Blog
We will use this area to keep clients and friends up to date with changes and events that they should be aware of. We will also post Newsletters and other information. Check back regularly for updates.
Thank you.
1.02 Billion Reasons to Be Prepared
What would you do with a windfall? It’s a question I’ve read or heard a lot lately. Considering the Mega Millions jackpot has now grown to $1.02 billion, it’s safe to say most of us have thought about what it would be...
Read MoreEuro/Dollar Parity & Summer Travel
Summer travel is picking up this year. If you’re headed to Europe, you may notice that you get more bang for your buck.Why is that?For the first time in almost 20 years, the U.S. dollar and the euro have reached parity. Souvenirs...
Read MoreHow SECURE 2.0 Might Change Retirement
The SECURE Act of 2019 represented the biggest update to retirement law in over a decade. Now, Congress is deliberating on what “SECURE 2.0” legislation might entail.In March, the House passed the Securing a Strong...
Read MoreMaking a Plan to Reduce Debt
There are certain financial areas in your 40s that can help set the groundwork for a successful financial future.Your financial tip for today: Cut your debtIf you have credit cards, student loans, or medical bills, create a plan...
Read More3 Tips for the Second Half of 2022
With half the year behind us, now is a great time to consider what the remainder of 2022 may hold. However, with inflation and economic uncertainty causing many of us to delay or cancel vacations, large purchases, and more, it can be...
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Out of Office Update - Vacation
The Branch Office (Stuart & Karen), will be closed from Thursday July 14th until Monday July 25th for vacation.We will have access to voicemail and email during the period, so if you need out attention during this time leave a message...
Read MoreHow to Keep Your Identity Safe
In case you didn’t know, June is National Internet Safety Month. With nearly 4 billion people on social media worldwide, plus the risks of using online brokerage and bank accounts, the need for digital security has never been...
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Happy Independence Day!
Take pride in celebrating this great country.
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Take Control of Your Finances
Feel like your finances have more control over you than you have over them? Or like you're in a financial hole and just keep sinking? There are ways to take back control of your spending and regain control of your finances.Explore...
Read MoreHoliday Closure
Cetera, the financial markets and our office will be closed on Monday July 4th in observation of Independence Day. We hope our clients, friends and family have a safe and enjoyble holiday weekend.
Read MoreLiving Longer Means More Income Needs
On average, women in the U.S. live longer than their male counterparts, making outliving their income in retirement a very real possibility for many.According to a 2019 study from T. Rowe Price measuring gender and retirement:43% of...
Read MoreDo You Know Your Investment Professional?
Do you know the name of the professional handling your investment? When was the last time you got a call or email from them? Has your investment been assigned to someone you’ve never even heard of – a total stranger who...
Read MoreHow can a financial professional help you?
People often view financial guidance as investment guidance. However, there’s a big difference between simply managing your investment portfolio and taking a holistic approach to coordinating your entire financial picture.Only a...
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Happy Father's Day!
No matter how big the feet get or how tall they grow, they’ll always look up to Dad!Wishing you a relaxing day celebrating YOU. Have a wonderful Father’s Day!
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Make Your Retirement Savings Last Longer
How to Help Make Your Savings LastThrough RetirementIf you're living in or heading into retirement and have built up a comfortable nest egg, you're probably no stranger to disciplined budgeting. But budgeting in retirement might be...
Read MoreRisk of Fed Policy Error Increases
In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses the Federal Reserve hiking interest rates by 0.75% for the first time since 1994 and they explain the ramifications. The Fed is focused on slowing...
Read MoreCare for a COLA with Your Social Security?
As you might have heard, people are talking about a big bump in Social Security benefits next year.The Senior Citizens League says payments could rise by as much as 8.6 percent in 2023, compared to an increase of 5.9 percent in 2022....
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Questions to Ask When Choosing an Advisor
Let these questions help you find your next financial advisor.Having conversations about your finances and financial future can be a very personal topic. Find an advisor you can trust, who will provide sound advice and they have the...
