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What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the investment world or concepts from the financial industry, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.

 

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Don’t let short-term market fluctuations derail your portfolio. Protect your wealth with these six steps.

 

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Retiring in 2022? Make sure you are prepared with this Social Security guide.

 

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Retirement is one of life’s greatest milestones. But what happens if your retirement is not all it’s cracked up to be? Here are 5 common retirement regrets business owners face to keep in mind as you prepare for your golden years.

 

Monday, November 29, 2021

As nice as it would be, it’s impossible to live a life without mistakes. Thankfully, most mistakes are minor, don’t cause much regret, and give us an opportunity to learn. But financial mistakes? They’re in another...

 

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

We all know how important it is to save for retirement, but if you’re a business owner who wants to help your employees prepare for their future, you know it’s not an easy process—it requires taking on fiduciary...

 

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Wednesday, October 6, 2021

If you’ve recently received an inheritance with assets that include a traditional or Roth IRA, you have some strategizing to do. In other words, don’t just take the money and run. There are different withdrawal rules...

 

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

A key part of succeeding in any business is identifying and mitigating risk. That being said, finding success in the agricultural industry is a combination of this and keeping production costs low. Whether you own a large or small farm...

 

Monday, August 30, 2021

Since 2020, we’ve continued to endure a mounting pandemic and the changes it’s brought into our lives. Whether it’s affected your money, how you interact with others, or the places you go, you’ve experienced...

 

Thursday, August 5, 2021

Many individuals wouldn’t consider tax increases as part of a business’s financial plan, but in the Golden State, it’s become a given. Every state has different tax obligations, but California’s tax laws are...

 

Monday, June 21, 2021

Many people struggle to start investing or to manage their investments because there’s so much to learn. There are countless unfamiliar terms, and even if you know what the terms mean, there are options and options to choose from...

 

Thursday, June 17, 2021

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day; thinking about what we’ll leave behind when we’re gone isn’t typically top of mind. And when we do make time to plan for a “legacy,” it’s generally...

 

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

California farmers play a critical role in the American economy; agricultural exports from California totaled $21.7 billion in 2019. (1) As many potential tax changes may be coming on the horizon, now is a critical time for California...

 

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

I think it’s safe to say that we were all caught off guard at the beginning of 2020. Now, a year later, we’ve learned that we can’t predict much, especially the timing of when economic instability or down markets...

 

Friday, March 19, 2021

When you began investing, you likely chose an investment portfolio model that aligned with your risk tolerance and time horizon. But since the financial markets are dynamic, the different investments in your portfolio will gain or lose...

 

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

2021 is expected to be a much-needed economic boost for the agriculture industry, hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has projected an increase of $11.8 million in crop receipts and $8.6 million...

 

Sunday, March 7, 2021

As California residents, we pay a hefty tax bill to enjoy the sunny beaches, rugged mountains, stark deserts, and lush forests of our beautiful state. But the truth is, our state taxes may only increase. The pandemic has created a...

 

Thursday, February 4, 2021

With President Joe Biden now in the White House and Democratic control of Congress, new tax law changes are anticipated on the horizon for 2021. Below is a basic summary of what to expect based on the proposed plan announced last year,...

 

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Let’s face it, business owners are constantly receiving and analyzing pertinent information in an attempt to make the best decision for their company. Not only will business owners make decisions that will affect their employees...

 

Friday, January 15, 2021

If you own a small business or practice, chances are you may be considering a cash balance plan for your team’s retirement. Cash balance plans are a type of tax-qualified, defined benefit pension plan, and they’re a great...

 

Monday, December 21, 2020

With everything 2020 has thrown at us, the last thing you probably feel like doing is thinking about taxes. But, like it or not, tax season will come, and the better prepared you are, the sooner you can shake off that stress and spend...

 

Monday, November 30, 2020

Most people mentally check out as soon as they hear the word “tax.” But if you own property or have investments you want to sell, you might want to tune in, or capital gains tax could cost you. To keep it simple, you...

 

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Grandma in her rocking chair, living out her years on the front porch, has been swapped for baby boomers living their best life, posting their adventures on Facebook and swiping left and carrying on. Today’s retirees are vibrant...

 

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

With a world of information at our fingertips, we can find reviews, history, product specifications, and more details than we’ll ever need about anything we want to buy. In other words, before making a major purchase, we can arm...

 

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Are you feeling the pressure and stress of life these days? We’re already dealing with a global pandemic, economic woes, and an upcoming election; let’s not add a hacked account or identity theft to that list. Unfortunately...

