Archive for April 2019

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just for Amazon’s Alexa anymore. Health care patients are starting to see more mainstream uses of AI-enabled tools, such as:1 Robot-assisted surgery Virtual nursing assistants that stay in contact with both patients and providers Connected health management devices that you can download on your smartphone, wear on your body or…

The first quarter of 2019 proved to be a strong one. The S&P 500 posted a 13.1% gain (the highest quarterly gain since 2009), the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 11.15% and the Nasdaq increased by 16.5%. Bond investors in both developed and emerging markets saw three consecutive months of positive returns. Oil prices…

Today, more Americans are getting their life insurance through their employer rather than purchasing a policy on the individual market, according to LIMRA, an industry market research firm.1 At the same time, fewer employers are offering life insurance as a benefit. LIMRA research showed 23 percent fewer employers offered life insurance in 2017 compared with…

There is a new trend toward investing in American initiatives that aligns with the president’s focus on making the country great. Initiatives are cropping up to help create the potential for novel investment opportunities. Some of these investments are being created by companies that themselves enjoy shareholder capital. For example, Starbucks is investing $100 million…

March 9, 2019, marked the 10th anniversary of the current bull market, the longest-running in U.S. history. In that decade, the market more than quadrupled, and when you factor in dividends, it’s up fivefold.1 The short-term spikes over the past few years coupled with corporate share buybacks have served to keep performance humming. As we…

There’s more to your IRA and 401K than meets the eye. Learn 5 way to get MORE out of your tax-deferred retirement accounts, on Retirement Solutions Radio show, “5 Ways to Help You Get More Out of Your IRA, 401K and Other Retirement Accounts!” Listen Now! Our firm assists retirees and pre-retirees in the creation…

Most people THINK they’re ready to retire … long before they’re financially prepared. Learn the 5 things you must tackle before you start planning that retirement party, on Retirement Solutions Radio show, “Why You’re Not as Prepared for Retirement as You Think And the 5 Things You Must Tackle Before You Can Call it Quits.”…

Here’s an interesting tidbit from the investment industry: In 2014, Merrill Lynch hired a gerontologist on staff – the first financial gerontologist of all time.1 Why? Because their financial advisors needed to learn how to plan for older people who are living longer than ever. The problems associated with this new era of longevity aren’t…

When are we happiest? A new study by the Resolution Foundation reveals that the two ages when people tend to be their happiest are 16 and 70.1 This makes sense when you think about it. Sixteen is often the first time children get a taste of independence — they’re old enough to drive and yet…