Blog

The Principles of Financial Literacy

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Sunday, August 14, 2022

In golf, as in finances, there are a few rules of thumb that may improve your game: keep a level head, avoid traps, practice before trying something new and stay the course. Applying lessons from the golf course to your financial life...

3 Golf Tips to Keep Your Retirement Plan on Course

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

In golf, as in finances, there are a few rules of thumb that may improve your game: keep a level head, avoid traps, practice before trying something new and stay the course. Applying lessons from the golf course to your financial life...

4 Financial Lessons from America’s Founding Fathers

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Monday, July 4, 2022

America’s Founding Fathers created the foundation of a nation like no other. Each had goals and dreams, many with high expectations of what the United States of America could become. For today’s citizens, it may be possible...

5 Life Events That Impact Your Life Insurance Needs

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

A life insurance policy is part of financial planning. Life insurance is there to help ease the financial trauma that comes with the loss of a spouse, parent, or partner. As you encounter different events in your life, you may need to...

The History, Significance, and Celebration of Juneteenth

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Monday, June 20, 2022

The Juneteeth holiday marks the end of slavery in the United States and is one of the oldest African American holidays. It is the date that troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, after the Civil War, to enforce the Emancipation...

Fatherly Advice: 7 Timeless Financial Tips Our Fathers Taught Us

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Although many things have changed in the financial world over the past 20 years, some nuggets of financial advice are timeless. Here are a few tips that have remained constant for several generations.Always Spend Less Than You...

Charitable Gifting

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

What constitutes a gift to charity?A gift to charity is simply a gratuitous transfer of property to a charitable organization. The key is that your gift must be some kind of property--your time or personal services do not count. There...

Examining Your Ghosts of Christmas Pasts

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Monday, December 20, 2021

Analyzing your past financial decisions is essential to changing behaviors As Charles Dickens tells us in his celebrated Christmas fable, the self-defeating ways we behave financially are rooted in the past. Digging them out is the one...

Christmas Shopping Lessons for Investors

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Monday, December 13, 2021

Is that investment an innovation or an improvement on an existing product? As Christmas sales loom, we face an endless array of sparkly, shiny and occasionally innovative items. As an investor, you run into a similar phenomenon that...

RMD Roundup: A Few Key Updates About Required Minimum Distributions

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Monday, December 6, 2021

As we approach the end of 2021, now might be a good time to take a closer look at a few developments surrounding required minimum distributions (RMDs). What Are RMDs? Once you reach age 72, you are required to take minimum...

Your 2021 Year-End Planning Checklist

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Monday, November 22, 2021

It may be easy to forget we're nearing the end of the year. Even during the busy end of year rush, it's a good time to reevaluate your 2021 finances and turn an eye toward 2022. What can you do now to potentially improve and streamline...

2021 Year-End Planning for Retirees

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Monday, November 15, 2021

For some, 2021 has flown by—and as we approach the last quarter of the year, it's a good time to begin planning for the next one. Year-end planning is especially important for retirees and those hoping to retire in 2021 or 2022....

Financial Professional or Accountant? Four Key Ways They Differ

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Whether you're launching a new business, looking for a second opinion on your retirement plan, or just need some extra help with your taxes, you may be wondering whether it's time to contact an accountant or financial professional....

November 4, 2021 Dear Valued Investor: The past year and a half have tested all of us, but overall, the economy continues to strengthen, COVID-19 trends are greatly improving, and this still relatively young bull market is alive and...

A Financial Review Can Pay Off at Year End

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Monday, November 1, 2021

Today, many people find themselves bombarded by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet. Yet, does all this “information age” data really help you manage your finances any better now...

Medicare Options During Retirement

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Friday, October 1, 2021

Medicare is available to virtually all U.S. citizens and legal residents 65 years of age and over who have previously worked and paid U.S. taxes or who are/were married to someone who did. And while this opens a host of healthcare...

A Retirement Planning Primer

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Friday, October 1, 2021

Does your retirement seem years and years away? While it may appear this way, you owe it to yourself to look ahead and begin giving thought to a time in your life that may account for 20 or more "golden" years. Granted, time may be on...

What You Need to Know About Medicare Advantage Plans

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Friday, October 1, 2021

If your 65th birthday is coming up—or if you're receiving Social Security Disability payments and are about to qualify for Medicare before age 65—you may be wondering exactly what comes next.1 Below, we discuss some...