 

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic and its far-reaching implications has wreaked havoc across the globe. Calling these uncertain times sounds like a gross understatement that doesn’t do justice to the level of stress you’re...

 

Monday, July 6, 2020

If your stress and anxiety levels are reaching a breaking point, you’re not alone. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) poll found 45 percent of adults in the United States are feeling worry and stress related to the coronavirus....

 

Thursday, July 2, 2020

2020 is destined to become an indelible chapter in American history. In just six months, we have suffered a pandemic, encountered economic and financial disruption, and tackled civil justice issues. After all that, we deserve a...

 

Monday, June 29, 2020

As coronavirus restrictions ease and businesses reopen, the American economy should gain steam. Data released in May and June, including employment, payroll, and manufacturing numbers, suggested the economy may have hit bottom in April...

 

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Break out the socks and neckties! It’s time to celebrate your dad. See what you know about Father’s Day by taking this quick trivia quiz: 1. When is Father’s Day in the United States? a. Second Sunday in Mayb. Third Sunday in Junec....

 

Saturday, June 6, 2020

We are now multiple months into our lives being turned upside down. And even though some states and counties are reopening, we have a long way to go to normal. As a result of the coronavirus crisis, we’ve seen increased...

 

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Life as we know it has changed dramatically during 2020. As the coronavirus spread across the United States, cities and states issued shelter-in-place orders to slow the spread of the coronavirus and prevent healthcare facilities from...

 

Thursday, May 21, 2020

At 3:00 p.m. local time on Monday, May 25, 2020, the National Moment of Remembrance takes place by silently thanking the men and women of the United States military who gave their lives for our country.1 Originally, Memorial Day was...

 

Saturday, May 9, 2020

A global pandemic, volatile markets, quarantine…2020 certainly has not gone as expected. Forget “uncertain times”—more like scary or downright panic-inducing. In the midst of unprecedented volatility regarding...

 

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Whether they stay at home or work for a company, moms rarely have just one job. They’re event planners, coaches, interior designers, chefs, art directors, judges (and juries), housekeepers, maintenance supervisors, network...

 

Monday, May 4, 2020

The last two months have been eventful, to say the least. Would you have ever imagined back at the beginning of February that the world would be where it is now? Back then, kids were in school, markets were soaring, people were going...

 

Thursday, April 30, 2020

We know there is a glut of often-confusing information out there right now regarding everything to do with the coronavirus, including the much-anticipated CARES Act. Reading the headlines or searching Google can sometimes lead you down...

 

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.” — Lou Holtz, Hall of Fame football coach As the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic continues, how we respond to it will determine how we beat it....

 

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Don’t you wish you could feel unquestionably confident about your finances? You don’t have to look far to find financial advice or so-called proven formulas that promise to bring you financial success. And while...

 

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

If you have ever been flattened by a rogue wave while fishing or sunbathing on the shore, you probably recognize the emotional responses that have accompanied the pandemic wave crashing across the United States – shock, anxiety, and...

 

Friday, April 3, 2020

Dear Valued Investor: “Every decade or so, dark clouds will fill the economic skies, and they will briefly rain gold. When downpours of that sort occur, reach for a bucket.” —Warren Buffett The battle with COVID-19...

 

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Have you ever had a pivotal life moment where the path ahead swiftly changed and new opportunities became clear? My hand is raised over here. If you had asked “high school Matt” if he would one day own his own financial...

 

Thursday, March 26, 2020

March 26, 2020 Scammers, fraudsters, and other criminals are taking advantage of rapidly changing data and facts associated with COVID-19, both in the workplace and in our homes. Government agencies, corporations, and news outlets...

 

Thursday, March 12, 2020

St. Patrick’s Day is a day of unity. In the past, St. Patrick was celebrated by Irish Protestants and Irish Catholics. As it has been said, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. See what you know about this celebration of Irish...

 

Friday, March 6, 2020

In late February, concern that efforts to contain Coronavirus Disease 2019 (a.k.a. COVID-19) might result in slower global economic growth disrupted global markets. Share prices fell as economists and financial analysts revised growth...

 

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

The coronavirus, which is now officially called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has received a lot of attention. Since the outbreak began in China, late in 2019, the disease and efforts to understand and manage it have made...

 

Thursday, February 27, 2020

There was a little something for everyone in the ‘Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement’ (SECURE) Act, a piece of bipartisan legislation that was attached to the United States federal spending bill and signed into law...

