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Be Money Smart
April is Financial Literacy Month and if you are committed to increasing your financial literacy, think about turning to a financial professional with your questions.
Read MoreValentine Ideas for the Family
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to remind your family just how much you love them. While you may already be thinking about ways to spoil your partner, don’t forget the little ones!
Read MoreTaxes: Annual Inflation Adjustments for 2023
The IRS announced annual inflation adjustments for 2023, including for more than 60 tax provisions but what does that mean for you?
Read More50 Things a Professional Financial Advisor Does for You
Arrow & Bow is a boutique financial planning firm that helps modern families build and preserve generational wealth. Here are "50 Things" you may or may not have considered as a benefit when working with a professional financial advisor.
Read MoreLife Doesn't Stand Still
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. If you haven’t reviewed your insurance profile in a while, you may be surprised that what made sense in the past no longer fits your life.Here are some ways to quickly evaluate your...
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3 Tips for the Second Half of 2022
With half the year behind us, now is a great time to consider what the remainder of 2022 may hold. However, with inflation and economic uncertainty causing many of us to delay or cancel vacations, large purchases, and more, it can be...
Read MoreHow to Save on Your Utility Bill
Summer temperatures are on the rise and so are our utility bills! According to the latest inflation report, energy prices have jumped 7.5% in the last month and are up 41% from this time last year. So what can we do?
Read MoreHow to Buy I Bonds Direct from the Treasury
With inflation hovering near 40-year highs, some investors are looking for alternative ways to weather the storm. For many, a Series I Savings Bond is just the ticket. I Bonds give investors a rate of return plus inflation protection...
Read MoreWhat Happens When You Fail at Market Timing
The impact of being out of the market for just a short period of time can be profound, as shown by this hypothetical investment in the stocks that make up the Russell 3000 Index, a broad US stock market benchmark.A hypothetical $1,000...
Read MorePeace in Security: The Value of a Financial Plan During Market Volatility
You felt good about your portfolio before this recent market volatility because it was built on sound investment principles—time horizon consideration, asset allocation, diversification—and it was growing. With the recent...
Read MoreTake Control of your Social Security
To plan for a comfortable retirement, you need the right information to help you make the best decision.
Read MoreTeach Your Kids Good Money Habits
So the question is are you teaching your children a key lesson that will impact whether they will do well? And that lesson is about money.
Read MoreRetirement And Survival After Gray Divorce
Gray Divorce is on the rise for Baby Boomers. There are several reasons why this climb is happening, but there are a few things that are important with this.
Read MoreTax Planning for 2022
Let's explore where your tax dollars go, some of the ways tax filing may look different in 2022, and what you can do to prepare. Keep in mind, this guide is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice.
Read MoreState of the Market
Stocks have gotten off to a very volatile start in 2022, with inflation fears and the potential for Federal Reserve rate hikes coming...but there is some positive news out there.
Read MoreOrganizing Medical Records: Creating a Care Notebook
Many caregivers find a care notebook to be the best way of keeping everything organized. Think of it as a 1-stop shop containing everything that family, doctors, therapists, and members of their school or care team would need to know.
Read MoreFocus On Financial Wellness
New Year. New Goals. As the first month of the year, January signifies a chance for new beginnings, starting over or, at the very least, making a few changes.
Read MoreDo I Stay or Should I Go? Deciding to Leave a Marriage
Do I Stay or Should I Go? The decision to get a divorce is tough. Many choose to just stay. What makes you happy? What is good for YOU? It’s okay to make a change. You owe it to yourself.
Read MoreHow to Create a Vision Board
For success to happen, you have to set your intention, believe that it will become a reality, then take active steps towards making that abstract idea come to fruition. A vision board is a great tool to have during your journey.
Read MoreCommon Money Mistakes in Divorce
Even if you feel like you are level headed, here are a few of the most common and costly money mistakes to look out for when getting divorced.
Read MoreA “Fair” Divorce Settlement
Once divorce is truly a reality, it is normal to think of the future and have questions. “How will I make enough to be on my own?” Or “How much money will it take to support my spouse and the kids?” Or...
Read MoreHow to Create a Festive Family Photoshoot
The holidays are here and the family will be gathering together to celebrate...what a perfect time to take a couple pictures for your holiday card or memory book!
Read More5 “Must Do’s” When Your Divorce Becomes Final
It’s over!!!!! Whether you receive the envelope with your divorce decree, or you just can’t wait and go pick it up from the courthouse, you have it. You are single. Lots of emotions on that day - but you want to get a few things done asap!
Read MoreHow to Cut Your Grocery Bill
With the holidays quickly approaching, wouldn't we all like a few tips on how to cut our grocery bill? Let’s face it–food is expensive. The average family spends just over 10% of their household income on groceries!
