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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
The end of the year is a time to make critical planning decisions for your taxes, investments, and savings. It’s also a time to reflect on the previous year and consider what may change in the year ahead. Now is the time to create a personalized and proactive strategy that dynamically evolves to meet your ... Read more
Mortgage rates have finally dipped below 7%, but will they keep falling in 2026? This analysis dives into the three key economic scenarios—from a steady economy to a full recession—that will determine the Federal Reserve's path on future rate cuts. We break down what it would take to see 5% mortgage rates, what could send them back to 7%, and what the new 50-year mortgage proposal could mean for homebuyers.
The Federal Reserve cut its target for interest rates by 0.25% at the October meeting. For a long time, Fed Chair Jerome Powell has told us the Fed’s decisions would be “data dependent.” However, with the government having been shut down for almost all of October, there is very little new data for the Fed ... Read more
Let’s be honest about something. We know that managing passwords is a source of frustration for almost everyone because they are hard to remember, a hassle to manage, and a genuine security risk. It’s time to move on from the stress of forgotten codes and embrace a method that actually fits into your life. Why ... Read more
Stocks had another strong quarter in 3Q. The Morningstar Global Markets index rose 7.57% for the quarter, ending just below the all-time high set in September. Gains were powered by enthusiasm for Artificial Intelligence, hope for Fed rate cuts, and strong flows from individual investors. However, there are a number of risks that also became ... Read more
The Federal Reserve cut its target interest rate by 0.25% at the September 17 meeting. This has Wall Street wondering what comes next. Is this the start of a series of rate cuts? Or will lingering inflation problems make future cuts difficult? Here are our views on these questions and more. Weakening labor market convinced ... Read more
The world of private investing can be challenging. There are some good investment opportunities out there, but there are also a lot of overly optimistic claims, false promises, and even outright scams. We happened to uncover an alleged scam when a Facet member asked us if they should invest in a certain private investment opportunity. ... Read more