Read MoreA Handy Estate Planning Checklist
As you travel on the journey of life, you’ll inevitably build up an estate that one day your loved ones will inherit. These details are all handled in your estate plan. An estate plan acts like a roadmap for your heirs by...
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Pay Off Your Credit Cards
You understand the importance of paying off credit card debt, but you also know you need to save for retirement. While you should focus on both, paying off debt is critical to your financial independence. There are several strategies...
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Keeping Your Estate Plan Updated
Keep Your Estate Plan In OrderIs your estate plan still up to date? There's no time like the present to revisit your latest draft.Even if you're retired and have created a plan for your estate and assets, it’s still a good idea...
Read MoreWhen bears are loud, consider this
Some gloomy headlines are coming out of Wall Street lately. Have you noticed?In recent days, I’ve read things like “Brace yourself for economic hurricanes” and “Wall Street investor survey paints a dire outlook...
Read MoreThe Surprising Growth Potential of Education
To help your ongoing efforts to grow your business, I wanted to share the latest thought leadership from Cetera, Connect, Teach, Grow: The Hidden Business Potential of Financial Education, about a new opportunity that may surprise you...
Read MoreEstate Planning: Tough Conversations, Tough Decisions
Creating an estate plan is an essential component of your financial life, but one that can lead to uncomfortable conversations. For one, it forces us to discuss that none of us will live forever. And, it may reveal details about your...
Read MoreIRA Rollovers for Terminated Employees
Have you been let go at work? What happens to the money you have saved in your employee retirement plan?If you have been terminated by your employer, you have 4 choices when it comes to your retirement plan money:Cash it out (and lose...
Read MoreHelp Clients Get Unstuck
With so many compelling reasons to invest in technology and an ever-expanding landscape of digital tools available—not to mention global circumstances pushing us to adopt them quickly—now is the time to go digital.Change...
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Happy Pride Month!
Pride Month is here! All month long, people across the country are planning parades, events, and other community gatherings to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.For this entire month, we honor our collective rights to live freely, love...
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Are You Protecting Your Property Investments at the Minimal Standard
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Wishing you a Joyous Kwanzaa!
Learning, family, and celebration. Kwanzaa is here and that means it's time to connect with your loved ones and community, and to celebrate your African and African American culture.May all the Kwanzaa blessings be shared around your...
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Happy Holidays!
May you never outgrow the magic of the season.Happy Holidays!
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What Does Medicare Cover?
COULD MEDICARE COVER YOUR HEALTHCARE COSTS Medicare is a complicated topic. It can be difficult to understand how it works and what it covers. We'll lay out what Medicare covers and hopefully take the confusion out of Medicare so you...
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Powell News Kicks Off Volatile Season?
The holiday season is often a quiet, positive time for the financial markets. The phrase “Santa Claus Rally” was coined in the early 1970s to reflect the stock market’s upward bias during the November-January stretch...
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Wishing You A Very Happy Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a season of light. It’s time to gather together with family and friends, and celebrate the many blessings that we’ve had over the past year. During the darkest time of the year, we bring light into our homes as...
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Is Inflation Peaking?
You see it in prices at the grocery store and the gas station. You feel it in your monthly budget. So why don’t the financial markets seem too concerned about inflation?Remember, financial markets are considered...
Read MoreOffice Closure - Thanksgiving
Our office will be closed on Thursday & Friday November 25th & 26th for the Thanksgiving Holiday. We hope our clients, friends and their families have a safe and enjoyable holiday. We will be checking email and voicemail during the period.
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Biden Signs Infrastructure Bill
At the White House on Monday, President Biden signed a $1T bipartisan infrastructure bill set to enable enhancements for transportation and utilities over the next five years.1For each of those five years, $550 billion will be...
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When Bad News Is Good News
Financial markets can be challenging to understand. But when markets enter a “bad news is good news” cycle, it becomes even more difficult to follow along.At its November meeting, the Fed outlined its plan to taper monthly...
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Thank You Veterans!
Thank you to all who dedicated themselves to serve our country. May we always remember and be grateful!
