Our Latest News & Insights
Investing for all Seasons
Outside all signs are pointing to spring – the budding trees, blossoming flowers, and cars covered in pollen. We start dusting off our t-shirts and shorts that have been boxed away since last year as we look forward to spending time outside after being cooped up inside all winter long. So why […]
Going Green Isn’t Just for St. Patrick’s Day
On March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish spirit is in full force as folks put on their favorite green shirt and the Guinness is plentiful. St. Patrick’s Day originated in Ireland, but that doesn’t stop Americans from participating in the Irish celebrations. While “going green” is a requirement on St. Patrick’s Day […]
How the Save4College State Contribution Program Can Help You do Just That
Saving for college can be a challenge for many families, but the state of Maryland, through the Save4College State Contribution Program, is helping families make those college dreams come true. The goal of the program is to encourage families to contribute to their children’s future education through a 529 plan. […]
4 Ways to “Marie Kondo” Your Finances
Netflix’s hit show “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo” has viewers looking through their closets, picking up each item and asking themselves, “Does this spark joy?” If the answer is yes, then that item gets to stay. But if the answer is no, then it goes into the donate pile. The KonMari Method™ is all about […]
Is The Worst Yet to Come?
Now that the worst December since the Great Depression is in the rear view mirror, investors are casting a wary eye towards what the new year will bring for financial markets. With many of the concerns from 2018 continuing into 2019, many investors are asking the question: is the worst yet to come? […}
Were You Comfortable With Your Portfolio’s Volatility Last Year? Are You Looking For a Safer Alternative?
The return of volatility to the market has many investors worrying about the nest egg they have worked long and hard to build, and as the market continues to show red, some find themselves panicking and moving to cash or leaving any cash they have available on the sideline. With that in mind, […]
Finally, A New Year’s Resolution You Can Keep!
Achieving your financial goals and obtaining better long-term investment results may sound like a difficult New Year’s resolution, but by simply selecting the right asset allocation strategy, you can set up your portfolio for success. How you allocate your assets is an investment strategy that aims to balance risk and reward by apportioning your portfolio’s […]
3 Reasons Your Municipal Bonds May Not Be as Safe as You Think
Through our regular analysis and discussions with colleagues and financial industry professionals, we continue to see evidence regarding the lack of proper oversight and expertise required to evaluate the true risks of municipal bonds. There are three areas of concern you should know more about if you own municipal bonds in your portfolio.[…]
2019 Retirement Savings Contribution Limits
With 2019 quickly approaching, the IRS has released its cost of living adjustments affecting the dollar limitations for retirement-related items in 2019. With 75% of Americans relying solely on their work sponsored retirement plans for their retirement income, it is important to save as much money as possible for retirement. […]
The Market Looks Scary! Should You Be Frightened?
As we say goodbye to Summer and move into Fall, it is time to start looking forward to Halloween. Soon children of all ages will don their favorite costumes and head to their neighbor’s to ask the age old question, “trick or treat?” As we survey the status of the global economy, […]
The $300,000 Difference Between Starting to Save at 25, 35, and 45
We all know that saving when you are young pays off later in life, although knowing is a lot different than doing. At 25 years old the $200 you could be putting into your company sponsored retirement account could often be used to go skydiving, try all the hot new bars […]
Is This as Good as it Gets? Here are 3 Things to Watch
Now that we have passed the half-way point in 2018, it is time to start looking forward to the second half of the year. As we survey the current status of the economy, there is a lot of information to take into consideration. Here are 3 things that suggest the […]
Are the Stock Market and Construction Industry in Sync?
Gross Mendelsohn just completed their 2018 Maryland Construction Industry Survey, which revealed a high level of optimism among contractors. . While a positive outlook is reassuring for those working in the industry, the stock market could be foreshadowing something a little different. Should Contractors Be Bracing for a Slow Down […]
Our Investment Outlook: Is the Stock Market Peaking?
The year got off to a good start on the heels of a strong earnings season in which 77% of S&P 500 firms reported higher than expected sales. While the economy continued to grow, fears of inflation, growth peaking, and potential trade disputes startled the market enough to give up its January gains and usher […]
3 Ways Typical Risk Tolerance Questionnaires Are Missing the Mark
Financial advisors have used risk tolerance questionnaires for years now, but they often leave too much room for interpretation. Investors are pigeon-holed into stereotypical categories based on a subjective risk questionnaire that nearly always misses the mark. This can leave investors with a portfolio that does not align with their investment goals and objectives […]
Some Maryland 529 Plans Just Got a Lot More Flexible
Along with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act legislation, there are new guidelines that affect Maryland 529 plans. If your child has a Maryland 529 plan, you’ll want to read on to learn about some changes that expand the list of qualified educational expenses. What’s Different As a Result of the New {…]
Investment Outlook: New Year + New Tax Code = More Growth?
As we look forward to 2018, let us reflect on how remarkable the last twelve months were for the major market indices. Contrary to the usual roller-coaster ride we experience with stocks, 2017 was an amazingly smooth journey to new all-time highs. The S&P 500 was so consistent that the index finished every month of the calendar year […]
4 Tips to Ensure Your Nonprofit Keeps on Giving This Holiday Season
Nonprofits often struggle when it comes to investing their hard earned donations. Your nonprofit was established to improve the world and the fear of losing charitable funds due to market fluctuations can complicate making sound investment choices. Regardless of the mission of your non-profit, all investing decisions must be made to serve your philanthropic goal, […]
Investment Outlook: Valuations vs. Data
While the temperature outside cools as we move into the fall and winter seasons, stock markets remain red hot. Despite three of the most powerful hurricanes to ever hit the U.S., political divisiveness in Washington, and threats from North Korea, U.S. stocks rose another 4.5% in the third quarter, bringing year-to-date returns on the S&P […]
Unlock 5 Advantages of Advisor-Guided Retirement Plans
With most Americans concerned that they won’t be able to retire on time, or perhaps worse, will outlive their retirement income, it’s time for business owners to get serious about employee-sponsored retirement plans. These plans are a primary money stream for individuals in their retirement years, making it absolutely essential that they’re designed to benefit […]
Investing 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Types of Investments
Someone not involved in the finance industry, or who hasn’t invested personally, might hear the words “stock market” and think of a far off place on Wall Street. However, that isn’t the only way to invest money. Anyone can get involved with investing, saving for retirement, trading, or just watching the stock market. For starters, […]
Our Investment Outlook: All About Growth
Despite distracting headlines out of Washington, domestic equity markets marched to new record highs (for the S&P 500 & Nasdaq) during the quarter. Equity markets focused on the upward trend in GDP growth and robust corporate earnings (up over 15% year-over-year) that recorded the most profitable period in over five years. Historically, such periods of […]
5 Financial Goals to Aim for in Your 20’s
“I just got a job and have a steady income. What now?” If there is one thing college doesn’t always prepare us for, it’s how to function in the “real world,” especially when it comes to dealing with finances, like paying bills, investing for the future, and doing taxes. As a finance major, I have […]
Network Safety Alert
The latest massive ransomware attack, Petya, is quickly spreading to the United States. Similar to WannaCry, Petya capitalizes on the same Windows vulnerabilities, but Petya has developed an even more devastating result. If infected, Petya moves quickly to encrypt your computer boot files and shuts down your entire system leaving you with little to no […]
Investors, Please Strap in Tight and Keep Your Hands Inside the Ride
As the weather heats up and local amusement parks tune up their rides for the summer crowds, dreams of heading to Hershey Park, Six Flags or Kings Dominion are in full swing. If you are anything like me, you like the roller coasters that go fast, twist you up, down, left then right, and finish […]
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