As mentioned in my Q2 Market Review piece, this market has been quiet…too quiet. Historically, the stock market averages 3 pullbacks of 5% per year with one of those going on to become a 10% correction. So when was the last time markets pulled back 5%. Remember the Brexit vote in June 2016? Yep, it’s been over 13 months. Even more impressive is that it’s been almost a year since we’ve seen even a 3% pullback, only the 2nd time since 1950 we’ve gone this long. The first was in 1995. (Source: LPL Research). [Read more…] about Market Drop? It’s About Time!
Personal Finance 101
Resources to Research Your Credit
Thinking about taking out a mortgage or auto loan? Concerned about identity theft? Reviewing your credit report on a regular basis can help ensure you qualify for the best interest rate and that no one is taking out credit cards in your name. And if you are considering a loan, it would be good to know your credit score as well. Here are some of the best resources I’ve found to help research your credit. [Read more…] about Resources to Research Your Credit
Advice to Young Professionals – Save More Now
“What’s your best piece of advice for folks like us?”, Kevin asked after finding out I was a financial planner.
A few weeks ago, a group of us spent a Saturday making pizzas in the bowels of Lane Stadium to raise funds for our church. I had been chatting with the young man and his fiance when the subject of what I did for a living came up.
My reply to his question? [Read more…] about Advice to Young Professionals – Save More Now
A Quick and Important Conversation with Your Family
For Thanksgiving this year, my family and I visited my parents in Florida. There were the usual Thursday morning holiday activities; catching up on family gossip and preparing enough food for a small army, all accompanied by the sound of marching bands from a TV tuned to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. In the midst of all this, my father asked me to follow him to the spare bedroom. [Read more…] about A Quick and Important Conversation with Your Family