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If you’re looking for financial insights and a deeper understanding of how your money impacts the life you want to create, welcome — you’ve come to the right place.
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Here, you can access our team’s collective financial planning expertise and wisdom we’ve accumulated over the last 40 years from helping families like yours overcome challenges and seize wealth-preserving opportunities.
Is Your Business Built to Fund Your Freedom?
Is Your Business Built to Fund Your Freedom?Most business owners I know have a ticker tape of activities running through their mind, activities that need to be done yesterday. This endless list of tasks does not feel like freedom.Many...
Read MoreNew Opportunities for CSRS Retirees: Revisiting Spousal Social Security Benefits
New Opportunities for CSRS Retirees: Revisiting Spousal Social Security Benefits We have seen meaningful legislative updates that are creating new planning opportunities for certain retirees, particularly those impacted by the Civil...
Read MoreTaxation 101 for Equity Compensation
Taxation 101 for Equity CompensationEquity compensation can be a powerful part of your financial picture, but taxes often have the biggest impact on the ultimate value. Understanding how your equity is taxed, and planning accordingly,...
Read MoreHow to Read Your Brokerage Statement
Brokerage statements can feel overwhelming at first glance—pages of numbers, charts, and unfamiliar terms. But once you know what to look for, your statement becomes a valuable tool for understanding your investments and tracking your...
Read MoreU.S.–Iran Relations: Market Volatility, and Why Long-Term Investors Should Stay Calm
As someone who studied U.S. history in college and now works as a financial advisor, I often find that looking at past geopolitical events helps us understand how markets typically respond and, more importantly, how investors should...
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Normalizing Volatility
Normalizing VolatilityMarket volatility can produce angst for investors over what to do. Questions like “How long will this last?” or “Should I move to cash?” tend to surface quickly. Yet, for other investors, it is business as usual....
Read MoreHow to Read a Tax and Year-End Investment Statement Without Feeling Overwhelmed
How to Read a Tax and Year-End Investment Statement Without Feeling OverwhelmedEvery year, those of us with managed accounts or brokerage accounts custodied by Pershing get a tax document called a 1099.There is one difference: in the...
Read More2026 Retirement Contribution Updates: What Savers Need to Know
2026 Retirement Contribution Updates: What Savers Need to Know Each year, the IRS adjusts retirement plan contribution limits to account for inflation, and 2026 brings several meaningful increases that can create new planning...
Read MoreThe Hidden Risks of Adding Children as Joint Owners on Bank Accounts
Estate planning is one of the 5 pillars of financial planning. During almost all our meetings we touch on all five of these pillars. One of the most common questions we receive when discussing estate planning is: “Should I just add one...
Read MoreWhy Federal Employees Should Consider Rolling Over Their TSP in Retirement
Why Federal Employees Should Consider Rolling Over Their TSP in Retirement If you're a federal employee nearing retirement, you've likely built a solid nest egg inside your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). And rightfully so, the TSP is a...
Read MoreRSUs, PSUs, ISOs, and NQSOs – What’s the Difference?
RSUs, PSUs, ISOs, and NQSOs – What’s the Difference? Equity compensation can be a powerful component of your financial plan, but its value depends on understanding how it works and how it fits into your broader goals. Each type of...
Read MorePaperwork to Portal: How Federal Retirement Just Got Easier
Paperwork to Portal: How Federal Retirement Just Got Easier Many individuals envision leaving a career after 30 or 40 years and transitioning seamlessly into retirement; a time to spend with family or check off items from their bucket...
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Harford Financial Group Voted Best Financial Advisor For Sixth Year in a Row
Best of Harford Readers’ Choice Awards are voted upon by the readers of Harford Magazine Bel Air, Md., November 24, 2025 – Harford Financial Group, a financial services firm based in Bel Air that has a team specializing in...
Read MoreWhy Businesses Need Buy-Sell Agreements and Key-Person Insurance
Why Businesses Need Buy-Sell Agreements and Key-Person Insurance Family businesses are built on hard work, sacrifice, and the hope that what you’ve created will last for generations. Yet one of the most overlooked parts of running a...
Read MoreLife Estate vs. Irrevocable Trust: Which Makes Sense for Protecting Your Home?
For many families, their home is one of their largest assets and their most cherished. When the possibility of needing long-term care arises, one of the biggest fears that our clients have is losing that home to a Medicaid spenddown....
Read MoreWhy Every Business Owner Should Prepare to Sell Now
Meet Bob, a business owner who lives, breathes, and sleeps his business. He sets the vision, brings in most sales, and serves as the marketing machine that keeps everything moving. He can't step away because the calls and texts follow...
Read MoreHow to Turn Your Successful Business Into a Significant One
Many business owners and entrepreneurs spend years perfecting their craft, building customer relationships, and growing their revenue. But there's one critical aspect of business ownership that often gets overlooked until it's almost...
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Why Most Business Owners Are Unhappy in Retirement
Nearly 80% of business owners have no written transition plan, 50% have not planned at all, and 94% of owners have no plans to do anything post-business. Are your plans in order? Or are you one of the many business owners who are...
Read MoreSignificant Changes to Social Security: What Repealing WEP and GPO Means for You
Significant Changes to Social Security: What Repealing WEP and GPO Means for You Helping retirees manage their cash flow is a critical part of what we do. When discussing retirement income, we place a strong emphasis on guaranteed or...
Read MoreWhy Most Owners Regret Selling Within a Year
According to the Exit Planning Institute, 76% of business owners who sold their business experience profound regret within a year after the sale. This regret has many sources, but there's one dimension that catches most owners...
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About UnitedHealthcare & Johns Hopkins
Recent news has raised questions for many retirees who rely on UnitedHealthcare coverage, particularly for those who receive care through Johns Hopkins. We want to provide clarity, reassurance, and guidance as this situation continues...
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Why 75% of Business Owners Regret Their Business Exit
You've spent your life building your business. If you were to make the monumental decision to sell, what are the chances you'll experience profound regret within a year of your exit? According to the Exit Planning Institute's National...
Read MoreWhat Is Equity Compensation — and Why It Matters for Your Financial Future
What Is Equity Compensation — and Why It Matters for Your Financial Future Equity compensation is much more than just a paycheck — it’s a powerful tool for building long-term financial stability. Whether you’re a key executive, a...
Read MoreWhy Business Owners Leave Money on the Table When Selling Their Company
When you picture selling your company, you probably imagine a rewarding payout after years of hard work. But what I've learned working with business owners is the reality is far more challenging than most expect. The truth is that many...
Read MoreWhy Your Business May Not Sell
Did you know that only about 20-30% of businesses that go to market actually sell? For business owners who've spent decades building their company, this statistic is understandably alarming. Your business likely represents your largest...
Read MoreBuilding Business Value Stage 5: How to Turn Your Business Sale into Lasting Financial Security
You’ve probably thought about selling your business, but have you considered what happens after? How and when you sell your business determines what happens next, but it all comes back to managing the value of your business. Through my...
Read MoreBuilding Business Value Stage 4: Harvesting the Fruits of Your Labor
Picture this: After 25 years building an electrical contracting business from a one-person operation to a $4.2 million company with 18 employees, the owner finally feels ready to step away. His daughter has joined the business and is...
Read MoreWhy Business Deals Fall Apart (And How to Prevent It)
You've just signed a letter of intent to sell your business. After decades of building something meaningful, you're finally ready for the reward. You start picturing life after the sale—maybe that cabin by the lake or traveling with...
Read MoreWhy Most Business Owners Never Successfully Sell
Are you jeopardizing your business’s sale? As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, I've seen firsthand how business owners approach their most valuable asset—their business. Many believe that if they work hard, build a good company, and...
Read MoreWhy Business Owners Can't Afford to Separate Exit Planning from Wealth Planning
Why Business Owners Can't Afford to Separate Exit Planning from Wealth Planning If you're a business owner, chances are your company isn't just your livelihood—it's also your most significant asset. Studies show that up to 90% of a...
Read MoreBuilding Business Value Stage 3: How to Help Increase Your Business Value and Cash Flow
Here's what most trade business owners don't realize: two identical HVAC companies with the same $500K profit can have wildly different values. One might be worth $1.5 million, while the other commands $2.5 million from buyers. Same...
Read MoreWhat Could Cause a Fire Sale of Your Business?
Here's a sobering statistic that should give every business owner pause: According to the Exit Planning Institute, 50% of businesses are involuntarily put on the market because of circumstances beyond the owner's control. And of those...
Read MoreBuilding Business Value Stage 2: The 5 Factors That Can Destroy Your Business Value Overnight
Business owner to business owner: if you’ve built your electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or other business from the ground up, handled difficult customers, and managed cash flow through tough times, you probably think you can handle whatever...
