The Allure of the Red Velvet Rope: The Effects of Private Credit and Equity in the Public Markets
You may have recently heard the names Blackstone, KKR, or Apollo in the news. These are some of the largest private credit and equity asset management firms in the world. One might ask, what exactly are private credit and private equity? Private credit and private equity fall under the alternative asset class in the investment […]
The Impact of Social Media and News on Market Trends
2025 has started off with noticeably volatile weeks in the stock markets. This volatility stems from various economic and political factors we currently face. On top of this, we live in an age of news and social media that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Each week, a new headline turns heads and makes people react emotionally. […]
Why Are Mortgage Rates Staying Stubbornly High?
The Average 30-year fixed rate mortgage is currently sitting at 7.10% as of Jan. 6, 2025. This is a stark contrast when compared to the all-time lows of 2.75% back in the beginning of 2021. We have seen the cost of financing a mortgage skyrocket as the Federal Reserve began to increase interest rates after […]
When to Collect Social Security Benefits?
A common question asked when planning for your retirement is “what age should I take my Social Security benefits?” I think there is a better question to ask yourself which is “do I want to have more money earlier or later in retirement?” Timing does matter in retirement. Once you put a little thought into […]
Understanding Sequence of Returns Risk: Protecting Your Investments from Market Volatility
Let’s begin with the definition–sequence of returns risk refers to the possibility of running out of money due to poor investment returns in the early years while you are withdrawing from the account. This is often associated with retirement accounts during the spenddown stage of life. Simply put–timing does matter. A retiree relying on income […]
3 Strategies to Consider When Taking Your RMD’s
When you retire there are things to consider before taking your required minimum distributions. Once you have reached the age of 73 you will be required to withdraw a specific amount from your tax deferred retirement accounts. These include your employer 401(k), 403(b), traditional, SEP and Simple IRAs. Due to the Secure Act 2.0, if […]
New Year, New Budget: How to Refresh Your Financial Plan
The Budgeting Process Summary: The beginning of the New Year is the perfect time to budget for this upcoming year. To start planning your budget, begin by calculating the after-tax income of your yearly salary. After-tax income is calculated by subtracting the amount you receive after automatic deductions for a 401(K), health insurance, and life […]
Holiday Budgeting: How to Spend Smart This Holiday Season
Holiday shopping can be stressful as prices are increasing, and it can be easy to overspend on gifts for family and friends. With the additional purchases of decorations, travel expenses, and holiday foods for the festive family get-together, it is important to put aside time to plan accordingly to help relieve some of the unwanted […]
Unleashing the Age Conundrum: Exploring Retirement Timing and Financial Considerations
Does Age Matter? The most frequent question that gets asked is, when is the best time to retire? The current average retirement age in the United States is 62.3 years for women and 64.6 years for men. The age that you do end up retiring will affect your finances. Determining the right age for you […]