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Time to Fall Back
The leaves are falling, the weather is getting colder, and the sun is setting earlier. Sure enough, Daylight Saving Time is about to end for the year. I just thought I would remind you.DST ends this year at exactly 2:00 am on the...
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Tax Changes: What's In, What's Out?
While it’s still too early to draw any final conclusions, Congress is getting closer to outlining what tax law changes are under consideration to pay for the proposed $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Plan.1For now, it appears...
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Leave Your Loved Ones With A Plan
ARE YOU LEAVING YOUR LOVED ONESWITH A PLAN? Creating a will may seem like something that isn't needed until you are further into retirement. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. Your spouse and children could face...
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Why You Should Know The IRA 60-Day Rollover Rule
AND LEARN HOW THEY CAN IMPACT YOU If you have a retirement account set up and you're making regular contributions, that's great! There may come a time when you need to move these retirement savings from one account to another, and...
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Changing Your Beneficiaries
CHANGE YOUR BENEFICIARIES Even after your estate planning is complete, it's important to keep your beneficiaries updated and change them as necessary. Updating your beneficiaries listed throughout your estate plan can help ensure no...
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Happy Halloween!
That spooky-yet-sweet time of year is coming – Halloween! Whether the costumes you or your kids wear are homemade or store-bought, whether the pumpkins by your home are hard-carved or plastic, whether you trick-or-treat in the...
Read MoreWhat’s a Power of Attorney?
One of the more awkward estate planning topics—but also one of the most important—involves powers of attorney.At some point before our deaths, many of us will become physically and mentally unable to manage our own affairs...
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Estate Taxes May Be Amended Soon
To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes.One of the proposals would reduce the estate tax exemption to...
Read MoreBridging the Earning Gap
Did you know that women reach their peak earnings at age 44—a full 11 years before men?1 There are a variety of reasons for this gap—including trends for specific career fields, the choice to start a family, and...
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Social Security Benefits May Be Cut By 2034
The economic impact of COVID-19 has been felt from coast to coast. And, unfortunately for many pre-retirees, it could potentially impact Social Security benefits as well.A new report indicates that if Congress doesn’t take...
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Gridlock in the Supply Chain
While the world has begun to recover from the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the delayed reaction has been felt in the supply chain. Industrial shutdowns around the world slowed production to a relative crawl, leaving...
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Slower U.S. mail standards take effect
The United States Postal Service has revised their 1-3 day first-class mail delivery window to 1-5 days. Important correspondence such as invoices may arrive later than usual.This change at the USPS will in no way impact the high...
Read MoreManaging Your Finances in Your 50s
Turning 50 is a milestone for many reasons. You’re likely in your peak earning years and no longer have kids at home. You’re paying down debt, and your wealth is higher than it was a decade earlier.Changing circumstances...
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How Much is Too Much to Give Away?
Are Your Financial Gifts Costing You? Know the financial gift limits to avoid unnecessary taxes. You might have heard about financial gift limitations and wondered if that’s something that applies to the financial gifts you give...
Read MoreManaging Your Finances in Your 40s
Most people would argue that your 40s are one of the best times in your life. You’ve hit your stride—from your personal life to your career—and have learned how to juggle boardroom meetings and soccer practice. From...
Read MoreWhat Medicare Covers—and What It Doesn’t
Turning 65 means you’re now eligible to receive Medicare benefits. But sorting through the Medicare alphabet can be challenging. How do you get started and what do you need to know before you enroll? The first step is to visit...
Read MoreEstate Planning: Tough Conversations, Tough Decisions
Creating an estate plan is an essential component of your financial life, but one that can lead to uncomfortable conversations. For one, it forces us to discuss that none of us will live forever. And, it may reveal details about your...
Read MoreKeeping Cash on the Sidelines
In today’s low interest rate environment, it rarely pays to keep extra cash on the sidelines, outside of household spending and emergency funds. With interest rates on debt at two to three times higher than the average bank...
Read MoreLiving Longer Means More Income Needs
On average, women in the U.S. live longer than their male counterparts, making outliving their income in retirement a very real possibility for many.According to a 2019 study from T. Rowe Price measuring gender and retirement:43% of...
