of 6-7% doesn’t sound very exciting, but given the challenges corporate America has faced, we consider the nearly-complete second quarter earnings season a resounding success. The numerous challenges last quarter...

Women and Money: Taking Control of Your Finances

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Thursday, August 25, 2022

As a woman, you have financial needs that are unique to your situation in life. Perhaps you would like to buy your first home. Maybe you need to start saving for your child's college education. Or you might be concerned about planning...

Existing home sales fell 5.9% in July, the sixth consecutive month of declines as higher interest rates weigh on housing affordability and prospective buyers. As the housing market slowed, so did prices. The median price for a single...

The Pros and Cons of Living Next to a Golf Course

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Friday, August 19, 2022

Golf courses are majestic pieces of land. Just imagine it: the perfectly tended grass, luscious landscaping, and tranquil bodies of water. It can leave both golfers and non-golfers in awe. And for some, a golf course might seem like...

How to Make Cosigning a Student Loan a Breeze

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Use the loan application process as a learning experience. A college education is a valuable asset that can pay dividends for a lifetime, but paying for the cost of college alone can be a challenge. If you want to help a family member get

Investors cheered the two better-than-expected inflation reports last week, pushing the S&P 500 to 16% above its June 16 low and only 11% below its all-time high. After this rebound, the key question investors are asking is whether...

Lessons from the Great Recession of 2007 – 2009

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Before the next recession hits, make sure you are preparedAfter the Great Recession from 2007 to 2009 hit, far too many Americans found themselves without any savings to get through the hardships of unemployment, falling house prices,...

The market pundits remain intensely focused on the question of whether the U.S. economy is in or about to enter recession, so we thought a piece on what a recession might mean for the stock market would be of interest. While...

Understanding the Pros & Cons of I Bonds

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

The purchase limitations and the lock-up periods need to be evaluated. I bonds are U.S. savings bonds designed to protect the value of your cash from inflation. And with inflation surging to 40-year highs, investors are especially...

That was quite a week. These days a Federal Reserve (Fed) policy meeting alone gets a lot of headlines and has market participants on the edge of their seats. Add to that the second straight quarter of negative gross domestic product...

Five things that economists know, but sound wrong to most other people

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Economists have shaped the modern world in many ways. Governments make policy choices in response to the data that we produce about things like GDP and inflation. Social media companies use our insights about human behavior to create...

For the past year, supply-related problems contributed more to inflation than demand-related imbalances, but that may be changing soon. There are at least three factors that could change the course of inflation. First, the improvement...

9 Facts About Retirement

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of what approach you intend...

Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...

Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon. But the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate what lies ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a full-blown crisis...

5 Financial Facts About the Sandwich Generation

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

The "sandwich generation" is the descriptive term for adults generally between the ages of 40 and 59 who are raising a minor child (or supporting a grown child) while also caring for a retirement-age or older parent. With financial...

Preserving American History

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Financial Advisor, Jodie Cohen, and her husband have an interest in preserving American History. They have a passion project restoring a historic fire station in Lagro, Indiana. Built in 1840 and a part of the original town plat, the...

As the calendar has turned to July, investors would certainly like to forget the first six months of 2022. However, the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday does bring with it reason for celebration. Not only is it the 246th...

Living Beyond Your Means Won’t Bring Happiness

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Jeff Prince, Jodie Cohen, Steve Bailin. PBC Private Wealth. Face your financial fears with care, awareness and careful judgmentDo you ever feel that no matter how much money you earn, it’s never enough? Do you spend beyond your means?

Stocks have been unable to make up much ground since the June 16 lows, with a bear market rally amounting to only around a 4.3% gain in the S&P 500 Index since then (as of July 1). After the more than 6% rally the week of June 24 and...

5 Life Events That Impact Your Life Insurance Needs

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

A life insurance policy is part of financial planning. Life insurance is there to help ease the financial trauma that comes with the loss of a spouse, parent, or partner. As you encounter different events in your life, you may need to...

