Financial Elements' Insights

Here’s an interesting puzzle: Why do we cringe at the sight or sound of breaking glass, but we salivate over breaking news? In the run-up to the U.S. presidential election, you’ve probably been hit by enough breaking news to propel you well into 2021. Predictions abound on who will prevail, and what will happen to our political, social, and economic landscape as a (supposedly) direct result. Come what may, the results will undoubtedly be attention-grabbing and action-packed. Social media and the popular press will see to that, as they feed on – and are fed by – our fascination with things that break.

The Social Security Administration announced a 2021 Cost of Living Increase of 1.3% on Oct. 13, 2020. Whether you’re currently working or enjoying retirement, here’s how you may be affected.

Does the upcoming election mean it's time to reassess your portfolio? An historical look at presidential elections & the stock market can help you decide.

New investors take note... the stock market is a long term proposition.

The term fiduciary gets a lot of press lately. I often get asked by new clients if I am one. My response is that yes, I certainly am, and have always been... way before it was cool. There is a lot of confusion around the terminology these days. Bottom line for me is that it's my job to always put my clients' interests first... no question, nothing to think about, it's just always the case. Read on if you are curious why we hear so much more about it lately...

In 2018, the savings rate in the US was only about 7% of income and 40% of Americans would not be able to cover an unexpected $400 expense. However, there are some “super savers” that save at least 20% of their income. Research from TD Ameritrade and The Principal show that two of the key factors in managing to save at this level or more every year are your mortgage and car payments.

For better or worse, many of us have had more time than usual to engage in new or different pursuits in 2020. Even if you’re as busy as ever, you may well be revisiting routines you have long taken for granted. Let’s cover eight of the most and least effective ways to spend your time shoring up your financial well-being in the time of the coronavirus.

Let’s look on the bright side, shall we? In the midst of all that is going on in the world, you may just find your pockets a bit fuller than usual. Have you noticed?

The tax filing deadline was recently extended to July 15, 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We've rounded up everything else you need to know before filing your taxes this year.

16.1% of employers have cut matching 401(k) contributions in light of COVID-19. If this happened to you, or you're worried it could, here are the next steps you should be taking right away to still save for retirement.

If you have questions about your student loan debt in the midst of COVID-19, here are four questions that you should be asking to figure out what to do next.

Falling victim to a scam is the last thing you should have to worry about amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. Remain vigilant and alert as you keep you and your loved ones protected during these uncertain times.

If you've recently received your $1,200 stimulus check, have you thought about what you'll do with it? We're offering 6 productive things you can do with your stimulus check right away.

A high level summary of the CARES bill that passed last week.

Let's look at some ways you can take advantage of this unfortunate situation to make some beneficial financial moves.

The market’s negative response to health crises is nothing new. How will coronavirus impact the market and your personal finances?

The best plan for these events is to have a plan. If you don't have one or you are concerned, let's talk.

The term “novel coronavirus” is so new, some people have apparently wondered whether it is related to Corona beer. (It is not; it’s named after its crown-shaped particles.) And yet, how quickly it has grabbed global headlines. As the viral news has spread, so too has financial uncertainty. What’s going to happen next? Will it further infect our domestic or global economies? In case it does, should you try to shift your investments to remain one step ahead?

You may have missed the news – buried in a much bigger spending bill, and passed in the thick of the holiday season. But after months of nearly bringing it to the finish line, it’s now official: On Friday, December 20, 2019, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was signed into law. The SECURE Act provides a mixed bag of incentives and obligations for retirement savers and service providers alike. Its intent is to make it easier for families to save more for retirement. That said, “easier” doesn’t necessarily mean less complicated. To jump-start the conversation, here is an overview of the most significant changes we’ve got our eye on, as the SECURE Act starts rolling out in 2020.

Social Security fraud updates and COLA for 2020.