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On July 4, 2025, a major new tax law—the “Make American Workers and Families Thrive Again Act”—was signed into law. This wide-reaching legislation updates many parts of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which were set to expire at the...

Just before the July 4th holiday, Congress passed a domestic policy bill that extended the 2017 tax cuts that were set to expire this year while making some of the 2017 rules permanent. The bill also created several new tax laws for...

During the most recent round of shareholder calls, CEOs had one big question to answer: “What’s going on with tariffs?” In earlier quarters of 2024, the focus was on inflation and artificial intelligence. But this time, the spotlight...

Consumer confidence plummeted in March to its lowest level since January 2021, amidst growing concerns that the U.S. may slip into a recession. While economists are mixed on the potential for a recession in the months ahead, they do...

Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s a buyer’s market?” That phrase describes what’s happening with today’s residential real estate: homes are selling for under their asking price and are taking longer to sell. Good news for...

“A goal without a plan is just a wish,” wrote French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in the 1942 classic, “The Little Prince.” In financial services, we like to say, “Investing without a strategy is just a dream.” At its core, an...

Thanks to a “super catch-up” option under the Secure 2.0 Act, effective January 1, 2025, workers ages 60 to 63 have a chance to contribute an additional $3,750 to their employer-sponsored retirement accounts, for a total catch-up...

If you've noticed your morning brew getting pricier lately, you're not imagining things. Coffee prices have surged to their highest levels since 1977.1 Why the eye-popping prices? While supply chain disruptions and weather issues in...

No Medicare surprises for 2025. As expected, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $185, up $10.30 from 2024. The annual deductible—the amount paid before insurance begins to pay for health services—will...

A big part of financial security is Cybersecurity Awareness Month during October, and it’s the perfect time to review and reinforce basic online safety practices. With digital threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s crucial...

The latest themed commentary from Cetera Investment Management cuts through the fog of partisanship to focus on what matters as investors navigate the 2024 presidential election. The team provides analysis of key economic policy items...

Summer is almost over, and August is nationally recognized as Make a Will Month. Although discussing wills may feel uncomfortable or seem far-off, it presents an important opportunity to reflect on our lives, our values, and the...

We get regular updates on the Social Security trust fund. In early May, the Social Security Board of Trustees announced that the trust funds had revenue to pay full benefits until 2035. Generally speaking, the headline’s tone is very...

As the Olympic Games are being held this year in Paris, I thought it would be interesting to explore how the Olympians earn their chance at gold, silver, or bronze. It turns out that, just like in the world of finance, the path to the...

I don’t know about you, but every time I see headlines that say, “Top 10 Reasons” or “How Much Do You Need,” I click on it. So when I saw the CNBC article, “You’ll need at least $1 million to retire comfortably in these 10 U.S. States...

This week, I've seen more than a few outlets covering gold's increase in value. Although it's true that the commodity recently reached a record high, it's essential to understand what factors are driving the most recent rally that...

Every stage of life brings new challenges and opportunities and planning for the future can be daunting. However, working with a Financial Professional can help you make the most of your current situation and prepare for what lies...

By almost any measure, 2023 was a terrific year for stock prices. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index finished up 24%, closing out the year with a nine-week winning streak.1 But throughout January, the naysayers were out in force...

In an effort to consistently provide you with timely market updates, we thought you might enjoy the most recently published market commentary by our partners at Avantax. In this month’s market update video, Ivan Gruhl, CFA®...

As expected, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its final two-day meeting of 2023, marking the third consecutive meeting without a raise in rates. This increases the chances that the Fed has finished its tightening...

The Senate and the House have returned to work but are unlikely to get much done before the Christmas break— which means January is going to be busy. To recap, Congress passed a short-term budget package before the Thanksgiving...

The Social Security Administration has announced a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024. This adjustment means the average Social Security retiree beneficiary will see their monthly check increase by about $57 to $1,849,...

Budget Bill Next “Headline Risk” for Stocks

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Monday, September 18, 2023

Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s a headline risk for the markets?” Headline risk is the chance that an unsettling news event–anticipated or a surprise–can add volatility to the financial markets....

