Transitioning to retirement is a significant life event filled with a mix of emotions, ranging from excitement about newfound freedom to uncertainty about the future. As you approach this milestone, careful planning and thoughtful consideration is crucial to ensuring a smooth and fulfilling transition. From managing finances to reimagining daily routines, navigating this shift requires a holistic approach that encompasses not only the practical aspects of retirement but also the emotional and psychological adjustments that come with this new chapter in life.

Women play an increasingly influential role in shaping economies and driving change. As we embark on a journey to explore the intersection of women, wealth, and wisdom, we are presented with a profound opportunity to delve into the unique financial challenges, successes, and aspirations of women around the globe. Join us as we navigate through crucial discussions, insights, and empowerment strategies aimed at helping women secure their financial futures with wisdom and confidence.

Strong starts to years tend to signal more gains ahead, so this calm market may not precede a storm. In fact, when the S&P 500 has been up in January and February, it has gained an average of 11% over the rest of the year and has been higher in 26 out of 28 cases.

Many tax-saving opportunities go unnoticed simply because people are unaware of them, or they find it difficult to keep up with the latest deductions, credits, and exemptions due to changes in tax laws. To help with this, we have compiled a list of the most commonly overlooked tax deductions that we typically see and that can help you save money on your taxes.

Stocks are off to a solid start in 2024. January gains are particularly enjoyable because of the old adage from the Stock Trader’s Almanac, “As goes January, so goes the year.” Nearly 75 years of historical data shows that when the S&P 500 has risen in January, the average gain for the remainder of the year has been about 12%. This January, the S&P 500 was up 1.6%.

While tax preparation may not be the most glamorous aspect of personal finance, it is undeniably crucial to ensure a smooth and stress-free financial journey. As we delve into tax season, understanding the intricacies of tax regulations, staying on top of changes, and implementing strategic financial planning will be key to optimizing your returns and minimizing headaches.

Stocks defied the skeptics in a very unpredictable 2023. The Dow Jones finished at an all-time record high on December 28, and the S&P 500 came within a whisker of a fresh all-time high after the index rallied more than 20% for the year

Setting realistic goals is key to achieving financial success. However, knowing which goals to prioritize and how to reach them can be difficult. Following through with the goals you set, can be even harder. How often have you set a goal with the best of intentions and then found yourself feeling defeated when you don’t quite stick to your plan? If this is you, know that you are not alone. This year, we are taking control of our finances rather than letting our finances control us. How do we do that?

Solid gains for both stocks and bonds gave investors a November to remember. As financial markets continue to defy skeptics, I’m reminded of a quote from Warren Buffett’s long-time partner and one of the greatest investors of our time, Charlie Munger, who passed away last week. “The world is full of foolish gamblers, and they will not do as well as the patient investors.” We couldn’t agree more at LPL Research. Patient investors have been rewarded in 2023 and will continue to be.

Your year-end tax planning should include a careful assessment of your business's financial health and your individual tax situation. It's not just about how much to contribute but also how these contributions align with your overall financial goals.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has unveiled the contribution limits for 2024, and there are some significant changes in the world of retirement planning. These adjustments present fresh opportunities for you to enhance your retirement planning and move closer to achieving your financial goals.

Black Friday, one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year, brings with it a wealth of opportunities to make savvy purchases. Yet, amidst the rush for deals and discounts, the importance of responsible financial planning should never be overlooked. It’s important to take a strategic approach to Black Friday shopping – a way to secure the best deals without compromising your long-term financial health. Here are something you should consider before Black Friday…

Retirement planning can be a complex and challenging endeavor, but it's also a crucial one. To help you navigate this financial terrain and ensure your retirement years are as comfortable as possible, Sierra Muecke, our Founder and Lead Financial Advisor, shares her invaluable insights on retirement planning and Social Security benefits. With years of experience guiding clients towards financial security, Sierra's advice provides a clear roadmap for your journey to a worry-free retirement.

As we journey through life, we all hope for health and happiness. Yet, it's wise to prepare for life's uncertainties, particularly when it comes to the potential need for long-term care. Long-term care insurance can provide that peace of mind and financial security when the need arises. But selecting the right policy can be a complex task. This guide helps you navigate the intricate landscape of long-term care insurance to ensure you make a choice that aligns with your future needs and financial goals.

The end of the year means it is time for festivities and Holiday cheer! It is also time to prepare for a new year and to make sure you didn’t miss any important deductions that could help lower your tax bill for 2023. The clock is ticking but thankfully, we still have time, so read on to learn about the last-minute tax deductions you can still take.

The penultimate month of the year is often a time to reflect and offer thanks. And while economic and geopolitical uncertainty can overshadow the positives, there are things to be thankful for. Here is just some of what we’re thankful for, now that we’re in the second to last month of the year.

Reinvestment tactics are crucial for the growth and sustainability of small businesses. Here are some strategies that can help small business owners reinvest wisely:

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have become a game changer in various industries, and they are also proving incredibly useful for retirees looking to start consulting or a small business venture. These tools can simplify tasks, streamline processes, and help retirees navigate the world of entrepreneurship more efficiently.

Just as to-do lists can be a key part of planning, do-not-do lists can be helpful reminders to avoid mistakes that others have made.

The S&P 500 lost 3.3% in the third quarter after sliding nearly 5% in September. Putting this into perspective, nothing really qualifies as out of the ordinary. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has historically declined in September 55% of the time, posting an average decline of 3.8%. September has certainly lived up to its reputation as being a weak seasonal period for stocks. The main culprits were rising interest rates and government shutdown fears.