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It may not sound enticing, but creating a will puts power in your hands.
 

According to the global analytics firm Gallup, only about 44% of Americans have created a will. This finding may not surprise you. After all, no one wants to be reminded of their mortality or dwell on what might happen upon their death, so writing a last will and testament is seldom prioritized on the to-do list of a Millennial or Gen Xer. What may surprise you, though, is the statistic cited by personal finance website The Balance: around 35% of Americans aged 65 and older lack wills.1,2

With more than 95% of American workers currently covered by Social Security, there are some things about this massive retirement program that you should probably know.

Volatility in the Market is Normal: Avoid the Emotional Rollercoaster

When it comes to long-term performance, there are “3 P’s” that investors must always remember:

No, this isn’t Joey Tribbiani (remember Friends?). 

[Note: We recently sent out a blast email to all of our clients who use email regarding the recent market volatility.  Please read it and let us know if you have any questions or would like to get together to discuss any changes to your circumstances.]

In November 2016 I listed some of the economic challenges that then President-Elect Donald J. Trump would need to address.  He had promised that GDP could reach 3% and a whole lot of other things.  So, how is he doing so far?  Here is a report card of sorts on what has, or has not, been accomplished economically.

 Look beyond this moment and stay focused on your long-term objectives.

Volatility will always be around on Wall Street, and as you invest for the long term, you must learn to tolerate it. Rocky moments, fortunately, are not the norm. 

A recent poll of pre-retirees suggests that truth risks being ignored.

Steady income or a lump sum? Last year, financial services firm TIAA asked working Americans: if you could choose between a lump sum of $500,000 or a monthly income of $2,700 at retirement, which choice would you make?1

Even with a thriving economy, many Americans continually struggle to save money.  While it’s certainly tempting to spend that extra cash, socking it away for the future in an IRA or investing in stocks makes much more sense.

Try out a few of these tips, and you may find yourself with extra money to put aside for college or retirement.

In a recent survey by JumpStart Coalition for Financial Literacy, only 26 percent of those between the ages of 13-21 said that they had been taught how to manage money. Yet, when they turn 18, kids are signing contracts for student loans, opening credit card accounts, and in many instances, living away from home with little financial guidance available.

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked financial questions.