A.I. Is Everywhere

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Sunday, August 20, 2023

If you've heard CEOs mention "A.I." multiple times during second-quarter conference calls, you're not imagining it. There have been an astounding 1,072 mentions of A.I. (and counting) so far.1 Some believe that A.I. has the potential...

Everyone Needs an Estate Strategy

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Friday, July 21, 2023

Like some of my clients, you may have seen the latest regarding Aretha Franklin's estate.The Queen of Soul passed in 2018, and years later, her loved ones are still caught in legal trials thanks to the existence of multiple wills.As...

What's Your Risk Number?

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Everyone has a Risk Number whether they know it or not. Your tolerance for market volatility is unique. We use a risk assessment built upon a Nobel Prize-winning framework, and you can do it yourself in just a few minutes. It’s...

A Smaller Social Security Bump May Be On the Way

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Friday, May 19, 2023

I wanted to take a moment to update you on the potential changes to Social Security benefits for 2024. As I'm sure you know, the Social Security Administration calculates annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) based on the Consumer...

The Latest Social Security Predictions

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Recently, you may have seen reports that the so-called “depletion date” for Social Security was adjusted. This refers to the predicted date when the long-running program will no longer be able to pay full benefits.Barring...

Considering the SVB Collapse

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Many investors may be tempted to react in the wake of both the Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank's financial troubles. After all, the unprecedented events of last week would test the mettle of even the most seasoned investor.The...

Words of Wisdom from Warren Buffett

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Monday, February 20, 2023

The stock market can provide some head-scratching moments, which is why I like Warren Buffet’s quote, “...don’t watch the market closely.”Stocks have been strong this year, and they rallied sharply before...

SECURE Act 2.0: An Overview

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Friday, January 13, 2023

In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it's a follow-up to...

Happy Thanksgiving 2022

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Thursday, December 22, 2022

The warmth of the holiday meal beckons. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and observing gratitude.So, as you gather around the table, look around and give thanks for the family and friends surrounding you. Give...

New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2023

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.Individual Retirement...

The Biggest COLA Increase Since 1981

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Thursday, October 20, 2022

How well do you remember 1981? Harrison Ford had his first bow as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Frogger and Donkey Kong were all the rage at video arcades. Bob Ross left the Air Force and took up painting. On top of that,...

1% Moves in S&P 500

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

If you’ve felt like stock prices were a little more volatile in 2022 than in recent years, your “spidey senses” are right on the money.The S&P 500 has posted 81 daily moves of at least 1% through August. Of those...

Let's Review Your Life

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Friday, August 19, 2022

Life doesn’t stand still. Neither do your life insurance needs.If you have a quote or policy and haven’t reviewed it lately, you may be surprised to discover that what worked for you then may not not meet your needs now...

3 Tips for the Second Half of 2022

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Thursday, July 21, 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...

Care for a COLA with Your Social Security?

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Sunday, June 26, 2022

As you might have heard, people are talking about a big bump in Social Security benefits next year.The Senior Citizens League says payments could rise by as much as 8.6 percent in 2023, compared to an increase of 5.9 percent in 2022....

YOUR 4% WITHDRAWAL STRATEGY MAY NOT BE ENOUGH Get the Tax Guidance You Need to Help Live the Retirement You Desire There’s a lot of concern among industry experts about whether the popular 4% withdrawal rule can provide enough income...

Powell News Kicks Off Volatile Season?

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

The holiday season is often a quiet, positive time for the financial markets. The phrase “Santa Claus Rally” was coined in the early 1970s to reflect the stock market’s upward bias during the November-January stretch...

When your spouse passes away, are you prepared for the financial impact?

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

When your spouse passes away, are you prepared for the financial impact? Losing a spouse creates an emotional crisis for you and your family. What’s worse, it leaves many partners with financial uncertainty and questions like,...

Are Your Taxes Going to Change?

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Friday, September 24, 2021

Most likely, you’ve heard what’s brewing in Washington, D.C., called by one of these names.The Build Back Better Act. Or the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill. Or the Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan for Working...