Read More80% of My Net Worth is Tied Up in My Business (And Why It Scares Me)
I stared at the business valuation report on my desk, and my first reaction was pride. After years of building Harford Financial Group, the numbers reflected all the hard work our team has put in. Then panic set in. The calculation...
Read MoreBuilding Business Value Stage 1: How to Identify Your Company's True Worth
Stage 1 of the Five Stages of Value Maturity: Identify Do you know what your business is really worth? Not what you think it's worth, not what you hope it's worth, but what the market would pay for it today? As a financial planner...
Read MoreThe Five Stages of Value Maturity: A Business Owner's Guide to Growth & Protecting What You've Built
I'll never forget a conversation I had with a business owner who built a thriving manufacturing business over 25 years. When he finally decided to sell, he was shocked to learn his company was worth 40% less than he'd assumed. The...
Read MoreDoes It Matter Who I Name as a Beneficiary?
Does It Matter Who I Name as a Beneficiary? When people think about estate planning, they often focus on drafting a Will or setting up a trust. While those documents are critical, there’s another piece of the puzzle that’s just as...
Read MoreAvoiding Coverage Gaps: Seamlessly Transitioning from Employer Insurance to Medicare
Financial advisors spend a significant amount of time helping clients navigate Medicare, and for good reason. At its core, health insurance is about protecting your financial assets from the burden of high medical expenses. By paying...
Read MoreMind the Gap: How to Confidently Plan Your Retirement Income
Mind the Gap: How to Confidently Plan Your Retirement Income One of the most important—and often most overlooked—parts of retirement planning is making sure you have enough income to support your lifestyle once the paychecks stop....
Read MoreThe Teacher’s Guide to Filling the Retirement Income Gap
As a teacher, one of the most valuable benefits you will receive in retirement is access to a pension. Your pension will provide a dependable income stream in retirement, a benefit that many professionals no longer have. It’s a...
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What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Means for You
July 4th is a significant day for our nation, marking not only our country’s birthday but also a pivotal change in legislation that will impact all taxpayers. The world is still digesting the nearly 1,000-page bill, signed into law on...
Read MoreRetirement Income Planning: Moving from Saving to Spending Your Money
As a financial planner, I have had some significant aha moments over the years working with clients approaching retirement. My biggest realization? Most people struggle with transitioning from building wealth to using it for income....
Read MoreOpportunities in a Fearful Environment
Opportunities in a fearful environment The stock market is one of the most effective ways to accumulate wealth. It can also act like a roller coaster. Asking it not to act like a roller coaster is like asking the sky not to be gray...
Read MoreWill Social Security Survive?
Will Social Security Survive? Social Security has been a financial lifeline for millions of Americans since benefits first began in 1940. But with people living longer and the working population shrinking in comparison to retirees, the...
Read MoreLove Account vs. Greed Account: A New Way to Look at Life Insurance
Love Account vs. Greed Account: A New Way to Look at Life Insurance When most people think of life insurance, they think of it as something you buy "just in case." But the truth is, life insurance is much more powerful than that....
Read MoreSocial Security: Optimization vs. Maximization
Social Security: Optimization vs. Maximization As billionaire investor Ray Dalio once said, "You can have virtually anything you want, but you can’t have everything you want." That sentiment rings especially true when deciding when to...
Read MoreDiversification
Don't Chase Returns: The Enduring Value of Diversification In today’s fast-paced, headline-driven world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing what’s hot. Whether it’s tech stocks surging in a bull market or energy companies...
Read MoreOne Key to a Stress Free Retirement
One Key to a Stress-Free Retirement Retirement is a time to enjoy the rewards of your hard work, but feeling confident about your financial future is key to truly making the most of it. Knowing how much income you’ll need to support...
Read MoreThe Importance of Portfolio Diversification: A Look a the TSP
The Importance of Portfolio Diversification: A Look at the TSP Sir John Templeton, a legendary investor and fund manager, once said, "The only investors who shouldn't diversify are those who are right 100% of the time." This statement...
Read MoreYour Team at Harford Financial Group and Market Volatility
Your team at Harford Financial Group wants you to know that we are here for you, not just during turbulent times but every day. Our message is to remind you of the plan we put in place and encourage you to continue the course and stick...
Read MoreAct Now to Maximize Your Pension and Social Security: Essential Strategies for State and Federal Emp
Act Now to Maximize Your Pension and Social Security: Essential Strategies for State and Federal Employees State and federal employees have a unique financial advantage: pensions. While many professionals must rely on defined...
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Health Care in Retirement: Understanding your options for Public and Private Sector Employees
Navigating healthcare in retirement can be complex, with numerous options and decisions. Terms like Medicare, Medicare Advantage, prescription coverage, and retiree benefit programs can overwhelm the process. Our concern is that if...
Read MoreBuy-Sell Agreements-Protecting Your Business and Your Family
Your most valuable resources are time and energy. As a business owner, you likely pour these two precious commodities into the business you continue to grow. These businesses often represent the most significant asset on an owner's...
Read MoreMedicare and Asset Protection
Imagine a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Are you at the beach, in the mountains, or maybe in a faraway country? We spend a lifetime accumulating assets, anticipating the day we retire and take this very trip. But then life throws a...
Read MoreRetirement Income Planning: TSP vs IRA
When saving for retirement, federal employees and military personnel have one of the best tools available: the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Known for its simplicity and rock-bottom costs, the TSP is an excellent vehicle for accumulating...
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Retirement Income Decoded: Choosing the Best Pension Path
Planning for retirement involves many important decisions, and for those with access to a pension plan, understanding the available options is critical. Pensions provide a steady income stream during retirement, offering financial...
Read MoreUnlock More Tax Savings: The Potential Impact of a TCJA Extension
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), enacted in 2017, created one of the most significant overhauls to the U.S. tax code in decades. The act was designed to stimulate economic growth and simplify taxation. The TCJA also introduced lower...
Read MoreDonor-Advised Funds: A Strategic Tool in Estate Planning
Donor-Advised Funds: A Strategic Tool in Estate Planning Legacy is a word that comes to mind when thinking of estate planning. What is the legacy you want to leave behind? When we think of this, we think of important people in our...
Read MoreThe Importance of Naming a Beneficiary: A Crucial Step in Financial Planning
When it comes to financial planning, the role of beneficiaries often gets overlooked. However, naming a beneficiary is one of the essential steps to protect your assets and ensure your loved ones are cared for after you leave. Whether...
Read MoreIs Your Home Titled Correctly?
Ask anyone who has lost a loved one; they will say the greatest gift is time. No amount of money can buy back time with someone who has profoundly impacted your life. In the absence of time, transferring wealth, specifically a home,...
Read MoreAdam’s Aha and Light Bulb Moment - Mixing Guaranteed Income and Stock Investing
Many of you know some of my backstory. Before I started working with HFG, 18 years ago, Donna and I were financial planning and wealth management clients of Paul Smeton’s. At the time, Donna and I had a young family, with Jacob and...
Read MoreThe Power of Guaranteed and Promise Based Income: Happiest and Most Secure Clients Have Pensions
Two core groups that HFG serves are public school educators who worked in Harford, Baltimore, and Cecil counties and have pensions under the Maryland State Retirement System and Federal workers who worked on Aberdeen Proving Ground...
Read MoreProtect Your Future: The 3 Essential Documents Everyone Needs for Peace of Mind
When managing your financial future, estate planning is often overlooked. However, ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are protected requires more than just saving and investing...
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Retirement Accounts Like 401k and IRA Worst Assets to Pass On To the Kids Because of Congress
Is that a provocative title or what? Recently, our team participated in a webinar with the top IRA expert in the country, Ed Slott. Ed has written numerous books you can buy from Amazon and has been highlighted on PBS. The titles of...
Read MoreBear Market Survival Guide
Recently, I met with a long-term client who initially worked with Paul Smeton but then worked with both Paul and me as we worked through our business transition. She told me that she tended to be anxious by the ups and downs of the...
Read MoreDon't Let Uncle Sam Take a Chunk of Your Legacy: Inherited Assets and Taxes
Understanding the Four Ways Inherited Assets Are Taxed Planning your estate is one of your most impactful financial decisions. At Harford Financial Group, our holistic approach to planning, based on the five pillars of financial...
Read MoreUnderstanding Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts(ILITs) in Estate Planning
Understanding Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) in Estate Planning Creating a lasting legacy that reflects your values, ensures the financial security of your loved ones, and minimizes tax burdens is the goal of an estate plan...
Read MoreUnderstanding Estate, Inheritance, and Income Taxes - Does It Affect You?
