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A trust is a legal vehicle that protects your assets that contains instructions for your assets when you die or become incapacitated. When you set up a trust, you transfer assets from your name into your trust's name while you still...

On September 13, 2023, it was announced that August saw inflation record its biggest monthly increase for all of 2023 as energy prices rose significantly. Specifically, the Department of Labor reported that the Consumer Price Index...

As the year’s end approaches, High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) must prepare for one of the most critical monetary tasks: year-end tax planning. Due to the nature of their holdings and dynamic financial situation, HNWIs often...

You have probably heard about financial planning and its potential benefits, but you are unsure how to apply the principles to your life. A financial plan is a collection of steps that help you to evaluate your financial condition and...

Navigating elder care and elder care finances in the U.S. can be a challenge even for the most well-prepared households. So what, exactly, is involved in senior financial planning? What steps can you take now to help you be prepared...

High Net-Worth executives and those that have been self-employed, can experience common problems in their financial planning journey. Often, they have missed opportunities in their financial planning because they haven’t planned...

Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to you, and each comes with a price tag attached. That's where financial planning...

The more money that you can save when you are working, the easier it should be for you to retire and enjoy your golden years. Unfortunately, Social Security may no longer provide a sufficient income to live on during retirement.

During turbulent financial times, having a financial emergency plan might provide you with a proverbial life preserver. Whether it is an emergency fund to help you tackle an unplanned expense, insurance to cover an unexpected accident...

A recent survey by Caring.com found that a whopping two in three American adults do not have an estate plan1—an alarming statistic, considering that an estate plan can protect your assets and ensure that they go to the right...

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, there may be times when you find yourself embarking on a journey alone. These trips can provide positive experiences, but they can also pose safety concerns you might not otherwise face when...

Once you are in your 60s, you are likely to focus less on growing your retirement funds than answering, "When do I retire?" And once you crack open your nest egg, how should you allocate its contents? The answer often lies in a...

A critical part of financial planning that is often overlooked is insurance. Having various insurance policies will provide different benefits to your financial plan, ranging from protection to tax breaks. In fact, insurance is a...

Even before your children can count, they already know something about money: it's what you have to give the ice cream man to get a cone, or put in the slot to ride the rocket ship at the grocery store. So, as soon as your children...

The average college student graduates with around $30,000 in student loan debt. While this isn't an insurmountable amount of debt for a degree that may boost your earning potential, it also makes it important to maintain responsible...

Retirees often have the time, freedom, and desire to explore new destinations and make the most of their golden years. With careful planning and attention to detail, senior travelers can work towards preparing trips that are safe,...

If recent market volatility has you questioning your opportunities for financial freedom, you are not alone. Due to rising inflation, higher interest rates, a volatile stock market, and recession fears, many investors find themselves...

As a retiree, one of the significant financial challenges you may encounter is inflation. The rising costs of goods and services can erode the purchasing power of your retirement savings, making it difficult to maintain your desired...

Many parents may feel it is unnecessary to inform their adult children about their personal, financial affairs. However, as your children grow older, it can work to your advantage—and that of your entire family— to share...

You may have accounts spread across several institutions, such as your bank accounts, brokerage investments, 401(k), 529 education savings plans, etc. By utilizing Account Aggregation, you can collect and centralize all your financial...

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...

Vacations are an investment. A lot of planning and money goes into having the best trip possible—but should you buy travel insurance to protect yourself in the event of unforeseen changes and emergencies?The guide below explains...

For kids, teens, and college students, summer break often represents freedom from schedules, responsibilities, and all those other drains on your time. Retirement actually can provide a similar level of freedom, but only if you've...

After spending so much of your life saving for retirement, it may be challenging to transition from depositing funds to withdrawing them. You may wonder whether there is any way to maintain your lifestyle and preserve your wealth to...

Retirement is an exciting change in your life, but not one that doesn't come with some ups and downs. When you no longer have as much responsibility for family and the daily challenges of work, it’s likely you may feel blue from...

Whether you are an employee in corporate America or a small business owner, retirement is a part of life. For many, the thought of retiring and whether or not you are ready to take those first steps might be overwhelming or...

You may already be aware of the importance of having enough life insurance coverage to handle financial matters that could affect your family in the event of your death. However, determining the appropriate amount of coverage for your...

Planning for retirement is exciting, but it may come with a bit of stress. If you worked hard all your life, now might be the time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. One of the things that you may need to consider is when it...

When was the last time you learned about anything financial? April is National Financial Literacy Month – an entire month dedicated to underscoring the importance of learning, establishing and maintaining healthy financial habits...

Most people know that once they approach retirement age, their reward for years of work comes from Social Security payments they put money towards during their employment. Deciding when to file for your Social Security payments is...

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...

Spring cleaning presents a great opportunity to clear out any items you no longer need—and the same goes for your finances. Checking in with your finances during tax season may be particularly beneficial, as it allows you to...

Many workers have been dreaming of retirement since they first entered the workforce. However, once this retirement date draws near, the prospect of giving up your primary source of income may be nerve-wracking, even if you've...

