"Interest rates are to asset prices what gravity is to the apple." - Warren Buffett Every investor knows gravity exists. You don't think about it every day, but it influences everything around us. Throw a baseball, build a house, or watch an apple fall from a tree, gravity is always at work. Interest rates work the same way in financial markets. Most investors don't pay much attention to them until something changes. But behind the scenes, interest rates influence nearly ever

We rely on computers and smartphones every day without thinking much about how they work. Behind the scenes, there is a remarkable level of engineering complexity and an intricate web of suppliers and manufacturers that make millions of devices possible. Artificial intelligence (AI) works in a similar way. Using a chatbot might feel simple, but a long and complex chain of technologies and businesses makes it possible. This chain has turned generative AI and large language mod

It seems like investors have been hit with uncertainty from every direction during the first half of the year, from the war in Iran and concerns about an AI bubble to persistent inflation and the possibility of higher interest rates. With so much uncertainty, I thought it would be fitting to discuss the role cash can play in a well-constructed, diversified portfolio. The legendary baseball player Yogi Berra once said that "a nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." With inflation

Consumer spending drives the U.S. economy, making up about two-thirds of all economic activity. When people feel financially secure, they tend to spend more, which helps businesses earn more and supports overall economic growth. When people feel worried, they may cut back. In practice, spending behavior depends on many factors, and not all households are in the same situation. That is why getting a full picture of how consumers are doing financially is one of the most useful

It's been quite a week: the Knicks won the NBA Finals, Team USA opened the World Cup with a victory over Paraguay, SpaceX's IPO made Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire, and the United States reached a preliminary peace agreement with Iran. While some of those headlines may sound more believable than others, the peace agreement may have the biggest impact on investors. Financial markets responded positively to the news, with stocks moving higher, oil prices falling, and

May has come and gone in the blink of an eye. With warmer weather arriving, school letting out, and summer activities ramping up, life seems to get a little more chaotic this time of year. The same could be said for the financial markets. May proved to be another eventful month for investors, filled with persistent inflation concerns, rising interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty, and a changing of the guard at the Federal Reserve. Yet despite all of those headwinds, it was

For most people, the wealth accumulated over a lifetime represents far more than a financial figure. It embodies years of dedication, discipline, and sacrifice aimed at securing a comfortable retirement, providing for loved ones, and building something meaningful. Yet one of the most critical questions in financial planning is often left unaddressed: not how to grow wealth, or even how to use it, but how to pass it on efficiently and with purpose. Answering that question well

It has now been over three-and-a-half years since the current bull market got underway in October 2022. At that time, inflation was surging at its fastest pace in fifty years, the Fed was aggressively raising interest rates, and ChatGPT had yet to be released to the public. Since then, the S&P 500 has more than doubled in value and the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond index has fully recovered. While the world looks quite different today, market concerns continuing to make headl

The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran continues to shift, and financial markets have been responding to each new development. When a ceasefire was announced, it helped calm tensions and pushed oil prices down, with Brent crude (a global benchmark for oil prices) dropping into the $90 range. However, when peace talks fell apart, prices climbed back above $100 per barrel, showing how quickly the situation can change. While things remain uncertain, the most imp

What a wild first quarter! The first three months of 2026 offer a valuable lesson in why preparation matters in financial planning and investing. Following solid gains in 2025, markets were rattled by a mix of global tensions, rising oil prices, and fresh economic worries. A conflict in Iran, which broke out at the end of February, became the biggest market story of the quarter. It pushed oil prices sharply higher and triggered the first notable market decline of the year. By

The U.S. and Israel have launched military strikes against Iran, targeting its leadership, military assets, and nuclear infrastructure. Iran's Supreme Leader is confirmed to have been killed, and Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the Middle East. President Trump has stated that the goal of the operation, called "Operation Epic Fury," is regime change in Tehran, with strikes expected to continue for weeks and a number of U.S. troop casualties already re

Fifteen years ago, a technology investor named Marc Andreessen said that "software is eating the world." He meant that computer programs would eventually replace many manual tasks and services. This prediction came true as online services and digital platforms changed how we shop, work, and live. Understanding this helps explain why stock markets have been up and down lately. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) is the next big change in technology. Markets are trying to figure

There are several important tax rule changes that can potentially create new opportunities for planning. These changes affect retirement savings, tax deductions, and more. Understanding what's different is important for making smart money decisions this year. For many people, especially those over 50 with higher incomes, these changes mean you should review your plan early in the year. Instead of seeing tax changes as problems, you can use them as chances to improve your long

The closing weeks of 2025 present a critical window for investors to review their financial strategies and make adjustments that could significantly affect their tax obligations. Although financial planning should be an ongoing process throughout the year, numerous tax-related deadlines coincide with December 31, making this period particularly important for taking action. This article explores three key areas where investors should focus their attention: retirement account w

Winston Churchill is often credited with saying that "it is more agreeable to have the power to give than to receive." The year-end period naturally prompts reflection on charitable contributions and their role within a holistic financial strategy. Strategic charitable planning serves dual purposes: advancing philanthropic objectives while enhancing tax efficiency. The key question extends beyond simply deciding to give—it involves determining the most effective methods to ma

There's an old saying that criminals rob banks because that's where the money is. Today, though, money isn't only held at traditional banks. It's spread across many different types of financial companies. After the 2008 financial crisis, policymakers wanted to make banks safer. However, this shift has created new challenges. With some recent company failures raising worries about cracks in credit markets, it's helpful for long-term investors to understand what this really mea

For retirees and those approaching retirement age, there is no goal more important than ensuring their savings will support a long retirement. This challenge has been compounded by inflation over the past several years, which has eroded the purchasing power of cash savings. Today, prices remain elevated for the key spending areas affecting retirees the most, including healthcare, housing, and everyday necessities. Even though stocks and bonds are well-positioned to meet this

Recently, the stock market saw its biggest one-day drop since April. This happened because of growing tensions between the U.S. and China over special metals and trade fees. The selloff didn't last long, though. Markets bounced back after the White House used gentler language about trade. For people investing for the long term, these ups and downs might feel familiar after a quieter period in the markets. Even with trade uncertainty this year, markets have done quite well. Th

Market ups and downs are a normal part of investing. This year has seen plenty of both. When markets fall(like during the tariff...

Natural disasters teach us valuable lessons about preparation. Just as earthquakes strike suddenly while erosion occurs gradually, both...