Read MoreDivorce Support That Can Really Help
There are so many emotions that you go through with a divorce- and some you go through more than once. Feeling afraid, alone, pessimistic, mad, sad, depressed, harsh, optimistic, or hopeful is completely normal. It’s okay to have...
Read MoreTips for an Organized Holiday Season
The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be stressful. At Arrow & Bow, we believe in planning! To help you enjoy a more stress-free holiday season, we’ve put together a Christmas Preparation Checklist.
Read MoreEarth Day 2021: Aligning with Sustainable Investing
Sustainable investing can help fortify returns with its unique focus on risk management and also align investors with investee companies seeking to improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts.
Read MoreTime to Sell in May?
One of the best known investment axioms is to “sell in May and go away.” This is largely because these six months have historically been some of the worst six months of the year. As you can see below, the next six months...
Read MoreWhen Will the Recession Officially Start?
With 22 million jobs lost in the past four weeks, a record drop in retail sales, and huge drops in industrial production and housing starts, it is safe to say we are likely in a recession. Even the Federal Reserve (Fed) in the recent...
Read MoreKnow Your 401(k) Options Between Jobs
Few life events are more stressful than a job loss. If you or someone you know is in this situation due to COVID-19, you’ll likely have several questions about job hunting, unemployment insurance, and health care. You may also be...
Read MoreHow the CARES Act Impacts RMDs
Tucked into the gigantic “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (“CARES”) Act were two key changes you should know about, regarding required minimum distributions (RMDs). Both were designed to give...
Read MoreWhat to know about The CARES Act: The COVID-19 Stimulus Bill
The $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (“CARES”) Act was recently signed into law. The CARES Act is designed to help those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, while also providing...
Read MoreHow to Create Ultra-Secure Passwords That Keep Hackers Away
With data breaches occurring more and more, it is important to protect personal information stored in online accounts with secure passwords. The majority of passwords do not pass the test. Learn how to create a password that will keep...
Read More2020 Resolution: Focus on Financial Wellness
New Year. New Decade. New Goals. As the first month of the year, January signifies a chance for new beginnings, starting over or, at the very least, making a few changes. So it's not surprising that many of us are proclaiming, in the...
Read MoreNew I.R.S. Contribution Limits: Changes for 2020
The I.R.S. increased the annual contribution limits on IRAs, 401(k)s, and other widely used retirement plan accounts for 2020. Here’s a quick look at the changes. This year, you can put up to $6,000 in any type of IRA. The limit...
Read MoreHow to Work with a Financial Advisor
A flurry of new investment products, the emergence of global investing, the shift from company-funded pension plans to employee-driven retirement plans (like 401(k) plans), and uncertainty about Social Security have all contributed to...
Read MoreYear-End Planning to Help You Lower Your Tax Bill
As the end of the year draws near, the last thing anyone wants to think about is taxes. But if you are looking for ways to minimize your tax bill, there's no better time for tax planning than before year-end. That's because there are a...
Read MoreBringing Markets Into Focus in Outlook 2020
Hindsight is 20/20, but finding clarity in future uncertainty can be fuzzy. As we look forward to the year 2020 and a new decade, some key trends and market signals will be important to watch, including progress on U.S.-China trade...
Read MoreGood Window of Opportunity for Roth IRA Conversions
The Roth IRA is a powerful tax-favored retirement option since it can offer a hedge against future tax-rate increases. But beyond tax planning considerations,Roth IRAs have several important advantages over traditional IRAs: Unlike a...
Read MoreStrong Jobs Rattle Bond Investors
The June jobs report was solid. Nonfarm payrolls rose 224,000, according to data released July 5. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, Strong June Payrolls Gain Surprises Investors, the rise in jobs last month handily beat estimates...
Read MoreMidyear Outlook 2019
We are excited to announce the release of the LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets, packed with the latest investment insights and market guidance to take you through the...
Read MoreCan The Fed Cut With Stocks Up Big?
The Federal Reserve (Fed) will likely cut rates at its next meeting in late July. This begs the question: Will the Fed really cut rates with stocks up so much year to date and near all-time highs? “It might sound strange for the...
Read MoreYields' Rapid Decline
Yields’ Rapid Decline Long-term Treasury yields’ rapid decline has been one of the most baffling market developments of 2019. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the 10-year Treasury yield fell 38 basis points (0.38%) in...
Read MoreSave and Invest Without Even Thinking About It
Automate your retirement planning and wealth-building approach. Build your emergency fund with automatic transfers. Practically any bank or credit union can arrange daily, weekly, or per-paycheck transfers of money from a checking...