In the U.S., men are investing and accumulating wealth at a greater pace than women, fueling the gender investing gap. Closing the investing gap is essential so that women accumulate enough retirement assets for their entire lives. On...

While retirement is a time to enjoy the things you have worked hard for in life, the next chapter may leave some a little anxious. Retirement doesn't mean you have to retire from the excitement in life. In fact, it is the perfect time...

Identity theft runs rampant during tax seasonHere’s what to know and how you can help protect yourself.Identity thieves often swipe your bank or credit card account numbers, birth date information or Social Security Number (SSN)...

The SECURE 2.0 legislation included in the $1.7 trillion appropriations bill passed late last year builds on changes established by the original Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE 1.0) enacted in 2019....

With healthcare costs continuing to rise, there are ways to help lower the cost of healthcare for yourself by becoming a wise consumer of healthcare. February is National Wise Health Care Consumer Month and a great time to empower...

Habits create a domino effect; once you begin a habit and stick with it, you can see the effects of it flowing into other areas of your life, for better or worse. But what if it’s easier than you think to make the healthy...

The beginning of a calendar year is often the time when the previous year’s reflections transition to a new year’s hopes. Given the market’s continued instability during 2022 and a resulting tough period for stock and...

Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...

After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount...

As you take a moment to reflect upon all of the things that bring you comfort and joy this holiday season, consider giving back to those in need. Whether you are participating in an organized fundraiser or diving headfirst into your...

Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low 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...

It’s always fun to try different tastes during the holiday season, including new takes on mixed drinks. The added fruit flavor and vivid red color make this twist as merry as the season itself!Makes 2 servingsIngredients1 cup...

THINGS TO CONSIDER GOING INTO “THE NEW YEAR" (YEAR-END PLANNING CHECKLIST) The end of the year is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved,...

When you are busy running a company, it may be difficult to think about your taxes. Proactive tax planning helps you to avoid an unexpected tax liability when you file. These helpful strategies may offset your tax liability and might...

As we approach the last quarter of each year, it is a good time to plan for the next one. Year-end planning is especially important for existing retirees and those hoping to retire in the next few years. There are tax and income...

Retirement is an exciting time. You have worked hard all of your life and now get to take advantage of the fruits of that hard labor. While retirement is the perfect time to tackle to-do lists and all of the things you have always...

Life Insurance for the Self-Employed If you're like most people, you bought life insurance to provide for your loved ones in the event of your death. But because you're self-employed, you may have an even greater need for life...

How much life insurance do you need?Your life insurance needs will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your family, the nature of your financial obligations, your career stage, and your goals. For example, when you're...

When people plan for retirement, most think about the stock market, potential returns, and occasionally what their future retirement expenses might look like. And while it’s pretty easy to calculate future expenses for most...

 Investing for your retirement isn't about getting rich quick. More often, it's about having a game plan that you can live with over a long time. You wouldn't expect to be able to play the piano without learning the basics and...

Raising a family is rewarding─and expensive. Consider taking these steps to support your family financially through a program of smart investing.

LPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2022: Navigating TurbulenceMarkets 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...

Changing jobs introduces a new dilemma for people, regardless of why or how often they do so: what to do with the 401(k) account they had with their former employer. Should they consider taking the cash distribution, or could there be a bet

Identity theft compromises the personal data of millions of Americans every year. There are steps you can take to minimize your online risk and protect your sensitive data from cyber-attacks.

Knowing the different types of investment risk can help you cope with market volatility. When was the last time you checked your retirement plan balance? If your balance was less than it was the last time you checked, you probably felt...

Master these Social Security lessons to get a more realistic view of your retirement. According to Nationwide’s 8th Annual Social Security Consumer Survey, more than half of Americans express confidence that they know exactly how...

The financial world is a complex one to navigate. New investment products, global investing opportunities, employee-driven 401(k)s — these (and many more) collectively underscore the value of seeking professional financial advice...

Retirement is inevitable, but knowing exactly when to do so is often unclear. No matter when you actually begin your retirement, you’ll benefit from planning your post-work life as early as possible. According to Gallup, the...

Thinking of retiring early? Here’s what you need to know When you get to a certain age, you may find yourself daydreaming about retiring early, or at least before the “traditional” age of 65. It’s only...

LPL Research Outlook 2022: Passing the Baton is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond.

Few words can dampen the cheer and optimism of a New Year like taxes. Let’s face it, the time for holidays, time off, and family should be celebratory, not burdensome. But if you approach taxes with an eye toward reducing your...

The pandemic caused many people to work from home, and some companies do not plan to return to office-based work until this summer, if ever. While you may view this as a mixed blessing, you can capitalize on the situation to save money...

The Roth 401(k) has become an attractive investment account, with investors attracted to their qualified tax-free withdrawals and contributions which receive after-tax treatment. But like other 401(k) plans, the Roth 401(k) carries...

No matter whether your divorce is amicable or contentious, it can have a profound impact on your finances. There are myriad rules and regulations to consider; we outline some of the most significant and how they could impact your...

