The United States is a very large, land-mass country. Yet, it offers few options in terms of coast-to-coast mass public transit, particularly compared to other developed countries. Europe’s countries tend to be smaller and their cities more dense, making them more transit-friendly. Asian countries made enormous government investments in urban rail networks just as their…

Within the scope of an investment portfolio, the commonplace 401(k) may seem to be a simplistic account. But it’s not, especially when it comes to estate and legacy planning. The named beneficiary on the plan will inherit your 401(k) regardless of your will’s instructions. And from there, a spectrum of various choices emerge based on…

Here’s some food for thought regarding the aftermath of Watergate: “The great paradox of one of the worst presidential scandals of the 20th century was that it forced candidates to stop attacking each other and start persuading the nation that they could be trusted.”1 Wouldn’t it be nice if the 2020 elections followed this same…

One of the reasons investing never gets boring is because it is an ever-changing, never-sleeping industry that presents new opportunities — and new risks — every day. One of the most recent threats to the global business economy, and therefore investors, is the coronavirus and its far-reaching impact. China, home to much of the world’s…

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the amount of heat stored in the upper levels of the ocean reached an all-time high in 2019. This is a primary factor that contributes to the rise in sea levels. Furthermore, the world’s five warmest years have all occurred since 2015.1 On the heels of Davos…

After making a bunch of gloom-and-doom predictions about the markets in 2019, with fears of a pending recession, Wall Street money managers have a considerably more brightened outlook for 2020. Indeed, recent indicators have heightened expectations for U.S. economic growth this year. For example, the Conference Board is predicting a 2.1% rise in the gross…

Common sense would suggest older workers have a much easier time saving than young adults. They are more likely to have already purchased a home, put kids through college and, by that point, are putting more money away for retirement. A recent study by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies confirms this is true, but…

With people living longer and benefiting from the long-running bull market, there are more factors to consider in taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts. The traditional IRA, SEP IRA and 401(k) plans offer tax deductions on contributions and tax-deferred growth on earnings during the accumulation phase, but eventually the government wants you to…

Recently, President Trump bemoaned the inconveniences of low-flow toilets, showers, dishwashers and energy-efficient lightbulbs – all implemented in the wake of government regulation aimed toward conservation efforts.1 One issue in the political divide between parties is disagreement about the role of government in the economy. When Congress passes legislation or the administration’s Cabinet departments impose…

The U.S. has enjoyed 10 years of a booming stock market and a growing economy. It’s too early to tell how 2020 will look, but there are some signs that it doesn’t look quite as promising. Between warnings of a possible economic pullback and a contentious presidential election year, investors may want to consider financial…

According to Merrill, four of the most common risks to your retirement strategy are:1 A significant market drop shortly before or early in your retirement Inflation reducing your spending power over time Unexpected medical and/or long-term care expenses Outliving your assets If you are nearing retirement, it might be time to review your current financial…

As we enter a new year, it’s time to start thinking about smart tax moves to help minimize what you’ll owe Uncle Sam on April 15, 2020. Given the fact that the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act went into effect only last year, taxpayers are still learning the ins, outs and potential undiscovered advantages…