Broker Check
LPL Account View

Blog

Monday, September 18, 2023

Economists have been predicting a recession for the U.S. economy ever since the Federal Reserve began aggressively raising interest rates in 2022. These "headline" numbers suggest an economy coming in for a "soft landing" — a term...

Monday, September 18, 2023

For retirees living on fixed incomes, excluding energy and food prices from the inflation equation is a luxury they cannot afford. These essential expenses impact their daily and future lives, making it crucial to consider an updated plan

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

In recent times, investor expectations have shown a concerning trend of becoming detached from the realities of the market. The focus on technology and artificial intelligence (AI) has largely kept investors engaged and buying, creating...

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

One recent development that has stirred conversations among investors and advisors alike is the issuance of the IRS Revenue Ruling 2023-2. This ruling has presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities for estate planning...

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Fortunately, business owners have a couple of advantages when funding college expenses. Here are a few ways small-business owners might save money while their children are in college...

Show All

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Regardless of the business's size, small business owners have 401(k) retirement savings plan options that may be suitable for their situation. Business owners must plan for retirement by utilizing retirement savings vehicles that may...

Monday, July 24, 2023

After dropping the benchmark federal funds rate to a rock-bottom range of 0%–0.25% early in the pandemic, the Federal Open Market Committee has begun raising the rate toward more typical historical levels in response to high...

Monday, July 17, 2023

Whether you manage a trust for someone else, are the beneficiary of a trust, or are thinking of creating a trust, you probably have some questions about the "best practices" of trust management. A well-managed trust can help...

Monday, July 10, 2023

The press – not Wall Street – is most concerned about the June 1st deadline The debt ceiling refers to a legislative limit imposed by the U.S. government on the amount of debt that can be issued to fund its activities. It...

Monday, July 10, 2023

Remain vigilant as we might see more rate hikes later this summer The decision by the Federal Reserve to pause its upward trajectory of the federal funds rate – after 10 straight hikes over the past 14 months – has...

Monday, July 10, 2023

A chatbot with uncanny human-like writing abilities has become the poster child for artificial intelligence (AI) since it was released in late 2022, inspiring new levels of attention, excitement, and concern about recent advances in...

Monday, July 10, 2023

What is it?Buying on margin allows an investor to buy securities partially with his or her own funds and partially with funds borrowed from a broker. To buy on margin, an investor must open an account, called a margin account, with a...

Monday, July 10, 2023

Trends in debt, interest rates and consumer spending can impact sectors As Americans grapple with the challenges of dwindling purchasing power, credit cards have become a popular way to bridge the financial gap. However, this has led...

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone, but it's crucial to approach it with caution and a clear understanding of the potential pitfalls. Recent studies have shown that a staggering 90% of first-time homebuyers have regrets...

Monday, July 3, 2023

A PEST analysis can help you identify and understand macro-factors better In the world of business, one must navigate through a sea of uncertainties and external factors that can significantly impact the success of any venture. While...

Monday, June 26, 2023

Making informed decisions about retirement is crucial to financial independence In an era characterized by high job turnover, it is more important than ever for employees to carefully manage their retirement savings. With a significant...

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

For investors seeking stable returns in their fixed-income portfolio Over the last 15 years, investment-grade bonds have modestly outperformed Treasuries, making them an attractive option for investors seeking stable returns in their...

Thursday, June 15, 2023

If you're considering giving back to society or a cause as part of your financial planning, there are many ways you can do so. You can make an impact while receiving tax benefits by including philanthropic giving as part of a holistic...

Monday, June 5, 2023

After a disastrous 2022, the 60/40 strategy might be poised for a comeback After a tumultuous 2022, investors are once again turning to the classic 60/40 investment strategy, with many finding renewed success in this historically...

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Over the next twenty years, a wealth transfer will occur that exceeds $30 trillion. It is imperative families develop a plan to transfer assets since the transfer of wealth is inevitable...

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

For business owners, estate planning may seem like another task to do on a long to-do list. Having a solid estate and succession plan in place may be crucial to your business's long-term success.

Monday, May 22, 2023

A New Financial Crisis or a Typical Bear Market?Comparing 2008/09 with the current financial landscape offers guidance The 2023 global economy has been experiencing a period of turmoil, marked by aggressive responses from governments,...

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Estate planning is critical for efficiently transferring your money, property, and assets to your beneficiaries after you die. As life continues to change, your estate plan should reflect those changes too.