 

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Valentine’s Day and love songs go hand-in-hand. If you’re looking for a way to show love and appreciation, consider sharing some of the most popular love songs of all time. Here are a few of the most popular, according to Billboard...

 

Thursday, January 30, 2020

The best place to retire in the United States is in dispute. There’s no formal debate, but a review of reliable publications showed surveys have named different states and cities as the “best” place to retire. For instance: • Iowa was...

 

Thursday, January 16, 2020

In 2019, a Pew Research Center survey reported many Americans were pessimistic about the future. Their worries included the national debt, the gap between the rich and the poor, and automation.1 Martin Luther King was sometimes...

 

Monday, January 6, 2020

Since 2011, the number of Americans owning smartphones has increased from 35 percent to 81 percent, although there remains a significant digital divide, demographically. A Pew Research survey found the vast majority of younger...

 

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Not everyone is financially prepared for retirement. Earlier this year, the Employee Benefit Research Institute estimated almost 41 percent of American households will run short of money in retirement. That’s an improvement over 2014...

 

Monday, December 30, 2019

If you’re not fond of New Year’s resolutions, then start or adopt new traditions that help get the year off to a positive start. Your new tradition should be something you can repeat each year with family and friends. Here are a few...

 

Monday, December 23, 2019

No matter what holiday you celebrate, we hope it’s filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt happiness. That said, we know holiday cheer can be overwhelmed by the pursuit of perfection and opinions of relatives. Just in case your...

 

Monday, December 2, 2019

You’ve probably never asked your adult children and younger relatives whether they have security software on their computers and devices. Why would you? They’re digital natives, born with keyboards under their fingertips.It may be time...

 

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists shared an autumn feast with the Wampanoag Indians. They were celebrating survival and friendship. It’s also a poignant story.1About one-half of the passengers who...

 

Thursday, November 7, 2019

After World War I, many nations celebrated the end of “The Great War” by establishing Armistice Day. Eventually, the holiday was broadened to celebrate those who served in all wars. In the United States after World War II and the...

 

Thursday, October 31, 2019

One of the most discussed topics in the United States is retirement security. Few Americans have set aside enough savings to live comfortably throughout retirement. In fact, the most recent National Retirement Risk Index (NRRI)*...

 

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Americans expect to spend $8.8 billion on costumes, decorations, candy, and other Halloween purchases, according to the National Retail Federation.1That’s enough money to purchase the New England Patriots ($3.8 billion), the Los...

 

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

What data about you is most important?The data that identity thieves are after – social security, credit card, and bank account numbers – is important, as well as more basic data which is being collected by companies whose devices you...

 

Monday, September 30, 2019

The simple answer is probably.Historically, the American economy has grown in fits and starts, otherwise known as recessions and expansions. As a result, it is likely there will be another recession in the United States.What are...

 

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Would you give up a share of $62 billion?Would you give up a share of $62 billion?If your answer is no, then you may be a member of the relatively small group of Americans (36 percent) that takes all of the vacation days available to...

 

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Just over 100 years ago, Americans typically worked physically demanding jobs. Adults toiled 12 hours a day, seven days a week for low wages. Americans did not take lunch breaks. They did not get sick days or vacations. They were not...

 

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

The world is becoming smarter and more connected all the time – and that has serious implications for people who want to protect their personal data and their privacy. If you’ve been enjoying the convenience of smart utilities and...

 

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

A Prescription for Dementia Prevention If you’ve ever played a party game that asks you to make difficult decisions, you may have run into a question like this one: Would you rather enjoy good physical health all of your life or good...

 

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Life, Liberty, and Tax-Advantaged Investing Americans are passionate about taxes. We have reason to be. In recent years, Americans have spent more on taxes than on food, clothing, and housing combined.1 The Tax Foundation estimates...

 

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Most dads have at least one recipe they like to cook for family and friends. Some have dozens. This year, celebrate Father’s Day by collecting the recipes from the men in your family. Bring a notebook to your next family celebration...

 

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Throughout history people have made inheritance choices that are inexplicable to others. In 1926, Harry Houdini left his magical equipment to his brother, his pulled-from-the-hat rabbits to the children of friends, and a series of...

 

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. It’s the time when we pay our respects to the men and women who died fighting for our country. See what you know about this important holiday by taking our Memorial Day quiz.1. What did the...

 

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Moms are like snowflakes. No two are exactly alike. So, when you’re thinking about what to give your mom for Mother’s Day, consider a gift that is as unique as she is -- share your memories with her. Here are some prompts to get you...