Understanding Estate, Inheritance, and Income Taxes - Does It Affect You? One of our clients' concerns is that when they pass on, how much will the Federal Government and their State Government take from their estate as they try to...
Read MoreA New Way To Look at Your HSA
Tax Savings Tool in Retirement - A New Way to Look at Your HSA HSAs are savings accounts that can be used to pay for medical expenses for those with high-deductible health plans. You or your employer can contribute funds to the HSA,...
Read MoreThank You for 10 Great Years To Help Me Achieve My Goals
You know I love music, particularly from the 70s and 80s when I was growing up. During that time, Hall and Oates was a staple on the radio with a line of Top 40 hits. “You Make My Dreams Come True” was one of the first 45 records I...
Read MoreHow The Money Cycle and The Bucket Plan Can Protect Your Assets
How The Money Cycle and The Bucket Plan Can Protect Your Assets Protecting your assets is a fundamental goal in personal finance, and two powerful concepts – The Money Cycle and The Bucket Plan – provide frameworks to achieve this....
Read MoreOvercoming the Hurdles of Retirement Budgeting: Key Insights and Recommendations
Overcoming the Hurdles of Retirement Budgeting: Key Insights and Recommendations During my years working closely with Paul Smeton and his clients at HFG, we often found that clients struggled with budgeting and cash flow planning as...
Read MoreLife Insurance and the Need for Analysis
Adequate life insurance is a vital component of a comprehensive financial plan. It ensures that your loved ones are protected from financial hardship in your absence, covering essential expenses and providing for their future needs....
Read MoreAsset Protection: One of Five Key Pillars of Financial Planning
At Harford Financial Group, our mission is to help our clients, team, and partners live lives of meaning and purpose. We have very lofty goals in this mission, one of which is to be a world-class holistic wealth management firm. Being...
Read MoreThe Importance of Asset Protection in the Digital Age
The Importance of Asset Protection in the Digital Age In today's increasingly digital world, asset protection, which refers to the strategies and measures taken to safeguard your personal and financial well-being, extends beyond life,...
Read MoreThe Recent Market Pull Back and How the Bucket Plan Helps You
We partner with Horizon Investments, which helps provide data, research, and perspective for our Investment Committee to develop and craft portfolios. They had some excellent information about last week's stock market drop. We want to...
Read MoreAsset Protection - Leveraging Long Term Care Insurance
At Harford Financial Group, we believe in a holistic approach to financial planning. Holistic financial planning has gained significant traction among high-net-worth families who seek comprehensive strategies to safeguard their assets...
Read MoreHow Medicare and Medicare Supplement Polices Work Together
One of the primary concerns for retirees is the fear of financial insecurity. To mitigate this risk, having the right insurance in place is crucial, a key component of holistic planning known as asset protection. Insurance allows us...
Read MoreRetirement Income Style Awareness (RISA) Matrix - Find Out Your Preferred Retirement Income Style
One of the goals of Harford Financial Group is to become a world-class holistic wealth management firm. As the firm's leader, the passion to achieve a lofty goal like this drives me. I am reading a book on the late Kobe Bryant of the...
Read MoreThe Money Cycle
The Money Cycle is a concept that encapsulates the financial journey we all undergo throughout our lives, characterized by three distinct phases: accumulation, preservation, and distribution. The accumulation phase starts early in...
Read MoreBucket Plan as a Retirement Income Strategy
Bucket Plan as a Retirement Income Strategy Blog Post Many clients have likely heard of The Bucket Plan®, a core part of our retirement income philosophy. The Bucket Plan is a strategic approach to managing your finances, dividing...
Read MoreThe Three Strategies for Providing Reliable Retirement Income
The Three Strategies for Providing Reliable Retirement Income Embarking on the journey towards retirement is a significant milestone, filled with excitement and anticipation for the years ahead. At Harford Financial Group, we recognize...
Read MoreProtection Against Big Market Corrections
I recently completed a two-day training course on retirement cash flow planning. This training reinforced the need to help our clients create a financial plan that would last their retirement years. Many retirees come to our office...
Read MorePyramid of Risk
Unlock the secrets of growth and financial stability with the Pyramid of Risk! Discover how this strategic tool categorizes investments, guiding you from high-risk peaks to low-risk foundations. In this article, one of Harford Financial Gro
Read MoreInvesting During an Election Year: Remembering you are Investing in Companies
In another article in our series of Investing During Election Year articles and blog posts, we focus on remembering what you are investing in. During our series, we have tried to communicate that, in our opinion, the best way to...
Read MoreWhat Typically Happens to Stocks During an Election Year
As we navigate the uncertain terrain of election years, the stock market often finds itself in volatility, leaving investors uneasy. One of the primary factors that causes volatility in the market is uncertainty. Both investors and...
Read MoreHave you changed your spending patterns based on who is president?
Have you changed your spending paterns based on who the president is? Talk of polics and the coming elecon find their way into many conversations I have with clients. I understand many people have concerns and...
Read MoreThere Will Always be a Reason Not to Invest – Election Year
Famous American investor Peter Lynch says, "Far more money has been lost by investors trying to anticipate corrections than lost in the corrections themselves." Despite the periodic onslaught of negative headlines and economic...
Read MoreWhich political party has been better for investors?
Which political party has been better for investors? If you were to go back to 1933, when Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected to his first term of office, and you invested $1,000 in the stock market, you would have $19 million...
Read MoreNavigating the 2024 Presidential Election: Why You Should Not Move to Cash
As we stand on the brink of the 2024 presidential election, the political landscape is full of anticipation and speculation. For many, these times can be marked by heightened emotions, passionate debates, and a constant influx of...
Read MoreRoth IRA vs. Roth 401(k)
Every choice has pros and cons. What is a good choice for me may not be your best choice. The same is true with investing. Choosing a suitable investment is not a one-size-fits-all solution, so knowing what you are purchasing or...
Read MoreStock Market Behavior
It is delightfully simple and genuinely compelling to summarize the stock market behavior, not only in the calendar year just a month ago but over the last two years. I can do it in two sentences: In 2022, the Dow, the S&P 500, and...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Tax Brackets
As Albert Einstein said, "The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax." While he may have meant this figuratively, its literal meaning is also very present. Many people need clarification on our tax system due to its...
Read MoreTAX SALE ENDS 2026
“When you retire, you leave behind many things – the daily grind, commuting, maybe your old home – but one thing you keep is a tax bill. In fact, income taxes can be your single largest expense in retirement.”...
Read MoreNavigating Future Tax Increases
There has been growing concern about future tax increases. At Harford Financial Group, we specialize in holistic planning, particularly in retirement income and tax management. In this blog post, we will focus on the significant...
Read MoreThe Power of Roth 401k/IRA and Why You Should Consider Roth Conversions
In my life, I have learned that conventional wisdom is either not valid or it has changed. For instance, many of you know I am interested in health and wellness. So much of what we have been told about diet and exercise is untrue. It...
Read MoreMistakes in Client Thinking Part 3 - Moving Everything to Cash
This is the 3rd in our series of common investment mistakes. One of the things that fascinates me is neuroscience and how our minds work as humans. Combining neuroscience and finance is the field of behavioral finance. It is the...
Read MoreOptimisim in the Markets
In a refreshing turn of events, the financial markets have recently experienced a significant surge, with U.S. and global equities soaring over 7% to kick off November. This substantial upswing may begin an extended run, and investors...
Read MoreMistakes in Client Thinking Part 2 - Let’s Put All Our Money into Gold
This blog is part two of our series Mistakes in Client Thinking. We share this not to make people feel bad, but being on the front line, we see folks follow much of the media-invoked panic. A famous investment book called "The Madness...
Read MoreMistakes in Client Thinking - Part 1 - Let Me Put All My Money in Real Estate
Recently, I had a client express her concerns about the Government, long-term concerns about debt, and the effect of the economy. I have shared my thoughts on these in other posts, so I am not going over that now. It was her follow-up...
Read MoreUnderstanding Why Taxes Increase When a Spouse Passes Away
In marriage, we promise to love each other for better, worse, richer, and poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part. The death of a spouse is emotionally overwhelming, and the grief is real. While often not discussed, an...
Read MoreThe Best Thing You Can Invest for Retirement - Relationships
At HFG, we are committed to life-centered financial planning. Mitch Anthony and Paul Armison founded life-centered financial planning. Certainly, money is important, and there is no denying it; however, life-centered financial planning...
Read MoreA Walk Toward Reliable Retirement Income
Which sounds better to you, a chance at taking your dream vacation or the guarantee that you are going on your dream vacation? When it is locked in and guaranteed, you can see yourself there. You can smell the salty air at the beach....
