The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve, composed of the seven members of the Board of Governors and five Federal Reserve Bank presidents, meets eight times a year in Washington, D.C., to set monetary policy including setting the federal funds interest rate. The two-day meetings conclude with a statement by the Federal Read more
Personal Finance
Which IRA Is Right for You? Traditional IRA or Roth?
An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is one of the most common tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts outside of employer-sponsored plans. But not all IRAs are the same. IRAs take two main forms: the traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. You may be trying to decide which type you want to invest in–or maybe even if you Read more
What You Need to Know When Filing Your Taxes
Tax Day, when you are required to file your return and pay the government, comes around every April 15 whether we want it to or not. Tax Day this year is on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, for most 2025 returns, but if you’re not ready to file by that deadline, you can request an extension Read more
What is a Financial Plan and Why Do You Need One?
You may be doing everything right with your finances: contributing to a 401(k), and building savings for a house, a new car, college tuition, or retirement. But have you pulled all those pieces together into a true financial plan? A financial plan provides a roadmap to help you understand your financial picture, achieve your financial Read more
Brace for Impact: How to Prepare for a Recession
Recession fears eased a bit in 2024, with a low unemployment rate, rising wages, and inflation drifting down towards the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, the U.S. central bank cutting interest rates, and many economists thinking the Fed had nailed a “soft landing” from the high inflation of 2021 and 2022. But now the jitters are Read more
To-Do List: Time for a New Year of Planning
The plastic Santa is off the porch and back in the attic, the lights no longer frame the picture window, and the tree is out of sight (or mulched). The party hats are flattened, and the broken champagne glasses have been swept up. Yes, it’s back to everyday life — a good time to reflect Read more