Blog

Looking to Invest in International Markets in 2023?

Shawn W. Dunnigan, MBA, CFP®

Thursday, February 2, 2023

A few things to consider before you allocate outside the United States. Over the past several years, the performance of international markets have trailed the markets here in the United States. Will the trend continue in 2023? 

Pay Down Debt or Save for Retirement?

Shawn W. Dunnigan, MBA, CFP®

Thursday, February 2, 2023

You can use a variety of strategies to pay off debt, many of which can cut not only the amount of time it will take to pay off the debt but also the total interest paid.

Get SMART with Your New Year’s Resolutions

Shawn W. Dunnigan, MBA, CFP®

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Many of us set resolutions every New Year’s Day. But if your resolution is too broad or doesn’t have a deadline, it is much easier to abandon or forget it. As the saying goes, “A goal without a plan is just a wish...

Financial stress can have a direct negative impact on a person's health and happiness. Unfortunately, this may lead to a downward spiral. The more stress you're feeling, the larger your financial hurdles may seem, and the more you...

The financial decisions you make between now and the end of the year can significantly impact how much taxes you will have to pay once tax day arrives. If you take action by December 31st, you can reduce your tax burden and keep more...

When you hear the term identity theft, the first thought that comes to mind may involve a data breach or opening a credit card in someone else's name. But another common type of identity theft involves the use of someone's Social...

It’s hard to believe we are already approaching the end of another year, and holiday season will soon be here. Since holiday spending doesn’t include just gifting, it’s essential to set your budget now. You may likely...

Whether you're hoping to retire soon or are just beginning to explore the idea of stepping back from your job, you're probably wondering how to make it happen. Will you have enough money? How will you spend your time? What will you do...

The end of the year can be a chaotic time for business owners. It is a time to compile data, review the numbers, evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and determine growth opportunities for the future. A business owner would be keen to...

If one of your New Year's resolutions involves enhancing and expanding your investment portfolio, look no further. In a true New Year's Eve countdown tradition, ask yourself these 10 questions to help review your investment plans...

The S&P 500 does best when one party controls Congress and the WH tooThe 2022 Midterm Elections will feature hundreds of hotly contested races at the state and local level and will decide whether the Democrats maintain...

For many people, entrepreneurship is the ultimate American dream. Five years ago, there were already more than 25 million Americans running their own businesses.1 And with the COVID-19 pandemic leading many W-2 workers to...

For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...

 The average U.S. income tax rate stands at just over 13%—and if you're like many taxpayers, you're always looking for new tips and tricks to help reduce this percentage.1There are a number of different tax planning moves...

The average U.S. income tax rate stands at just over 13%—and if you're like many taxpayers, you're always looking for new tips and tricks to help reduce this percentage.1There are a number of different tax planning moves you can...

You are not alone if you do not have access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Pew Research data reveals that 35% of private-sector employees do not work for an employer that offers a plan.1 Fortunately, other retirement savings options are...

Basic estate planning is something that everyone should do, regardless of your age, marital status, the value of your assets, and if you’re a parent or not.  According to a 2021 poll by Gallup, less than half of U.S. adults...

Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire.It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...

If the thought of reviewing your finances with the help of a financial professional strikes more fear into your heart than giving a public speech, you are not alone—two in every three Americans report regularly feeling stressed...

When people are leaving their employer, one of the decisions they need to make is what to do with their 401(k). A retirement plan participant typically has four options (and may engage in a combination of these options), each choice...

Planning how to pay for the expenses of attending college or a technical school is essential, and there are ways to save to make secondary education more affordable. Here are three things to know about secondary education planning and...

Given the daily responsibilities of running a business, planning for an event that may or may not happen may not seem to be a priority. But by preparing for a major disaster, your company will be in a better position to cope with more...

The Basics of the 401(k): Thoughts from a financial professional

Jack Dunnigan

Friday, September 2, 2022

Most often, the first question a prospective employee will ask is about your company’s benefit program. And in my experience, the two most often-asked questions are about health insurance and an employer-sponsored retirement...

National Life Insurance Awareness Month

Jack Dunnigan

Thursday, September 1, 2022

It’s also a good time to talk about the insurance crisis facing baby boomersBaby boomers’ huge numbers and surprisingly shaky health threaten government old-age benefits. That’s why you need to bolster your...

When it comes to creating your own monthly budget, sometimes planning is easier than the practice. Keeping track of finances can be tricky, but, with a few guidelines and time, you can take charge of your bank account once and for all...

Back to School Checklist

Jack Dunnigan

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

It’s so easy to get caught up in the bliss of summer that, before you know it, the new school year is a week away. To avoid being struck with last minute panic, here are a few things to ask yourself before the first day of school...

Why do so many people never obtain the financial independence that they desire? Often it's because they just don't take that first step — getting started. Besides procrastination, other excuses people make are that investing is...

A Place for Everything: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Finances OrganizedHave you ever found yourself scrambling for spare cash to send with your child for school lunch? Have you paid a late fee because you simply forgot when a...

12 Things Investors Need to Know about the SECURE Act 2.0

Jack Dunnigan

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

In late 2019, SECURE Act was passed as a way to help Americans save more for their retirement. In March 2022, the SECURE Act 2.0 has passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and aims to improve the goals of the original SECURE Act....

The Simple Life: 3 Tips for Simplifying Your Financial Life

Jack Dunnigan

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

If you sometimes feel like your financial life has too many moving parts, you may be looking for ways to get back to the basics—without letting anything slip through the cracks. Fortunately, simplifying your finances does not...

When money gets tight, it can be tempting to think about your retirement accounts as a potential source of financial help. However, an early withdrawal from your retirement account may be costly. Learn more about the taxes, fees, and...

Financial Freedom vs. Financial Independence: Key Differences and How to Work Towards Both

Shawn W. Dunnigan, MBA, CFP®

Friday, July 1, 2022

Working towards financial independence can often be a lifelong process. But for many, financial freedom may come far sooner—and include some fun along the way. What are the differences between financial independence and financial...

Even though housing prices throughout much of the U.S. are at or near all-time highs, there are still many distinct financial advantages to owning a home.1 From tax benefits to capital gains exclusions and guaranteed rates of return,...

A life insurance policy is part of financial planning. Life insurance is there to help ease the financial trauma that comes with the loss of a spouse, parent, or partner. As you encounter different events in your life, you may need to...