This past year, the housing market has experienced a perfect storm, with high interest rates and inflation resulting in reduced purchasing power for homebuyers. In addition, many current homeowners were reluctant to sell — and give up their lower mortgage rates — leading to lower housing inventory and higher home prices. If you have been
The Federal Reserve’s rapid series of interest rate hikes throughout 2022 and 2023 — initiated in an effort to bring down red-hot inflation — rippled throughout financial markets and the broader economy. People pay attention to the “Fed” to see where interest rates are headed, but also for its economic analysis and forecasting. Members of
$27.6 trillion – Projected U.S. gross domestic product for 2023 in current dollars, based on advance data for the third quarter. In 2022, current-dollar (nominal) GDP was $25.7 trillion. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2023. After a worrisome decline in the first half of 2022 — which sparked fears of a recession — U.S.
An estate plan is a map that explains how you want your personal and financial affairs to be handled in the event of your incapacity or death. Due to its importance and because circumstances change over time, you should periodically review your estate plan and update it as needed. When Should You Review Your Estate
After years of low yields, bonds are offering higher yields that may be appealing to investors regardless of their risk tolerance. While bonds could play a role in any portfolio, they can be a mainstay for retirees looking for stability and income, and near-retirees might consider shifting some assets into bonds in preparation for retirement.
If your employer offers health insurance benefits, one of your options may be a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) with eligibility for a health savings account (HSA). These plans offer potential savings by encouraging you to make cost-effective choices in your medical spending. If you do not have employer-sponsored health coverage, you can choose from a
Publicly traded companies are required to disclose their financial performance to regulators and shareholders on a quarterly basis. News organizations and investors pay close attention to these reports because they tend to impact stock prices, with strong earnings driving share prices up, and vice versa. In the first quarter of 2023, the earnings of companies
A legal will describes how you want your material assets to be distributed, but how do you leave behind your values? Using an ethical will, also called a legacy letter, you can tell your personal story and communicate your beliefs and life lessons to your family, friends, or community. You can opt to share it
4.6% – Annual rate of “supercore” inflation in April 2023. Supercore is a metric that excludes goods, food, energy, and shelter, which are all categories that have been especially volatile over the last year. By contrast, the Consumer Price Index for all items increased 4.9%. Source: Bloomberg, May 26, 2023 Economists and investors rely on
To say the economy has been uneven over the past few years is an understatement. Amid these bumpy economic times, why buy life insurance? Here are a few reasons. Protection for Loved Ones Savings that were intended to provide support for you and your family may have taken a hit over the past few years