Read MoreQuestions to ask Continuing Care Facilities
When it comes to choosing a continuing care facility for yourself or a loved one, it's important to do your research. One of the most important steps in the process is asking the right questions. By asking the right questions, you can...
Read MoreThings you should consider when looking for a Continuing Care Community
Choosing a continuing care community can potentially be a daunting task. At Harford Financial Group, we want to help you discover that it does not have to be. With so many options available, it's natural to feel overwhelmed when...
Read MoreEconomic Update: Inflation, Interest Rates, and Likelihood of Recession
At Harford Financial Group, our investment committee is constantly monitoring the economy and financial markets. Over the last two years or so, the prevailing theme has been inflation and how the Federal Reserve is using interest rates...
Read MoreBracket Bumping and Roth Conversions
The United States’ national debt is over $32 trillion dollars and many of our clients have expressed their concerns about higher tax rates in the near future. In this light, does moving money from pre-tax accounts, like an IRA,...
Read MoreHolistic, Life-centered Financial Planning is Achieved through Inner Wealth
It seems as we age, we begin to have more and more ailments. I was recently chatting with a family member about some health challenges that she is having. We reflected on her battle in the early 2000s with Lyme disease and how twenty...
Read MoreTaxes - $30 Trillion in US Debt, Taxes Have to Go Up
A lot continues to go on behind the scenes here at Harford Financial Group. Every day we are working harder to deliver higher levels of service to our great clients like you. We are committed to holistic financial planning that covers...
Read MoreHFG Mid-Year Client Economic and Market Update
I'm even more delighted than usual to report to you at midyear on the events of the last six months, and on the further progress of our long-term plan. But first, as always, a brief review of our principles.The Ideas That Guide UsOur...
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Balancing College Education and Retirement Funding: A Guide for Parents
As parents, planning for your children's college education and your own retirement is a significant financial challenge. Striking the right balance between these goals requires careful consideration and thoughtful decision-making. This...
Read MoreThe Five Principles of Holistic Financial Planning - Why We Think They Are Important
Every day we wake up and we want to improve and get better. HFG has had a 40 plus year tradition and we never want to rest on our laurels. Our clients are depending on us to make a difference in their lives. Our best clients are busy...
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What is an HSA account?
With the costs of healthcare continuing to rise year over year, Health Savings Accounts or HSAs are becoming an increasingly more popular way to save money on health care expenses and reduce tax liability. HSAs are tax-advantaged...
Read MoreWhen should I sign up for Medicare?
You are turning 65 in the next couple of months and all of the literature you receive in the mail, the ads you see on the tv and your friends remind you to sign up at age 65 or you will receive a PENALTY! That could be true or...
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Maryland Retirement Tax Reduction Act
In 2022, the state of Maryland passed a tax relief bill that aims to reduce taxes for its retirees. This new state income tax credit is available to individuals aged 65 and over who receive pension income, income from a qualified...
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Essentials of Retirement Income Planning - Focus on Cash Flow Not Balance Sheet and Account Values
Having a set amount for retirement is not the entire picture. You need to consider all of your income sources including pensions and Social Security.
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HFG Banking Crisis Update - Is It As Bad as 2008?
One of the things that our clients value is that we monitoring their finances and the financial situation. During times like now in the midst of the banking crisis that has affected SVB, Signature, First Republic, and Credit Suisse,...
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The Evolution of Retirement Income
It’s hard to believe, but 2023 will be my twenty-fifth year with Harford Financial Group. I know many of our clients have been with us for even longer! Through the years together, we have seen a lot of changes in the investment...
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Why am I paying more for Medicare than others?
An IRMAA, or Income related Medicare adjusted amount, is an additional payment that Medicare beneficiaries could be subject to pay depending on their income level. The thresholds for IRMAA fees change each year. Additional IRMAA...
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Your response to Volatility Matters Blog Post
2022 was a HARD year for investments. Most folks were met with envelopes or emails containing statements that were down far more times than up last year. It hurt your heart and it hurt ours – no one likes seeing balances...
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S&P 500 Intra-Year Drops
The fact of the matter is corrections happen regularly and are to be expected when investing.
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HFG is a Research and Education Organization and How it Benefits Our Clients
From our beginning over 40 years ago, Matt Rehak, our founder believed in both the fiduciary standard of putting our client’s first but our role as a research and education organization that benefits our clients. As many of you...
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Timing the Market
Market timing is not impossible to do. Short-term trading strategies have been successful for hedge funds, portfolio managers and full-time investors who use chart analysis, economic forecasts, and sometimes even gut feelings to decide...
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Tax Winter is Coming - Why Long-Term Rates Are Going Up and What You Can Do
One of my favorite TV shows was Game of Thrones on HBO. One of the sayings in the show was “Winter is Coming”. It was a foreboding quality for the protagonists that war with their enemies was coming.In the past 2 years, the...
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Don’t Chase Investment Returns
The Callan Periodic Table of Investment Returns shows the value of taking a diversified approach to investing.
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Choosing a College
As famous French poet Anatole France is quoted to say, "To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream, not only plan but also believe." One of the most important decisions a person going into adulthood must decide is:...
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What happened to bonds in 2022?
Unfortunately, in 2022, as we have had the stock bear market, we have also had one of the worst bond markets ever with bond indexes down 10 to 15%.
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Student Debt Relief
The application for Federal loan forgiveness was just announced October 17th. In this blog post we will tell you everything you need to know about this debt relief opportunity. We will cover, what federal loan forgiveness is, how much...
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Are you paying a Financial Advisor to make sure your accounts never go down?
It really struck me that as a Financial Advisor, I need to continuously communicate to (1) manage what reasonable expectations should have when investing (2) what is the value that a financial advisor actually provides.
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Mid Term Elections
Tuesday, November 8th 2022 – Midterm Election Day…a day that can move markets.
Read MoreCatastrophe Thinking and Taking Doomsday Thinking to the End
As I have communicated in other blog posts and writings, I love so much about financial planning. It is my professional calling in life. One of the areas that I particularly love is behavioral finance which is essentially the...
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Understanding Estate Tax Limits
Estate Tax is a tax on your right to transfer property at your death. Everything you own or have a financial interest in at death become part of your estate.
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HFG Bear Market Update
There is ample research that we have seen that says in times of bear markets that psychologically it is okay to not look at statements because seeing the losses off of previous highs can cause investors to make emotional decisions.
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Merit-based aid vs. Need-based aid
Determining the price of college it is important to consider the types of aid that may be offered to an eligible student.
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How to Balance Paying College For Your Kids and Meeting Other Financial Goals Like Retirement
Planning for college costs. Steps you can take to lessen the burden.
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Understanding Inheritance and Estate Tax
Inheritance tax and estate tax sound very similar and are both often called “death taxes” but they are different. The key difference between estate and inheritance taxes is who is responsible for paying the tax bill.
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FAFSA Opens October 1st
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is one of the most important steps students and their families can take to pay for college.
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Annual Credit Report - Why This Information is Crucial
There are a lot of websites that offer free credit reports – there is only one that is authorized by the US government – annualcreditreport.com.
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What do Advisors Worry About? Not having enough life insurance
As a Fiduciary and Certified Financial Planner, we believe in holistic financial planning. It is not just talking about investments but also about retirement income, estate planning, tax management, cash flow and debt management,...
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What do Advisors Worry About? Long Term Care Event for a Client
The number one thing that can wreak havoc on all of this is if a person has a long-term care event where they become frail. This is one of the top things that I worry about. It is important to have a plan in place to pay for long term care
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What do Advisors Worry About? Putting Kids on Mom and Dad's Accounts
We typically do not recommend adding children as joint owners on your assets because that means your asset would become exposed to any legal or financial dealings that your child may have.
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What do Advisors Worry About? Emotional decisions - Selling Stocks when they are down.
There have been studies on what we call loss aversion – the feelings of loss having a greater emotional impact than corresponding gains and how these feelings get stronger as the steaks grow larger. I have seen investors navigate...
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What legal documents do I need?
Getting your legal documents in order is one part of your total estate plan. There are four main documents you will need.The first document that comes to most people’s minds is a will. Your will details your final wishes...
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The Importance of having a Beneficiary
A beneficiary is the person or entity that you legally designate to receive the benefits from your financial products. You are able to put a beneficiary on vehicles, bank accounts, life insurance policies and investment accounts. You...
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Income Planning for the Surviving Spouse
No one wants to think about losing a loved one, especially a spouse. But we have a fiduciary duty to our clients to plan for it. As retirement income specialists, we are always focused on the cash flow of our clients and helping them...
