The August market action is a continuation of the primary trend we have seen this year. The market remains fixated on the Fed’s next move, including how high the Fed will raise interest rates and whether it will cut interest rates in 2024.

In August, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.6%, following a 0.2% rise in July (Figure 1 ). It was the biggest monthly increase in 14 months, with the recent surge in gasoline prices accounting for more than half of the rise. Excluding food and energy, the index rose 0.3%, compared to 0.2% in July.

The August market action is a continuation of the primary trend we have seen this year. The market remains fixated on the Fed’s next move, including how high the Fed will raise interest rates and whether it will cut interest rates in 2024.

The U.S. consumer plays an important role in the economy, accounting for almost two-thirds of U.S. GDP. However, consumer spending has steadily trended lower since July 2022, with the Johnson Redbook Index experiencing a relatively rare year-over-year decline in July 2023.

The S&P 500 extended its winning streak to five months in July, bringing its year-to-date total return to 20.5%. The S&P 500 has now recovered most of its losses from 2022 and is currently trading less than 5% below its all-time closing high set in January 2022.

Investors can earn income in one of two primary ways – dividends paid on stocks or interest paid on bonds. As of July 11th, only 51 companies in the S&P 500 paid a dividend yield above the yield on a 5-year Treasury bond.

A year can make a big difference. One year ago, the market was trying to catch its breath after a chaotic start to 2022. We review the second quarter, recap the strong start to 2023, and discuss our outlook for the second half of the year.

As you change jobs or prepare to retire, you must determine what to do with the funds in your employer-sponsored retirement plan account. Since this money plays a significant role in ensuring that your retirement years are comfortable, it is important to understand your options.

When you retire, taking care of your 401(k) may be the most critical issue. The decisions you make regarding the earnings of your 401(k) plan can significantly impact your financial security for the rest of your life.

Over the last two decades, there has been an explosion of supportive housing choices. Your options are no longer restricted to living at home or relocating to a nursing facility; today, assisted living facilities and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) are alternatives to nursing homes. 

It is critical for anyone entering the distribution phase of retirement investing to have a good distribution strategy in place. When you reach the age of 73, you must begin withdrawing cash from conventional IRAs and eligible plans such as 401(k)s.

You may be pleased to find that you can finally afford to stop working after years of saving and planning for retirement. Proper planning in the months leading up to retirement can assist you in making the transition from employee to retiree as painless as possible.

Rent vs. buy – it is a big question with significant financial implications. This month’s chart, which tracks year-over-year growth of monthly rent and mortgage payments since the early 1980s, compares the cost of renting vs. buying a home.

Caring for a disabled, chronically ill family member or an older adult is rarely straightforward. Many caregivers experience stress as a result of juggling employment and caring commitments. But there are strategies to manage stress and prevent it from becoming overwhelming.

Medicare is a complex insurance program that beneficiaries and professionals may find difficult to manage. This Medicare guide provides an overview of essential Medicare basics and actions you may take to ensure you receive the benefits to which you are entitled.

Most of us will encounter older relatives and family members who require more care at some point in their lives. Taking the necessary actions as soon as possible to protect their financial condition and locate relevant health and domestic services may allow them to stay home and get adequate care.

In 2023, an estimated 6.7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s disease, with that number expected to nearly triple by 2060. Learn about the illness's symptoms, what to do if someone you care about has it, and what to expect as the disease proceeds through its natural stages. 

A thoughtfully developed estate plan is one of the best benefactions that you can offer your loved ones. Making sure that your survivors have a plan that specifies where your essential documents are maintained will also make it simpler for them to carry out your desires.

Because it is such an emotional moment when a loved one passes away, the things that need to be handled by the survivors may be highly burdensome. This checklist is meant to serve as a reminder of some of the items that need to be handled before and after the event.

As part of your retirement planning process, properly designating beneficiaries can help you contribute to your heirs' financial well-being by offering them additional alternatives for how they get the money and when those retirement assets are taxed.