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Why Estate Planning Is Important Today
Plan for tomorrow, today.That seems like sensible advice, doesn't it? Yet a surprising number of people leave no estate plan in place for their survivors. It makes a certain amount of sense. Nobody likes talking about death. But this...
Read MoreMaking a Plan to Reduce Debt
There are certain financial areas in your 40s that can help set the groundwork for a successful financial future.Your financial tip for today: Cut your debtIf you have credit cards, student loans, or medical bills, create a plan...
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Long-Term Care
ARE YOU READY TO PAY FOR LONG-TERM CARE? At some point in their lives, most people will need some long-term care whether that's at an assisted living community or at-home medical care. When preparing for this future, it can be hard to...
Read MoreCustom Retirement Strategies Can Build Income
Retirement strategies are a mystery to many. It’s no surprise that many small-business owners have a difficult time finding a retirement strategy that perfectly fits their needs and doesn’t leave them asking, “Is...
Read MoreKeep More of What You Make
It’s your business. Shouldn’t it be your profit?There’s no doubt you work hard to do right by your clients. But does your payout truly reflect all that you do for them and the work you put into your business?The...
Read MoreDo You Know Your Investment Professional?
Do you know the name of the professional handling your investment? When was the last time you got a call or email from them? Has your investment been assigned to someone you’ve never even heard of – a total stranger who...
Read MoreProtect Your Data from Security Breaches
Last month, Apple sent out a notice urging some of its users to update their operating systems.* The reason? A vulnerability had been discovered that hackers could use to gain access to users’ computers and other products. If...
Read MoreIs it time for a change?
Are you happy with your current financial professional?Have they met with you to discuss how recent market fluctuations could affect your financial plans? When was the last time the two of you sat down to really discuss...
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Questions to Ask When Choosing an Advisor
Let these questions help you find your next financial advisor. Having conversations about your finances and financial future can be a very personal topic. Find an advisor you can trust, who will provide sound advice and they have the...
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Financial Changes Caused By Divorce
Divorce could affect more than you expect. No matter how you look at it, divorce is a difficult and turbulent time. Ending a marriage can strain relationships, emotions, friendships and finances. It also involves some tough decisions...
Read MoreIRA Rollovers for Terminated Employees
Have you been let go at work? What happens to the money you have saved in your employee retirement plan?If you have been terminated by your employer, you have 4 choices when it comes to your retirement plan money:Cash it out (and lose...
Read More
Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
5 WAYS TO DEFEND AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT You've probably heard about identity theft, but you may not know what it is or how to protect against it.First, let's talk about what identity theft is. Identity theft occurs when someone steals...
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The Underutilized Benefits of a Health Savings Account
Healthcare can be one of the priciest yet essential parts of life’s journey. And yet, many struggle to utilize the financial tools that may help. Take Health Saving Accounts (HSAs), for example.In 2019, 55% of those with HSAs...
Read MoreA Handy Estate Planning Checklist
As you travel on the journey of life, you’ll inevitably build up an estate that one day your loved ones will inherit. These details are all handled in your estate plan. An estate plan acts like a roadmap for your heirs by...
Read MoreFull Social Security Benefits at Age 66
At age 66, you qualify for full Social Security benefits—but not necessarily your maximum benefit. If haven’t already begun receiving Social Security benefits, it’s important to understand why it may be advantageous...
Read MoreConcerned You’ll Outlive Your Money?
Americans are living longer than ever and that, of course, means they need more and more retirement savings. According to the CDC, we’re living to age 78.6 on average.1 That’s a lot of candles on the cake.Using...
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Are Your Streaming Services Keeping You from Saving?
Are Streaming Services Keeping You From Retiring? We all love our streaming services. It might have started with just one, but as more are created, and you add shows to your must-see list, you shell out more and more each month to...
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Retire Wise | September 2021
How Technology Is Making It Easier and More Cost Effective for Retirees to Age in PlaceAccording to a recent national survey, 90% of adults, age 50 or older, say they want to remain in their current homes as they age. The survey also...
