college education Archives - CTS Financial Group

Fed Happy Talk Breaks Bad News Streak

jmuch2025-03-24T06:51:46-05:00March 24, 2025|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: 401(k), AI, alternative investments, artificial intelligence, chicago, college education, CPI, debt, estate planning, Fed, financial, financial planning, financial strategy, gifting, income tax brackets, income taxes, Inflation, insurance, Interest Rates, investing, investment, market volatility, markets, PPI, retirement, retirement planning, risk management, social security, taxes, Trump, wealth management, women|

The Weekly Update

Week of March 24th, 2025
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks notched a solid gain last week as upbeat comments from the Fed helped stocks snap their four-week losing streak.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.51 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 0.17 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, gaining 1.20 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 0.75 percent.

A Solid Week
Stocks opened the week higher despite weaker-than-expected retail sales. On Tuesday, stocks pulled back on disappointing economic data and renewed Middle East tensions.

Stocks roared higher Wednesday as investors looked forward to the Federal Reserve’s meeting. As widely expected, the Fed kept rates steady, but Fed Chair Powell’s comments buoyed investors’ spirits.

Stocks dipped Thursday and opened lower on Friday, but investors showed some confidence by pushing prices higher into Friday’s close.

The Fed Stays Positive
Amid all the market turbulence …

Rough Week for Stocks, with Slight Friday Rally

jmuch2025-03-17T09:44:19-05:00March 17, 2025|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: 401(k), aging parents, alternative investments, artificial intelligence, chicago, college education, CPI, debt, Fed, financial planning, financial strategy, income tax brackets, Inflation, Interest Rates, investing, market volatility, PPI, retirement, risk management, social security, taxes, Trump, wealth management, women|

The Weekly Update

Week of March 17th, 2025
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Investors endured another volatile, whipsaw week as ongoing trade talks and White House comments about the economy unsettled investors.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 2.27 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.43 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 3.07 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 0.95 percent.

Markets Stem Losses
Stocks opened the week lower as investors reacted to the president’s weekend comments about the economy. Then, U.S. and Canadian leaders traded additional tariff threats, riling up anxious investors.3,4
Stocks rebounded midweek after a cooler-than-expected Consumer Price Index (CPI) report eased growing inflation concerns.

The broad market slide resumed Thursday, but better-than-expected February wholesale inflation data helped buffer losses. The S&P 500 ended Thursday in correction territory—10 percent below its February 19 record close.

Markets pushed higher Friday, clawing back some losses for …

Tariff Talk Returns, Volatility Close Behind

jmuch2025-03-13T19:34:02-05:00March 3, 2025|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: 401(k), chicago, college education, CPI, Fed, financial strategy, Inflation, Interest Rates, investing, investment, market volatility, markets, retirement, retirement planning, risk, risk management, social security, sustainability, taxes, wealth management, wealth transfer, women|

The Weekly Update

Week of March 3rd, 2025
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks were mixed last week as investor concerns over inflation and trade policy combined to produce another volatile trading week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.95 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0.98 percent. Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index dropped an eye-catching 3.47 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 1.03 percent.

Trade Talk
The week began under pressure after the White House said 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada would begin after the 30-day pause ends in early March.

On Tuesday, S&P and Nasdaq stocks continued their slide on news that consumer confidence weakened more than expected. Concerns about inflation and tariffs merged with investors fretting over economic growth and global trade. It was the fourth straight day of declines for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. The Dow, however, …

New Indicators Rattle Investors

jmuch2025-03-04T09:36:00-06:00February 24, 2025|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: 401(k), AI, artificial intelligence, chicago, college education, CPI, debt, Fed, financial planning, financial strategy, income tax brackets, Inflation, insurance, Interest Rates, investing, market volatility, markets, PPI, retirement, retirement planning, risk management, social security, tariff, taxes, Trump, wealth management, wealth transfer, women|

The Weekly Update

Week of February 24th, 2025
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks fell last week as concerns about sticky inflation and the pace of economic growth rattled investors.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.66 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also fell 2.51 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, was essentially flat (+0.04 percent).

S&P 500 Hits New High, Then Slips
Following the Presidents’ Day holiday, stock prices were largely range-bound on Tuesday despite some intraday volatility. Then stocks edged higher, shaking off some new tariff talk and disappointing housing starts data. The S&P 500 marked its third record close of the year on Wednesday.

On Thursday, stocks were under pressure from the start of trading after a weaker-than-expected outlook from a mega-retailer. The update reinforced some concerns that the economy may be slowing. The selling accelerated …

Black Swan Casts Shadow Over Wall Street

jmuch2025-03-03T15:34:11-06:00February 3, 2025|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: 401(k), AI, artificial intelligence, chicago, college education, CPI, debt, estate planning, Fed, financial planning, financial strategy, income taxes, Inflation, market volatility, markets, retirement, risk management, social security, taxes, wealth management, wealth transfer, women|

The Weekly Update

Week of February 3rd, 2025
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks were mixed last week as investors parsed market-moving news nearly every trading day—from an unsettling AI update to White House news to Q4 corporate reports.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.00 percent while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 1.64 percent. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose, picking up 0.27 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.75 percent.