2022 has been rough all-around for the American consumer. Not only are we battling decades-high inflation, but investors’ portfolios are off to one of the worst starts to a year in history as we near the halfway point. Our...

The Buying vs. Renting a Home Dilemma in 2022

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Think about what’s suitable for you – not what others think is suitable for you. Summer is a time for fresh starts and, for some, a new home. Before you head out to open houses, your first question should be: Should I own a...

The bear market that started on June 13 has left the S&P 500 Index 23.5% below its January 3 high. After the initial positive reaction to the Federal Reserve’s first 0.75% rate hike since 1994 and tough talk on inflation,...

What Homeowners Should Know About Estate Planning

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

If you have always thought estate planning was just for those nearing retirement or already retired, think again. If you own a home, it is important to have a plan in place. Without a will or other arrangements that allow your home to...

A bear market is officially here thanks largely to stubbornly high inflation. For many of us, it has probably felt like a bear market for a while now, but the S&P 500 Index didn’t close more than 20% below its January 3 record...

This year has been tough for investors, not just because stocks have fallen but also because bonds have not helped mitigate those losses as they have historically done. Below we discuss the outlook for diversified portfolios of stocks...

Planning For Unexpected Costs Before You Retire

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

our retirement planning needs to incorporate more than just investments Your open heart and your relatives can combine to threaten your retirement savings – savings you soon may need. Learn the true cost to your future...

Many pundits are issuing recession warnings and saying the economy is heading for a hard landing. Amid the cacophony of voices, we think the economy is slowing just like central bankers want but not shrinking. Further, we argue that a...

The bull market that began in March of 2020 came dangerously close to an end. From March 23, 2020 through January 3, 2022, the S&P 500 Index gained 114% (excluding dividends). From that January 3 closing high through the recent low on...

Understanding Your Homeowners Policy

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Reading a homeowners insurance policy for the first time can be intimidating. With all the jargon, exclusions, and conditions you'll encounter, you may start thinking that Mom was right--you should have gone to law school after all....

Countdown to College

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

As a parent, you of course want to give your child the best opportunity for success, and for many, attending the “right” university or college is that opportunity. Unfortunately, being accepted to the college of one’s...

Core bond investors have experienced the worst start to the year ever. However tough this year has been so far though (and it has been tough), the potential for future returns has improved meaningfully, in our view. Starting yields...

10 Money Mistakes Millennials Should Avoid

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Many millennial households are on their way to building substantial wealth. They are saving 20% or more of their paychecks, investing in 401(k) accounts, and keeping their debt levels low. But others, even those with good educations...

First quarter earnings season was solid by just about any measure, but based on recent market behavior it’s obvious that in general market participants paid little attention. This is a macro-driven market, so it will likely take...

The Principles of Financial Literacy

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Financial literacy refers to the skills and knowledge that allow an individual to make informed and effective decisions through their understanding of finances. Financial literacy starts by building a basic understanding of 'money...

It’s been a very tough start to the year with both stocks and bonds down sharply. Adding to the “wall of worry” for investors are the highest levels of U.S. inflation in decades, an aggressive Federal Reserve (Fed),...

Not all recessions are created equal. Previous downturns in the U.S. were prompted by various shocks, with the most recent recession started by health and government-induced shutdowns. Other recessions started in the corporate sector,...

Can a Living Trust Replace Your Will?

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Monday, May 2, 2022

When planning your estate, you may consider setting up a revocable living trust. A properly managed revocable living trust can provide unique benefits; however, it does not completely replace a will. In determining whether this type of...

Balancing a Retirement Portfolio with Asset Allocation

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Thursday, April 28, 2022

The combination of investments you choose is as important as the individual investments themselves. In fact, many experts argue that it's even more important, since the mix of various types of investments accounts for most of the ups...

