The US equity market posted negative returns for the quarter and underperformed both non-US developed and emerging markets.
Developed markets outside of the US posted positive returns for the quarter and outperformed both US and emerging markets.
US real estate investment trusts underperformed non-US REITs during the quarter.
Some are worried that Social Security may not be there when they retire. Even without increasing taxes, the Social Security system is projected to be able to pay 73% of promised benefits all the way out to the year 2098.
The primary source of Social Security funding—payroll taxes—is continuous. As long as people are working, the system collects revenue. Currently, payroll taxes cover about 77-80% of benefit payments even without trust fund reserves.
Unlike private financial schemes, Social Security is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Congress has adjusted Social Security multiple times in its history, including the 1983 reforms, which raised the retirement age and increased payroll taxes to stabilize funding. Future adjustments will likely follow a similar path.
California residents affected by the devasting wildfires, especially in Los Angles are experiencing emotional heartbreak. Our hearts go out to you. Many have lost not only their homes but also a lifetime of memories. But what is causing this crisis, and what can you do to protect yourself from not being about to renew insurance after the LA wildfires?
Read MoreUS stock markets had an excellent year in 2024 and outperformed international and emerging markets.
The price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio discount of international stocks vs. US stocks is greater today than the 20-year average.
It makes sense to rebalance your portfolio when your stock allocation gets either too far above or below the target allocation.
The US equity market posted positive returns for the quarter and outperformed both non-US developed and emerging markets.
Developed markets outside of the US posted negative returns for the quarter and underperformed the US market, but outperformed emerging markets.
Within the US Treasury market, interest rates generally increased during the quarter.
The 2025 IRS Super Catch Up Rule is about to make it easier for some workers to save more for retirement—and the timing couldn’t be better.
Read MoreVenmo, Zelle, PayPal… all the new ways society is getting used to sending, receiving, and requesting cash without ever needing a physical wallet. However, as we start to track more finances on our smartphones, the IRS is using the data to better enforce the tax code. Here is what consumers need to know about changes in the IRS tracking of cash transactions.
Read MoreThe IRS has your Bitcoin on their radar - get prepared before the grace period ends on December 31st! There are some big changes on the brink when it comes to how you report Bitcoin on your taxes. This blog presents a summary of what you need to know about changes in Bitcoin (and other digital asset) income tax reporting for 2025.
Read MoreThe US equity market posted positive returns for the quarter and underperformed both non-US developed and emerging markets.
REIT indices outperformed equity market indices.
The Bloomberg Commodity Total Return Index returned +0.68% for the third quarter of 2024.
Review your marginal tax brackets for ordinary income and capital gains rates to decide which account to withdraw from.
Don’t make the mistake of overfunding retirement accounts at the expense of your brokerage (taxable) accounts. It’s important to have non-retirement assets for flexible spending and savings goals. If you haven’t set up a taxable brokerage account, perhaps this is the next move to make for any money leftover that you haven’t found a home for
End of year provides you with the opportunity to think about managing liabilities. Consider the relative advantage to paying down debts with assets. What is the tax impact of doing so? Would it make a difference to your peace of mind?
Coming out of 2021-2022’s historical high inflation, investors are concerned about inflation and its long-term impact. Here are a few common questions from our clients.
Read MoreCycles of US stock outperformance and underperformance vs. International stocks are normal.
The international equity outperformance from. 2000 to 2009 was especially painful for US investors because US stocks averaged negative returns for 10 years - now known as “The Lost Decade.”
Valuation measures such as price-to-earnings ratios lead some to believe that International stocks may outperform US stocks over the coming yearsmay outperform US stocks over the coming yearsmay outperform US stocks over the coming years
The US equity market posted positive returns for the quarter and outperformed non-US developed markets, but underperformed emerging markets.
The Bloomberg Commodity Total Return Index returned +2.89% for the second quarter of 2024.
Interest rates generally increased across global developed markets for the quarter.
Understanding how the change to the CA SDI wage cap works will help you prepare for a possible reduction to your take-home pay. This is also an opportunity to consider the risk of injury and how a longer-term disability would affect your financial goals.
Read MoreApologies in advance to anyone who previously has allowed me to soapbox on how annoying the penny is and how each new president’s first executive order should be removing pennies from circulation
Read MoreeMoney helps uncover cash or other assets that aren’t working hard for you.
eMoney helps you set and achieve your retirement goals and other objectives such as funding college expenses.
eMoney helps you better understand your position now and how it can be impacted over the years.
The US equity market posted positive returns for the quarter and outperformed both non-US developed and emerging markets.
Interest rates generally increased in the US Treasury market for the quarter.
US real estate investment trusts outperformed non-US REITs during the quarter.
