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...

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The new tax law and spending bill, aka the "One Big Beautiful Bill," was recently passed by Congress and signed by President Trump on...

What a ride! The second quarter of 2025 threw a little bit of everything at investors—trade tariffs, geopolitical drama, policy...

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has grabbed worldwide attention and made financial markets uncertain. Israeli attacks on...

Building wealth through years of disciplined saving and smart investing naturally leads to questions about how to transfer these assets...

The markets experienced extraordinary volatility in April as investors processed new tariff announcements. Despite the S&P 500...

On April 2, President Trump set new trade tariffs that affect most major trading partners. These "reciprocal" tariffs match what other...

The legendary investor Peter Lynch once said, "far more money has been lost by investors trying to anticipate corrections, than lost in...

Warren Buffett once said, "it has often been wise to be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” While this...