college education Archives - CTS Financial Group

Black Swan Casts Shadow Over Wall Street

jmuch2025-02-03T08:29:02-06:00February 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

jmuch2025-01-27T08:59:03-06:00January 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.”

jmuch2025-01-21T10:48:52-06:00January 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?

jmuch2024-02-28T21:14:41-06:00February 28, 2024|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: 529, 529 plans, college education, financial planning, funding an education|

Half Million Dollar Baby

jmuch2023-04-06T15:23:59-05:00April 6, 2023|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education, financial planning, women|

Ultimate College Checklist

jmuch2019-07-12T09:23:09-05:00July 12, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education, financial planning|

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. We share a checklist of 13 critical items that should be addressed before your child starts classes. http://bit.ly/2KLR0P0

Six Steps to a College Internship

jmuch2019-04-25T10:38:34-05:00April 25, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education|

Six Steps to a College Internship

Higher education has been in the news a lot recently – both because of March Madness and the College Admissions Scandal – so we wanted to explore the topic further and share insights on how to land a summer internship that can build a student’s personal brand the right way. Take a look at our new article here http://bit.ly/college_internships

CollegeWise Webinar – Harvard, Stanford or Bust

jmuch2018-10-10T13:39:15-05:00October 10, 2018|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education, taxes|

Harvard, Stanford or Bust – a Webinar

Just what does it take to get into the top colleges and universities in the country? How do you identify the school that’s the best fit for your student? On October 24th, join us for a webinar with CollegeWise, the nation’s largest college counseling organization. We’ll debunk college admission myths and show you what the college admissions process looks like from the inside. We’ll also give you an overview of college savings options and how you can begin to financially prepare for your student’s amazing college adventure. Register here: http://bit.ly/2zU5AgA

Is College Worth It?

jmuch2018-03-29T10:40:47-05:00March 29, 2018|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education, financial planning|

Is College Worth It?

With college debt at an all-time high and first jobs challenging to find, you may be wondering about the ROI of a college education. The decision to attend – or not – is intensely personal. But, if college lies in your future or the future of someone you love, it is important to start the planning process as soon as possible. Grab a copy of our new eBook now to begin to understand the costs and benefits of attending http://bit.ly/2GRy4JH.