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Many retirees find southern states quite attractive because of the warmer weather, lower cost of living and the ability to enjoy outdoor activities nearly year-round. Buying a new home to escape the winter weather becomes even more enticing when it also provides attractive income and estate tax benefits. However, you should know that your former…
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Most investors would prefer what happened in March stays in March. It was an incredibly volatile and severe drawdown month. However, the markets rebounded and recovered some first quarter losses in April as investors were able to move past the initial panic reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given the dramatic drop in equity markets over the past two months, investors may be preoccupied with continuous coverage of the coronavirus and its negative impact on markets and the economy. However, there are several significant planning opportunities – some of which are tied to recent market volatility – that you can do today.

Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) last week, which was signed by President Trump into law March 27. This stimulus package created in response to the growing coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the economy, is the most expansive to date at an estimated $2.2 trillion. It follows an…
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A recent three-day rally has significantly improved the month-to-date and year-to-date returns, but market volatility is likely to continue until there is greater clarity on COVID-19. Since the S&P 500 Index reached its high on Feb. 19, it has declined 23% and is down 19% for the year. Remember though, market timing does not drive…
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The Federal Reserve has taken several major policy actions recently in reaction to the dramatic drop in the markets due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Actions include: Establishing the Commercial Paper Funding Facility (CPFF) to support the flow of credit to households and businesses by alleviating short-term funding stress. Establishing programs to support households and…
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The bull market has come to an end after 11 years. The S&P 500 is down 26% as of March 16. For many investors, this recent volatility is reminiscent of the 2008 financial crisis. What should investors do during this heightened volatility? Keep a longer-term perspective in mind.   Click here to read more.

The recent market drop is the result of many factors converging: the coronavirus, disagreements between Saudi Arabia and Russia over oil production, the upcoming 2020 U.S. presidential election, and the potential for negative interest rates. Let’s look at the recent volatility and some practical actions investors can consider taking now.

By Kevin O’Conner, Financial Advisor When you first created a Self-Employed 401(k) plan for you and/or your spouse, you weren’t required to file paperwork with the IRS. That’s because the IRS only requires an annual tax filing when plan assets equal $250,000 or more. Once your plan’s assets hit the $250,000 threshold, or if the…
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When discussing Self-Employed 401(k) plans with our clients, we often are asked how the contributions to this type of retirement savings plan will affect take-home pay. Read on for the answer to this question, as well as other commonly asked questions related to retirement plans.