Wealth Management

Most of us know by now that getting regular exercise and eating our veggies is good for us. We may prefer swimming over running, or broccoli to brussels sprouts, but like our preferences for improving personal health, we also make choices for the types of businesses we support through our investing habits. When it comes to investing, incorporating environmental, social, and governance-focused investments may be healthy for you and your portfolio. Environmental, socially responsible and governance (ESG) investing has evolved over time, with socially responsible investing (SRI) laying the groundwork...

Golf and owning a business are a lot alike. It takes hard work and dedicated practice to succeed. Those who reach higher levels usually have a trusted team supporting them. Of course, golf and business can provide ample frustration too!..

Economy During the second quarter, global central banks shifted towards increased accommodation against rising geopolitical risks, prolonged trade disputes, slowing growth and below-target inflation. The Federal Reserve appears poised to cut the federal funds rate while the European Central Bank (ECB) has indicated a willingness to increase monetary stimulus. The potential for future rates cuts benefited fixed income assets as the market values of bonds carry an inverse relationship to the level with interest rates. Equity markets also rallied as central bankers signaled their collective intent to prolong the current economic expansion...

If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam artist who is trying to steal money or personal information, you're not alone. According to the Senate Special Committee on Aging, older Americans lose an estimated $2.9 billion annually to fraud and exploitation, a number that is probably substantially underreported.  Most scams start with a call, an email, a text, or an official-looking letter that appears to be from a government agency or a legitimate company...

Defensive investment strategies share a common goal — to help a portfolio better weather an economic downturn and/or bouts of market volatility. But there are some key differences, including the specific criteria by which particular stocks are selected. If you are nearing retirement or just have a more conservative risk tolerance, one of these defensive strategies may help you manage risk while maintaining a robust equity portfolio. Tilt toward value Growth and value are opposite investment styles that tend to perform differently under different market conditions...

Economy In the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book, which provides both national and regional economic updates, economic growth for the U.S. is described as moderately expanding with improving conditions since April. All regions reported employment growth, with strong demand for retail, business services, manufacturing and construction industries...

No matter how much money you have or which life stage you're in, becoming financially independent starts with a dream. Your dream might be to finally pay off the mountain of debt you've accumulated, or to stop relying on someone else for financial support. Or perhaps your dream is to retire early so you can spend more time with your family, travel the world, or open your own business. Financial independence, however you define it, is freedom from the financial obstacles that are keeping you from living life on your own terms...

Economy While the 3.2 percent growth rate captured in first quarter GDP surprised economic commentators, a closer look at the strengths from the report suggest the economy will cool from above-trend expansion to trend growth (approaching 2 percent) by the end of 2019. First quarter results were the best since 2015 as GDP growth benefitted from increased inventory levels (tend to normalize over time) and improvements in foreign trade (considered a more volatile component). Growth in final sales to domestic purchases emerged as a weakness from first quarter GDP falling to 1...

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 16.5 million people rely on contingent or alternative work arrangements for their income. Often referred to as the "gig economy," these nontraditional or contingent work arrangements include independent contractors, on-call and temp agency workers, and those who sign up for on-demand labor through smartphone apps. If you are a contingent worker, you need to pay close attention to your finances in order to make up for any gaps in earnings that may occur between jobs...

Many investors may be inclined to review their portfolios only when markets hit a rough patch, but careful planning is essential in all economic climates. So whether the markets are up or down, periodically reviewing your portfolio with your financial professional can be an excellent way to keep your investments on track, and midway through the year is a good time for a checkup. Here are three questions to consider. 1...