How the Costs and Benefits of College Affect Financial Plans
For many households, college decisions are a cause for celebration. However, college also represents one of the largest expenses and sources of financial stress in our lives, on par with retirement or buying a home. These feelings are only worsened by the current market environment as investors adjust to high interest rates and a less certain path of Fed rate cuts, more stubborn inflation, and stock market volatility. Naturally, these...
Family Wealth Education: Preparing the Next Generation for Financial Responsibility
By Sharlee L. Cretors, MBA, CFP® Instilling financial literacy in your children early is important for multigenerational wealth management. Learn actionable strategies for success. Preserving and growing multigenerational wealth is a big responsibility. Parents have to ensure that they’re not only explaining money to their kids but also educating the next generation on personal, ethical, and financial values and what these responsibilities entail. In this overview, I’ll provide key considerations and actionable strategies...
Ensuring Your Health Care Wishes: Estate Planning Essentials
Creating advance directives, including a living will and a medical power of attorney, will ensure your healthcare preferences are followed later in life. Estate planning comprises several different areas, from estate taxes to legal documents to trusts and wills. However, one important area you can’t ignore is healthcare. You never know what the future will bring as far as medical needs and associated costs. Preparing now will make it easier for you...
How Oil Prices Impact Inflation, the Fed and Markets
The stock market has become increasingly jittery with the S&P 500 experiencing its first 5% pullback of the year. The possibility the Fed could delay its first rate cut, declines in technology and artificial intelligence stocks, and tensions in the Middle East have all contributed to the market swoon. In uncertain market environments such as these, investors should remember that short-term market declines are a natural part of investing. Rather...