Wealth Management

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...

Economy Richard Clarida, vice chairman of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, spoke to an audience of bankers to discuss the current economy along with the group’s outlook. He described the economy as achieving both areas of the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate: price stability (stable inflation) and employment. The unemployment rate – which is currently near a 50-year low – is forecasted to fall further to 3.7% by year-end...

A financial crisis can be scary at any age, but this is especially true when you're in your 40s or 50s. Perhaps you're way behind on saving for retirement or have too much debt from unnecessary spending. Or maybe an unexpected challenge, such as a job loss, illness, or break from the workforce for caregiving responsibilities, took a direct hit on your finances. Regardless of how you got to this point, it's important to develop a strategy that will help you re-establish financial stability...

Another baseball season is upon us! Whether you’re a fan of the Red Sox, Twins, Rays or one of the other 27 major-league teams, you can likely get your baseball fix here in Southwest Florida. As it turns out, baseball and investing have a surprising number of things in common. From the structure of the game to its overall strategy, baseball can teach us all something about successful investing...

When planning for retirement, it's important to consider a wide variety of factors. One of the most important is health and its associated costs. Thinking about your future health and the rising cost of health care can help you better plan for retirement in terms of both your finances and overall well-being. This quiz can help you assess your current knowledge of health and health-care costs in retirement...

Economy US Consumer spending fell in the final quarter of 2018, weighed down by trade uncertainty and a prolonged government shutdown. The temporary lull in confidence is expected to impact retail sales estimates in the first quarter, forecast to increase 1 percent. Spending levels should improve over the second quarter, as retail sales growth is expected at 2 percent for 2019. Higher wages (+3...

Economy Following weak results from December’s U.S. manufacturing survey (which provided the sharpest monthly decline since 2008) on sharp reductions of new orders, manufacturing activity appears to have picked up in January. The survey index improved by 2...

Economy The labor market continues to show its strength, adding 312,000 jobs in December. In addition, prior figures for jobs added in October and November were revised higher (274,000 and 176,000, respectively). The unemployment rate increase (from 3.7 percent to 3...