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Stocks Retreat on Jobs and Election Concerns

jmuch2024-11-04T14:45:53-06:00November 4, 2024|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: artificial intelligence, chicago, CPI, estate planning, financial planning, Inflation, insurance, Interest Rates, investing, market volatility, markets, retirement, retirement planning, risk, risk management, social security, sustainability, wealth management, wealth transfer, women|

The Weekly Update

Week of November 4th, 2024
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks slid last week as mixed economic data and strong-but-not-spectacular Q3 corporate reports failed to inspire investors.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 1.50 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down 0.15 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slid 0.96 percent.

Q3 Reports Uninspired
Stocks rallied early Wednesday after the gross domestic product report showed a strong economy that appeared on the path to a soft landing. However, stocks moved lower throughout the day as investors digested mixed Q3 reports from a few mega-cap tech names.

Stocks were under more pressure Thursday as disappointing outlooks for some key tech companies pulled the market down. A softer-than-expected jobs report on Friday unsettled investors, but stocks picked up as the day progressed, and attention shifted to how the …

Mixed Data Leaves Investors Anxious

jmuch2024-10-14T10:29:24-05:00October 14, 2024|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: chicago, CPI, Fed, financial planning, insurance, investing, market volatility, markets, retirement, risk management, taxes, wealth management, wealth transfer, women|

The Weekly Update

Week of October 14th, 2024
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks advanced last week despite mixed inflation data, lurching oil prices, and lingering anxiety about the Middle East.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.11 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.13 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 1.21 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.23 percent.

Up And Down Week
Stocks slipped on Monday as oil continued to rise but moved higher on Tuesday as the technology sector showed the way. Oil prices fell back as investors took a wait-and-see stance concerning Middle East tensions.

The S&P 500 and Dow Industrials hit fresh record highs on Wednesday but dipped Thursday morning after the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data showed inflation was warmer than expected.

Earnings season kicked off Friday, and update reports from a few money center banks injected some enthusiasm …

Markets Rise Thanks to Upbeat Indicators

jmuch2024-08-19T09:12:53-05:00August 19, 2024|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: chicago, Fed, financial planning, Inflation, insurance, Interest Rates, investing, market volatility, markets, retirement, taxes, wealth management|

The Weekly Update

Week of August 19th, 2024
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks posted solid gains last week, buoyed by robust economic data and constructive comments from Fed officials.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.93 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 5.29 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged a bit, picking up 2.94 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, powered ahead by 4.31 percent.

Upbeat Economic News
Three critical economic data points gave investors what they were looking for: wholesale inflation, consumer prices, and retail sales.

Both the Producer Price Index and the Consumer Price Index rose less than expected in July, reinforcing a picture of cooling inflation. The July retail sales report on Thursday was stronger than expected, which added more fuel to the week-long rally.

Market action slowed down on the week’s final trading day, with positive consumer sentiment gains countered only by a …

The Great Resignation

Dana Mahoney2022-03-07T22:27:35-06:00March 6, 2022|Categories: Resource Center, Weekly Update|Tags: financial planning, insurance, investing, retirement, women|

The Great Resignation

The Great Resignation — a popular phrase referring to the roughly 33 million Americans who have resigned since the spring of 2021 — is far more than just a movement of people quitting their jobs. It’s a shift in the mindset of primarily Millennial and Generation Z workers, who are fed-up and looking for a change.

In our latest article, we take a look at the phenomenon that is The Great Resignation and unpack why people are resigning and how companies are addressing this unprecedented labor market issue. Download the article here.

Money Tips for Better Relationships

jmuch2025-03-25T12:33:26-05:00May 26, 2021|Categories: Resource Center, Weekly Update|Tags: financial planning, insurance, investing, retirement, women|

Money Tips for Better Relationships

Financial disagreements are a significant challenge in marriages, with research indicating that 70% of married millennial couples argue about money more than any other topic. These disputes can contribute to marital strain and even dissolution. However, couples who approach their finances collaboratively can often overcome these challenges and strengthen their relationship.

Effective communication is crucial for navigating financial discussions. Couples should openly talk about their financial goals, habits, and past experiences, as these factors often shape how each partner views money. Setting shared goals and creating a mutually agreed-upon budget can provide clarity and foster unity. Additionally, regularly meeting to review financial matters, establishing a clear threshold for big purchases, and working together on decisions can minimize conflict and ensure both partners feel involved.

