Our Insights

As the holiday season draws near, most people are thinking about their finances over the next few months and budgeting for how they can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Which is perfect timing because October is National Financial Planning Month! Let’s use this month to celebrate the importance of proper financial planning and share some tips and tricks on how to get your financial planning in order. Create a Budget The first step in understanding and taking

U.S. Markets Stocks lost a portion of their first-half gains in the third quarter as a continued tight monetary bias from the Federal Reserve sent bond yields higher, unsettling stock investors throughout August and September. For the three months ending September 30, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.62%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 3.65%. The Nasdaq Composite fell 4.12%.[1] A July Rally Faded The strong price momentum during the first half of the year continued into

Medicare’s open enrollment period happens once a year between October 15 and December 7. During this time, current Medicare beneficiaries have the option to adjust their coverage for the coming year. This can be a useful option for those who may have recently changed medication, underutilized their current coverage or found they could use additional benefits.1 How to Search for Medicare Plan Options It shouldn’t take a ton of research to determine what your current coverage is and what options

If you’ve ever turned the tv to a financial news channel, you’ve probably heard the term “the Fed.” But who, or what, exactly is the Fed? And why does it matter to you.  Here, we explain the Federal Reserve System, or the Fed, and explore how its decisions can affect your everyday life. What is the Fed? “The Fed” stands for the Federal Reserve System, the USA’s central banking system. It was established by Congress in 1913 and is an

The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling down, and football is finally back. There is always a lot happening in fall and after a pause of more than three years, interest on federal student loans resumed last Friday and, in October, more than 43 million Americans will need to start making payments again. But wait, there’s more! September is also National College Savings Month, a time to celebrate the power of investing in education and securing a brighter future

It’s easy to throw up your hands in exasperation when it comes to filing papers and documents at home, and you’re likely tempted to shred everything to be done with it. Still, keeping good records will reduce clutter, prevent identity theft, and reduce stress. No more searching for needed paperwork! The principles of good record management for businesses also pertain to personal recordkeeping. They are accountability, transparency, integrity, protection, compliance, and accessibility. Consider the following principles (and time frames) when

The traditional retirement age in the United States is 65, the age at which most people are eligible to begin receiving full Social Security benefits. However, many people feel the allure of leaving the workforce much sooner. Many Americans are deciding to retire earlier than planned, whether by choice or because of other circumstances. According to the 2023 Retirement Confidence Study, workers report retiring at a median age of 62 years.1 Let’s examine why many Americans retire earlier than planned

It seems like when summertime hits, time slows down. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season are over, taxes are complete, and vacation days are scheduled. If you find yourself with some extra time on your hands in the upcoming months, you may want to use this opportunity to check in on your family’s finances. While conducting a thorough analysis of your wealth may sound intimidating, we have broken the process down into eight simple steps to keep you

 U.S. Markets  Stocks extended their rally in the second quarter, boosted by cooling inflation, the prospect of a shift in monetary policy, and enthusiasm over artificial intelligence.  For the three months ending June 30, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 3.41%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 8.74%. The Nasdaq Composite, which led in the first quarter, led again, gaining 12.81%.  Inflation Breaks  The stock market’s climb over the second quarter did not come without occasional bumps,

While you and your Patriot Advisor will work to create an overall retirement strategy, this does not mean that you will not need to make changes along the way. So, the question remains: When should you revisit your retirement strategy? First, when you have had a major change in your career, that is a good time to talk about your strategy. That change can be getting a new job, quitting, or being laid off. It can also be a promotion