Monday, May 15, 2023

Raising Financially Aware Kids in the Internet AgeToday's kids have more information at their fingertips than past generations could ever have dreamed—but not all this information is always accurate. And when it comes to...

Monday, May 8, 2023

Why Business Owners Need Financial PlanningIf you're a business owner, you are likely the Chief Everything Officer at work and have many responsibilities. A business owner's situation is unique since they are asset-rich and cash-poor...

Monday, May 1, 2023

4 Tips and Resources to Help Seniors During Periods of High Inflation and Market VolatilityIn 2022, U.S. inflation hit a 40-year high, with prices for food, housing, gasoline, and other key staples increasing by nearly 10% over the...

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Controlling healthcare costs is a major concern for individuals, businesses, and governments. The rising cost of healthcare has become a significant issue that affects millions of people in the United States and around the world...

Thursday, March 30, 2023

The yield curve is one of many indicators that economists consider when making economic projections. Yield curve inversions do not cause a recession; rather they indicate a shift in investor sentiment...

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

The relationship between the United States and China has been one of the most important geopolitical issues of the 21st century. With the two countries being the world's two largest economies, their interactions have far-reaching...

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Not only does the Retail Sales Report reflect the status of specific retail sectors (with clues to how their overall stock prices might change), but it also acts as a coincident indicator. If the Federal Reserve seems more likely to hike...

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Despite a slew of geopolitical uncertainties and significant theoretical headwinds, emerging markets are showing resilience and growth potential that could make them a bright spot for investors in the year ahead.

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

The scale of the bank failures that have hit the U.S. financial system are, when looking at the total associated assets, on an alarmingly similar scale to those recorded in 2008. Despite the similarities in terms of asset value, opinions...

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Powell’s comments suggest the Fed is likely to raise rates higher and faster. During a Senate Banking Committee hearing in early March of this year, Fed Chair Jerome Powell reiterated that the Fed is committed to controlling inflation...

Friday, March 3, 2023

If the debt ceiling is not raised in a timely manner, the U.S. government could default on its financial obligations, resulting in unpaid bills, higher interest rates, and a loss of faith in U.S. government securities...

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

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 federal government will

Thursday, February 23, 2023

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...

Monday, February 13, 2023

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...

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

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...

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

With the signing of the Omnibus Appropriations package into law, both employees and employers can take advantage of more than 90 new provisions aimed at creating opportunities to create or modify workplace retirement plans and...

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

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...

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

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...

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

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...

Monday, January 9, 2023

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...

Monday, December 19, 2022

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%...

Monday, December 12, 2022

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...

Friday, December 2, 2022

As an investor, you may be impacted by capital gains if you sell your investment – whether at a gain or loss. Understanding capital gains may help with your overall investment strategy and the potential to preserve your wealth....

Friday, December 2, 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...

Friday, December 2, 2022

Social security is way behind inflation so you may need a better retirement planIn October of 2022, the Social Security Administration announced that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than...

Friday, December 2, 2022

There is wide agreement among economists and market observers that the Federal Reserve’s aggressive interest rate hikes will cause economic growth to grind to a halt, leading to a recession. Less talked about is the risk of a...

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

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...

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

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...

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

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[1]friendly, although the bigger market driver...

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

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...

Monday, October 31, 2022

Just what you need, right? One more time-consuming task to be taken care of between now and the end of the year. But taking a little time out from the holiday chores to make some strategic saving and investing decisions before December...

Monday, October 31, 2022

What are year-end investment decisions? Year-end investment decisions may sometimes result in substantial tax savings. Tax planning may allow you to control the timing and method by which you report your income and claim your deductions...

Monday, October 31, 2022

The strong dollar is much in the news lately. But most Americans, other than tourists beyond our shores, don't focus on what that means to them. For U.S. investors, the upshot is not great. In fact, for most, currency fluctuations...

Monday, October 31, 2022

Concentrate on your investment strategy when turbulence hits the marketsDo events overseas, like a belligerent Russia and a slower-growing China, make you nervous about your portfolio? Absent a full-scale war in Eastern Europe...

Monday, October 24, 2022

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...

Monday, October 17, 2022

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...

Monday, October 10, 2022

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...

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

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,...

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

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...

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Too often during uncertain times, we inadvertently compare ourselves to the people around us – and that may lead us to make financial mistakes.In his book Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions, Dan...

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Understanding relative strength (momentum) and counter-trend analysis Wise investors alter their approaches as market cycles shift, from bull to bear to something in between. A consistent strategy can be far more risky than one that...

