Political dysfunction in Washington. Divisions in Congress continue to rage as efforts to address the looming debt ceiling and pass the bipartisan infrastructure package remain stymied. Senate Republicans refuse to raise the debt ceiling in order to pay for expenses previously appropriated, and spent, by Congress. An intraparty hostage situation is taking place between the moderate and Read More
The notion of financial freedom has evolved quite a bit recently. Wealth accumulation alone no longer dictates whether someone is successful. Instead, it has become less about the amount of money in your bank account and more about your purpose-driven financial lifestyle. Projecting an appearance of wealth is far less important to many Americans. Utilizing Read More
Federal Reserve walking a tightrope. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell continues his reassurances that the punch bowl will not be removed yet. While he has indicated his inflation criteria have been achieved, his full employment criteria have not. Fed Chair Powell is walking a fine line indeed, as inflation worries have begun to concern other economists. Yet Read More
The pandemic has caused us all to reevaluate our life trajectories. The desire for flexibility to pursue passions and interests outside of employment has increased dramatically. Many people have added early retirement to their list of financial aspirations. If you are dreaming of leaving the workforce early, it is an absolute must to map out Read More
Infrastructure deal. The bipartisan infrastructure deal has successfully made its way through the initial stages of legislating. Now comes the hard part – amending and securing a final successful vote in both the House and the Senate. While any number of significant hurdles may remain, the broad framework seems to be in place for this bill Read More
Homeownership has long been viewed as a major component of the American Dream, complete with the image of a quaint house, white picket fence and a friendly neighborhood. Renting tends to play second fiddle in our society, being seen as a temporary housing solution while people save for a down payment or otherwise financially prepare Read More
Infrastructure deal. The bipartisan infrastructure deal has come out and is already in jeopardy of failing. The $1 trillion plan has caused much handwringing and negotiating between Republicans and Democrats over funding and spending levels. The Biden administration spent the last few days busily working to walk back the President’s suggestion that he would not sign the bipartisan Read More
After more than a year of pandemic chaos, Americans are well on their way to getting back out into the world. Letting loose, seeing old friends, taking big trips, living it up. All those long months of worry have left us with a carpe diem attitude toward life in general. Attempting to make up for Read More
Q1 earnings recap. Now that 95% of the S&P 500 have reported 1st quarter earnings, it’s clear that corporate America is well on its way to a historically strong recovery. Not only are more companies beating their earnings but, as we said before, it’s by a historic margin. Yet the markets have stayed put for the month, with the Read More
Bringing up debt in any conversation can feel like a social taboo. Oddly enough, the more intimate the relationship, the more awkward debt discussions can be. We worry we will suddenly be viewed in a negative light: “What if they judge me? What if they start lecturing me? What if my financial burden creates this Read More