Read MoreA Rocky First Half
The Wall Street Journal summed up the first six months of the year with a simple but telling headline: [[https://www.wsj.com/articles/global-stocks-markets-dow-update-06-30-2022-11656487667-11656574533 S&P 500 Posts Worst First Half of...
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Medicare Basics
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. You are first eligible to sign up for Medicare 3 months before you turn 65. Below are some frequently asked questions we receive about Medicare.When do I sign up?Generally, when you...
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Bracket Bumping and Roth Conversions
A Roth IRA conversion involves the transfer of retirement assets from a traditional IRA or 401k into a Roth IRA. You would pay income tax on the money that you convert, but you will be eligible to make tax-free withdrawals from the...
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What Is Cryptocurrency?
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin… all words none of us had probably heard of five years ago but are starting to show up more and more in the news. These are all forms of cryptocurrency and the goal of this article is to give you a...
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Understanding Required Minimum Distributions
Retirement accounts such as 401k’s, 403b’s, and IRAs are a great way to save for retirement. Such accounts are funded with pre-tax dollars, which grow tax-deferred, and investors can enjoy a tax break during their working...
Read MoreWhat does the Periodic Table have to do with Investing?
We have all heard of the periodic table of elements but what is the Callan Periodic Table of Investment Returns? This table looks to graphically depict annual returns for various asset classes and ranks them from best to worst. The 9...
Read MoreCybersecurity
Cybersecurity is on the forefront on people’s minds – I am hearing a lot more about nefarious activities. It seems the baby boomer generation is at a higher risk of being targeted. Thankfully there are some...
Read MoreCan I Time the Markets So I Avoid Pain of Losses?
In the media business, they tell reporters to not bury the lead. So in that spirit, the quick answer to the question can someone time the market to avoid the pain of loss, is yes! However, there is a big caveat. Just like having a...
Read MoreTaxes and Tax Brackets
Taxes can be confusing and stressful. There are two kinds of tax deductions - standard and itemized.
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Techniques to Manage Your Emotions to Become a Better Long Term Investor
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Why You Should Work with a Financial Professional Who Believes in Life Centered Financial Planning a
We have integrated two philosophies and concepts in how we serve our clients: (1) Life Centered Financial Planning and (2) Holistic Financial Planning. We want to work in our communications on giving you clarity why we do what we do it.
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Estate Planning Fundamentals - Why You Should Really Take Caution on adding children as Joint owners
In response to the feedback that we are getting from our clients, we realize our clients want us to provide comprehensive and holistic planning advice as compared to product centered advice. Melissa and I are both Certified Financial...
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Tax Management
Recently, Melissa, Diane, and I attended some fantastic continuing education training that went over the proposed tax legislation changes that President Biden and his administration are putting forward. The budget deficit and national...
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Four Type of Long Term Care
Diane Kurek joined Harford Financial Group in August of 2002. She transitioned to the insurance department in 2008. Diane is featured in our latest video explaining the four type of long term care. You can watch the video by clicking...
Read MoreShould I invest in Real Estate?
When we receive real estate questions from clients we always refer them to our own real estate expert, Paul Smeton. Paul has owned commercial, residential and vacation rental properties and has worked in the mortgage industry prior to...
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2021 - Markets Start 2021 on a High
The Week on Wall Street Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreJanuary 4, 2021 - The Year in Review
The Week on Wall Street Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreDecember 21, 2020 - Vaccine Rollout Spurs Markets
The Week on Wall Street Stocks climbed higher amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and an improving outlook for a fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged all year, gained 0.44%. The Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreDecember 14, 2020 - Cases Rise, Stocks Retreat
The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreDecember 7, 2020 - Is Stimulus Near?
The Week on Wall Street Stocks marched higher last week on an improving outlook for the passage of a fiscal stimulus package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on 1.67%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreNovember 30, 2020 - Dow Hits 30,000
The Week on Wall Street Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data, and the easing of political uncertainty.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.21%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreNovember 23, 2020 - New Infections Increase Anxiety
The Week on Wall StreetDespite news of another COVID-19 vaccine candidate, stocks were mixed amid investor anxiety over an increase in new infections and economic lockdowns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.73%, while the...
Read MoreHarford Financial Group’s Jennifer Eyre selected for Cambridge Diversity & Inclusion Council
We are very proud of Jennifer Eyre who has been selected as a member of Cambridge's Diversity & Inclusion Council.Check out the article from The Baltimore Sun that Jen was recently featured in. CLICK HERE to read the article.
Read MoreNovember 16, 2020 - Vaccine Triggers Rally
The Week on Wall Street News of a COVID-19 vaccine ignited a rally in economically sensitive stocks and a broad retreat in technology companies last week, though enthusiasm was tempered by reports of rising new infections and fresh...
Read MoreNovember 9, 2020 - Markets React to Election
The Week on Wall Street Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated that a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to changing corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of big technology companies.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreNovember 2, 2020 - No Stimulus, Stocks Lag
The Week on Wall Street Stock prices dropped last week as hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill faded and investors focused on rising COVID-19 infections, here and abroad. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 6.47%, while the Standard &...
Read More5 Things You Can Do With an IRA That You Can’t With a 401(k)
As our team focuses on retirement income, people often ask us the difference between an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) and 401(k), 403(b), or TSP (Thrift Savings Plan). The best place to start is how they are similar. Both of them...
Read MoreFamous Estate Planning Blunders
We hope that everyone is doing well and continuing to stay safe and healthy. As I write this we are in the home stretch of the election. We know that this election has virtually everyone concerned. For those of you who have talked to...
Read MoreOctober 26, 2020 - No Stimulus, Stocks Lower
The Week on Wall Street The failure to reach an agreement on a new fiscal stimulus bill soured investor sentiment and sent stocks modestly lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreOctober 19, 2020 - A Difficult Week for Stocks
The Week on Wall Street Stocks treaded water last week amid fading prospects for a stimulus bill, fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, and increasing political and regulatory pressures on Big Tech companies.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreOctober 12, 2020 - Stocks Rise, Stimulus Uncertain
The Week on Wall Street Stocks staged a powerful rally last week, riding a wave of optimism over the prospect of the passage of a new fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreOctober 5, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings....
Read MoreSeptember 28, 2020 - Stocks Mixed Amid Uncertainty
The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week as worries that stretched from Washington D.C., where prospects of a new fiscal stimulus bill dimmed, to Europe, which saw an increase of new COVID-19 cases.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreSeptember 21, 2020 - Tech Sector Slip Continues
The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped as the technology sector remained under pressure and a mid-week announcement by the Federal Reserve failed to inspire investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.03%, while the Standard...
Read MoreThe Government is Going to Take Your IRA/401k – Sensational Ads Designed to Scare You
Did the initial headline capture your attention? If it did, that was the purpose. Part of our value to you as our client is to help guide and research things for you. In the past several months, many clients have reached out to us and...
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2020 - Stocks Continue Downward Slide
The Week on Wall Street Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreSeptember 8, 2020 - Stocks Stall as Recovery Continues
The Week on Wall Street A late week sell-off sent stocks broadly lower as investors took some profits after stocks reached all-time highs earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.82%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreSocial Security and Coronavirus
Because we specialize in retirement income planning within the broad scope of comprehensive financial planning that includes tax planning, insurance planning, investments, financial planning, and estate planning, it is crucial that we...
Read MoreAugust 31, 2020 - Stocks Power Higher
The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced relentlessly last week on positive COVID-19 developments, encouraging economic data, and a supportive policy shift in the Fed’s approach to its target inflation rate. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreMedicare and COVID-19-Related Health Care Costs
One of the biggest concerns that virtually all of us have is having adequate health insurance coverage. This is true under normal times and it seems that only is heightened as Covid-19 has occurred. In our relationship with you as our...
Read MoreAugust 24, 2020 - Stocks Reach New Highs
The Week on Wall Street Stocks powered to another week of gains as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite set multiple new record highs along the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially unchanged while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
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7 Estate Planning Things You Must Do in Time of Coronavirus
At Harford Financial Group, we are constantly working at improving our ability to communicate with you as our client. One of the big things we are trying to emphasize is that we are comprehensive and holistic financial planners who...
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HFG Video - How We Work with Clients - Our Specialty Retirement Income Planning
Greetings, Often times when a person starts working with a company, they do it for a specific reason and or they need help to serve a specific problem. Additionally, just as we as people are constantly changing and evolving, so do...
Read MoreAugust 17, 2020 - Stocks and Consumer Prices Rise
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%...
Read MoreAugust 10, 2020 - Earnings Season Winds Down
The Week on Wall StreetOverlooking stalled efforts by Congress to pass a new fiscal stimulus bill, stocks marched higher last week with the Dow Jones Industrials leading the way and the NASDAQ Composite setting multiple fresh record...