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Understand These Essential Financial Terms
8 Financial Terms You Need to Know As you start out in life, your finances can seem overwhelming. How can you start saving money? Taking out loans? Financing a house? Before you can set attainable goals for yourself, you have to have...
Read MoreHow to Calculate Your Required Minimum Distribution
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are an important part of retirement. Calculating them across one or multiple retirement accounts can be complicated and, if not done properly, can result in tax penalties.Here’s what you...
Read MoreAre You Running Your Business on Your Terms?
Having the business you want to work at beats working at wanting the business you have. Why keep feeling like you’ve been pigeonholed into someone else’s solutions?There’s no “one way” to be independent,...
Read MoreBeing Financially Independent
For many women like you, being financially secure is an important goal, whether you’re married, single, working, or staying home with children. This financial independence can give you a certain level of empowerment and...
Read MoreDo you check any of these boxes?
Chances are you or someone in your circle has faced a life-changing event as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are reaching out for financial guidance. Do you have any financial questions or concerns to address at this time? The...
Read MoreEasing into Retirement
There’s good news for the growing number of Americans approaching retirement age who are ready to scale back, but aren’t ready to completely stop working: Work-from-home jobs give you more options than ever before, whether...
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Is a Will or Trust Right for you?
LEARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WILLS AND TRUST You may not know the difference between a will and a trust. As you're estate planning, you should know your options and the proper tools to achieve your asset distribution goals....
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Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
5 WAYS TO DEFEND AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT You've probably heard about identity theft, but you may not know what it is or how to protect against it.First, let's talk about what identity theft is. Identity theft occurs when someone steals...
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Now open: our new online home!
Now open: our new online home! Exciting news: we have a beautiful new website! We’d love for you to come take a look. We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new website. We created our site to improve the level of...
Read MoreUse a vacation to “practice” for retirement
Are you planning your annual summer getaway to the beach or the mountains? A stay-cation at home, perhaps? Wherever you land, consider using this year’s holiday to try retirement on for size. We’ll admit we discovered the...
Read MoreOffice Closure - Memorial Weekend
Our offices and the markets will be closed on Monday May 28th for Memorial Day. We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday with their friends and families.
Read MoreOffice Closure - Good Friday
Our offices and the markets will be closed on Friday March 30th 2018 for Good Friday. We hope you have a great one. We will be checking email and voicemail during that time.
Read MoreDon’t put all your eggs in one basket!
We’ll give the Easter Bunny a pass, but it’s generally not a good idea to put all your resources into one place. Or, for that matter, plan your retirement with emphasis on one activity or “bucket list” goal only...
Read MoreOffice Closure
Our offices and the markets will be closed on Monday February 19th 2018 in observance of Presidents Day. We hope you have a great one. We will be checking email and voicemail during that time.
Read MoreGet your head out of the sand before you plan!
We love sand. Especially on a sunny beach this time of year. Soft, warm and fun to build things with, sand is comforting, fluffy and, the occasional dead jellyfish notwithstanding, lovely to look at. Except when your head is up to its...
Read MoreOffice Closure
Our offices and the markets will be closed on Monday January 15th 2018 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr, Day. We will be checking email and voicemail during that time.
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Get enthusiastic about your 2018 retirement!
There are tons of tips for preparing financially for retirement released in the press this time of year. But, after you’ve crossed all the i’s and t’s, it’s your level of preparednessand enthusiasm in four...
Read MoreHolidays - Office Closure
Our office will close on Friday December 22nd at 5 pm and re-open on Tuesday January 2nd at 9 am for the holiday period. We will be checking email and voicemail during the period. We hope our clients and friends have a happy and safe...
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Give yourself the gift of a well-planned retirement
Call us greedy, but we’ve never thought Santa’s list should be limited to the kids. After all, children have such short attention spans. They may spend an hour on Christmas morning fawning over new toy cars, dolls and candy...
