March 2018 Market and Economic Outlook
Despite the pick-up in volatility at the end of January, risk assets continued their upward ascent throughout the month. Expectations surrounding the implementation of the newly passed tax reform bill and the weakening US dollar served as positive catalysts for the month.
Avoid the pain of regret: a disciplined approach to retirement savings
With 39 percent of Americans feeling ill-prepared for retirement, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2017 Retirement Confidence Survey, we are often challenged to come up with a solution to make saving easier.[1] Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions, and in the absence of u
Fed continues on road to interest rate normalization
In a widely anticipated move, the Fed increased interest rates by 25 basis points on March 15, 2017, the second interest rate hike in three months and there are talks of potentially two more raises this year.
Post Election Financial Advice
Global events, such as the intensely divided presidential election that we just lived through, are certain to generate some periods of market volatility of varying lengths in addition to a significant amount of stress.
How To Get A 35% Investor Tax Credit In SC
Maximizing tax credits offered by the IRS and various states around the US is key to maximizing your financial position. There are many types of tax credits available for both individuals and businesses.
Brexit and Goldman Sachs Outlook June 2016
There is no silver bullet when it comes to investing or wealth management in general… if there was, we would all be sitting on yachts and most likely not reading this article. However, there needs to be some clarity and calm on the very complex 'Brexit' subject for our US based clientele.
Economic Outlook - April 2016
After an extremely volatile quarter, the broad equity market indexes ended just about where they started. Risk assets began the year under heavy pressure, with the S&P 500 Index declining more than -10% to a 22-month low on February 11.
Are Annuities Good Investments?
Annuities are one of the few financial products that allow financial advisors to use the word "guaranteed".
Markets Rally in Anticipation of G20 Summit
On this week’s podcast (recorded February 26, 2016), Bill Miller, CIO from Brinker Capital discusses the recent string of positive news, the hopeful outcome following the G20 Summit, and what still remains as cause for concern:
What we like: G20 Summit underway to discuss new policies intended to h
5 Days Left To Get Health Insurance in 2016 - Obamacare AEP Ends Sunday
You have 5 days left until Sunday January 31st to get health insurance for 2016.
If you miss this date, you may have to pay a penalty. Register now so that you don't miss the individual health insurance Obamacare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).
Economic Outlook - January 2016
After three years of strong market returns, 2015 performance was relatively flat combined with higher volatility across most asset classes.
Health Insurance Deadlines - SC NC FL
The deadlines for Health Insurance are approaching fast. Get your plan by December 15th 2015 so that it is effective January 1st 2016. This will ensure you avoid paying any government penalties for not having health insurance in SC, NC and FL.
It's The Law - Get Health Insurance Coverage
Having Health Insurance is the law, and getting covered in SC, NC, FL and GA is more affordable than you think.
Sunday November 1st 2015 marked the first day of the Annual Enrollment Period for health insurance plans commencing January 1st 2016.
What To Do About Consumers Choice Health Closing
You may have heard via the Charleston Business Regional Business Journal that the health insurance company Consumers Choice is closing.
The best thing you can do is register at www.MyHealthInsuranceUSA.com for a new plan as soon as possible.
Economic Outlook - October 2015
A slowdown in China, which generated anxiety over the outlook for global growth, combined with the Federal Reserve’s decision to postpone the first interest rate hike, while warning of global developments, led to uncertainty and significant equity market volatility during the third quarter.
Should You Buy Dental And Vision Insurance?
Dental and Vision Plans are generally low in cost, but are they actually worth purchasing? Usually the answer to these questions is that it completely depends on your personal circumstances.
How To Buy Low Cost Health Insurance
If you are self-employed in Charleston SC, Charlotte NC, Atlanta GA or Miami FL, then it's likely you are already comparing ACA Obamacare Health Insurance Plans.
3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Health Insurance Obamacare Plan before Nov 1st 2015
*Open Enrollment for Obamacare commences November 1st 2015
Choosing a health insurance plan in SC, NC, FL or GA isn’t a piece of cake.
Economic Outlook - July 2015
Uncertainty over the start of the Federal Reserve’s rate hike campaign, the possibility of a default in Greece and Puerto Rico, and the drop in China shares each weighed on financial markets in June, resulting in a quarter of flat to negative performance across most asset classes.
Reduce Childcare Costs - Tax Credit or Dependent Care FSA?