Distracted America

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Friday, August 27, 2021

Over the last year, many have seen their lives impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ways in which we work, live, and communicate have drastically changed, to say the least.It’s difficult to predict what other aspects of life...

A 6.1% Bump in Social Security?

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients.It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1...

The Fed Acknowledges Inflation

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Saturday, June 26, 2021

At its June meeting, the Federal Reserve confirmed what many of us have suspected for some time: prices are rising. In fact, prices are climbing faster than many expected. In response, the Fed raised its inflation expectation to 3.4%,...

What Forces Are Driving the Housing Market?

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Recently, you may have seen reports that a record-low number of homes are available for sale—roughly 1.03 million nationwide. If you compare that to the average number of homes for sale during the past 10 years, it's no surprise...

What in the World Are NFTs?

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have been the recipient of the latest buzz. NFTs are digital files attached to blockchain codes. If you know anything about digital currencies, you’re probably aware that these blockchain codes are...

Paying for the Infrastructure Bill

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

President Joe Biden introduced the much-anticipated American Jobs Plan, which outlines an approach to spend roughly $2.2 trillion on the nation's infrastructure and other projects.As part of the legislative process, the Biden...

Volatility Tests Your Mettle

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Most people understand that stock prices don't go straight up. But when market volatility increases, the price action can test the mettle of even the most seasoned investor.In recent weeks, stock prices have trended lower with a few...

COVID-19 Relief Bill Signed Into Law

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Monday, March 15, 2021

The House of Representatives passed a $1.9 trillion relief package focused on economic relief following the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was signed into law at the White House on Thursday.1Beyond the much-discussed $1,400 stimulus...

Economic Predictions: What Lies Ahead?

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Saturday, February 20, 2021

It can be easy to overlook the nation’s solid economic fundamentals when the financial media splashes stories every day about an army of amateur traders, short-selling mania, and initial public offerings (IPOs) that double in...

Election Update: 2021 May Bring Some Changes

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Monday, January 25, 2021

As election season draws to a close, it's a great time to review what type of legislative support would be needed to pass certain policy proposals that may come forward from the Biden Administration.It's important to remember that...

Does Main Street Need a Wall Street Strategy?

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Sunday, December 20, 2020

As Wall Street pushes higher, a pandemic-weary Main Street is relearning how to manage cash flow with the hope of keeping its retirement dreams alive.Self-employed Americans, and the people working for them, account for roughly 30...

Coronavirus Vaccines and the Economy

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Thursday, December 3, 2020

As the United States sees a rise in cases of COVID-19 across the nation, news of two promising vaccines out of hundreds being tested has offered a ray of hope for a fatigued world.1A positive reaction to these vaccines affects every...

The Social Security Administration Announces 2021 COLA

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Friday, October 23, 2020

On October 13, 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 1.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2021. This adjustment will begin with benefits payable...

Election 2020: Preparing for Any Outcome

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

As the U.S. presidential election draws near, expect to see more and more headlines that propose, "What will happen next if this person is elected?" or, "What policy changes to prepare for in the next four years?"In reality, however,...

Will Political Changes Affect the Economy?

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Friday, August 28, 2020

With all of the storm and stress of the year 2020, you’d be forgiven if you momentarily forgot that we’re due for another national election in November. Many states will be selecting governors, representatives, and...

How Women Can Prepare For Retirement

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Thursday, July 30, 2020

How Women Can Prepare For RetirementA practical financial checklist for the future. When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security...

Who Is Your Trusted Contact?

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Who Is Your Trusted Contact? This vital investment account question should be answered sooner rather than later. Investment firms have a new client service requirement. They must now ask you if you would like to provide the name and...

What Determines Car Insurance Rates?

Steven Aberblatt, CFP®, CPA

Friday, July 24, 2020

What Determines Car Insurance Rates?Driver history is just one factor; there are many others. Your auto insurance premium is based on more than your driving history. The amount you pay for auto insurance is determined by a complicated...