Financial Planning
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The U.S. Economy is Very Strong (8/2/2018 analysis)
For the second quarter (Q2) of 2018, U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew by an annualized rate of 4.1%. This is an encouraging increase ... -
The U.S. Consumer Lifts Once-Maligned Retailers
Brian Cornell, age 60, Target CEO, asserts that we are in the best consumer environment that he has seen in his 35-year career. Target ... -
What is Relevant About the New Tax Law? Part 5: STATE & LOCAL TAXES, MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES
One of the biggest changes resulting from the new tax law signed in December 2017 is a severe limit imposed by the Republican-controlled Congress ... -
What is Relevant About the New Tax Law? Part 4: MORTGAGE INTEREST
New limits on mortgage interest deductions are included in the tax law signed by President Trump last December. For 2018, millions fewer taxpayers will ... -
The Art of Saying Nothing – 6/4/2018
Imagine if President Trump would have adopted a period of reflection and silence after he signed the tax cut bill in December. This is ... -
Technology and Small Caps Score Best Sectors for Q2 and 2018 (7/5/2018)
The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 reached the end of the second quarter well below their all-time highs from January 2018. ... -
What is Most Relevant About the New Tax Law? Part 3: EDUCATION – EXPANSION OF THE 529 PLAN
Since the creation under the Small Business Protection Act of 1996, 529 accounts have allowed savers to contribute after-tax dollars for the purpose of ... -
Keep Your Eye on Corporate Earnings, and Turn Off the TV – 4/3/2018
As fiduciary investment managers, we appreciate the market-friendly results from phase one of the Trump administration in regard to corporate deregulation and tax cuts. ... -
What Makes the Stock Market Wobble?: Rising Interest Rates and Trade Wars – 5/2/2018
The stock market wobbles when the Federal Reserve consistently raises interest rates. This is normal as businesses and consumers need time to adjust to ... -
What is Most Relevant About the New Tax Law? Part 2: ESTATE AND GIFT TAX
The estate and gift tax exemption in the federal tax code (Form 706) applies to an individual’s gifts made during life and to assets ...
