Retirement income planning often centers around a key question: How much can I withdraw from my retirement portfolio? Striking the right balance is crucial: Excessive withdrawals can deplete the portfolio prematurely, while overly conservative withdrawals may result in a lower standard of living than desired. Our analysis revealed that this critical calculation is not one size fits all. Each retiree …
How much do elections impact the stock market and portfolio returns? Should they even matter to long-term investors? With November 5 approaching, these are key questions for investors. We analyzed over 90 years of data and found five ways elections influence the market: 1. Markets Trend Higher Regardless of Who Wins: Historically, which party is in power hasn’t significantly affected …
Welcome back to Cornerstone Conversations, where we provide insights into major discussion topics that we’re having with our clients and amongst our team. With the presidential election just one month away, we’re seeing a lot of concerns about its impact on the market. There’s a tremendous amount of speculation driven by emotion rather than logic. That’s why we feel it’s …
2024 has been full of highly anticipated events. We had the total solar eclipse in April, the Summer Olympics in July, and… (drum roll, please) interest rate cuts in September. While the latter may sound much less exciting, its impact on you is potentially more significant. By now, you’ve likely seen dozens of headlines regarding the Federal Reserve (Fed) making …
When it comes to saving for retirement, time can be one of your greatest allies. The sooner you begin, the longer your investments have to work for you. Getting started sometimes involves jumping over some mental hurdles. Point: Getting started in a retirement plan sounds like a difficult and complex process.Counterpoint: Actually, it’s never been easier to begin. You can …
One of the biggest challenges many people face when it comes to education is managing the financial burden. Fortunately, a 529 college savings plan can be a valuable tool. And these plans aren’t just for college anymore—now, they can also be used for K-12 tuition at private and religious schools. In addition, 529 funds can be applied to a wide …
Life is a continuous journey filled with significant milestones, personal growth, and unforeseen changes. As life progresses, your financial and insurance needs evolve, often shifting from year to year or decade to decade. Life insurance is a prime example of this. If you haven’t reviewed your life insurance policy recently, it might no longer align with your current circumstances. That’s …
In 2023, there were 22.7 million millionaires in the U.S. While an increase in wealth often brings greater financial flexibility, it can also lead to increased liability. Individuals with high net worth—or those perceived to have it—are at a higher risk of being sued. Personal injury claims, in particular, can result in substantial financial judgments. Umbrella liability insurance provides an …
We often hear about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, yet the challenges of resisting temptation or overcoming procrastination can make it difficult to prioritize health for its own sake. For some, understanding the financial benefits of a healthy lifestyle might provide that extra push needed to stay on track. Prioritizing your health doesn’t just make you feel better—it …