Not all recessions are created equal. Previous downturns in the U.S. were prompted by various shocks, with the most recent recession started by health and government-induced shutdowns. Other recessions started in the corporate sector,...

These Are the Best Ways to Teach Kids about Money

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Money can be a confusing and unapproachable topic for adults, let alone for kids. The key is to teach children about money early so that they can develop a healthy relationship with it. Here are the best ways to give children a glimpse...

First quarter earnings season is rolling. BlackRock, Delta Airlines, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley were among the first 16 S&P 500 companies to report March quarter results, following 20 index constituents with...

Setting and Targeting Investment Goals

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire. It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...

LPL Research reduced U.S. and global GDP forecasts due to Russian commodity disruptions, elevated inflation dynamics, and higher borrowing costs. Still, we expect the U.S. economy to grow 2.7-3.2% in 2022, supported by business...

3 Golf Tips to Keep Your Retirement Plan on Course

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

In golf, as in finances, there are a few rules of thumb that may improve your game: keep a level head, avoid traps, practice before trying something new and stay the course. Applying lessons from the golf course to your financial life...

As the Final Four NCAA Basketball Tournament rolls on in New Orleans, we continue our tradition of picking a stock market final four. We have identified our four key factors for the stock market outlook: 1) Consumer spending, 2)...

Asset Allocation

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Asset allocation is a common strategy that you can use to construct an investment portfolio. Asset allocation isn't about picking individual securities. Instead, you focus on broad categories of investments, mixing them together in the...

As the stock market recovered from the 2020 pandemic lows, valuations reached levels not seen since the dotcom bubble more than 20 years ago. The reopening economy and massive fiscal stimulus helped fuel one of the strongest starts to...

Six Tips for Wealth & Sanity

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

And the most important tip of all? Hire a financial professional. Investing can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. If you have a portfolio that was built for you and use the help of a financial professional, you...

Core bond investors have experienced one of the worst starts to the year ever, potentially calling into question the validity of bonds in a portfolio. Despite the poor start, we don’t think the value proposition for bonds has...

Balancing a Retirement Portfolio with Asset Allocation

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Friday, March 18, 2022

The combination of investments you choose is as important as the individual investments themselves. In fact, many experts argue that it's even more important, since the mix of various types of investments accounts for most of the ups...

529 Savings Plans: For Education Expenses and Estate Planning?

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Thursday, March 17, 2022

A 529 plan is a state-sponsored tax-advantaged plan designed for saving for future education expenses authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. If used for education, the assets grow tax-free. According to the College...

Luck of the Investor: Making Your Own Luck on St. Patrick's Day

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

As Samuel Goldwyn once said, "The harder I work…the luckier I get!" But when it comes to investing, luck may play a huge role in outcomes—no matter how hard you work.  Below, we discuss some ways that luck may...

The Federal Reserve (Fed) meets this week and in all likelihood will raise short-term interest rates for the first time since emergency levels of monetary accommodation were provided to markets after the COVID-19 shutdowns....

Five Healthy Habits for Financial Wellness

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Financial stress can have a direct negative impact on a person's health and happiness. Unfortunately, this may lead to a downward spiral. The more stress you're feeling, the larger your financial hurdles may seem, and the more you...

We currently expect the U.S. economy to grow 3.7% in 2022. The risks are to the downside since the Fed may err on tightening too fast, the recent commodity spike may trickle down to the U.S. consumer, and supply and demand imbalances...

Tax Tips Every Married Couple Should Know

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Monday, February 28, 2022

Getting married is a joyous time, but one that comes with numerous considerations. From living arrangements to future goals, marriage may quickly change a lot of things in your life. One thing that may drastically change after your...

With inflationary pressures running higher than many central bankers are comfortable with, calls for interest rate hikes have become louder. A number of important central bank meetings are set to take place in March including the...