Changes to Medicare in 2021: What Recipients Should Know

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Friday, October 1, 2021

For many people, turning 65 provides one of the keys to retirement: access to affordable healthcare. Whether you're enrolling in the Medicare program for the first time or have been a Medicare enrollee for years, it's important to stay...

Everything You Need to Know about the FAFSA for 2021

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Friday, October 1, 2021

One of the most important pieces of the college financing puzzle is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Without the FAFSA, a college student is unlikely to be able to apply for or receive certain types of federal...

A Holistic Approach to Your Retirement

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Retirement and financial planning should take on a holistic approach. There are two parts involved, preparing for retirement, and being in retirement stages. Both stages are equally important in your approach to how you view your mind,...

Life Insurance: Protection for All Life’s Stages

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

As your life changes, your financial needs often change, as well. Regardless of whether you are just starting out in life, are in mid-career, or are at the peak of your earning years, life insurance can help you achieve a variety of...

Choosing the Right 401(k) for Your Employees & Your Business

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Implementing a 401(k) plan for your employees is good business. It means you're thinking strategically, that you care for your employees, and are focused on the long-term health of your company. Implementing a retirement plan: Can help...

Poking The Bear

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

First and foremost, this week’s commentary should not be construed to suggest that we are saying stocks will go up forever. We are also not saying that stocks are immune from a pullback in the final four months of 2021....

Why Stagflation Isn’t In the Cards

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

The term stagflation has been circulating increasingly in the financial media as inflation readings have risen sharply in recent months. The term is often associated with the 1970s, which saw runaway inflation—largely driven by...

Five Things To Know Heading Into August

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Last week was a huge news week, from the Fed, to gross domestic product (GDP), to a giant week of earnings reports. Below we review the big events from last week, while also looking ahead to what could be an eventful August for...

Choosing a Retirement Plan for Your Business

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Friday, July 30, 2021

You’re an entrepreneur and you’re not looking back. You’ve opened your own business, whether alone or with partners, and you’ve achieved success. Now you’re thinking about retirement, not just for you, but...

How to Get Your House Back-to-School Ready

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Friday, July 30, 2021

Back-to-school time is notably hectic. From scrambling to buy supplies to adjusting your internal clock, it can feel like you’re being pulled in a hundred different directions. However, if you get your house in order beforehand,...

Why Invest?

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Friday, July 30, 2021

To accumulate wealth, people may choose to invest their money into various types of investments. Investing creates opportunities that otherwise would be difficult to manage due to the consistency of contributing to the investment....

Six Surprises So Far in 2021

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Thursday, July 29, 2021

2021 has been a very strong year for both stocks and the economy, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been some surprises. Below we take a look at some things that have happened so far in 2021 that have surprised the LPL...

Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

It is hard to believe we have passed the halfway point of 2021. After a 2020 that would never end, the first six months of 2021 flew by. With the second half underway, we have updated our views of the markets and economy in LPL...

Three Things to Watch This Earnings Season

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

We ran out of superlatives to describe corporate America’s stunning performance during first-quarter earnings season. Despite lofty expections, results exceeded expectations by one of the biggest margins ever. So what will...

Mid-Year Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond. While the speed can be exhilarating as economic growth accelerates, it can also be...

2021 is the Year to be Money Savvy

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Definition of Savvy: having or showing perception, comprehension, or shrewdness, especially in practical matters. Money Savvy: smart with money, money-wise, financially astute, shrewd. If you started saving for retirement at an early...

The Sandwich Generation: A growing U.S. Concern

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Thursday, July 8, 2021

As the U.S. population continues to age, the “sandwich generation” is caught in the middle, supporting both their parents and their children, whether financially, physically, or emotionally. This generation is the...

Three Things That Worry Us

Jack V. Dolan, CFP®

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

To quote the great Frank the Tank from Old School, “We’re going streaking!” Although Frank had another idea, stocks have been streaking in some historic ways, both near-term and longer-term. Let’s start with the...

A Holistic Approach to Your Retirement

Daniel W. Rowles, CFP®

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Retirement and financial planning should take on a holistic approach. There are two parts involved, preparing for retirement, and being in retirement stages. Both stages are equally important in your approach to how you view your mind,...

The Week on Wall Street Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the Standard &...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard &...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings....

The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped as the technology sector remained under pressure and a mid-week announcement by the Federal Reserve failed to inspire investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.03%, while the Standard...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week amid a busy week of earnings, some troubling economic data, and seemingly little progress on a new fiscal stimulus package.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped in the final days of trading last week on higher jobless claims and rising tensions in the U.S.-China relationship. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor's 500...

