One of the most pressing questions for investors right now is where does the stock market go from here? A recovery following the global downturn in the markets could take many shapes and history can serve as a guide for how long it could take the financial markets to bounce back following a bear market or recession and what returns could look like going forward. Unfortunately, like previous recessions or market downturns, this time is truly different ..read more

Whether the market is setting new highs or in the midst of a downturn, investors need to think a few steps ahead to ensure they’re prepared when current conditions change—that’s where rebalancing comes in. During periods of extreme market volatility, like March 2020, retirement accounts and taxable investment accounts can quickly drift—and considerably—from the original target allocation as the value of the holdings increases (or decreases) sharply relative to the rest of your account. As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, investors with stocks and bonds in their portfolios may notice their a ..read more

According to a recent NerdWallet household debt study, dentists and doctors have some of the highest student loan debt balances compared to other types of professionals. At any income level, managing a six-figure debt load can be very difficult. To further complicate the matter, many doctors and dentists already have a late jump on saving for retirement and other goals by the time they enter the workforce, so managing monthly student loan payments is especially important. Given today’s ultra-low interest rate environment, there’s a unique opportunity for some professionals to refinance their s ..read more

The selloff in the financial markets triggered by the coronavirus outbreak has been historic. Here are some statistics about March Madness 2020 in the stock market and what recent volatility means for long-term investors ..read more

A will and a trust are two different estate planning tools. Consider a will like a high-level set of instructions to be used after you pass away. You generally use a will to name the executor of your estate and guardianship for your children. Although you can leave assets to your heirs in a will, it’s not an efficient way to do so, which is why many individuals utilize a revocable living trust. Unfortunately, trusts are often thought of as a tool for only the super-rich, which is one of many misconceptions about trusts that can make this planning strategy underutilized by the everyday affluent ..read more

Tax-loss harvesting is the process of selling an investment at a loss to offset other gains or carry the loss forward to future years. It's the ultimate silver lining: using the recent losses in your investment account to your advantage. During widespread selloffs like what we're currently experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, most equity positions have lost value relative to their value on January 1st. While it's never a good feeling to see your account lose value, the current climate also presents opportunities for some investors to reposition their portfolio and reduce their ta ..read more

The COVID-19 outbreak has affected us all in some way at this point. If you’re lucky enough to be bored but employed, you might be wondering whether it’s an opportune time to put money in the stock market or wise to keep up with your regularly scheduled contributions to a non-retirement investment account (also known as a brokerage account). With the S&P 500 down nearly 31%—this month—the market has the attention of bargain-hunters and regular investors alike wondering whether the coronavirus is an investment opportunity or cautionary tale ..read more

Getting your finances in order for an extended period of economic difficulty or losses in the stock market will depend on your life stage and financial situation. The coronavirus outbreak has already significantly impacted the economy and financial markets, leaving investors wondering what they should do to prepare in the event the U.S. falls into a recession ..read more

With 30-year fixed mortgage rates currently averaging around 3.50%, it might make sense for homeowners to consider refinancing. Depending on several factors, such as your current interest rate and age of your existing mortgage, refinancing could mean a lower monthly payment and big savings over the life of the loan ..read more

A tax refund isn’t free money. It’s also not a good indication of whether you paid more or less in taxes compared to the year prior: income, life events, financial circumstances—even tax law—can change at any time and can materially impact your tax situation for the year. Regardless of the reason for a large tax refund, the outcome is the same: you gifted a free loan to the government when you could have put the cash to work for yourself. If you wouldn’t give a good friend a four or five-figure interest-free loan, why would you give one to the IRS ..read more