Stocks have gotten off to a very rocky start in 2022, with the potential for Federal Reserve rate hikes coming and the geopolitical worries over Russia and Ukraine only adding to the uncertainty. We don’t want to minimize the...

Marriage: Entering a New Investment Life

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

There are a lot of issues that couples need to think about when tying the knot -- wedding preparations, family, and, of course, finances. Addressing personal finance and investment issues before the big day may help improve your odds...

Corporate America has capped off an outstanding 2021 with an excellent fourth-quarter earnings season so far. Entering 2021, the consensus estimate for S&P 500 Index earnings per share (EPS) was less than $170. Now with fourth-quarter...

Tax Deductions You Won't Believe

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

While Americans are entitled to take every legitimate deduction to manage their taxes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) places limits on your creativity. Here are some examples of deductions from the IRS that were permitted and some...

High inflation continues to cloud the economic outlook while its impact on the potential path of rate hikes has left markets unsettled. Inflation is a serious topic, but occasionally it’s useful to revisit it from a lighter...

Merging Your Money When You Marry

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Getting married is exciting, but it brings many challenges. One such challenge that you and your spouse will have to face is how to merge your finances. Planning carefully and communicating clearly are important, because the financial...

The near-10% correction in the S&P 500 Index and even larger drawdown in the Nasdaq have gotten a lot of attention this year. What hasn’t gotten as much attention—and maybe surprising to some—is the relative...

Ten Ways to Stretch Your Money

Jeffrey L. Prince, CFP®

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

We all want more money, and many of us would like to work less, as well. This may seem like a dilemma, yet there is a solution. One way to increase money without working is to avoid spending it in the first place. Some people call this...

Sustainable investing hit several milestones in 2021, but continued to attract its critics. Below we look at how sustainable investing fits within the broader concept of sustainability, its growth during 2021, and an implementation...

Building a Solid Financial Foundation

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

When you read about money matters, you may see the phrase, “getting your financial house in order.” What exactly does that mean? To some, when your financial “house is in order,” it means it is built on a solid...

After a tough start for stocks in 2022, investors are looking for reasons to expect a rebound. After more than doubling off the pandemic lows in March 2020, without anything more than a 5% pullback in 2021, stocks probably needed a...

How to Teach Your Children Financial Wellness

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Teaching children about financial wellness should start at an early age. Learning how making money, saving, and spending is related and the first step in teaching your child how to understand the value of money. Children learn from...

The Federal Reserve (Fed) has engineered a massive hawkish shift, causing a bit more stock market volatility recently. But how worried should investors be? Here we take a look back at historical performance for stocks before, after,...

Five Common Misconceptions About Retirement

Jeffrey L. Prince, CFP®

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Retirement is not what you retire from, but what you retire to. When you plan for retirement, an exciting new phase of life, double-check your expectations. They may not match the reality. Baby boomers, currently in their 50s and 60s,...

Corporate America has been on quite a run. Coming into 2021, S&P 500 Index companies were expected to generate less than $170 in earnings per share. As 2022 begins, it looks like that number may end up higher than the latest LPL...

With the New Year comes new beginnings, new goals, new challenges, new friendships, and new opportunities. 2021 was an incredible year for the economy and investors, but to us the future remains bright for 2022 and beyond. Let’s...

Improving Your Financial Health is Not Very Hard

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

“Keep it Simple, Stupid” is a great approach to organizing your finances Some folks think financial planning is very difficult. While certain aspects are hard, such as constructing the right asset allocation to meet your...

In many ways, 2021 was a typical year for markets, but it also reinforced some basic market lessons that are hard to learn, even if they are not new. As we launch into the New Year, we’re highlighting three 2021 market lessons...

We expect interest rates to move modestly higher in 2022 based on near-term inflation expectations above historical trends and improving growth expectations once the impact of COVID-19 variants recedes. Our year-end 2022 forecast for...

