Can you relate to any of the following? “I should have bought that stock before the company went public!” “What a shame — I wish I had invested in that new tech before it went mainstream!” What’s the next “unicorn” that will make a fortune?” It’s common to feel this way. Many of us experience “fear of missing out” — or FOMO — in our financial lives. 1 When we do, it can cloud our...
Over the course of your investing life, you’ll encounter market lows and highs. Headlines often spotlight the extremes, especially when markets reach record levels. Take, for example: “Stocks Hit Record Highs. What’s Behind the Rally.” 1 All-time highs have an interesting effect on investor behavior and psychology. Many investors can feel a nagging voice that whispers "wait for a better entry point" when markets are climbing. It's human nature to want to buy low and...
It’s been a wild August for markets. Let’s review.
If your portfolio is built around your goals and properly diversified, it's designed for moments like this.
4 Pervasive Myths About Inflation Inflation can feel inescapable these days. For most of us, it also feels like inflation is higher and more persistent than it actually is. 1 That could be because we’re seeing higher prices practically everywhere. 1 Despite our experience, though, that misperception can actually harm us. It can also be bad for inflation in general. 1 That’s because thinking inflation is worse than it is can stoke our fears of...
Technology has changed nearly everything about the way we live, work, and connect including how scammers operate. Once upon a time, scams came in the form of clunky emails riddled with typos or too-good-to-be-true lottery wins. These days? The tactics are smoother, the impersonations more believable, and the emotional pressure far more calculated. Why the shift? Two letters: AI. Artificial intelligence has supercharged scammers' abilities. Now they can use AI to copy voices with just...
Birthday celebrations at 50 and each year after can be meaningful opportunities to reflect and feel grateful for life’s journey. Some also mark important milestones in retirement planning and your financial life. Here’s a look at why, with a focus on each milestone birthday after 50 and the role it can play in your overall financial wellness. Age 50: Catch-Up Contributions When you turn 50, you can start to make "catch-up" contributions to your 401(k)s...
One of the world’s top credit rating agencies just made a move no one wanted to see, and the financial media took notice. As you might have guessed, that triggered a wave of scary headlines. Let’s take a look at what this debt rating downgrade actually means…
As spring arrives and the weather warms up, many people turn their attention to cleaning out closets and organizing their homes. According to a recent survey, about 80% of Americans have spring cleaning on their radar this year. 1 While most focus on the physical space, spring is also a great time to get your financial house in order. Refreshing your financial habits can reduce stress, provide structure, and uncover new opportunities to save money...
Why did the Federal Reserve cut rates? Learn more here.
What makes one investor stick with their strategy through market swings while another panics and pulls out? Often, it comes down to mindset. Your investing mindset can shape how you make decisions, respond to volatility, and pursue financial goals.1 Without a strategy that aligns with that mindset, it’s easy to make impulsive choices or lose sight of your long-term plan. The good news? You don’t have to be a market expert to invest. By understanding...
“How long will this last?” “Will markets bounce back?” “Should I make a change now?” These are some of the most common and understandable questions investors are asking right now. When the market takes a sharp turn, it’s only natural to wonder what comes next and how long it might take to feel confident in the markets and economy again.
