November 2017
Changes Could Be Coming to Your 401(k) Plan
The Republican tax reform bill has finally been introduced in the House of Representatives, allowing us finally to see what could be in store for us in the future. A much higher standard deduction, fewer tax brackets, and significant changes to tax credits have garnered many headlines. Less well-appreciated are the changes that could be coming to 401(k) plans...
Personal Savings Rate Reaches Lowest Level in a Decade
The personal savings rate in September reached its lowest level since 2007. And while it hasn’t reached its all-time low, the trend is definitely downwards. Personal savings are now at 3.1 percent of income, still slightly higher than the 2.5 percent low reached in December of 2007. Looking back at historical savings data since 1960, the savings rate had normally...
Reverse Retirement: Are You Prepared?
What do you think of when you think of retirement? A relaxing vacation on the beach, daiquiri in hand, watching the sun go down over the water? Or how about a brisk hike through the Alps, taking in the bright blue rivers and jagged snow-capped mountain peaks? For most people that’s the dream, but for more and more that’s...
Beware the Bond Bubble
It’s no surprise to most investors that bonds, like stocks, have been in a massive boom market over the past decade. In fact...
October 2017
Will President Trump Take the Blame When Stock Markets Crash?
Stock markets continue to reach record high levels, but it’s only a matter of time before they crash back to earth. When they do...
The Push for Pensions Has Returned
Recent reports that Congress had considered significant reductions to 401(k) contributions have spurred calls from some quarters for a return to pension plans. But while much discussion of pensions paints them in a nostalgic light, the reality of pensions for most people is far less rosy. Yes, it would be nice to be able to retire and continue being...
Amazon’s Second Headquarters: Another Sign of the Bubble?
Online retail giant Amazon announced a nationwide search for its second headquarters, looking to complement its existing headquarters in Seattle. The company is looking to locate its second headquarters in a metropolitan area with more than 1 million people, with close proximity to an international flight hub, good public transit, and the ability to attract a talented and educated...
Stock Markets Continue to Reach Records
Stock markets continued to reach record levels on Friday as investor sentiment was buoyed by reports that tax reform proposals had passed their first hurdle in the Senate. Investors also were cheered by reports that President Trump is leaning towards picking Federal Reserve Board Governor Jerome Powell as the next Chairman of the Fed’s Board of Governors. Markets undoubtedly...