New Year, New Goals: Your Countdown to Financial Health

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

For many people, a new year provides a new start—and nothing says "new start" like a fresh new set of financial goals. But setting these goals is easier said than done. What steps should you take to get the most bang for your...

We expect solid economic and earnings growth in 2022 to help U.S. stocks deliver additional gains next year. If we are approaching—or are already in—the middle of an economic cycle with at least a few more years left (our...

2021 Year-End Planning for Retirees

Jeffrey L. Prince, CFP®

Monday, December 20, 2021

Year-end planning is especially important for retirees and those hoping to retire in 2021 or 2022. There are tax and income strategies you might consider regarding your financial assets. Here are three steps you may take when planning...

Build a Solid Financial Foundation

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

When the markets and the economy are behaving badly, as they tend to do from time to time, it's easy to feel helpless. But creating a solid financial foundation can help you gain control of your investments and possibly avoid mistakes...

LPL Research Outlook 2022: Passing the Baton is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond. While the economy continues to move forward, we’re still feeling some aftershocks of...

Real Estate: A Form of Charitable Giving

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

In unpredictable economic times, many donors may be wary of making large donations of cash, even to charities they would otherwise like to support. Nonprofits are therefore increasingly encouraging donors to make gifts of non-liquid...

Historically, December has been a great month for stocks, but now we have the Omicron variant causing major volatility and uncertainty. Still, we remain optimistic that the new worries will subside over the coming weeks and...

Holiday Resilience

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Thursday, December 2, 2021

We hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. While life has been challenging during the pandemic, we have a lot to be thankful for. At this time, we are especially grateful for COVID-19 vaccines and...

Your 2021 Year-End Planning Checklist

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Thursday, November 25, 2021

It may be easy to forget we're nearing the end of the year. Even during the busy end of year rush, it's a good time to reevaluate your 2021 finances and turn an eye toward 2022. What can you do now to potentially improve and streamline...

Celebrating Unique Talent: Tea with Jodie Cohen

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

In honor of ‘Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day’, I wanted to share my love of tea with you. My passion for tea started with my interest in Japanese culture and religion which I studied when I was a student a UCLA. The only...

There are only six weeks to go in 2021 and it has been an incredible year for the stock market bulls. In fact, in many ways it could go down as one of the best years ever. This week, in honor of Thanksgiving, we wanted to take a...

Being Thankful for Financial Wellness

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Monday, November 22, 2021

‘Tis the season to give thanks for the many blessings that you have received throughout the year and blessings that help you as you move into the future. One thing to be truly thankful for is financial wellness. When you are...

After an upside inflation surprise in October, it’s clear that peak inflation may still be ahead, possibly even pushing into 2022. While the Federal Reserve (Fed) maintains its position that elevated inflation will be transitory...

Donor-Advised Funds: A Solution to Gifting with Tax Benefits

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Saturday, November 13, 2021

Gifting, for many investors, is about the philanthropic support they want to give charities. Gifting to help make the world better by benefitting society is one reason many families choose to donate. The charitable giving tax deduction...

Many Reasons to be Thankful

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Dear Valued Investor: The past year and a half have tested all of us, but overall, the economy continues to strengthen, COVID-19 trends are greatly improving, and this still relatively young bull market is alive and well. As the leaves...

Since we began our investing careers, we’ve had the concept of diversification drilled into our heads. Some refer to it as the only free lunch in investing. Well, when it comes to geography, that advice hasn’t been helpful...

With Halloween over the weekend, what better to write about this week than what scares us? If our positive near-term market outlook proves to be overly optimistic, we believe one—or perhaps more than one—of these five...

Top Supports for Caregivers

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

When caring for a spouse, relative, or parent, you may face a number of challenges and decisions to make in order to provide quality care. However, you are not alone. The following resources are available to support you to meet the...

Consider the Value of Long-term Care Insurance

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

How can you cover the costs of future care for you and your loved ones? Individuals who have worked hard and built up assets over the course of their careers may be particularly concerned that their savings could be affected by a...