A Choppy End to January
The week started on a down note with news that a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup had made a breakthrough, which put pressure on a wide range of tech stocks. The tech-heavy Nasdaq fell 3 percent for the day, but the Dow Industrials ended the trading session slightly higher.

Stocks were under pressure again mid-week as investors waited on news from the Federal Reserve. The Fed voted to hold …

Shifted Policy Gears Rev Markets

jmuch2025-03-04T09:43:32-06:00January 27, 2025|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: 401(k), aging parents, AI, alternative investments, artificial intelligence, college education, CPI, debt, estate planning, Fed, financial planning, financial strategy, income tax brackets, Inflation, Interest Rates, investing, market volatility, markets, retirement, risk management, social security, taxes, wealth management, wealth transfer, women|

The Weekly Update

Week of January 27th, 2025
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks rallied last week as investors reacted positively to a handful of better-than-expected corporate earnings reports and developments out of Washington, D.C.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.74 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.65 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.15 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 3.03 percent.

Flurry of News
Markets surged over the first three trading days as investors cheered a flurry of new policy announcements and executive orders following Monday’s inauguration. For example, investors responded to news that the White House trade team is considering taking a softer stance on tariffs.3
It was also a good week for Q4 company reports and other upbeat corporate news.

Markets leveled off Friday as investors were disappointed that existing home sales fell to a 30-year low. But for the week, …

Goldilocks Returns; Market Ends Week “Just Right.”

jmuch2025-03-11T12:00:33-05:00January 21, 2025|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: 401(k), AI, alternative energy, alternative investments, artificial intelligence, chicago, college education, CPI, debt, Fed, financial planning, financial strategy, income tax brackets, income taxes, Interest Rates, investing, investment, market volatility, markets, retirement, retirement planning, risk, risk management, social security, sustainability, taxes, wealth management, wealth transfer, women|

The Weekly Update

Week of January 20th, 2025
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks roared back last week, fueled by upbeat Q4 corporate reports and economic news that stalled inflationary fears.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 2.45 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, picking up 3.69 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 2.00 percent.

Goldilocks is Back
The “Goldilocks” narrative—an economy that’s neither too hot nor too cold—made a comeback last week.

Tuesday’s Producer Price Index report showed that wholesale prices rose less than expected in December—one piece of evidence suggesting a cooling economy.

Stocks jumped out of the gate Wednesday after the December Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed core inflation (minus volatile energy and food prices) rose less than expected. Investors also cheered Q4 reports from a handful of money center banks and positive news out …

What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?

jmuch2025-03-25T11:45:29-05:00February 28, 2024|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: 529, 529 plans, college education, financial planning, funding an education|

What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?

WHAT CAN YOU BUY WITH 529 DISTRIBUTIONS?

A 529 college savings plan is a tax-advantaged way to save for education expenses, and it’s not just limited to college anymore. Originally designed to help families save for higher education, these plans can now be used for a wider range of educational expenses, including K-12 tuition, private and religious schools, vocational schools, and even some international institutions. The plan offers flexibility, allowing individuals to use the funds for various educational purposes beyond traditional four-year college programs.

The primary advantage of a 529 plan is its tax benefits. Earnings on the funds grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals used for qualified education expenses are tax-free. However, it’s important to note that each state may treat 529 plan contributions differently, offering different state tax deductions or credits. Additionally, the fees and expenses associated with each 529 plan can vary, so …

Half Million Dollar Baby

jmuch2025-03-25T12:18:06-05:00April 6, 2023|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education, financial planning, women|

Half Million Dollar Baby

What Does It Actually Cost to Raise a Child?

The costs associated with raising a child start right at birth. A hospital bill for childbirth can easily reach up to $20,000, depending on various factors such as the type of birth and insurance coverage. Additionally, prenatal care adds extra expenses, often making the total cost even higher.

Food Costs

Once a child is born, feeding them becomes a significant part of the budget. On average, parents spend nearly $2,500 each year on food for their children. Over 18 years, this adds up to almost $45,000. These costs increase as the child grows and their nutritional needs change.

Hiring Help

For households with two working parents, the cost of childcare can be substantial. Depending on the type of care, expenses can range from $5,436 to $24,243 per year. Whether it’s daycare, a nanny, or other forms of help, these costs are …

Ultimate College Checklist

jmuch2025-03-26T08:24:23-05:00July 12, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education, financial planning|

Ultimate College Checklist

Ultimate College Checklist

With summer in the air, it means fall is just around the corner. And, for many, that means kids heading off to college.

Sending your child off to college is an exciting and emotional milestone for families, but many details require attention. At CTS Financial Group, we’ve helped families navigate this transition, and we’ve created a checklist of 13 essential tasks to ensure your child gets the most out of their college experience. Here are some key items to address:

Finances
College is expensive, so review your finances and consider using accounts designated for higher education, like a 529 Plan. If money is tight, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could be a good option, but consult a financial advisor before making that decision. You should also evaluate your car insurance policy to determine if adjustments are needed due to your child’s new living situation.

Health
Check if your …