Buying low or selling high is a prudent strategy for most investors, an effort to maximize returns. But buying lowest or selling highest is an elusive strategy, one that is difficult to execute and that may lead to lower returns and...

Home ownership has several advantages over renting, including lower monthly payments, deductible mortgage interest, and the accumulation of equity. But there is a definite price to pay for these benefits, including the expenses we...

LPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond. While the speed can be...

There’s a simple word that has profound implications for savings and investing: compounding. Like a snowball that grows as it rolls down a hill, compounding provides the potential for your money to grow, reinvesting your...

When it comes to financial stability, people tend to focus on paying off debt and saving for retirement. In reality, many other financial goals beckon to individuals during their lifetime. Because of this, it’s important to look...

Many prospective investors eventually shy away from a commitment when they hear the dreaded “R” word: risk. By itself, risk is innocuous, carrying no special meaning or predictive result. But the idea that investing...

Only one-in-four Americans (27%) feel very confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably when they retire, according to the 2020 Retirement Confidence Survey Summary Report.⁠1 While the number is up slightly from the...

There’s a good reason so many athletes, entertainers and business people who made seven figures and higher suddenly find themselves filing for bankruptcy. Money mismanagement can eat through even the biggest bankrolls. Here are...

If you’re facing unemployment or concerned about the possibility of upcoming layoffs, there are some small, proactive steps you can take now to help make this difficult time more manageable. Build Your Network. It’s...

LPL Research Outlook 2021: Powering Forward is designed to help you navigate a year in whicheconomic conditions may continue to improve dramatically. Like the markets, Outlook 2021 looksahead. 2021 will bring advances to further limit...

Medicare contains four components: Parts A, B, C, and D. Part A is hospital insurance designed to cover inpatient care in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. Part B helps to cover physician services, outpatient care, preventive...

The Roth IRA presents a potentially attractive alternative to the traditional IRA. That's because a Roth IRA may allow you to avoid future taxation of any earnings on your retirement funds by making nondeductible contributions now....

LPL Financial Research is looking ahead for new ways to face current challenges and prepare for better times. Use our Midyear Outlook 2020 to chart a path to eventual economic and market recovery. Plus, learn how stocks may predict the...

Actively managing your debt is an important step, and your student debt may be one of the biggest financial obligations you have. There are many strategies that could help you manage student loans efficiently. Here is a checklist....

Insurance is an important element of any sound financial plan. Different types of insurance protect you and your loved ones in different ways against the cost of accidents, illness, disability, and death. What Are Your Insurance Needs?...

Today's retirees have a host of health care options to choose from. But costs and coverage can vary significantly. Medicare is available to virtually every citizen and legal resident age 65 or over who has worked and paid taxes in the...

Economic Blog The coronavirus outbreak—or Covid-19 —has caused significant market volatility over the past week. Our approach as always is to focus on economic fundamentals first, but the uncertainty around the scope of the...

"Market timing" is the strategy of trying to predict when stock prices will rise and fall and attempting to buy low and sell high. While this seems to make sense in theory, it's extremely difficult to pull off successfully. Trying to...

A Strategic Saving Plan is the Key to Victory Super Bowl LIV, the 54th Super Bowl, will decide the National Football League champion for this current season. The game is scheduled to be played on February 2, 2020, at Hard Rock Stadium...

Does Your Portfolio Reflect Your Risk?

John Fawaz, CFP®, ChFC®

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

When it comes to investing, many people associate risk with losing money. But investing entails different types of risk. Understanding each type -- and the potential return associated with your retirement portfolio -- can help you...

Outlook 2020: Bringing Markets Into Focus

John Fawaz, CFP®, ChFC®

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Hindsight is 20/20, but finding clarity in future uncertainty can be fuzzy. AT LPL RESEARCH, as we look forward to the year 2020 and a new decade, some key trends and market signals will be important to watch, including progress on U.S...

“An object in motion tends to remain in motion along a straight line unless acted upon by an outside force.” Sir Isaac Newton What a year it has been for the bulls. The S&P 500 Index recently made four more new highs, and...

Budgeting: Every Penny Counts!

Gail Hatfield

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Budgeting: Every Penny Counts! Do you know where every penny of your paycheck goes? If not, I bet you find yourself wondering where all your money went toward the end of the month. If this is you, you may want to consider budgeting....

Midyear Outlook 2019

John Fawaz, CFP®, ChFC®

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

LPL Research Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets is filled with investment insights and market guidance for the year ahead. LPL Financial Research believes that even as investors face...

We hope summer is off to a good start with everyone now that school is out and warm weather is finally here. We are kicking off the start of summer with the completion of our redesigned website. This took longer than expected, but it...

Financial Self Defense

John Fawaz, CFP®, ChFC®

Monday, June 10, 2019

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future...

Finding Financial Independence

John Fawaz

Monday, April 8, 2019

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

Tip: How Much? Check your Social Security earnings and see an estimate of your benefits on the website, www.ssa.gov. Social Security’s been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how...