Investment Planning Archives - Page 4 of 5

What the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Investors

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® After months of negotiations, a new tax and spending bill was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on July 4. This new budget is far-reaching, including making many parts of the Tax Cuts…

Quarterly Market Update for Q2 2025: Tariffs, Geopolitics, and All-Time Highs

Blog, Financial Planning, Investing, Investment Planning, Markets, Retirement Income Planning

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® The second quarter of 2025 showcased both the resilience of financial markets and their sensitivity to policy uncertainty. From the White House's tariff announcements in April to escalating tensions between Israel…

How a Weakening Dollar Affects Long-Term Investors

Blog, Investing, Investment Planning, Markets

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® For many Americans, the status of the U.S. dollar reflects the country’s position in the world. However, the dollar has weakened in recent months amid trade and economic uncertainty, declining against a basket…

Monthly Market Update for May 2025: A Positive Month Despite U.S. Debt Downgrade

Blog, Investing, Investment Planning, Markets

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® Financial markets rebounded in May with the S&P 500 recovering its year-to-date losses. This positive month occurred against a backdrop of new trade agreements, mixed economic signals, and ongoing concerns…

What Debt, Deficits, and the Moody’s Downgrade Mean for Investors

Blog, Investing, Investment Planning, Markets, Risk Management

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® Moody's recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating marks an official end to the country’s top-tier debt status. Following Fitch's downgrade in 2023 and Standard & Poor's move in 2011, Moody's decision to…

Planning for Rising Health Care Costs and the Role of HSAs

Blog, Investment Planning, Risk Management

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® The cost of health care continues to climb with no signs of slowing down, making it one of the most significant expenses in retirement. A 65-year-old retiring today could spend approximately $165,000 on health…

Special Update: What U.S.-China Trade Progress Means for Investors

Blog, Investing, Investment Planning, Markets, Risk Management

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® The recent trade announcement between the U.S. and China reverses many of the tariffs that rattled financial markets beginning in April. This agreement, which lasts 90 days, lowers U.S. tariff rates on China…

Lessons from Warren Buffett for Today’s Market

Blog, Financial Planning, Investing, Investment Planning

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® A key principle of investing is that patience, discipline, and maintaining a long-term perspective are what drive financial success. Perhaps no investor has captured this wisdom as eloquently as Warren Buffett…

Understanding Consumer Debt in a Two-Speed Economy

Blog, Investment Planning, Retirement Income Planning

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® The financial health of consumers is an important indicator of the broader economy. Consumer spending represents about 70% of all spending across the economy, and steady purchases are one reason…

Monthly Market Update for April 2025: Lessons After a Historic Month

Blog, Investment Planning, Markets, Risk Management

K. Brad Tedrick, CFA®, CFP® April was one of the most volatile months in history as markets reacted to new tariff announcements. However, even though the S&P 500 fell as much as 12% during the month, the index rebounded and closed…