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

How you perform against one index bears little on your financial well-beingStudy after study has shown that beating the S&P 500 over the long-term is nearly impossible. Yet, nearly every time I meet with a new investor, they ask the...

Monday, September 19, 2022

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...

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Bull markets happen. Bear markets happen. Just stick to your financial plan, and stay calm and disciplined. When the market sours or slumps, don’t believe talk that this bear it is different. It is not.History shows this is true....

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

On August 24, 2022, just a few days before federal student loan repayment was set to resume, President Biden announced a plan for additional student loan debt relief.Federal student loan repayment was originally halted in March 2020 at...

Monday, September 12, 2022

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....

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

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...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law on August 16, 2022, includes health-care and energy-related provisions, a new corporate alternative minimum tax, and an excise tax on certain corporate stock buybacks. Additional...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

On July 13th, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (inflation) increased 1.3% in June after rising 1.0% in May. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Energy and food costs are very high year-over-year with food costs spikingIn mid-August, we received news that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) was unchanged in July, after rising 1.3% in June. To many...

Monday, August 29, 2022

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...

Monday, August 22, 2022

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...

Monday, August 15, 2022

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...

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Understanding long-term capital gains taxes when you sell investmentsMarket downturns could be a good time to adjust your fund portfolio to minimize the tax bite. Here’s how to calculate the best ways to do that – now and...

Thursday, August 11, 2022

On July 13th, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban...

Thursday, August 11, 2022

In an early July poll, 58% of Americans said they thought the U.S. economy was in a recession, up from 53% in June and 48% in May.1 Yet many economic indicators, notably employment, remain strong. The current situation is unusual, and...

Thursday, August 11, 2022

The real value of a bear market may be that it gives investors, who are temporarily frozen within its grip, the opportunity to learn or relearn important lessons regarding risk and diversification. For savvy investors, a bear market...

Monday, August 8, 2022

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...

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

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...

Monday, July 25, 2022

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...

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

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...

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

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...

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Food prices, like almost everything else, are rising fast. There have recently been warnings of “apocalyptic” costs, and a declaration that the “era of cheap food” is over. Such announcements have been linked to...

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Homebuyers braving the hot U.S. housing market have run headlong into a striking transition. The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage jumped from around 3.2% at the beginning of 2022 to 5.3% in mid-May, the highest level...

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Looking for a retirement plan for your employees that's easy and inexpensive to administer? Well, there may be a simple answer, the Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees of Small Employers, better known as the SIMPLE IRA plan.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Nearly three quarters of workers and 77% of retirees in a recent survey said they remain at least somewhat confident that they will experience a comfortable retirement, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Nevertheless...

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

At their recent March meeting, the Federal Reserve moved its fed funds target rate from near zero to a range of 0.25% to 0.50%. It was the first rate hike since 2018.But the Fed also released the so-called “dot plot,” which...

Monday, June 27, 2022

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...

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

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,...

Monday, June 13, 2022

"In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes."When Benjamin Franklin penned this quote, he may have forgotten to add one item to this list -- market volatility. When we invest, we should always be ready for...

Monday, June 13, 2022

If you've ever wondered why so many lottery winners (an estimated 70 percent) seem to blow through all their winnings so quickly, the answer often lies in two key traits: overconfidence and trusting the wrong people.1 The same...

Monday, June 13, 2022

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...

Monday, June 6, 2022

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...

Friday, June 3, 2022

Market declines should inform – not drive - your asset allocation decisionsThe standard definition of a bear market is when major U.S. stock indices, such as the S&P 500, drop by 20% or more from their peak. And 5+ months...

Friday, June 3, 2022

Market volatility could spook even the most seasoned investor. If a precipitous week or two in the market has you ready to sell, you may want to reconsider your risk tolerance and asset allocation. Attempting to time the market by...

Friday, June 3, 2022

A few pointers to help avoid a double-drubbing this time Stoicism amid market turmoil comes hard when a tsunami of dire investment headlines and plunging prices hits you, as we’ve seen for the first 2+ months of 2022. Your...

Friday, June 3, 2022

It's easy to see how inflation affects your daily life. Gas prices are higher. Electric bills are steeper. Wallets are thinner. But what inflation does to your investments isn't always as obvious. Let's say your money is earning 4% and...

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

At the risk of sounding cliché, making the case for stocks to stage a second half rally back to the prior highs requires investors to see through some heavy cloud cover. If you prefer another market cliché, it’s times...

Monday, May 23, 2022

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...

Monday, May 16, 2022

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...

