Retirement: The Next Best Decade
When discussing getting older too often we hear things like “your best years are behind you”, or “with age comes aches and pains” and many other getting older catch phrases. As we step into the next decade, retirement is undergoing a transformative evolution. No longer confined to a static period of rest after a lifetime of work, the upcoming decade promises to redefine retirement as a dynamic phase filled with opportunities for growth, exploration, and fulfillment.
It’s Financial Literacy Month - Key Components for Financial Success
Financial literacy is the cornerstone of a secure and prosperous future. Understanding the fundamental principles of money management empowers individuals to make informed decisions, navigate economic challenges, and achieve their financial goals. At the heart of financial literacy are six essential components: earning, spending, saving and investing, borrowing, protecting, and financial education and planning.
The Economics of Happiness: Can Money Buy True Joy
Money is often touted as a means to achieve happiness, yet the relationship between wealth and well-being is far more complex than a simple cause-and-effect equation. While financial stability undoubtedly contributes to a sense of security and comfort, the pursuit of material wealth alone does not guarantee lasting happiness.
Choosing the Right Benchmark for Your Retirement Asset Investments
Investment planning for retirement is a complex process that requires careful financial decision-making. A crucial part of this process is assessing whether your retirement assets are on track to meet your future needs. To do this effectively, many individuals and financial advisors use benchmarks to compare their investments to an index. But what exactly is a benchmark, and how can you select one that suits your situation?
Giving Back on Valentine's Day: Charitable Ways to Spread Love
Valentine's Day often conjures images of romantic dinners, heartfelt gestures, and exchanging tokens of affection with a sweetheart. However, according to a 2023 article by the Pew Research Center, “The majority of single adults are not interested in being struck (or even grazed) by Cupid’s arrow” (5 facts about single Americans for Valentine’s Day | Pew Research Center). For those individuals who find themselves unattached on this day of love, there are many opportunities to embrace the holiday in a profoundly meaningful manner.
Navigating Retirement While Supporting Aging Parents
When envisioning our retirement lifestyle, our focus naturally gravitates towards indulging in the activities we cherish: leisure pursuits, travel, quality time with friends, volunteering, and gardening. Rarely does the responsibility of caring for a parent enter into this equation. Yet, for my wife and me, this aspect of life has become a significant part of our reality.
2024 Investment Outlook
Our investment framework, as you may recall, uses a four-quadrant approach and is based on the incremental rate of change in both GDP and inflation. Last year, our investment outlook predicted a strong probability of recession, which has not happened (yet). However, a recessionary environment still looks like the most probable outcome for the first quarter.
Navigating the New Year: Financial Strategies for Solo Households
As we step into the New Year, the dawn of fresh beginnings prompts reflection and resolution. For those steering the ship of a solo household, the journey into the unknown often comes with its unique set of challenges and responsibilities. Navigating through life without a partner or additional support requires careful financial planning to ensure stability and security.