Insights

Weekly Market Commentary December 10, 2018

The market is starting to grate on some investors. The S&P 500 dropped 4.6% last week on concerns the reported trade truce wasn’t as substantial as hoped and that global economic growth continued to slow. Global stocks participated in the decline as the MSCI ACWI lost 3.5% last week. Read more

Gifts without the Guilt – Tips for Avoiding Financial Stress at the Holidays

Pop quiz: Can you name more than three gifts you got for the holidays last year? A sweater, an Apple watch, a popcorn tin … and, ummmm? Most of us would be hard-pressed to answer this question, even by late January.

What we remember, of course, are the moments with family and friends – the relationships that are renewed in the holiday time of slowing down. Material gifts are fine for the moment, but they are usually forgotten even before they have the chance to break and wear out. Read more

Be Careful When You Dream of a White Christmas!

By Robert O. Graves, CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

As we approach the Christmas holiday, I have been thinking about past Christmas experiences and one sticks out in my mind.  Years ago, my family was lamenting about never having the experience of a white Christmas.  They’ve never had a Christmas where they’d wake up in the morning with the front and back yard covered in snow.  I remembered my childhood growing up on the East Coast and told them how magical that is.  They said, “Well, why don’t we do it?”  I replied, “Well, that means getting on a plane, going back east.”  They said, “Yes, let’s do that!”

So we set it up.  We’re going to have a Graves family reunion in Buffalo, New York.  We planned it for a week before Christmas, and everybody from the West Coast got on the plane.  My wife, Sandy and I, my sons, Steven and Brian their families all flew to Buffalo, New York.  We didn’t know at the time how white this Christmas reunion would be!

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Weekly Market Commentary December 3, 2018

Last week provided investors clarity on their two biggest concerns: interest rates and trade. Federal Reserve communication indicated rate increases will likely slow in 2019, and over the weekend, the U.S. and China announced an agreement to delay an increase in tariffs from 10% to 25% on a wide range of U.S. goods. In exchange, the Chinese will buy more U.S. goods, and both sides will seek an agreement in the next quarter. Read more

The 4 Pitfalls of No Plan

There are some things in life you just can’t plan for: an unexpected illness, job loss, death of spouse, disability…While these major events can impact your life, having an effective game plan can help ensure that it doesn’t ruin your financial well-being. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary November 26, 2018

Global stocks continued to decline as economic weakness and the possibility of further rate increases by the Federal Reserve worried investors. After rallying in late October and early November, global stocks were trading near the levels reached during the October decline. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary November 19, 2018

After two straight weeks of 2%-plus returns, the S&P 500 was down 1.6% last week. Global stocks also declined, pushing the MSCI ACWI down 1.2% last week.

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Weekly Market Commentary November 12, 2018

The S&P 500 rallied for the second consecutive week as markets have recovered nearly half of the losses since late September. S&P 500 soared 2.1% last week. Global stocks rallied as well, but lagged U.S. stocks. The MSCI ACWI climbed 0.9%. The Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index rose 0.3%, partly on hopes a split Congress will result in lower deficits. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary November 5, 2018

After a rough October, the S&P 500 went into rally mode last week. Positive rumors on trade and a general recognition that the investing environment remains positive boosted stocks. The S&P 500 soared 2.4%. Global stocks rose, too, pushing the MSCI ACWI 3.1% higher. The good news in stocks, along with healthy job growth, pushed the Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index 0.7% lower.

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Pass the Turkey! – Financial Tips for the Season of Giving

As the year begins its close, traditions start to appear. From the silverware for feasts, to the tacky lawn decorations the kids love, to the choice of holiday movies, traditions remind us of who we are. There’s a story behind almost every detail, whether it’s grandma’s antique table runner or your secret family recipe for cranberry sauce, and everything is intentional, or at least seems that way. Read more