 

Monday, April 29, 2019

Where do you set aside the money you’re saving for retirement? If you’re like many Americans, you save for retirement primarily through an employer’s retirement plan, according to Pew Research.1Unfortunately, less than one-half of...

 

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

If someone tells you older people need less sleep than younger people do, don’t believe it. Older Americans need about eight hours of sleep, just like everybody else. What’s different is quality sleep is harder to come by as you age....

 

Thursday, March 28, 2019

It’s no secret healthcare costs are going up. Medical expenses have been steadily increasing for years. In 2007, costs were up almost 12 percent. However, the rate of increase slowed to 6 percent during the past five years and that...

 

Thursday, March 14, 2019

On St. Patrick’s Day, it’s okay to celebrate even if you’re not Irish. St. Patrick himself wasn’t Irish. As we celebrate, we would like to share some of our favorite facts and tidbits about St. Patrick’s Day:1 • St. Patrick’s Day is an...

 

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

How many password-protected accounts do you have?If you keep mental inventory, use a password manager, or have a written record of your passwords (which is not recommended by anyone), take a quick count. You’re likely to find you may...

 

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Valentine’s Day means different things to different people. Some welcome Valentine’s Day as a time for romance, while others see it as an opportunity to cherish friends and family. No matter how it’s celebrated, Valentine’s Day...

 

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Whether you own a house or rent an apartment, building a smart home is easier than it has ever been. Homeowners and renters can purchase kits that integrate specific smart items or they can select smart home products, such as light...

 

Thursday, January 17, 2019

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation establishing the third Monday of January as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.1 Dr. King, who is remembered for his powerful oratory and transformative ideas, once said, “Life’s most...

 

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Bella. Coco. Charlie. Lucy. Max. No matter the name, many pets are considered to be members of the family, providing companionship, protection, and unconditional love. The pet-owner relationship has some powerful benefits, which may...

 

Monday, January 7, 2019

It’s only January, but you may want to jumpstart your 2018 taxes since there are a slew of new regulations that may affect you. The Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 goes into effect this year so make sure you understand how tax...

 

Sunday, December 30, 2018

Eat healthier. Get more exercise. Save more money. Those were the top New Year's resolutions for 2018, according to Statista.1 Few people achieved them. One of the reasons so few resolutions become reality is because people tend to...

 

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Holidays can be joyful and a little stressful. Here are a few ways to bring a moment of happiness into your life and the lives of those around you:1 • Take time to call an old friend.• Buy coffee for a stranger.• Briefly chat with your...

 

Friday, November 30, 2018

When the ups and downs of stock markets leave you stressed and wondering whether stocks really will help you pursue your long-term financial goals, there are two things to remember:1. Historically, over long periods, stocks have tended...

 

Friday, November 30, 2018

When the ups and downs of stock markets leave you stressed and wondering whether stocks really will help you pursue your long-term financial goals, there are two things to remember:1. Historically, over long periods, stocks have tended...

 

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Thanksgiving is a true American holiday. It celebrates generosity and gratitude, and it recognizes the relationships that helped colonists who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 survive beyond their first winter. History.com explained:1...

 

Thursday, November 8, 2018

There are more than 20 million veterans living across the United States. These men and women fought in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Iraq War, the War in Afghanistan, which continues today, and many...

 

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

It’s a pricey question.It’s a pricey question.College Board estimated the average cost for full-time, in-state students who live on campus at four-year public colleges or universities during the 2017-18 school year is $25,290...

 

Monday, October 29, 2018

If trick-or-treating in your neighborhood requires a trick to get a treat, your little ghosts and goblins will need some short and easy-to-remember options. Here are a few that were recommended by Reader’s Digest:1• What has hundreds...

 

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Here are some thoughts on the market sell-off I thought you might be interested in: https://lplresearch.com/2018/10/11/thoughts-on-the-market-sell-off/

 

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Remember the television classic, Green Acres? Eddie Albert, who portrayed a New York City lawyer, and Eva Gabor, who portrayed his sophisticated spouse, move from the big city to the country – and it’s not quite what they expected...

 

Monday, October 1, 2018

Here’s a number that will knock your socks off: $400 trillion.1By 2050, the retirement savings shortfall in eight of the world’s largest economies is expected to reach $400 trillion, according to estimates from the World Economic Forum...

 

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Labor Day is set aside to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers. It was proposed as a holiday by Matthew Maguire in 1882 while he served as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York, NY. The labor...

