Spotting Credit Trouble
American households carry an average revolving credit card balance of $7,876 from month to month.1 The wise use of credit is a critical skill in today’s world. Used unwisely, credit can rapidly turn from a useful tool to a crippling burden. There are a number of warning signs that you may be approaching credit problems: […]
Buying vs. Leasing a Car
Some people approach buying a car like they approach marriage, “’til death do us part.” Others prefer to keep their options open, trading in every few years for the latest make and model, the most cutting-edge technology, or the highest horsepower. Whichever describes you best, we all face a similar decision when it comes to […]
Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach? It may sound counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a good thing. Over time, the performance of different investments can shift a portfolio’s intent – and its […]
A Look at Diversification
Ancient Chinese merchants were said to have developed a unique way to manage their risk. They would divide their shipments among several different vessels. That way, if one ship were to sink or be attacked by pirates, the rest stood a good chance of getting through. Thus, the majority of the shipment could be saved. […]
The Business Cycle
What has upswings and downturns, troughs, peaks, and plateaus? Though such terms could easily describe a roller coaster ride, they are also commonly used to describe the business cycle. The business cycle – also known as the economic cycle – refers to fluctuations in economic activity over several months or years. Tracking the cycle helps […]
What is the Value of Your Business?
In the second quarter of 2021, more than 2,000 small businesses were sold. The median sale price was roughly $320,000, up 12% from the same time last year.1 As a business owner, ascertaining the value of your business is important for a variety of reasons, including business succession, estate tax estimates, or qualifying for a […]
Problems with Probate
Many of us hope to leave something behind for our loved ones when we pass away. But the probate process is complex. To understand how to better manage potential probate fees, let’s explore what probate is and how the process works. What Is Probate? Probate is the legal process that wraps up a person’s legal […]
Estate Management Checklist
Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children. Do you have healthcare documents in place? Healthcare documents spell out your wishes for health care if you become unable to […]
Tax & Estate Strategies for Married LGBTQ+ Couples
The 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision streamlined tax and estate strategizing for married LGBTQ+ couples. If you are filing a joint tax return for this year or are considering updating your estate strategy, here are some important things to remember. Keep in mind, this article is for informational purposes only and is not […]
Data Breach: Your Security To-Do List
According to recent statistics, data breaches have become common in today’s digital world. In fact, it is estimated that more than 111.7 million Americans have their personal information exposed to data breaches every year. Whether it’s a major retailer, a subscription service, or another online platform, the risk of a data breach is a reality […]