The S&P 500 Index has gained more than 20% so far this year, making more than 50 record highs along the way. Certainly nobody should be upset with that return if that was all 2021 brought us. However, we see signs that there could be...

We have used most of the superlatives we know to describe corporate America’s stunning performances over the past two earnings seasons. Despite lofty expectations, results exceeded estimates by the biggest margins we’ve...

Common Cybersecurity Risks October 2021 marks the 18th Cybersecurity Awareness Month—and cybercrime continues to evolve. Though you may not get as many emails promising bodily enhancements or asking you to keep some overseas...

Five Financial Mistakes You Should Avoid

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Monday, September 27, 2021

We all make mistakes, and through them, we learn. But when it comes to finances, trial-and-error may not be the most suitable approach for you. Maybe you’re making some simple mistakes that can be fixed with a little bit of...

A CFP® Professional Can Help You Improve Your Financial Life

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Monday, September 27, 2021

No matter where you are in life, you may have at least a few financial goals. Perhaps you want to buy a house, save for your child’s college education, or retire early. Regardless of what your goals...

Revisiting Our 10-Year Treasury Yield Forecast

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Until recently, we expected the 10-year Treasury yield to end the year between 1.75% and 2.0%. Now, however, there are two key elements suggesting we are unlikely to see significantly higher interest rates by year end: The Delta...

A “Recipe” for Retirement Savings

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Monday, September 20, 2021

Do you ever dream of the day when you can retire and pursue your interests, travel, or simply relax from the pressure of the daily grind? In the past, retirement planning was a simpler process. Many retirees could count on...

Several policy-related risks loom in September and October that may lead to an increase in market volatility. The debt ceiling needs to be raised (likely by mid-October), the government needs to be funded to avoid a shutdown by the end...

Charitable Remainder Trust: Can be an Effective Tool

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Monday, September 13, 2021

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) can be a highly effective financial and estate planning tool. The CRT can allow you to: avoid capital gains taxes on highly appreciated assets, however when income is...

Monthly Market Update: August 2021

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Global Markets Up for August Global equity markets were overwhelmingly up for the month of August, on the way to record–setting performances. But it wasn't just U.S. equity markets that performed well this...

First and foremost, this week’s commentary should not be construed to suggest that we are saying stocks will go up forever. We are also not saying that stocks are immune from a pullback in the final four months of 2021....

4 Ways to Prepare Your Finances for Disaster

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Monday, August 30, 2021

You don't need to live your life under the constant stress of expecting disaster to strike. By taking these 4 financial steps toward disaster preparedness, you may gain some security that helps you set these worries aside.

Why Stagflation Isn’t In the Cards

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Monday, August 23, 2021

The term stagflation has been circulating increasingly in the financial media as inflation readings have risen sharply in recent months. The term is often associated with the 1970s, which saw runaway inflation—largely driven by...

Do You Have FOMO When it Comes to Investing?

Steven L. Bailin, CFP®

Friday, August 20, 2021

What is FOMO When it Comes to Investing? Fear-of-missing-out is a very real emotion –but it can derail your portfolio. Every day we’re bombarded with reports of what’s hot and what’s not –fueling a...

Inheritance Planning Can Help Avoid Headaches

Jodie A. Cohen, CFP®, CRPS®

Monday, August 9, 2021

Plan Ahead for your Inheritance Families inherit money and sometimes make the right moves investing and spending. Inheritances can also ignite disruption, divorce and a host of bad behavior far from the hopes and plans of the...

Quantitative easing and short-term rates near zero could be ending soon Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell seems to have capitulated on plans to taper the Fed’s stimulus program as of mid-July, causing the bond market to rally...

One of these questions is significantly more important to your success We’ve all been there: scratching our heads wondering what to do with all the retirement savings accounts. Too many choices can be overwhelming, until you step...