 

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

How long will you live? How long will you live? It’s not a question anyone can answer with any certainty, and that creates a significant risk when planning for retirement. Your retirement may last for a long time, and you will need to...

 

Thursday, August 2, 2018

In recent years, investors have largely ignored geopolitical risks. Russia’s invasion of the Crimean Peninsula, the Brits’ vote to leave the European Union (EU), unrest in the Middle East, and other global events have not affected...

 

Thursday, July 5, 2018

In the olden days, the word ‘subscription’ typically was applied to just magazines and newspapers. Today, that’s not the case. Americans are buying everything from meal kits to baby products to vitamins by subscription. A McKinsey &...

 

Monday, July 2, 2018

On July 4, 1776, the American colonies banded together and declared independence from Great Britain. The countries had been at war for more than a year due to a number of issues, particularly in regards to harsh taxation and a lack of...

 

Thursday, June 28, 2018

To the relief of many South Africans, Day Zero has been pushed back to 2019. Day Zero is the date on which Cape Town will run out of water, and its four million residents will begin to collect daily water rations of about seven gallons...

 

Thursday, June 14, 2018

There are many perceived requirements of being a dad. “One of the jobs of a good dad is to help kids become a little tougher, a little more resilient, a little more separate…dads push kids to leave the nest; they brush off the dirt...

 

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

The words ‘bear market’ have been bandied about a lot lately. When you read or hear them, remember to respond the same way you would if you saw an actual bear in the woods – by staying calm and keeping your wits about you. A changing...

 

Thursday, May 24, 2018

If you’ve ever composed a grocery list in your head while driving carpool and listening to your children discuss who got in trouble at school and why, then you know what it’s like to have your attention divided. If you’ve ever worked...

 

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Mother’s Day is almost here! We all have moms and, whether they gave birth to us or not, they have helped us become the people we are today. Here are 10 reasons moms are so important, adapted from Psychology Today:11. She gave birth to...

 

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Understanding family attitudes towards money may improve financial decisions and reduce financial stress. Understanding family attitudes towards money may improve financial decisions and reduce financial stress. People inherit more...

 

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Technology is a life changer. GPS has improved interpersonal relations by eliminating arguments about asking for directions. Apps for car services, food delivery, video streaming, news media, and social media have changed the way we...

 

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

“There’s no place like home.”1Conjuring an image of ‘home’ was a lot easier for Dorothy than it is for people who are on the cusp of retirement. After all, isn’t retirement supposed to be a new start? Aren’t retirees supposed to wave...

 

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

It’s almost time to don green and gold. That’s right, March 17 is upon us. There’s more to the holiday, however, than eating corned beef and cabbage and celebrating the Irish. For instance, St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland,...

 

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Here’s a number most people would like to see on an annual statement: 21.6 percent. That was the annual return for the Standard & Poor (S&P) 500 Index during 2017. In general, U.S. stock indices did quite well last year – and the year...

 

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Here’s a riddle for you: Some people are reluctant to start me, unless I’m automatic. I’m frequently exhausted when I don’t roll over. I’m sometimes left behind. Retirees devour me. What am I? Answer: A retirement savings plan.New jobs...

 

Thursday, December 28, 2017

The last bear market in bonds began in the middle of the last century and lasted for about 31 years. Some investors who bought bonds in 1950 locked in relatively low rates of return for a very long time. On January 1, 1950, 10-year U.S...

 

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

There is a simple and unsettling reality in the United States. Most Americans are not financially prepared for retirement. There is a simple and unsettling reality in the United States. Most Americans are not financially prepared for...

 

Monday, October 30, 2017

Retirement and Social Security are inextricably linked. Not only did Social Security help establish the official U.S. retirement age at 65, it also provides a significant portion of today’s retirees’ incomes. Retirement and Social...

 

Thursday, September 28, 2017

How times change! In 1940, half of Americans finished their education in eighth grade. College degrees were relatively rare. Just 6 percent of men and 4 percent of women had one.1During the past 80 years, college has become far more...

 

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

In a 2002 interview with Mike Wallace, former First Lady Nancy Reagan said she often reread the love letters written by her husband, former President Ronald Reagan. The letters, which had sustained and enriched their relationship,...

 

Thursday, June 29, 2017

The bull market in U.S. stocks has been charging ahead for more than eight years.1 While that’s young in people years, it’s ancient in bull market terms. Since World War II, the longest bull market in U.S. stocks lasted for almost...