Thursday, May 12, 2022

One of the critical needs of a small business is to protect against the untimely death of an owner. This is important because the family of the owner may face a large tax bill, and may not have the liquidity to pay the tax. To make...

Thursday, May 12, 2022

If you are self-employed or own a small business and you haven't established a retirement savings plan, what are you waiting for? A retirement plan can help you and your employees save for the future. Tax advantages A retirement plan...

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

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),...

Monday, May 2, 2022

“Sell in May and go away” is probably the most widely cited stock market cliché in history. Every year a barrage of Wall Street commentaries, media stories, and investor questions flood in about the popular stock...

Monday, April 25, 2022

Monday, April 18, 2022

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...

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

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...

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

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)...

Friday, April 1, 2022

Is 62 your lucky number? If you're eligible, that's the earliest age you can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits. Although collecting early retirement benefits makes sense for some people, there's a major drawback...

Friday, April 1, 2022

How does divorce affect Social Security retirement benefits? After a divorce, you can claim retirement benefits based on your own earnings record (if you have been employed and have accumulated enough credits over the years), or you...

Friday, April 1, 2022

What is it? Before you receive any Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will need to determine your eligibility. Remember that Social Security is an insurance system designed to pay you benefits during...

Friday, April 1, 2022

Myth: Social Security will provide most of the income you need in retirement Fact: It's likely that Social Security will provide a smaller portion of retirement income than you expect. There's no doubt about it — Social Security...

Friday, April 1, 2022

In a rush to file for Social Security benefits at age 62? Many people are - but slow down and do the math first. When it comes to claiming Social Security retirement benefits, you may want to consider waiting to start benefits when...

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

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...

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

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...

Monday, March 14, 2022

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....

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Most often, the first question a prospective employee will ask is about your company’s benefit program. And in my experience, the two most often-asked questions are about health insurance and an employer-sponsored retirement...

Thursday, March 10, 2022

If you are wondering what in the world a “backdoor Roth IRA” is, you're not alone! In short, if you've been frustrated by the contribution limits associated with Roth IRAs, then read on - this article describes a...

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Implementing a 401(k) plan for your employees is good business. It means you're thinking strategically, that you care for your employees, and are focused on the long-term health of your company. Implementing a retirement plan: Can help...

Monday, March 7, 2022

The U.S. economy grew 5.7% in 2021, exhibiting strength after an unprecedented global pandemic, but as the economy marched into 2022, the COVID-19 Omicron variant squelched some of the rebound in economic...

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

If you already contribute to a 401(k) or another retirement account through work, you may not have spent much time thinking about opening an individual retirement account (IRA). However, an IRA might provide you with a way to boost...

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

A traditional IRA offers a great way to shield income from taxation while boosting your retirement accounts. Meanwhile, a Roth IRA can let you pay tomorrow's taxes today. But how can workers who are eligible to contribute to either...

Monday, February 28, 2022

When people are leaving their employer, one of the decisions they need to make is what to do with their 401(k). A retirement plan participant typically has four options (and may engage in a combination of these options), each choice...

Monday, February 28, 2022

U.S. and International Equities Most Markets Lower Firstly, our thoughts go out to those impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and we hope the conflict end’s quickly. This week, U.S. major equity markets finished higher...

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

U.S. and International Equities U.S. Markets Lower The U.S. major equity markets finished lower for the second straight week. With roughly 85% of S&P 500 companies having reported, fourth quarter earnings growth for the index is...

Monday, February 21, 2022

Regardless of age, we all value our independence. We like to come and go as we please, running errands, going grocery shopping, and driving to appointments. But what happens when an aging parent, spouse, or relative is no longer...

Monday, February 14, 2022

With inflation on the rise, the IRS increased the 2022 contribution limits for some retirement accounts. Although a 2021 Congressional report found that only about 8.5% of defined benefit plan participants and 4.7% of individual...

Monday, February 14, 2022

Tips for finding the best fit in caregivers to ensure quality care and comfort Are you thinking about home health care as a solution to providing help with daily activities such as bathing, meal preparation, and housekeeping? Many...

Monday, February 14, 2022

U.S. Markets Higher The major equity markets finished the week lower, failing to extend the rebound which started two Fridays prior, after the averages closed lower for the first three weeks of the New Year.  Following the early...

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

It’s been a rough start to the year for U.S. stocks with some stiff headwinds. The path of the S&P 500 in January looked like something Mikaela Shiffrin might ski on given the steepness of the decline...

