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What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Higher bond yields and a legislative stalemate in Washington, D.C., added up to losses for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.36%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 2.21%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell...

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Stocks prices were whipsawed last week, dragged initially lower by financial contagion worries and later lifted by a supportive Fed policy statement.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.62%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Stocks weakened ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting and amid persistent concerns about the Delta variant’s impact on the economy.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.07%), while the Standard &...

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

In a quiet week of news, stocks moved lower amid simmering concerns over the Delta variant’s effect on the progress of economic reopening.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Stocks were mixed last week amid conflicting economic data and continued spread of Delta variant infections.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.24% during the five trading days. But the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on...

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Tuesday, August 31, 2021

The stock market powered to record levels last week amid talk of Fed tapering and a deceleration in new Delta variant cases.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.96%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased 1.52%. The...

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Stocks turned lower last week amid the increasing probability of a Fed tapering, mixed economic data, and growing concerns about the economic impact of the Delta variant.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 1.11%, while the...

Monday, August 16, 2021

Looking past inflation figures and Delta variant trends, stocks last week found a way to climb higher and set fresh record highs in the process.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.87%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Friday, August 13, 2021

The 2020/2021 Tokyo Olympics wrapped up with closing ceremonies on August 8, and it’s been an Olympic games like no other. We’ve watched the world’s finest athletes go for the gold. Which leads many to wonder: what...

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Overcoming jitters about the Delta variant and the reintroduction of mask requirements, stocks climbed higher on strong employment data and a fresh batch of strong corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.78% while...

Friday, July 30, 2021

The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients.It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1...

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Overcoming a COVID-related economic growth scare, stocks moved higher amid a week of strong corporate earnings reports.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.08%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.96%. The Nasdaq...

Friday, July 2, 2021

Summertime rouses our desire to hit the road (or the airport) and travel. Here are a few things you’ll want to consider before you take off.Employment Issues for Airlines: Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights due to...

Monday, June 28, 2021

Stocks reached new all-time highs last week as markets staged a strong rebound from the previous week’s declines.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.44%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 2.74%. The Nasdaq...

Friday, June 25, 2021

One of the most anticipated comebacks of 2021 isn’t an athlete, rock star, or movie franchise. It’s summer travel, and it appears to be back with a vengeance.Travel agents are working 14-hour days to meet the needs of...

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

New messaging from the Federal Reserve on interest rates and inflation last week led to a broad retreat in stock prices.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 3.45% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 1.91%. The Nasdaq...

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Over Memorial Day weekend, gasoline prices hit the highest for this holiday weekend since 2014.1With the Colonial Pipeline outage in the rear-view mirror and an ever-increasing number of adults vaccinated, formerly cooped-up motorists...

Friday, June 18, 2021

If there is a "silver lining" to all the inflation talk, it may be that Social Security benefits are expected to see a larger-than-normal increase in 2022.Preliminary estimates call for a 4.7% cost-of-living increase (COLA) in Social...

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

As our nation continues to recover from the effects of COVID-19, one economic trend has been capturing news attention as of late. Consumer prices are rising amidst economic recovery. In fact, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.8%...

Monday, June 14, 2021

Stocks ended the week mixed as investors appeared to shrug off a hotter-than-expected inflation report.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.80%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 0.41%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Monday, June 7, 2021

A strong, but not too strong, employment report sparked a rally on the final day of trading, propelling stocks to a modest gain for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 0.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Optimism over the economic reopening and renewed enthusiasm for technology and other high-growth companies powered the stock market higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Monday, May 31, 2021

Memorial Day is a time for Americans to honor and remember those who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. Veterans will think back on the men and women who served alongside them who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their...

Monday, May 24, 2021

Stock prices fluctuated amid inflation concerns and bargain hunting, leaving stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.51%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.43%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

A surge in consumer inflation unsettled investors, leading to a turbulent week of trading on Wall Street.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.14%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 1.39%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Stocks meandered around a flatline in a busy week of corporate earnings, ending the trading week slightly lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.50%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 was flat (+0.02%). The Nasdaq...

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Overcoming a rocky start, stocks rallied into the close of a holiday-shortened week of trading as technology shares staged a powerful recovery and investors reacted positively to President Biden’s infrastructure spending...

