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Seven Mistakes That Can BREAK Your Budget in Retirement
Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, but even savvy investors can stumble into financial pitfalls that could derail their carefully laid plans.
Read MoreExpenses Every Retiree Should Be Prepared For
As you approach retirement, the excitement of enjoying newfound freedom comes with the need for solid financial planning. Understanding and preparing for unexpected expenses is crucial to maintaining a comfortable…
Read MoreMarket Update – October 28th, 2024
Markets continued their positive trend last week as retail sales posted better than expected, increasing by 0.4% in September, though real retail sales showed a slight decline annually after adjusting for inflation.
Read MoreNavigating Your Retirement Journey: The 7-Step R.E.T.I.R.E. Process
Retirement is a milestone that offers the promise of new adventures and relaxation. However, to truly enjoy this phase of life, a well-structured financial strategy is essential. Sound Planning Group…
Read MoreMarket Update – October 21st, 2024
Markets continued their positive trend last week as retail sales posted better than expected, increasing by 0.4% in September, though real retail sales showed a slight decline annually after adjusting for inflation.
Read MoreMarket Update – October 14th, 2024
Stocks rallied last week on hopes of a soft landing and a strong start to the Q3 earnings season, with the S&P 500 closing above 5,800 for the first time.
Read MoreMarket Update – October 7th, 2024
Stocks ended the week slightly lower but still near all-time highs, as the September jobs report surprised markets with stronger-than-expected results. The unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in September and nonfarm payroll gains jumped to 254,000, both better than expectations.
Read MoreMarket Update – Sept 30th, 2024
During the last full week of September, equites saw gains, as softer-than-expected PCE inflation data signaled continued disinflation. The PCE Index showed annual headline inflation at 2.2% and core inflation at 2.7%, reflecting minimal monthly price increases of just 0.1% for both measures. Meanwhile, personal income and spending grew by 0.2% in August, and the personal savings rate held at 4.8%, indicating a fair balance of income, spending, and saving.
Read MoreMarket Update – Sept 23rd, 2024
Last week, stocks hit new all-time highs, driven by the Federal Reserve’s jumbo 50 basis point rate cut, the first in over four years, reducing the Federal Funds Rate to 4.75%–5%. Additionally, in the Fed’s quarterly Summary of Economic Projections, the central bank reflected a more aggressive trajectory for future cuts.
Read MoreManager’s Thoughts: The First Rate Cut
Wednesday’s FOMC meeting marked a pivotal moment as the Federal Reserve implemented its first rate cut in four years. This was not just any rate cut; it was a substantial reduction of 50 basis points, exceeding market expectations of a 25 bps cut, which had already been fully priced in.
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