With stocks reaching a new high just as the midpoint of the year is reached, it is an opportune time to look at what the second half of the year might hold. Rather than the traditional outlook, this will be an examination of the risks versus rewards, considering what is currently priced in financial markets. One Chart Tells The Stock Story The massive US tariffs announced on Liberation Day sent the betting odds of recession soaring to 65%, with stocks dragged lower in expectation of lower earnings. As the tariff threat eased and some progress was made on trade agreements,…

The new high for the Nasdaq 100 and the closeness of a new high for the S&P 500 have bulls excited. It’s too bad that key breadth measures are failing to confirm the price move. The NYSE advance/decline index is a problem for the markets advance from the early April lows. So is the “bullish percent index” for the two stock indexes. If you study the message sent from the price charts, it’s unnecessary to connect it to the latest news stories. War in the Middle East. A new Mayor of New York. Criminals posing at ICE agents. There’s a…

Preparing for retirement involves more than just financial planning, it’s about envisioning a fulfilling next chapter. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide individuals through this important life transition: 1. Define Post-Retirement Purpose Retirement isn’t merely about leaving the workforce; it’s about moving toward meaningful activities. Whether it’s volunteering, pursuing hobbies, or spending more time with loved ones, having a clear purpose can make retirement deeply rewarding. 2. Assess Current Expenses Understanding current spending habits is crucial. This helps estimate future needs and ensures that retirement savings are aligned with expected lifestyle costs. 3. Address Major Expenses Pre-Retirement Consider knocking out…

As long-term care costs soar beyond $100,000 annually and lifetime dementia care adds approximately $184,500, failing to plan for elderly and disabled family members could jeopardize your family’s financial future. The statistics are alarming: The average cost of a private nursing home room has risen to $109,628 per year nationally, with some states, like Alaska, reaching as high as $361,223. Families dealing with dementia face even greater financial challenges, with additional annual costs ranging from $56,000 to $72,400, compared to standard elder care. Despite these staggering figures, most families are unprepared for the demands of caring for aging or disabled…

Beyond the obvious humanitarian tragedy that surrounds any armed conflict, the Israel-Iran war has crucial possible implications for the global economy. With the US striking Iranian nuclear sites, there is a concern that a spreading conflict could impact oil supply and thus choke global economic growth. This piece will examine the impact of past geopolitical events on markets and the potential implications of the Israel-Iran conflict. Past Geopolitical Events When Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990, there were some similar concerns to today. The S&P 500 was down 3.3% in the week following and took months to recover. By the…

These five real estate investment trusts trade below their book value and they all pay dividends. They represent the diversity found among REITs: one has a multifamily-oriented approach. One favors mortgage assets. Another is involved in real estate projects for the regulated cannabis industry. The market caps vary widely as well. The smallest has market capitalization of just over $128 million. The largest has a market cap of $5.94 billion. Several of these names are components of the Russell 2000 small caps exchange traded fund. All are New York Stock Exchange listed Below Book Value REITs With Dividends Angel Oak…

Warren Buffett isn’t just known for his investing acumen—he’s also a model for thoughtful giving. For retirees considering how to share their wealth, Buffett’s approach offers valuable lessons. Gifting funds in retirement, when done strategically, can support loved ones and meaningful causes without jeopardizing long-term financial security. The Buffett Blueprint: Give While Living One of Buffett’s core principles is to give during his lifetime, rather than waiting to pass assets through an estate. This philosophy, often called “giving while living,” allows donors to witness the impact of their generosity and ensures funds are used effectively. For retirees, this can mean…

Kraft Heinz and Campbells are the big brand-names hitting new lows – along with others in the sector – as tariffs affect an industry that uses steel to make cans. Many packaged foods come in cans and the tariffs make the can prices go up and customers find other products to consume. Other factors may be at work but the unexpected quality of the tariffs may have caught packaged food executives by surprise. It’s not just the steel and the cans, the added costs affect almost all imported goods and those costs get passed on to shoppers. Not to mention,…

As Congress debates the “Big Beautiful Bill” — the next round of significant tax legislation, estate planners and their clients are paying close attention. The Senate Finance Committee and the House have each advanced their versions of the 2025 tax bill, both aiming to make permanent many provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. However, important differences could significantly impact estate and tax planning for high-net-worth families. Core Differences: Estate And Gift Tax Exemption Both the House and Senate bills propose making the TCJA’s estate and gift tax exemption permanent, rather than reverting to the 2017 law on…

More and more women today are taking charge of their financial futures—running businesses, growing investments, leading households, and educating themselves on how to manage wealth. They face a unique set of challenges, including career interruptions, wage gaps, caregiving responsibilities, and longer lifespans. With these increased burdens comes a greater need to prepare for an unexpected and sudden loss and ensure that you have the resources in place to protect your assets. In exchange for premium payments, insurance is meant to protect you against the financial consequences of life’s unpredictable events, providing compensation for losses, damages, illness, or death. For women,…