The Week on Wall StreetStocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.29%,...

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices notched solid gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.96%, while the...

The Week on Wall StreetIn a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%,...

The Week on Wall StreetA jump in COVID-19 cases dampened investor enthusiasm last week, sending stock prices lower on worries that rising infections could derail the economic recovery. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 3.31%,...

The Week on Wall StreetStocks moved higher last week on news of more Federal Reserve market support and diminished concerns that new COVID-19 cases might lead to another economic shutdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.04%,...

The Week on Wall StreetInvestor sentiment turned negative last week, amid an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in states where reopening has been underway as well as a subdued economic forecast from the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones...

The Week on Wall StreetA positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial...

The Week on Wall StreetThe shortened week, which began with a powerful two-day rally of trading, was enough to drive the markets into another week of solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.75%, while the Standard &...

The Week on Wall StreetUpbeat comments by the Federal Reserve Chairman and more signs of an economic turnaround combined to help fuel a powerful rally in the stock market last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.29%, while...

The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week, weighed down by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's unsettling comments on the economy and signs of renewed tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.65%,...

The Week on Wall StreetDespite a historic downturn in employment, stocks managed to climb higher last week as investors were emboldened by the pace of economic re-openings, both here and abroad.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2...

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices ended the week slightly lower, despite news of positive results from a test trial of a COVID-19 drug treatment and several states easing their economic lockdowns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices bounced around last week as investors reacted to wild swings in the price of oil and reports that called into question the efficacy of two potential virus treatments.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices pushed higher last week as news of a White House plan to reopen the economy and reports of a potential COVID-19 treatment helped the market overcome weak economic data and an ugly start to the...

The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market staged a broad rally this week, buoyed by the prospect that COVID-19's grip on the nation may be easing and news of another Federal Reserve program to help stabilize businesses.The Dow Jones...

The Week on Wall StreetModest declines in stock prices this week masked the volatile inter- and intraday price swings as investors digested poor economic data and a warning from the president that the worst days of the COVID-19...

An open-ended commitment by the Federal Reserve to support American businesses and capital markets along with the passage of a $2 trillion aid package improved investor sentiment and drove a strong rally in stock prices. The Dow Jones...

The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market suffered through another volatile week as it wrestled with the health and economic fallout of the domestic spread of the coronavirus. Swift and decisive actions by the Federal Reserve and policy...

The Week on Wall StreetMarkets remained exceptionally volatile, buffeted by the spreading impact of coronavirus, uncertain responses from federal policymakers, and the sudden drop in oil prices.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 10...

The Week on Wall StreetHeightened coronavirus fears, falling yields, and Super Tuesday primary results sent stocks on a rollercoaster ride of sharp price swings, leaving stocks marginally higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial...

The Week on Wall StreetStocks fell sharply last week as Wall Street considered how the coronavirus outbreak might influence global business activity and household spending.The selloff became a correction for the U.S. markets. The S&P...

The Week on Wall StreetTraders paid close attention to coronavirus developments and earnings last week, while wondering how the former might eventually impact the latter. Concern over updated infection numbers moderated risk appetite.A...

The Week on Wall StreetDaily headlines about the coronavirus had little impact on stock market averages last week. Earnings and mergers had more influence. All three Wall Street benchmarks improved. The Nasdaq Composite rose 2.21%,...

The Week on Wall StreetStocks advanced four days out of five during the past market week, erasing the losses of the week before. The Nasdaq Composite surged 4.04%, the S&P 500 3.17%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average 3.00%. Foreign...

The Week on Wall StreetStock benchmarks declined for a second straight week as coronavirus news tempered risk appetite.The S&P 500 fell 2.14% on the week. The Nasdaq Composite dipped 1.76%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 2.55%....

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices fell last week as investors considered the potential health and economic risks of the flu-like coronavirus.Foreign stock markets, as tracked by the broad MSCI EAFE index, fell 1.03% for the week....

The Week on Wall StreetTraders were in an upbeat mood last week, reacting to news out of Washington: the signing of the phase-one trade deal between the U.S. and China as well as the Senate passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement...

The Week on Wall StreetThe market had a choppy five days, with traders reacting to geopolitical developments and weaker-than-expected jobs data. Even so, the three major U.S. equity indices posted weekly gains and continued their...

The Week on Wall Street Stocks descended from record highs Friday, as traders reacted to a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top military officer. Oil prices rose more than 3% following the breaking news.[1] Wall Street benchmarks...