Monday, March 22, 2021

Spring is here! Did you know? The 2020 vernal equinox was the earliest spring in 124 years! This was party due to the leap year and day light savings in the east! 9 Now, for this weeks Market Insight: Rising bond yields and improving...

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Two emails in one day! With tax filing deadlines right about the corner, I figured our short video "Making Your Tax Bracket Work" would be timely information understand. Feel free to pass it along to a friend or co-worker! Now for...

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Stocks were mixed last week as rising bond yields and heightening inflation fears sent stocks on a wild ride, capped by a remarkable Friday afternoon rally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.82%, while the Standard &...

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Stocks dropped amid rising long-term bond yields, with sharp declines in high-valuation growth stocks leading the overall market lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...

Friday, February 26, 2021

Updated for 2021! Join us for an educational webinar on Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits. Your age, income, health situation and other factors all matter when it comes to deciding when and how to take Social Security.

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

We are bringing back our Weekly Market Insights report with some updates and improvements. Also, we would like to announce our Podcast: The Retirement After 60 Show where our host, Artie Bernaducci, interviews guests and talks about.....

Monday, February 22, 2021

While many in the United States are beginning to receive vaccinations and people are starting to foresee a life after COVID-19, it remains clear that things aren’t yet back to normal. As a result, there has been a great deal of...

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Since we haven't been able to catch a movie in New Jersey lately, I thought it would be fun to reminisce. On July 28, 1978, National Lampoon's Animal House was released in theaters. With a mere $3 million dollar budget, the movie has...

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

July 21 is National Junk Food Day! This is the one day a year to stray from our healthy diets and indulge in our favorite treat! Reading this blog a little late? That's okay, we won't tell! So, grab your favorite snack or treat and...

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Today is tax day! For those who have not filed yet, hopefully, you or your CPA submitted the proper extension request forms for a little extra time. This week also kicks off earnings season starting with the big banks. Please enjoy...

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

In a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%, while the Standard &...

Friday, July 3, 2020

Dear I think we all need to recall the meaning of what it means to live in America, founded on the words WE THE PEOPLE. The recent demoralization of our nation's values and history that was seen by millions with riots NOT peaceful...

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Please enjoy this edition of my Weekly Market Insights Blog. It's a shortened trade week as the stock exchanges observe the fourth of July this Friday. A jump in COVID-19 cases dampened investor enthusiasm last week, sending stock...

Thursday, June 25, 2020

NEW, Short WEBINAR: Your Retirement After the Pandemic & 5 Factors You Need to Know I did a short webinar this week and wanted to share it with you. I covered the following: COVID-19: A Look at Your Financial Risk 5 factors driving...

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Happy summer! It's hard to believe we are almost half way through 2020. It's been a strange year to say the least. I'm hopeful that we have a more optimistic second half of the year. Broad markets have been stable the last few trading...

Thursday, June 18, 2020

My mother was a million dollar real estate agent back in the 1970's through the mid-1980's. When she saw the retirement writing on the wall, she decided to buy a piece of land in the Naples area of Florida about 10 years before she...

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Yesterday, New Jersey restaurants got the green light to open their doors for outdoor dining only. This seems positive even though several other states saw an uptick in positive virus cases including Arizona, Texas and Florida 7....

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

As more and more states begin to open up non-essential businesses as well as the passage of less strict requirements of PPP loan usage, the markets saw that as a favorable sign. Too bad New Jersey is still 2-4 weeks behind the rest of...

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Many people who thought they had a viable retirement plan in place in early 2020, have found themselves watching the stock market cautiously. Gratefully, things have improved in the last several weeks. That said, with everything else...

Monday, June 8, 2020

When I first saw this email, I was confused what a Homograph was. When I read it, I couldn't help but laugh because it shows how complex our language really is! Anyway, Homographs are words of like spelling but with more than one...

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

I think we need a time machine right now, like the one that was in the old TV series with James Darren, The Time Tunnel. After all, the two characters, Tony and Doug become participants in past events such as the sinking of the Titanic...

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Hello Friends, Clients & Colleagues, In recent days, we have watched as outraged and frustrated protesters spilled out into the streets of American cities. