Here are 6 ways to get out, get active and live healthier in Chicago.
At CTS, we believe that a holistic approach to wellness, from financial fitness to physical and mental health, are key elements to living a successful and fulfilled life. And if you’re anything like us, we know that Chicago, with its rich culture and diversity, is the perfect place to get out and explore. Here are six ways to enjoy an active lifestyle in our dynamic city.
The Weekly Update
Week of September 25, 2017
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®
Domestic indexes were mixed last week, as the Dow gained 0.36%, the S&P 500 eked out a 0.08% increase, and the NASDAQ lost 0.33%. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE added a solid 0.68%.
Three stories that have dominated conversations and driven investor attention in 2017 continued last week:
When announcing its latest interest rate perspectives, the Federal Reserve also indicated that it would begin to reduce …
The Weekly Update
Week of September 18, 2017
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®
After briefly stumbling the week of September 4, domestic indexes notched significant gains last week and hit record highs. By Friday, the S&P 500 exceeded 2,500 for the first time, the Dow closed at its highest level ever, and the NASDAQ reached an intraday record. Each of the indexes gained well over 1% for the week, with the S&P 500 adding 1.58%, the Dow jumping 2.16%, and the NASDAQ increasing 1.39%. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE also performed well, with a weekly gain of 0.55%.
When looking at these sizable increases, you might expect that positive data and geopolitical calm filled the news last week. Instead, we experienced a number of occurrences that could have derailed stock performance:
Giving Back with Planned Philanthropy: What part does philanthropy play in planning a lasting legacy?
Giving Back with Planned Philanthropy
At CTS, we understand that success in life is about more than amassing wealth. It’s about the conscious legacy you leave behind for your loved ones, community, and society – the lives you’ve touched or perhaps even changed.
Philanthropic planning allows you to combine your charitable goals with your financial strategies. Many wealthy Americans are now more strategic about their giving, aiming to maximize the social impact of their donations. High-impact giving ensures your contributions are used effectively. By planning your giving, you can understand the causes you care about and build relationships with the organizations you support.
Philanthropic planning benefits both donors and charities. For donors, it allows you to set intentional goals for your giving, ensuring it aligns with your values. It also offers the potential for tax benefits and …
The Weekly Update
Week of September 12, 2017
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®
Last week, the markets closed for Labor Day, and in the subsequent four trading days, all three domestic indexes gave back some recent gains. The S&P 500 declined 0.61%, the Dow lost 0.86%, and the NASDAQ slid 1.17%. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE faired better, ending Friday up 0.78% for the week.
On Wednesday, September 6, we received solid data from the services sector, with the ISM Non-Manufacturing Index showing growth in 15 of the 18 industries it tracks. The trade deficit also stayed relatively static for July, avoiding the widening trade gap forecasters predicted. Both reports may indicate that the economy continues to be on stronger ground than many people believe.
But last week’s new economic reports were not what drove many headlines or captured people’s attention. Between Hurricane Harvey’s devastation in Texas and Louisiana, Irma bearing …
The Weekly Update
Week of September 5, 2017
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®
Last week gave a number of things for both investors and non-investors to think—and worry—about. From North Korea’s missiles to Hurricane Harvey’s devastation to an unemployment uptick, the headlines were busy. Yet, despite these circumstances, U.S. stocks posted gains again this week—and the NASDAQ ended Friday with a new record high and 2017’s best weekly performance. Overall, the S&P 500 added 1.37%, the Dow was up 0.80%, the NASDAQ gained 2.71%, and the MSCI EAFE increased by 0.55%.
So, what did we learn about the economy last week that helped contribute to these gains?
Big News: GDP Hits 2-Year High
On August 30, the Commerce Department released its second reading of Q2 Gross Domestic Product. After sluggish growth in the first quarter of 2017, consumer and business spending helped advance …