Read MoreHealth Benefits of Having, Being Grandparents
U.S. News looks at the health benefits of having, and being, grandparents: Link
Read More10 Spare-Time Small Businesses
Entrepreneur lists 10 spare-time small businesses that could bring more money home for millennials Link
Read MoreRetirement Planning Crisis May Be Overblown
This Forbes article argues that the retirement planning crisis we read so much about may be overblown: https://h.ptsm.us/18GbDw
Read More10 Good Financial Life Lessons to Teach Your Kids
An article @ USA TODAY notes 10 good financial life lessons to teach your kids: Link
Read More10 Good Financial Life Lessons to Teach Your Kids
An article @ USA TODAY notes 10 good financial life lessons to teach your kids: Link
Read More4 Myths That Can Hinder Small Business Success
A post at Due.com identifies 4 myths that can hinder small business success: Link
Read MoreSightline | Economic Impacts of Hurricane Harvey
Cetera Investment Management has just released a new market commentary titled Economic Impacts of Hurricane Harvey. While our thoughts go out to the victims, family, friends and colleagues in the path of Hurricane Harvey, this...
Read MoreCPA Support Program
As a CPA with a successful practice, you have worked hard to establish yourself as a trusted advisor, particularly in this turbulent financial environment. Because you have built solid, long-standing relationships, clients may feel...
Read MoreShould Kids Be Teens Before They Get a Smartphone?
Should your kids be teens before they get a smartphone? TODAY spotlights the Wait Until 8th movement Link
Read MoreWeekly Vantage Point
Includes a broad overview of the week's economic and world updates with direct market insight with a market table, weekly economic calendar, points of view and words of wisdom. Link
Read MoreFastest-Growing World Travel Destinations
What are the fastest-growing world travel destinations? CNN takes a look: https://h.ptsm.us/3ym2f9
Read MoreAre You a Business Owner or an Entrepreneur?
Are you a business owner or an entrepreneur? Entrepreneur says the difference is all about mindset: https://h.ptsm.us/1cGCR2
Read MoreWhy More Women Are Taking Second Jobs
CNN Money looks at why women are taking second jobs more frequently than men: https://h.ptsm.us/3W3pEF
Read MoreDorm Insurance for Your College Student?
You might want dorm insurance for the college student in your family. Consumer Reports explains why: https://h.ptsm.us/1QkSK
Read MoreMost Beautiful Train Trip in U.S. Costs Just $97
The most beautiful train trip in the U.S. costs just $97. Travel and Leisure spotlights it @ https://h.ptsm.us/1DbGWa
Read MoreApps that help achieve goals
APPS THAT HELP ACHIEVE GOALS The gap between setting goals and achieving them can be difficult to bridge. To enhance the chances of achieving personal goals, reminders and motivation are essential; making a New Year’s resolution...
Read MoreOffice Closure - Holiday
Our office and the markets will be closed on Monday May 29th 2017 in observance of Memorial Day. We hope our clients and friends have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend and a terrific summer.
Read MoreOffice Closure
Our offices will be closed on Monday February 20th for Presidents Day. We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.
Read MoreOffice Closure - Thanksgiving
The office will be closed on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th November for Thanksgiving. We will be checking email and voicemail during the period. We hope our friends and clients have a safe and enjoyable holiday period.
Read MoreOffice Closure - Labor Day
Our offices will be closed on Monday September 5th. We hope our clients, friends and their families have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.
Read MoreOffice Closure
The office will be closed on Friday March 25th in observance of Good Friday. The NYSE is also closed on this day.
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Office Closure
The office will be closed on Monday January 18th in observance of Martin Luther King day. The NYSE is also closed on this day.
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Recruiting - Join Us
We are currently expanding and looking for accomplished professionals who are resolved to achieve their vision of success. We are looking for advisors in the Delaware and Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania surrounding areas. We are...
Read MoreClient Reminder - Free Credit Report
Have you requested your truly free credit report? You can download or view it at Free Credit Report.Tip: Don't view all three reports at one time, wait a few months hen view the next one, that way you are reviewing your credit report...
Read MoreNow Recruiting
We are currently expanding and looking for accomplished professionals who are resolved to achieve their vision of success.Are you looking for a new career? Are you a successful sales professional who may have been downsized and is...
Read MorePlanning for a 30 Year Retirement
Planning for a 30 Year Retirement
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