Sitters, nannies and childcare centers are all necessary at some point for families. The cost of these services can gradually add up throughout the year if using them regularly.
Living Tax Free
Most people agree that two things are certain in life... death and taxes. If you live in the USA right now as a citizen or permanent resident, then you will have noticed that your tax liability has gradually been increasing on a yearly basis.
The Roundabout Way to a Roth IRA
A 2014 IRS ruling makes it easier for taxpayers to move after-tax 401(k) contributions directly to a Roth IRA.
Economic Outlook - April 2015
After pushing higher for most of July, the U.S. equity markets fell -2% on the last day to end the month in the red. Continued geopolitical concerns, a debt default in Argentina and a higher than expected reading on the Employment Cost Index could have provided a catalyst for the sell-off.
“I’ll Do It Later” — Why People Procrastinate
One in five adults admits to being a chronic procrastinator. Among college students, the number may be as high as seven in 10, which might explain those all-nighters.1 In the “real world,” you can’t always cram for finals.
Economic Outlook - January 2015
Despite geopolitical tensions in Russia and the Middle East, the end of the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing program, weakness in growth abroad, and a significant decline in oil prices, U.S. large cap equities posted solid double-digit gains in 2014. International equity markets lagged U.S.
Are Money Market Funds Insured by the FDIC?
In July 2014, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted new regulations designed to help prevent “runs” on money market mutual funds.1Vulnerabilities in the money fund market were exposed during the 2008 financial crisis.
Obamacare Health Insurance Enrollment
Consumers continue to reach out to private health insurance market places such as www.MyHealthInsuranceUSA.com to learn about their plan options, to find out what financial help is available, or to select the plan that best meets their financial and health needs during the second week of Open Enroll
Top Tips for Your 2014 Taxes
The end of the year will be here before you know it, but there’s still time to take steps that may help reduce your 2014 tax liability. Here are some ideas to consider.
Increase tax-advantaged retirement contributions.
ObamaCare - Health Insurance Advice
Whether you love ObamaCare or not makes no difference.
November 15th 2014 is a critical day that many people become eligible to buy an ObamaCare Health Insurance Plan.
Economic Outlook - October 2014
Concerns over an earlier-than-expected tightening by the Federal Reserve, increased geopolitical tensions and signs of a weakening global economy weighed on equity markets in September. Despite negative returns in July and September, U.S.
How To Guard Against Fraud
Bernie Madoff became infamous for perpetrating what may be the biggest Ponzi scheme in history — costing unsuspecting investors more than $17.5 billion in principal and $47 billion in phony profits.1
In a classic Ponzi scheme, the person committing the fraud usually pays investors their returns wi
Be Careful When Cashing Out of Retirement Plans
Since the 2008, Americans have been keeping their jobs longer in Charleston SC, Charlotte NC, Miami FL and Atlanta GA. In 2012, the average tenure for U.S.
Economic Outlook - July 2014
Equity markets continued to grind higher in the second quarter despite continued tapering by the Federal Reserve, a negative GDP print, and rising geopolitical tensions. All asset classes have delivered positive returns in the first half of the year, led by long-term U.S. Treasury bonds.
Housing Trends: New Rules Could Revive Recovery
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that purchase mortgages from lenders and package them into securities that are sold to investors. The two companies currently back about 60% of all U.S.
Financial Calculators and Financial Planning
Only 46 percent of U.S. workers have tried to determine how much they will need to save for a comfortable retirement.
Economic Outlook - April 2014
The full quarter returns masked the volatility risk assets experienced during the first three months of the year. Markets were able to shrug off geopolitical risks stemming from Russia and the Ukraine, fears of slowing economic growth in the U.S.
Weighing Price and Earnings
As with any purchase, it would be wise to learn more about a stock before investing. Because no one has a crystal ball, the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio can be a helpful tool.
Benefitfocus, Boeing, Fedex, and Blackbaud Stock Option Plans and Common Stock Grants
Hedges Wealth Management is a boutique firm based in Charleston SC and within close proximity to Benefitfocus (NASDAQ: BNFT), Blackbaud (NADSAQ: BLKB) and FedEx (NYSE: FDX) and Boeing (NYSE: BA).
The Stock Market and New Calculations for GDP
The latest film you enjoyed at your local theater in Charleston SC, Miami FL, Atlanta GA or Charlotte NC may have cost $100 million or more to create, and much of that money was spent in communities where the film was shot or paid to people who worked on it.