Our Latest News & Insights
What Could Spook the Market?
Happy Halloween! Today is the day when all things spooky and scary are embraced to the fullest. Haunted houses with surprises around each corner are considered “fun,” but the market doesn’t necessarily feel the same way when it is spooked or taken by surprise. So, what spooky surprises do we […]
4 Reasons why Millennials are the New Face of the Retirement Crisis
Recently #millennialretirementplans was trending on Twitter. The “retirement plans” that were mentioned were not your typical blend of Social Security and retirement plan assets. The “plans” were much more dismal, with major concerns over healthcare costs, Social Security running out, lack of savings, and climate change. […]
Do you Have a Super Bowl Winning Portfolio?
The fall season is upon us, which means that America’s biggest sport is back. I’m talking about football, of course! It’s a time for friends, family, and co-workers to get together and debate about their favorite teams and who will eventually be crowned Super Bowl Champion. However, even the most loyal fan usually has a realistic idea of how […]
5 “Must Do’s” for your Endowment
Labor Day has passed and school is officially back in session, but in June back to school was already on Michael Little’s mind as he gathered with some of Gross Mendelsohn’s CPAs to discuss “4 Big Financial Challenges Facing Private Schools in 2019.” The group talked about fundraising, endowment management, audits, and strategic planning. Below […]
5 Reasons Why Women Need to Take Charge of Their Finances
On August 26th we celebrated Women’s Equality Day, making this the perfect time to address women and finances. As roughly half the world’s population, we cannot afford to leave female investors out of the financial conversation. The traditional model of men running the family finances is shifting, as now 96% […]
All Eyes on the Fed
Late last year, many prognosticators were predicting the Fed would raise rates several more times in 2019 and interest rates would continue to rise. However, our data-driven process and “investing for all seasons” approach revealed something different – a high likelihood that economic growth would start to slow and interest rates would start to fall. […]
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 […]
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