Asset Management Current events Investing

Stock Market Performance by President (in Charts)

As the next U.S. presidential election nears, investors may be wondering what the implications are for their investments. How will the stock market react if the incumbent (President Trump) wins? What will markets do if the current Republican administration is replaced by a Democratic one? How does the stock market…

Kristin McKennaAugust 12, 2020

Early Retirement Forbes

Is 55 Too Early To Retire? What You Need To Retire Early

Having the option to take an early retirement is a really nice thing to have. But is 55 too early to retire? If you want to retire early, you'll need a solid plan, masterful control over your expenses, and savings outside of retirement accounts. Here's how you'll know if 55…

Kristin McKennaJuly 27, 2020

Current events Investing During a Crisis Video

What’s Going on in the Stock Market and the Economy in 5 Charts

What's happening in the stock market today? Is the recession over? Here are 5 charts to help explain what's going on in the stock market and the economy these days. (more…)

Kristin McKennaJuly 21, 2020

Early Retirement Retirement Planning Updated for 2020

Should You Take an Early Retirement Package? What to Look for in a Buyout Offer

Deciding whether or not to take the offer of a voluntary early retirement package or buyout from an employer is a big decision. Taking an early retirement, perhaps at 55 or 60 years old, can have a lasting impact on your finances, even when it's the right choice. If you've…

Kristin McKennaJuly 20, 2020

401(k) Plans 403(b) Plans Asset Management Diversification Forbes Investing Retirement Planning

Are Target-Date Funds A Good Choice For Your 401(k)?

Nearly every retirement plan offers target-date funds as investment options. But are target-date funds a good choice? The age-based method of setting your asset allocation makes sense in some cases, but investors can also stay in a target-date fund too long. Put another way, if your financial situation has evolved…

Kristin McKennaJuly 13, 2020

Budgeting Building Wealth Cash Management Forbes Prioritizing financial goals

The True Cost of Lifestyle Inflation

Lifestyle inflation happens when your expenses increase along with your income. As earnings increase, it’s natural to want to buy a better car or take another vacation. After all, it seems feasible. But if your savings rate isn’t at least keeping up with your rising expenses, you could end up…

Kristin McKennaJune 30, 2020

Brokerage Account Tax planning Updated for 2020

What You Need to Know About Capital Gains Tax

What is a capital gains tax? When you sell an asset like a stock or a home, your gain could be taxable. The tax rate will depend on several factors, such as your holding period, type of asset, and your taxable income for the year. Depending on your income, it's…

Kristin McKennaJune 29, 2020

ISOs NQSOs Stock options Tax planning Updated for 2020

How Are Stock Options Taxed?

How are stock options taxed? If you have stock options or equity-based compensation as a large part of your income, the tax treatment of your stock options is especially important. How stock options are taxed depends on the type of options you have (incentive or non-qualified) and your sale and…

Kristin McKennaJune 24, 2020

Asset Management Cash Management Forbes Investing Investing During a Crisis

Is Dollar-Cost Averaging in Volatile Markets Better than Investing a Lump Sum?

How should investors navigate wild swings in the stock market? Investing is never easy, especially during one of the most volatile years in the stock market’s history. Whether you have extra cash sitting on the sidelines or are second-guessing your investment strategy, it’s easy to let hindsight bias or a…

Kristin McKennaJune 23, 2020