Blog Site: July 2012

July 2012 Quarterly Newsletter

Click here for the July 2012 Quarterly Newsletter.

The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Brinker Capital and Hedges Wealth Management LLC.

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Miami FL, Charleston SC, Atlanta GA, Charlotte NC - Investments & Insurance.

Jul

Economic News, Outlook & Notable Numbers - July 2012

Key U.S. Economic News

■ Nonfarm payrolls increased only +80,000 in June. We’ve averaged only +75,000 payroll gains per month in the second quarter, the weakest job growth seen in two years. The unemployment rate held at 8.2% and there was no change in the participation rate. The broader U-6 measure of unemployment ticked up to 14.9%.

■ In June the manufacturing PMI fell into contraction territory for the first time since July 2009, falling -3.8 points to 49.7%.

Jul

What Is Your Business Worth?

The market for selling small businesses improved slightly last year, but buyers typically still had the upper hand. The median selling price rose 3.3% to $155,000, while the median revenue for firms sold in 2011 rose by 6.7%.1

Lenders generally require a professional valuation before extending credit to owners and buyers. But even if a loan or a sale is not in your immediate future, a precise valuation could be useful for effective business, tax, and retirement planning.

Jul

iMoney - A series of short videos on Financial Concepts

One survey found that 45% of current retirees had to retire earlier than they expected.1

Source: 1) Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2011

Some of the best financial concepts are learned in small, bite-size pieces.

Our library of iMoney ideas is built on the concept that short lessons can teach a lot about personal finance. Click on one of the items below and watch a quick movie that will show a financial concept.

Jul

Following the Federal Reserve

To spur borrowing and boost the economy, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds target rate to near zero at the end of 2008. More recently, the Fed disclosed that it is unlikely to raise rates until late 2014.

Jul

Investing When Rates Are Low

Interest rates have been exceptionally low for three years now — and are expected to remain so through the end of 2014, according to the Federal Reserve.1 Meanwhile, market volatility has been high. These are challenging times for risk-averse investors who want to improve their returns.

Jul

To Roll or Not to Roll: Blackbaud 401K Plan Rollover - It’s Your Choice

It used to be common for employers to encourage (or require) departing employees to withdraw their money from the company’s retirement plan.1 Like most employee benefits, an employer-sponsored retirement plan like the Blackbaud 401K in Charleston SC is typically an expense for the employer.

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