Monday, February 7, 2022

Tempted to stash your money in a bank certificate of deposit (CD)? Or maybe under your mattress? Think either one of them will keep pace with inflation? Think again.   Inflation Inflation is defined as an increase in the general...

Monday, February 7, 2022

The first challenge when facing a bear market is recognizing it Every investor knows that his or her portfolio is at least partially at the mercy of the market itself, with overall market conditions playing a huge role in general gains...

Friday, February 4, 2022

Most of us find the notion of creating (and sticking to) a budget about as appealing as spring cleaning chores. And, with the stress that usually accompanies tax filing hopefully behind you, you may not be inclined just now to tackle a...

Monday, January 31, 2022

Tips to avoid a surprise tax-time bill and possible penalties Every year, there are taxpayers that underpay their taxes. It just happens. But if you do that, no matter how innocent your underpayment might have been, you can be subject...

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

U.S. and International Equities U.S. Markets Lower The major equity markets finished the week lower as inflation, higher interest rates, and tighter Federal Reserve policy continue to be front and center on investors’ minds....

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

When you hear the term identity theft, the first thought that comes to mind may involve a data breach or opening a credit card in someone else's name. But another common type of identity theft involves the use of someone's Social...

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

U.S. Markets Lower The major equity markets finished the week lower as concerns about inflation and higher interest rates continue to weigh on investors’ minds. A weaker than expected December retail sales report along with...

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

When you hear the term identity theft, the first thought that comes to mind may involve a data breach or opening a credit card in someone else's name. But another common type of identity theft involves the use of someone's Social...

Monday, January 17, 2022

Many couples blame their marriage problems on disagreements and an inability to see eye to eye. Marriage counseling is a great option for couples who need to learn how to better communicate, but it might not solve the problem that...

Monday, January 17, 2022

Though it can be a stressful time in the home buying process, there’s no need to sweat closing on your home. Avoid any surprises on closing day by keeping these important tips in mind! Budgeting Cover all your bases by accounting...

Friday, January 14, 2022

Between the delectable menu and the endless laughter, hosting a holiday get-together is always a good idea—until the guests leave. Once they go home, it’s just you and the mess left behind. Here are a few tips to help you...

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Work is not typically a place people associate with relaxation, fun, and flexibility. Yet, the modern workplace is evolving into just that. From bean bag rooms to telecommuting, offices are focusing less on maintaining the status quo...

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Inflation soared 7% in 2021 according to Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released this morning by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as seen in the LPL Chart of the Day, its highest level since 1982. There was little consolation in...

Monday, January 10, 2022

U.S. and International Equities Major Markets Lower The major equity markets finished the week lower, as concerns about inflation and interest rates intensified after the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) minutes were released this week....

Friday, January 7, 2022

While most people find the notion of creating a budget about as appealing as cleaning out closets, most would agree that the result—a well-crafted and useful budget—is worth the work   Two financial...

Monday, January 3, 2022

U.S. and International Equities Major Markets in the Green The major equity markets finished the week higher, as the Santa Claus rally continued to take hold even amid concerns about the Omicron variant’s effects on the economy....

Thursday, December 30, 2021

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...

Thursday, December 30, 2021

If you have trouble keeping your New Year’s resolutions, you may benefit from taking a more scientific approach. In the late 1970s, researchers studying the experiences of smokers to learn why some were able to quit on their own...

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

U.S. and International Equities Major Markets higher The major equity markets finished the week higher, as the Santa Claus rally took hold even amid concerns about the Omicron variant’s effects on the economy. The growth style...

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

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...

Monday, December 27, 2021

We all have things we’d like to see happen in the New Year. Whether it’s an improvement to your health and well-being, a new career you’d like to pursue, or a bad habit you need to break, resolutions are sometimes...

Monday, December 20, 2021

The snow has begun to fall and it officially feels like winter. Your usual work routine may need some minor adjustments to ensure that you are productive and ready to tackle each day. Dress in layers The outdoors may be freezing, and...

Monday, December 13, 2021

You may know that your small business needs a written business plan—but how do you get started? What elements should your plan address, and do you need different plans for different audiences? Below we discuss a few of the key...

Monday, December 6, 2021

For some, it’s easy to put personal finances on the back burner during the last few months of the year. However, before the year comes to an end, it’s essential to review your finances. By doing so now, you can make the...

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

As Christmas sales loom, we face an endless array of sparkly, shiny and occasionally innovative items. As an investor, you run into a similar phenomenon that requires you to ask, “Are investment offerings truly innovative, or...