Read MoreAugust 3, 2020 - Stocks Have Mixed Reaction
The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week amid a busy week of earnings, some troubling economic data, and seemingly little progress on a new fiscal stimulus package.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the...
Read MoreJuly 27, 2020 - Stocks React to Jobs Report
The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped in the final days of trading last week on higher jobless claims and rising tensions in the U.S.-China relationship. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor's 500...
Read MoreJuly 20, 2020 - Stocks See a Mixed Week
The Week on Wall StreetStocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.29%,...
Read MoreJuly 13, 2020 - Stocks Gain After Volatile Week
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices notched solid gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.96%, while the...
Read MoreJuly 6, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall StreetIn a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%,...
Read MoreJune 29, 2020 - Rise in Cases Inspires Turbulence
The Week on Wall StreetA jump in COVID-19 cases dampened investor enthusiasm last week, sending stock prices lower on worries that rising infections could derail the economic recovery. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 3.31%,...
Read MoreJune 22, 2020 - U.S. Economy Gains Momentum
The Week on Wall StreetStocks moved higher last week on news of more Federal Reserve market support and diminished concerns that new COVID-19 cases might lead to another economic shutdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.04%,...
Read MoreJune 15, 2020 - Markets React to Fed Report
The Week on Wall StreetInvestor sentiment turned negative last week, amid an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in states where reopening has been underway as well as a subdued economic forecast from the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreEconomic Update and Outlook Townhall Meeting
We recently did an economic outlook and state of the markets with Morgan Smith with Horizon Investments. We looked at where the economy is headed.
Read MoreJune 8, 2020 - Recovery Optimism Builds
The Week on Wall StreetA positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreTownhall Meeting on State of Markets and Economy with Morgan Smith, CFA, Horizon Investments
I thoroughly enjoy what I do for a living. Being in the wealth management and investment management field is so rewarding. We get to help people like you live your best lives and combine our talents and passions. One of the biggest...
Read MoreThe Things That Are Important To Us
Relationships, Purpose, Service, Value, Teamwork, and Professionalism – The Things That Are Important to Us Hello everyone!!! Throughout my life I had always heard people talk about values and their importance but being young I...
Read MoreJune 1, 2020 - Optimism for Re-Opening
The Week on Wall StreetThe shortened week, which began with a powerful two-day rally of trading, was enough to drive the markets into another week of solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.75%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreMay 26, 2020 - Markets React to Positive Outlook
The Week on Wall StreetUpbeat comments by the Federal Reserve Chairman and more signs of an economic turnaround combined to help fuel a powerful rally in the stock market last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.29%, while...
Read MoreMay 18, 2020 - Powell Somber on Recovery
The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week, weighed down by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's unsettling comments on the economy and signs of renewed tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.65%,...
Read MoreMay 11, 2020 - Jobs Down, Stocks Up
The Week on Wall StreetDespite a historic downturn in employment, stocks managed to climb higher last week as investors were emboldened by the pace of economic re-openings, both here and abroad.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2...
Read MoreMay 4, 2020 - Economic Normalization Near?
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices ended the week slightly lower, despite news of positive results from a test trial of a COVID-19 drug treatment and several states easing their economic lockdowns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
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April 27, 2020 - Markets React to Oil Prices
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices bounced around last week as investors reacted to wild swings in the price of oil and reports that called into question the efficacy of two potential virus treatments.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
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Harford Financial Group in the News with I-95 Magazine
We are thinking of everyone as the Covid-19 challenges continue. First of all, we are glad everyone continues to be safe. As we are talking to everyone, folks are expressing a mixture of gratitude and frustration. Folks are grateful...
Read MoreApril 20, 2020 - First Post-COVID-19 Data Arrives
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices pushed higher last week as news of a White House plan to reopen the economy and reports of a potential COVID-19 treatment helped the market overcome weak economic data and an ugly start to the...
Read MoreWhen is the next U.S. recession and how should you prepare for it?
When is the next recession? That’s one of the most frequently asked questions we hear. And for good reason. The coronavirus outbreak has caused disruptions in unprecedented ways, sparking the first bear market in 11 years....
Read MoreHFG Covid 19 Update-What We Can Learn from Navy SEALS for our Financial Plan & Guide to Recessions
As Covid-19 crisis continues, I have heard folks complain about the expression “unprecedented times and uncertain times”. However, the reality is that we are truly living during unprecedented and uncertain times. We have...
Read MoreApril 13, 2020 - Markets Rally
The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market staged a broad rally this week, buoyed by the prospect that COVID-19's grip on the nation may be easing and news of another Federal Reserve program to help stabilize businesses.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreApril 6, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall StreetModest declines in stock prices this week masked the volatile inter- and intraday price swings as investors digested poor economic data and a warning from the president that the worst days of the COVID-19...
Read MoreCOVID 19 UPDATE - RMDS SUSPENDED AND SHOULD YOU LOOK AT YOUR QUARTER STATEMENTS
We hope that you are safe and sound! Many thoughts and prayers sent your way. Today, we have 3 main points we want to emphasize as we are dealing with the chaos of Covid-19. In previous email, we discussed the provisions of the CARES...
Read MoreFEG Memo on the U.S. Congress CARES Act
News of the Senate’s unanimous passing of the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” or “CARES Act”, late Wednesday, drove a historic rebound across risk assets for the 3-day...
Read MoreHarford Financial Group Following Maryland Governor Mandate and Memo for CARES ACT
We hope that you are safe and sound as the Covid-19 crisis continues. At a time like this we are particularly grateful for so many folks to include our medical professionals, public servants like law enforcement and other first...
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020 - Congress Approves Stimulus
An open-ended commitment by the Federal Reserve to support American businesses and capital markets along with the passage of a $2 trillion aid package improved investor sentiment and drove a strong rally in stock prices. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreMarch 23, 2020 - More Coronavirus Volatility
The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market suffered through another volatile week as it wrestled with the health and economic fallout of the domestic spread of the coronavirus. Swift and decisive actions by the Federal Reserve and policy...
Read MoreUpdate 3/23/2020
We hope first and foremost that you and your loved ones continue to be safe and healthy. That is our number one concern! At this point, we are continuing to work and serve. We are set up to run virtually if we need to do so. Helping...
Read MoreCorona Virus and Market Perspective
Dear clients, We at Harford Financial Group have been reading many perspectives at recent volatility that is taking place in the markets. We want to share these insights with you so that you have multiple perspectives in making...
Read MoreGrappling with the Corona Virus
In your investing lifetime, you may only see a situation like the recent novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a few times. This is a circumstance where complete candor is necessary. The truth is that we can’t yet gauge the full economic...
Read MoreWhat Market Corrections Mean to You
Hello everyone! We hope that you are okay and healthy. As we discussed in one of last weeks emails we are drawing from a lot of different sources. As you read these messages, some of them may seem repetitive. We recognize that...
Read MoreMarket Conditions
As I write this as if the fears of the Corona virus are not enough, a compounding effect of sudden drop in oil due to challenges with Saudi Arabia and Russia have added to sell-off of stocks and what can be deemed panic. There are...
Read MoreAdditional Perspectives on What is Happening - Is this Time Different? Probably not!
One thing I did not explicitly state in previous message is at Harford Financial Group our mission is to serve and provide value to you as clients and people looking for help. To do this we must push ourselves to be outstanding and to...
Read MoreWe Plan for a Reason
One of the long-term legacies of Harford Financial Group that Matt Rehak, our founder, established was a commitment to comprehensive financial planning that covers retirement income planning, investment management, tax planning,...
Read MoreSpecial Report on Corona Virus - Comprehensive Yet Succinct
We hope everyone is doing well. Your health is paramount of our concerns so that is the main thing. There is no doubt as businesses and governments are closing or curbing activities, there is an economic impact. In last several days,...
Read MoreBehavioral Finance and the Two Systems in Our Brian and Quick Guide to Volatility
We want to thank those of you have commented to us that you have found these helpful to get through these trying times. Know we are writing these for you. We are here to help navigate through this. These happen infrequently but when...
Read MoreHFG Business Continuity Game Plan - We Have the Ability to Conduct
Obviously, the Coronavirus is top news with many organizations cancelling activities and closing for a finite period of time. We are currently open but we are monitoring the situation and plan to stay abreast of public health...
Read MoreMarch 16, 2020 - Volatility Continues
The Week on Wall StreetMarkets remained exceptionally volatile, buffeted by the spreading impact of coronavirus, uncertain responses from federal policymakers, and the sudden drop in oil prices.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 10...
