Blog

From Beans to Bucks: Understanding the Common Ground Between Coffee and Investing

Matthew Holbrook, CFP®

Friday, August 16, 2024

In the mountains of Ethiopia, around the year 850 CE, a goatherder named Kaldi went out in search of missing goats. When he located them, he observed them eating small red berries. He also noted the goats became energetic and would...

Retiring on Your Own Terms: 7 Ways You Can You Work Toward an Early Retirement

Matthew Holbrook, CFP®

Friday, August 16, 2024

Many dream of working toward early retirement, but getting there generally doesn’t happen by accident. Retiring early requires financial independence that can last for decades, but that is much easier said than done. To get there...

Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings, Including the Current Economic Landscape

Matthew Holbrook, CFP®

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

If you're someone who tends to avoid cable news programs, you may wonder about the best way to stay up-to-date on the current economic climate. Fortunately, there are more options than ever.

Beachside Investing: Navigating the Financial Seas

Matthew Holbrook, CFP®

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

If you're someone who loves nothing more than spending a relaxing day at the beach, you likely hope your retirement plans will let you spend much more time there.

Growth vs. Value Investing: Who are You Rooting for in This Duel of Strategies?

Matthew Holbrook, CFP®

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Growth investing and value investing are similar yet different financial concepts that motivate investors depending on several factors. These motivations vary from person-to-person based on their personality.

Kids Heading Off to College? Don’t Forget About These Estate Planning Must-Dos

Matthew Holbrook, CFP®

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Many parents want to provide their children with the best possible help and care, even when they transition into college. However, as the children come of age, there is much more to consider than tuition fees and dorm essentials.

The Founding Fathers' Guide to Financial Independence

Matthew Holbrook, CFP®

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

“A penny saved is a penny earned.” This nugget of financial wisdom from Benjamin Franklin, shared in the late 1700s, remains as relevant today as it was then.

Wealth, Family, and Legacy: A Guide for High-Net-Worth Individuals in the Sandwich Generation

Matthew Holbrook, CFP®

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Wealth and estate planning are vital for all individuals but are particularly essential for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals in the sandwich generation. "Sandwich generation" refers to individuals caring for their parents and children.

Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation

Matthew Holbrook, CFP®

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

For members of the "Sandwich Generation"—those currently in their 40s and 50s who are caring for children and their parents who are over 65-years old—estate planning may seem like a low priority.

Annuities: The Missing Piece in Your Retirement Puzzle

Matthew Holbrook, CFP®

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

When it comes to planning for retirement, you may feel as though you've already explored all your options. From traditional and Roth IRAs to 401(k) plans, pensions, and even health savings accounts (HSAs).

Homeownership: What It Could Mean for Your Estate Plan

Matthew Holbrook, CFP®

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

There is one thing that we will most likely all do one day: regardless of your status in society, position at work, or whether you are tall or short, you may pass down assets to loved ones. When that day comes, an estate plan is essential.

Retirement Planning: The Ultimate Endless Summer Adventure

Matthew Holbrook, CFP®

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

If you're like some, you may have spent large parts of your working life missing the carefree summer days of your childhood. That is, of course, assuming you had a happy childhood.

Why Insurance is a Must-Have Element of Estate Planning

Matthew Holbrook, CFP®

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

You probably already know that insurance is something you should have in case of unforeseen events. When it comes to estate planning, insurance helps manage the distribution of your assets the way you see fit.

Retirement seems like a long way off, but it arrives faster than you think. The big question is, are you ready? What exactly does retirement entail? Analysts suggest there are four designated phases of retirement that a person often...

After spending so much of your life saving for retirement, it may be challenging to transition from depositing funds to withdrawing them. You may wonder whether there is any way to maintain your lifestyle and preserve your wealth to...

Social Security benefits are critical to retirement planning. These monthly benefits provide a financial safety net for millions of Americans. But you must navigate the system strategically to get the most out of your Social Security...

Baby Boomers — those born between 1946 and 1964 — hold about $20 trillion in wealth.1 Over the next few decades, many Boomers may transfer this wealth to their Gen X, millennial, and Gen Z children, perhaps incurring a hefty tax bill....

As the rollercoaster of financial markets in 2023 came to a close, certain stocks stood out for all the wrong reasons. Among them were five notable names: Moderna, Enphase Energy, Dollar General, Pfizer, and Walgreens Boots Alliance....

If you’re retired, there’s good news in that you’ll probably live longer and perhaps better than your parents and grandparents did. The bad news: You’ll live a longer and perhaps more expensive life, too. You...

Many IRA and retirement plan limits are indexed for inflation each year. Several of these key numbers have increased once again for 2024. How much can you save in an IRA? The maximum amount you can contribute to a traditional IRA or a...

Few economic data points receive as much attention as the unemployment rate, which is calculated by dividing the number of unemployed individuals by the total labor force. It serves as a crucial gauge of labor market health and offers...

Monthly Market Summary The S&P 500 Index gained +1.6% in January, while the Russell 2000 Index traded down by -3.9%. Five of the eleven S&P 500 sectors traded higher. Communication Services, Financials, and Health Care each...

Tax planning might be complex, but it's also essential—especially for high-net-worth families, where missing tax breaks or failing to optimize income could cost significant dollars, maybe millions, over a lifetime. And even in...

"When Will the Market Return to Normal Again?" A popular question these days seems to be, "When will the market return to normal again?" Perhaps you've been wondering the same thing. I get it. Given the volatility that has defined the...

Asset management and financial wellness can help develop long-term confidence when wealth transfers from generation to generation. Understanding and implementing financial wellness techniques is essential for effectively sharing wealth...

Getting close to retirement is exciting, but it often brings a little worry about your financial future. The closer you get, the more you may be concerned with the rising living costs and if your finances are on track to allow you to...

If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans.

In 2024, LPL Research believes markets will make a definitive turn to a more recognizable place. En route, the transition will be marked by meaningful shifts in a few key areas. Inflation is going down. The risk of a recession is...

In a perfect world, investors would only see gains when checking their accounts. But in the real world, the stock market can be volatile and doesn’t always trade on a straight upward trajectory. No one wants their investments to...

Thanksgiving is a holiday for spending time with loved ones, being grateful, and perhaps enjoying a bit of overindulgence. There are many financial lessons to be had in planning, preparing, and celebrating this annual feast.(1)

Financial planning is unique for each person; no two financial plans look the same because everyone's life and personal goals are different. Regardless of what your goals are, financial planning can help you work towards achieving them.