The cost of raising a child
Becoming a parent is an exciting and rewarding journey, and it also requires a lot of preparation and hard work. In addition to baby-proofing your home, reading up on parenting styles and stocking up on diapers, you want to ensure you’re financially prepared for parenthood as well. After all, it’s no secret that kids can […]
What do stock splits mean for options traders? An expert look at major moves in Google and Amazon
By now you’ve probably heard that two of the largest mega cap stocks — Amazon.com, Inc. (Symbol AMZN) and Alphabet Inc. (Symbols GOOGL and GOOG) — have announced potential stock splits, with both planning 20-to-1 splits to existing stocks. Plenty has been said about what splits mean for stockholders, but if you’re an options trader, […]
5 signs of a market bottom
The stock selloff of 2022 feels like it could go on forever. While it’s hard to call the bottom, one thing we do know is all stock market corrections and bear markets in history have eventually recovered. It can feel painful on the downside, especially when the “R” word is showing up more and more: […]
Keep Calm and Carry On (and Stop Obsessively Checking the Balance of Your Retirement Accounts)
Welcome to Money Moves. I’m digging into all things money — moves that can impact you, links and insights, and the one thing I can’t get off my mind. What Happened: If you’ve checked the balance of your 401(k) or IRA recently, it’s more than likely your retirement funds are looking a little light. It can be an […]
Understanding the Costs of Owning a Pet
It’s no secret that pets can bring happiness and joy to our lives. h=However, it’s important to understand the commitment they require physically, emotionally and financially. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the average annual cost of owning a pet can range from $1,000 to $1,400 (depending on […]
6 Ways to Cut Wedding Costs That No One Will Notice
For many your wedding day is something you have been dreaming about since you were a child, envisioning the perfect celebration with your dearest family and friends. You’ve probably dreamt of the dress, tux, flowers and table settings, but probably not the dollar signs that go with them. As you map out your wedding budget, […]
5 Hidden Travel Fees You Might Need to Budget For
You’ve set your out-of-office reply, packed your bags and even picked out a beach read. You’re ready for vacation. After careful planning and research, you’ve thought of everything. (Alternative plans for a rained-out pool day? Check.) But what about those hidden travel expenses? While you probably budgeted for plane tickets and a hotel, other costs […]
Bear Market Uncertainty
To say the market has been on a roller coaster ride over the past two months would be an understatement. The S&P 500 has moved up or down by one percentage point in 56% of days since the start of March. On a year-to-date basis, the index has declined by 13% through Thursday’s close, and […]
Rising Interest Rates: What You Need to Know
What do higher interest rates mean for you and your family? When it comes to money, consumers have experienced a lot of changes over the last two years from saving extra cash during the pandemic, to taking advantage of record-low mortgage rates, and experiencing rising prices at the gas pump. Now, as we home in […]
How Financial Advisors Can Help a Hands-on Investor
Self-directed investing puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to building a portfolio. You decide when to press on the gas or hit the brakes, so to say, when buying and/or selling securities. You also get to determine which asset allocation model works for you. Managing your own trades and investment decisions can […]