Trust, honesty, and a willingness to update financial plans as life changes are also vital. Couples may benefit from seeking the advice of …

Insurance Golden Years

jmuch2025-03-25T12:37:03-05:00February 18, 2021|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: insurance, retirement|

Insurance Golden Years

Insurance Golden Years

As you approach later adulthood and retirement, your financial focus and priorities will inevitably shift. With children leaving the nest and the anticipation of retirement, this is a time to reassess and protect the assets you’ve accumulated. During this final stretch to retirement, wealth protection becomes essential, not just through investments but also by securing appropriate insurance coverage for potential financial risks, especially health-related ones.

Auto, home, health, life, and long-term care insurance all play vital roles in your retirement planning. You may be able to reduce auto insurance rates by taking advantage of discounts or reassessing who is on your policy. Likewise, while you might have paid off your mortgage, continuing home insurance is important for property and liability protection. As you age, health insurance choices become more crucial, particularly when transitioning to Medicare at age 65. Life insurance may also remain relevant, not only …

Insurance at Every Stage: Raising a Family

jmuch2025-03-25T12:56:43-05:00October 28, 2020|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: insurance|

Insurance at Every Stage: Raising a Family

Insurance at Every Stage: Raising a Family

A growing family, by definition, means an ever-increasing financial obligation – both now and in the future. Amid the increasing expenses and life demands that come with parenthood, thinking about your insurance needs can be tough. But now’s the time to consider what is at stake and make sure you’re protecting your family from whatever life may throw your way.

Raising a family brings increased financial responsibilities, and reviewing your insurance coverage is crucial to protect your growing family. As a parent, auto, home, health, and life insurance should be regularly reassessed. For auto insurance, young drivers can increase premiums, but strategies like comparing quotes and using discounts can help manage costs. At home, with more assets and liabilities, updating your homeowners policy and considering umbrella insurance for additional liability protection is important. Health insurance should shift to …

Insurance: Getting Married

jmuch2025-03-25T13:00:26-05:00June 19, 2020|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: insurance|

Insurance: Getting Married

Insurance: Getting Married

Marriage changes everything, including insurance needs. Even if you and your spouse lived together and shared expenses while dating, you may have new responsibilities – and opportunities – for your insurance policies.

Marriage can significantly alter your insurance needs, as you and your spouse may now share financial responsibilities and opportunities. Reviewing and adjusting your insurance policies together is crucial to ensure you’re both adequately covered in this new stage of life.

Start by looking at auto insurance, as many insurers offer discounts for married couples or multi-car policies. Next, if you buy a home, make sure to evaluate your homeowners or condo insurance to ensure adequate coverage for property, liabilities, and personal assets. Health insurance also requires attention, as marriage qualifies as a life event allowing for changes during open enrollment. Additionally, consider disability insurance to protect both incomes, especially if you both work, and review …

Insurance: Just Starting Out

jmuch2025-03-25T13:20:00-05:00January 17, 2020|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: insurance|

Insurance: Just Starting Out

Insurance: Just Starting Out

The transition to adulthood is an exciting time that marks true independence. With this new freedom comes some real responsibility, including the need for protection against the financial risks that life can present.

As a young professional transitioning to adulthood, it’s important to manage the financial risks that come with independence. Once off your parent’s auto policy, you’ll need to secure coverage in your name, which can be costly for young drivers. Shopping around for the best rates and exploring discounts can help. Renting your own place opens up new risks, so protecting your belongings with renters insurance is a smart move, especially since it’s often affordable. Health coverage is available either through your employer, your parents’ plan until age 26, or through a plan you purchase on your own. Disability protection is essential, as a significant portion of young adults will experience a …

Thriving in the Gig Economy

jmuch2025-03-26T08:25:43-05:00June 21, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: insurance, investing, retirement, women|

Thriving in the Gig Economy

Thriving in the Gig Economy

Approximately 57 million Americans participate in the gig economy. While the gig economy has been around forever, the number of freelancers has increased exponentially. The need for these freelancers and side hustlers to save for retirement is greater than ever.

The gig economy, which includes independent contractors and freelancers, continues to grow rapidly. With over 57 million Americans participating in this type of work, it’s clear that the shift toward gig work is here to stay. While this model offers flexibility and good income, it also presents challenges in managing finances, particularly when it comes to retirement savings, taxes, and insurance. Fortunately, freelancers can take several proactive steps to improve their financial future.

First, gig workers should secure health insurance and consider opening a Health Savings Account (HSA). The HSA offers a tax-friendly way to save for medical expenses, and after age 65, …