Read MorePullbacks Happen
As we noted yesterday, the recent bout of volatility has caught many investors off guard. However, we’ve been saying since late March that some type of normal correction could happen, and we’ve taken a more cautious stance....
Read MoreA Deeper Pullback
U.S. stocks’ slide deepened May 13 with the worst one-day sell-off this year since January 3. On Monday, the S&P 500 Index dropped 2.4% amid threats of higher tariffs on all Chinese imports and retaliatory measures from China....
Read MoreTrade Talks Leave Markets Stirred, but Not Shaken
Reactions to statements by President Trump regarding the ongoing trade talks between the United States and China have caused movement across several financial markets in recent days. President Trump has indicated a possible increase to...
Read MoreThe Uncommon Average
“I have found that the importance of having an investment philosophy—one that is robust and that you can stick with— cannot be overstated.” —David Booth The US stock market has delivered an average annual...
Read MoreRising Tide for Diversified Portfolios
Diversified investors were the big winners in the first four months of this year. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, both stocks and bonds have posted strong rallies through the first four months of this year, thanks to increased...
Read MoreTime to Sell in May? Part Deux
As we noted last week, these next six months historically have been the worst for stocks. That is why there’s a well-known investment axiom to “Sell in May and Go Away.” However, that popular principle hasn’t...
Read MoreWhat Can Star Wars Teach Us About Investing?
What Can Star Wars Teach Us About Investing? Saturday, May 4, has been known throughout the galaxy as “Star Wars Day 2019.” That date was chosen because it’s a play on words of the famous Star Wars maxim, “May...
Read MoreGetting Rid of Financial Clutter: How Long Should You Keep Finance-Related Documents?
Many people struggle over which financial statements and records to keep—and for how long—and which ones to throw out. And what’s the best way to organize your files? Following are some guidelines: Think about why Why...
Read MoreTime to Sell in May?
Time to Sell in May? One of the most popular investment axioms is about to take over the airwaves: “Sell in May and Go Away.” That’s because the upcoming six months (from May until the end of October) have...
Read MoreAssessing Your Financial Health
Recent history has moved many of us to take another look at our finances—a smart thing to do in any economy. Maybe it’s been a while since you took your financial temperature, or maybe this is the first time you’ve...
Read MoreThe Waiting Game for Record Highs
The wait is over. After more than seven months, the S&P 500 Index notched a fresh all-time closing high of 2,933.68 on April 23. To get here, investors have weathered back-and-forth in trade negotiations, a historic government...
Read MoreMissteps That May Negatively Impact Estate Plans
Inattention and procrastination can hurt family wealth. Some estate planning is better than none, but sometimes people address wealth transfer issues inadequately or ineptly when they tackle the task. Here are some classic miscues....
Read MoreWhat's Hot Becomes What's Not
Investment fads are nothing new. When selecting strategies for their portfolios, investors are often tempted to seek out the latest and greatest investment opportunities. Over the years, these approaches have sought to capitalize on...
Read MoreWhat's Priced In?
After such a strong rally this year, you may be wondering what could drive stocks higher from here. With the S&P 500 Index near its all-time high, a lot of good news could be priced in to stocks. At the same time, disappointments could...
Read MoreIncome Inequality and Its Impact on Women's Retirement
Here are the facts. Generally speaking, women earn less than men, live longer than men, and often take time out of the workforce to have children and/or to care for an aging parent or sick loved one. The potential consequence of these...
Read MoreLast Call for Contributions to IRAs, Roth IRAs, and SEP-IRAs
If you’re planning on contributing to an IRA, Roth IRA, or SEP-IRA, the deadline for contributions is fast approaching. Generally, this deadline is the same as your tax filing deadline, not including any extensions you may have...
Read MoreLucky Number Seven
Seven has been a lucky number for U.S. stocks. The S&P 500 Index just notched its first seven-day winning streak since October 2017. This feat has occurred just seven other times in the current bull market.
Read MoreMaking Vacation Easier on Your Wallet
Saving money when planning a trip - the dos, the don’ts. Imagine coming home refreshed from a wonderful vacation, made even more satisfying because you saved 20%-30% on its cost. That can happen.
Read MoreApril's Bullish History
Seasonality could be on the bull’s side, especially after U.S. stocks’ best first quarter in 20 years. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, April has consistently been one of the strongest months for U.S. stocks.
Read MoreWhat Does A Big First Quarter Mean?
With a day to go, this is one of the best first quarters for the S&P 500 Index ever. Of course, it comes on the heels of the worst fourth quarter since the financial crisis and the worst December since the Great Depression. Still, you...
Read More9 Facts about Social Security
Tip: How Much? Check your Social Security earnings and see an estimate of your benefits on the website, www.ssa.gov. Social Security’s been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how...
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