Read MoreSPECIAL REPORT - Coronavirus
What’s an investor to make of the recent violent upheaval in the stock market? Does the spread of the new coronavirus outside of China signal a pandemic that will spark a global recession? On February 19, the stock market as...
Read MoreSPECIAL REPORT | Volatility
Equity market losses trigger marketwide trading halt Equity markets opened sharply lower this week, triggering the first marketwide trading halt during market hours since 1997.After trading resumed in the morning, equities remained...
Read MoreMarch 9, 2020 - Rallies and Retreats
The Week on Wall StreetHeightened coronavirus fears, falling yields, and Super Tuesday primary results sent stocks on a rollercoaster ride of sharp price swings, leaving stocks marginally higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreMarch 2, 2020 - The Virus Becomes the Focus
The Week on Wall StreetStocks fell sharply last week as Wall Street considered how the coronavirus outbreak might influence global business activity and household spending.The selloff became a correction for the U.S. markets. The S&P...
Read MoreFebruary 24, 2020 - Virus Anxieties Affect Stocks
The Week on Wall StreetTraders paid close attention to coronavirus developments and earnings last week, while wondering how the former might eventually impact the latter. Concern over updated infection numbers moderated risk appetite.A...
Read MoreFebruary 18, 2020 - Weekly Gains for Big Benchmarks
The Week on Wall StreetDaily headlines about the coronavirus had little impact on stock market averages last week. Earnings and mergers had more influence. All three Wall Street benchmarks improved. The Nasdaq Composite rose 2.21%,...
Read MoreFebruary 10, 2020 - Stocks Bounce Back
The Week on Wall StreetStocks advanced four days out of five during the past market week, erasing the losses of the week before. The Nasdaq Composite surged 4.04%, the S&P 500 3.17%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average 3.00%. Foreign...
Read MoreFebruary 3, 2020 - Equities Slip on Virus Concerns
The Week on Wall StreetStock benchmarks declined for a second straight week as coronavirus news tempered risk appetite.The S&P 500 fell 2.14% on the week. The Nasdaq Composite dipped 1.76%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 2.55%....
Read MoreJanuary 27, 2020 - Stocks End the Week Lower
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices fell last week as investors considered the potential health and economic risks of the flu-like coronavirus.Foreign stock markets, as tracked by the broad MSCI EAFE index, fell 1.03% for the week....
Read MoreJanuary 21, 2020 - Fresh Record Highs
The Week on Wall StreetTraders were in an upbeat mood last week, reacting to news out of Washington: the signing of the phase-one trade deal between the U.S. and China as well as the Senate passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement...
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2020 - Further Gains for Stocks
The Week on Wall StreetThe market had a choppy five days, with traders reacting to geopolitical developments and weaker-than-expected jobs data. Even so, the three major U.S. equity indices posted weekly gains and continued their...
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2020 - Further Gains for Stocks
The Week on Wall StreetThe market had a choppy five days, with traders reacting to geopolitical developments and weaker-than-expected jobs data. Even so, the three major U.S. equity indices posted weekly gains and continued their...
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2020 - Further Gains for Stocks
The Week on Wall StreetThe market had a choppy five days, with traders reacting to geopolitical developments and weaker-than-expected jobs data. Even so, the three major U.S. equity indices posted weekly gains and continued their...
Read MoreJanuary 6, 2020 - Concerns About Oil
The Week on Wall Street Stocks descended from record highs Friday, as traders reacted to a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top military officer. Oil prices rose more than 3% following the breaking news.[1] Wall Street benchmarks...
Read MoreDecember 30, 2019 - The Year in Review
What Drove the Markets? Four factors influenced investment performance in 2019: a shift in U.S. monetary policy, the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China, earnings, and the economy. Stocks reached record highs in 2019. The...
Read MoreDecember 16, 2019 - Phase-One Trade Deal Reached
The Week on Wall Street The U.S. and China announced a limited trade agreement last week. That news lifted U.S. and foreign stocks, leading to weekly gains. Advancing 0.91% on the week, the Nasdaq Composite outperformed the S&P 500...
Read MoreDecember 9, 2019 - Stocks Ride Out a Choppy Week
The Week on Wall Street Key Wall Street benchmarks were up and down last week – or rather down and then up. A Tuesday retreat was offset by a Friday rally spurred by the Department of Labor’s November jobs report. While the S&P 500...
Read MoreDecember 2, 2019 - November Concludes With Gains
The Week on Wall Street As November wrapped up, U.S. equity benchmarks advanced. Stocks were again aided by a sense of optimism that a preliminary U.S.-China trade deal could be near. For the week, the Nasdaq Composite added 1.87%;...
Read MoreNovember 25, 2019 - Major Indices Move Lower
The Week on Wall Street Stocks declined last week as mixed signals emerged about the progress of U.S.-China trade negotiations. The three major Wall Street benchmarks all took weekly losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0...
Read MoreNovember 18, 2019 - A New Dow Milestone
The Week on Wall StreetStock benchmarks were little changed for much of last week, but a rally occurred Friday after news broke that the U.S. and China could be closing in on the first phase of a new trade pact. At Friday's close, the...
Read MoreNovember 11, 2019 - Dow, S&P 500 Extend Win Streaks
The Week on Wall Street Domestic and international stocks rose last week. Risk appetite outweighed concerns about the state of U.S.-China trade discussions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500, and MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreNovember 4, 2019 - More Historic Highs
The Week on Wall Street A better-than-forecast jobs report prompted a stock market rally Friday, two days after traders witnessed another interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite ended the week...
Read MoreOctober 28, 2019 - S&P 500 Nearly Makes History
The Week on Wall Street The S&P 500 came within 0.1% of a record close Friday. Stocks were lifted last week by positive news on U.S.-China trade negotiations, plus earnings announcements. The Nasdaq Composite posted the largest weekly...
Read MoreOctober 21, 2019 - Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500 Rise
The Week on Wall Street Earnings helped give the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 a slight lift last week, offsetting investor disappointment over the small scope of the preliminary U.S.-China trade deal reached on October 11. Blue chips...
Read MoreOctober 14, 2019 - Trade Winds Move the Market
The Week on Wall Street Stock prices pushed higher last week, as investors remained hyper-focused on any new developments with the U.S. trade negotiations with China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.91%, while the...
Read MoreOctober 7, 2019 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall Street The fourth quarter started with a mixed week for equities. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.92% for the week; the S&P 500, 0.33%. In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite improved 0.54%. Overseas stocks pulled...
Read MoreSeptember 30, 2019 - Benchmarks End Week Lower
The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week. Traders worried that the formal impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump might distract White House officials from their pursuit of a trade deal with China, and shift the focus...
Read MoreSeptember 23, 2019 - Stocks Stage a Modest Retreat
The Week on Wall Street Investors reacted to two major news items last week, one far more of a surprise than the other. The Federal Reserve did indeed make a rate cut, matching Wall Street expectations. Drone strikes on two of the...
Read MoreSeptember 16, 2019 - Dow Logs 8-Day Win Streak
The Week on Wall Street Stocks edged toward all-time peaks during a relatively calm week marked by easing trade tensions. Friday marked the eighth straight daily advance for the Dow Jones Industrial Average.[1] Small-cap shares, as...
Read MoreSeptember 9, 2019 - Dow, Nasdaq, S&P 500 Advance
The Week on Wall Street Stocks rose last week, with help from two developments: the announcement of further U.S.-China trade talks as well as August hiring and manufacturing numbers that seemed to bolster the argument for a rate cut...
Read MoreSeptember 3, 2019 - Stocks Rally as August Ends
The Week on Wall Street Fears of an impasse in the U.S.-China trade dispute lessened last week. While additional U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports were scheduled to take effect on September 1, China's government communicated that it...
Read MoreAugust 26, 2019 - China Announces More Tariffs
The Week on Wall Street Traders assumed that the week's biggest news event would be Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech at the annual Jackson Hole banking conference. Instead, China seized the headlines by announcing new...
Read MoreAugust 19, 2019 - Equities Face Some Volatility
The Week on Wall Street U.S. stock indices saw significant ups and downs last week, with traders looking for economic cues from Treasury yields and also developments in the tariff fight between the U.S. and China. The S&P 500 lost 1...
Read MoreAugust 12, 2019 - Trade Tensions Affect Stocks
The Week on Wall Street Stocks spent much of last week rebounding from a Monday drop that reflected nervousness about the U.S.-China trade fight. By Thursday's closing bell, the S&P 500 had regained all its Monday losses - but it...
Read MoreAugust 5, 2019 - Fed Cuts Rates, Stocks Retreat
The Week on Wall Street Last week, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in more than a decade, in line with Wall Street's expectations. Ironically, stocks had their worst week of 2019. The S&P 500 finished the...
