Presidential Elections and Stock Markets
October 3, 2016  | By Kevin Smith

We naturally receive quite a few questions about investing with regards to the upcoming Presidential election, and as you might expect given the polarizing nature of the candidates, the concerns about potential market declines usually align with the political leanings…Read More

Interest Rate Decline on Federal Student Loans
July 25, 2016  | By Kevin Smith

New student loans issued by the federal government will cost students less. More info here

3 BIG Financial Considerations to Having Children
June 23, 2016  | By Kevin Smith

By:  Jonathan McQuade, CFP® Okay, okay.  Deciding to have children is not often based on the idea of a positive economic outcome for parents.  As the father of two young children, my colleagues like to remind me of the average…Read More

Taxes, Retirement, and Timing Social Security
August 31, 2015  | By Kevin Smith

The advantages of tax deferral are often emphasized when it comes to saving for retirement. So it might seem like a good idea to hold off on taking taxable distributions from retirement plans for as long as possible. (Note: Required…Read More

Six Life Insurance Mistakes to Avoid
August 31, 2015  | By Kevin Smith

Life insurance has long been recognized as a useful way to provide for your heirs and loved ones when you die. Naming your policy’s beneficiaries should be a relatively simple task. However, there are a number of situations that can…Read More

Correlation and Portfolio Performance
August 31, 2015  | By Kevin Smith

Different types of investments are subject to different types of risk. On days when you notice that stock prices have fallen, for example, it would not be unusual to see a rally in the bond market. Asset allocation refers to…Read More

The Cost of Credit
August 13, 2015  | By Kevin Smith

Sometimes you need to borrow money, especially to pay for a large purchase such as a home or a car. It’s easy to focus on your monthly loan payment, but to appreciate how much borrowing money might really cost, you…Read More

Five Ways to Manage Risk in Your Retirement Savings Plan
August 13, 2015  | By Kevin Smith

Your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan is a convenient way to help you accumulate money for retirement. Using payroll deductions, you invest for the future automatically, following that oft-noted advice to “pay yourself first.” But choosing to participate is just one…Read More

Financial Mistakes People Make at Different Ages
August 13, 2015  | By Kevin Smith

There’s a saying that with age comes wisdom, but this may not always be true in the financial world. As people move through different life stages, there are new opportunities–and potential pitfalls–around every corner. In your 20’s Living beyond your…Read More

Avoiding Probate: Is It Worth It?
April 21, 2015  | By Kevin Smith

When you die, your estate goes through a process that manages, settles, and distributes your property according to the terms of your will. This process is governed by state law and is called probate. Probate proceedings fall under the jurisdiction…Read More