Buying a house can be one of your most wonderful experiences. It can also often be one of the most stressful. Getting a mortgage? That process is not usually considered wonderful, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience if you prepare. While being ready to apply or having gotten pre-approved for a mortgage Read more
The Ukraine Crisis and the Markets
The invasion of Ukraine by Vladmir Putin’s Russian Federation troops will have a devastating effect on the people and infrastructure within Russia’s unfortunate neighbor. Death and destruction are certain. The effect on the geopolitical landscape could be equally devastating, as Putin seeks to reclaim former Soviet territory. Putin’s actions have already ratcheted up tensions between Read more
Economic Outlook ’22: From a Boil to a Simmer
The U.S. economy was really cooking in 2021; bubbling with tasty ingredients like consumers eager to spend and a huge inventory spend in the last quarter, the economy grew at its fastest pace since 1984. But in 2022, the outlook predicts a blander cooling-down period. The challenges faced in 2021—tangled supply chains, tight labor markets, Read more
Credit Union or Bank: What’s the Difference?
The choice, if you have one, between putting your money in a bank or becoming a member of a credit union can seem tricky. But it doesn’t have to be. As with any decision about your personal finances, it’s important to know which kind of financial institution is best for your specific needs. Banks and Read more
Target-Date Funds: Does One Size Fit All?
So, you start a job and set up a 401(k). You’re asked to estimate a retirement date, so you do. This date seems far off in the future, so you don’t think too much more about it. But you should think about this: You are now likely in a target-date fund. Ready, aim Target-date funds, whose mix Read more
Holiday Tidings: Time for Year-End Planning
The holiday season is a time for good cheer, family and friends, celebration of the present (and presents) and reflecting on the past year. And what a year it’s been…global pandemic, a race for a vaccine, or better testing. With your requests to Santa out of the way, it’s good to look at another important Read more