As with any major global conflict, we learn things. The pandemic taught the U.S. the importance of reshoring manufacturing jobs, so we aren’t beholden to other nations, like China, for many of our consumer goods, from medicines to electronics.1 One of the key lessons emerging from the Russia-Ukraine conflict is self-reliance for energy sources, such…
Retirement planning was historically a little easier. For instance, the average life expectancy in 1950 was 68 years old.1 If you retired at age 62, your retirement plan might need only six years of retirement income. Additionally, with the decline of defined benefit pension plans, only 14% of private industry employees receive a pension today.2 Since…
Written by Investment Advisor, Rick Rivera The word “fiduciary” has popped up a lot lately in commercials, in print ads, and in general conversation regarding financial advisors. But what exactly is a fiduciary — and how do you know you’re working with the right one for you? Definition of Fiduciary Investopedia defines a fiduciary as…
In recent months, Procter & Gamble has raised prices for its Tide, Gain, Downy and Bounce product portfolio. It recently announced that this spring, consumers also will start paying more for many of its personal health care brands. The company is hardly alone. Nestle, Danone, Unilever and other consumers goods giants say their prices will…
As America’s work environment continues to evolve, one thing that has become evident is that — in many cases — the work-from-home (WFH) model has proved to be effective and even cost-efficient. However, many companies with significant investments in their office buildings and campuses are not likely to want their employees to keep working from…
People have many different reasons for getting married or not getting married. But for some committed couples, it can come down to a few basic points. One of those is finances. If they hold very different opinions or have contradictory habits when it comes to spending money, finances can become a deal-breaker — much like…
Market volatility makes investors nervous. Logically, we know markets go both up and down, and reaping the rewards of investing comes with a degree of risk. That’s easy to remember in times of growth, but it’s much harder when market volatility arrives and we feel compelled to take action based on emotions, not logic. With…
Today, Americans live longer, which means we must address long-term care costs when considering retirement planning. In 1950, the life expectancy for men was 67 years, and 72 years for women.1 Today, according to the Social Security Administration, a 65-year-old person can expect to live an additional 19 to 21 years on average. What’s more, the…
Inflation was already on the rise before we learned about the omicron variant. Now on top of supply-chain shortages and transportation disruptions, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell recently observed that a resurgence of COVID-19 cases could reduce the consumer-driven boom we’ve enjoyed for the past few months. Safety concerns could result in more workers being…
Across the board, we’re seeing the capitalist principles of supply and demand both drive and curb U.S. economic activity. As more people have emerged from their hermit-like existence throughout the past year and a half, consumer spending is shifting from goods to services. For example, the services industry (e.g., restaurants, travel, hospitality) is on the…
An important economic driver for America — working consumers — is dwindling. For example, the Denver International Airport recently hosted a concessions job fair to fill around 1,000 openings at the airport for jobs at stores, restaurants, and other businesses. Only 100 people attended the fair.1 Money could be one issue. In Georgia, Kentucky,…
One of the silver linings coming from the pandemic is that when pet shelters had to close temporarily during lockdowns, a call went out for foster homes so animals would continue receiving the necessary attention. Many of those pets were so loved that they were adopted rather than returned to shelters. In other cases,…
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