Read MoreJuly 29, 2019 - S&P & Nasdaq Outgain Dow
The Week on Wall Street Last week, investors assessed earnings and the initial estimate of second-quarter economic growth, while awaiting the Federal Reserve's next announcement about interest rates. Stocks rose for the week;...
Read MoreJuly 22, 2019 - Stocks Descend from Recent Peaks
The Week on Wall Street Stock benchmarks retreated during the first week of the second-quarter earnings season. As some big names shared quarterly results, investors seemed more interested in what might happen at the Federal Reserve's...
Read MoreJuly 15, 2019 - S&P 500 Tops 3,000
The Week on Wall Street Friday, the S&P 500 settled above 3,000 for the first time, after rising 0.78% for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average chalked up a milestone of its own: the blue chips ended the week above 27,000,...
Read MoreJuly 8, 2019 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall Street U.S. stock benchmarks opened a new quarter positively. The S&P 500 gained 1.65% in the opening week of July; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 1.21%; the Nasdaq Composite, 1.94%. Overseas, stocks in developed...
Read MoreJuly 1, 2019 - Down Week Ends Strong Month
The Week on Wall Street A month of gains for stocks ended with a weekly retreat. The S&P 500 lost 0.30%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.32%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.45%. In contrast, overseas shares, tracked by the MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreJune 24, 2019 - Stocks Touch Record Highs
The Week on Wall Street The S&P 500 hit an all-time peak of 2,964.03, in intraday trading Friday, while improving 2.20% across five market days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite posted respective, 5-day advances...
Read MoreJune 17, 2019 - Further June Gains
The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced for a second straight week. The S&P 500 benchmark rose 0.47%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.70%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.41%. Overseas shares, as tracked by the MSCI EAFE developed markets...
Read MoreJune 10, 2019 - Big Gains for the Major Indices
The Week on Wall Street Stocks rallied during a week in which Wall Street was buffeted by headlines. The S&P 500 rose 4.41%. The Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average respectively added 3.88% and 4.71%. The MSCI EAFE index...
Read MoreJune 3, 2019 - May Ends with a Retreat
The Week on Wall Street Stocks struggled during a 4-day market week as the U.S.-China trade standoff continued to weigh on the minds of market participants. From the Friday, May 24 close to the Friday, May 31 close, the S&P 500...
Read MoreMay 28, 2019 - Trade Tensions Linger
The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week as investors considered the possibility that the world's two largest economies might take some time to resolve key trade issues. The S&P 500 retreated 1.17%; the Nasdaq Composite,...
Read MoreMay 20, 2019 - Trade News Moves the Market
The Week on Wall Street Stocks fell sharply at the start of last week over trade tensions, then recovered with help from strong earnings and indications that U.S.-China trade talks would continue. Even so, the major indices had a down...
Read MoreMay 13, 2019 - Higher Tariffs Take Effect
The Week on Wall Street As we noted recently, Wall Street has a wandering eye. Last week, it focused on the new tariff threats in the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute. Stocks fell across five trading sessions: the Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreMay 6, 2019 - Major Indices Have a Mixed Week
The Week on Wall Street Stocks were up and down last week, and the three major benchmarks ended up little changed after five trading days. The S&P 500 rose 0.20% for the week; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.22%. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreApril 29, 2019 - S&P 500 Reaches a New Peak
The Week on Wall Street Stocks returned to record territory, with both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite closing at historic highs. The S&P gained 1.20% for the week; the Nasdaq, 1.85%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged,...
Read MoreApril 22, 2019 - A Mild Week for the Market
The Week on Wall Street A short and relatively placid trading week wrapped up Thursday, with the major indices turning in mixed performances. The S&P 500 retreated 0.08%, the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.17%, and the Dow Jones...
Read MoreApril 15, 2019 - The Q1 Earnings Season Begins
The Week on Wall Street Stocks broke out of a narrow range on Friday following news that two major banks grew their bottom line in the first quarter. For the week, the S&P 500 rose 0.79%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.91%. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreApril 8, 2019 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall Street Stocks just posted their second straight weekly gain. Investors were encouraged by the latest jobs report and new signs of progress on a U.S.-China trade deal. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.17% in...
Read MoreApril 1, 2019 - Gains Conclude a Great Quarter
The Week on Wall Street Stocks ended last week higher as volatility slowed, completing their best quarter since 2009. A Friday tweet from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin encouraged investors, referring to "constructive" discussions...
Read MoreMarch 25, 2019 - Treasury Yields Prompt Concerns
The Week on Wall Street Friday, the yield of the 3-month Treasury bill exceeded the yield of the 10-year Treasury note for the first time in 12 years. For some analysts, this "inverted yield curve" may imply a short-term lessening of...
Read MoreMarch 18, 2019 - Dow, S&P, Nasdaq All Rise
The Week on Wall Street The big story last week was the sudden grounding of Boeing 737 Max 8 and 9 passenger jets in dozens of countries. The financial effects of this ban could potentially impact the airline industry and segments of...
Read MoreMarch 11, 2019 - Stocks Dip on Growth Concerns
The Week on Wall Street As in February, investors spent most of the first full trading week of March hoping for new details in U.S.-China trade negotiations. While they waited, stock benchmarks drifted downward. From Monday's open to...
Read MoreMarch 4, 2019 - S&P Ends Week Little Changed
The Week on Wall Street Stocks lost a little ground as February gave way to March. While domestic and overseas political developments made headlines, the market stayed relatively calm: from Monday's open through Friday's close, the...
Read MoreFebruary 25, 2019 - Optimism Spurs a Broad Rally
The Week on Wall Street Stocks rallied last week as optimism about a potential U.S.-China trade deal grew. The S&P 500 advanced 0.80% during the 4-day trading week to 2,792.67. The Nasdaq Composite improved 0.86% to 7,527.54, and the...
Read MoreFebruary 19, 2019 - Dow, S&P, Nasdaq Climb Higher
The Week on Wall Street Stocks ended a good week on a high note, as hints of progress in U.S.-China trade talks encouraged investors. When the closing bell rang Friday, the S&P 500 settled at 2,775.60, after rising 2.50% in five days....
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2019 - Stocks Post Small Weekly Gains
The Week on Wall Street Major U.S. stock benchmarks eked out slight gains last week, with corporate profit reports and news about U.S.-China trade negotiations vying for investor attention over five trading sessions. The big three...
Read MoreFebruary 4, 2019 - Markets Gain Again
Last week closed out one of stocks' top January performances in years. In fact, both the S&P 500 and Dow posted their best January results in at least 3 decades.[1] For the week, major domestic indexes were also up. The S&P 500 gained...
Read MoreJanuary 29, 2019 - Stocks Muted, Big Week Ahead
For the first time in months, U.S. markets experienced little movement last week.[1] The Dow and NASDAQ did have their 5th week of gains in a row, but their increases were small: 0.12% and 0.11%, respectively. Meanwhile, the S&P 500...
Read MoreJanuary 22, 2019 - The Rally Continues
U.S. markets were up again last week, as major domestic indexes posted their 4th weekly gains in a row.[1] In fact, the S&P 500 was no longer in correction territory at Friday's close - and was in the middle of its best yearly start...
Read MoreJanuary 14, 2019 - Markets Relax and Rally
After months of volatility, markets relaxed a bit last week. For the first time since October, the S&P 500 went 5 days without a 1% gain or loss.[1] The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, also fell to lower than 20 - in December, it...
Read MoreJanuary 7, 2019 - Markets Up - And Volatile
U.S. markets experienced more wild sessions last week before ending in positive territory as the recent turbulence continued. In fact, we are currently in the middle of some of the most volatile market performance in more than eight...
Read MoreDecember 31, 2018 - Year-End Special Edition: A Look Back at 2018
The close of the year provides an opportunity for investors to step back and consider the wider financial landscape. This week, we're reviewing some key issues that defined 2018, as well as some factors that may influence financial...
Read MoreDecember 24, 2018 - Turbulence Continues
Last week, domestic markets had some of their worst performance in 10 years.[1] The S&P 500 lost 7.05%, the Dow declined 6.87%, and the NASDAQ dropped 8.36%. All three indexes have now lost at least 8% in 2018.[2] On Friday, December...
Read MoreDecember 17, 2018 - Stocks Down, Change Ahead?
Last week brought more volatility to the markets. While domestic indexes had some rallies as positive trade news emerged earlier in the week, by Friday, December 14, they had erased any gains. The last time major U.S. indexes ended in...
Read MoreDo You Send Participants Notices via Email? Should you?
Do You Send Participants Notices via Email? Should you?
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