Financial Education Center

The Fed Finally Cut Interest Rates. What Could It Mean for Your Finances?

The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered the benchmark federal funds rate one-half percentage point. It was the first rate cut since the Fed raised the funds rate aggressively from March 2022 to July 2023. The long-awaited policy shift suggests that a soft landing — the rare feat of bringing down inflation without causing a recession — is in sight.

Ready To Start Investing in Your Retirement? Retirement Planning Methods and Strategies

Saving for retirement is a long, but worthwhile journey and it’s ideal to start saving as soon as possible. The most recent survey released by the Federal Reserve on consumer finances indicates that the median retirement savings those aged 35 and younger is only $18,000.

How Does Your Family-Owned or Privately-Held Business Define Success?

For family and privately-held businesses, wealth generation is woven throughout their prosperity, legacy, and future. Recent insights reveal that for many of these businesses, not only does the pursuit of financial wealth define achievement, but also their legacy building. Let’s explore the strategies and considerations that support the continued growth of wealth within family businesses, while also exploring its significance to the family.

Understanding Risk

Every investment carries some degree of risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there can be no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful. That's why it makes sense to understand the kinds of risk as well as the extent of risk that you choose to take, and to learn ways to manage it.

What Is Tax-Loss Harvesting and How Can It Benefit Savvy Investors?

Tax-loss harvesting is a sophisticated tax strategy used by investors to capitalize on the potential benefits of losses in their investment portfolios. It involves a systematic approach to selling underperforming investments to offset realized capital gains, thereby reducing taxable income.

Municipal Bonds and Their Tax Advantages

Municipal bonds are subject to the uncertainties associated with any fixed income security, including interest rate risk, credit risk, and reinvestment risk. However, the tax advantages associated with munis and their potential ability to provide an ongoing income stream have traditionally made munis an important part of a portfolio. Read more about the importance of municipal bonds.