Discover our approach to personal finance through our library of free articles. Gain the financial knowledge you need to enrich every facet of your life.
Stocks fell sharply in the first quarter of 2026, with most of the losses coming after the war began in Iran. The Morningstar Global Markets index fell 2.9% for the quarter, marking the worst quarter for global stocks since 2023. The U.S. was one of the worst performing major world markets, with the S&P 500 ... Read more
Transitioning from a steady paycheck to living off your life savings is one of the most significant, and potentially stressful, pivots you’ll ever make. There is a dizzying amount of conflicting “expert” advice out there, but for a lot of people, this just adds to the confusion. Between fluctuating market volatility and the nagging fear ... Read more
The recent breakout of major conflict in Iran has had a significant impact on world politics and the flow of global trade. Beyond the tragic human cost, these events have left investors grappling with how a potential regime change or a wider regional war could impact their portfolios. Here is how Facet approaches geopolitics in ... Read more
As artificial intelligence continues to dominate headlines, many investors are left wondering if we are witnessing a sustainable technological revolution or a repeat of the late-90s dot-com bubble. While AI infrastructure spending has powered stocks higher over the last couple years, concerns are mounting regarding the sustainability of these capital expenditures and the actual pace ... Read more
The U.S. dollar has struggled lately. According to the ICE U.S. Dollar Index, the American currency was down 9.4% in 2025, which was the worst year for the dollar since 2017. The trend has continued so far in 2026, with the dollar down another 1.5% through February 11. So why is the dollar dropping? How ... Read more
President Donald Trump will nominate Kevin Warsh as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve. If confirmed by the Senate, Warsh would take over for Jerome Powell, whose 8-year tenure at the helm of the Fed saw the stock market nearly triple in value. Warsh has long been a critic of the Fed, and may ... Read more
As expected, the Federal Reserve left its target interest rate unchanged after the January meeting. However I might argue this was one of the most intriguing Fed meetings in a long time. Since the Fed last met in December, Chair Jerome Powell was served with a grand jury subpoena, threatening criminal charges over Powell’s handling ... Read more
New year, smart(er) tricks As we head into the new year, financial scams continue to evolve. While the tools may be changing with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), the goal of scammers has stayed constant – to defraud you, the victim, of your hard earned funds. The most effective defense isn’t complex technology; it ... Read more
Despite some volatility, stocks managed to finish 2025 in positive territory. The Morningstar Global Markets index rose 3.29% for the quarter, marking the third straight positive quarter. The rally was broader than most of 2025, as tech stocks actually lagged modestly and smaller companies outperformed. Non-U.S. stocks put in another strong quarter, with non-U.S. developed ... Read more
Being behind on your retirement savings can create feelings of stress, anxiety, and worry. Even thinking about how to get back on track can feel overwhelming and confusing. But with retirement on the horizon, using the time you do have to your advantage can make a huge difference. Here’s what you can do now, and ... Read more
It happens to the best of us. We set a massive, life-changing goal on January 1st, only to feel the sting of defeat a few weeks later. It’s not because you lack discipline or drive; it’s usually because the goal was too big and undefined to fit into your actual life. Let’s look at how ... Read more
401(k) plans are retirement accounts established by companies, offering substantial tax benefits and flexibility. These accounts provide a secure avenue for employees to save for their future, ensuring financial stability during retirement. For most workers, they are the backbone of their retirement strategy. Whether you are enrolling in a new plan, on your way to ... Read more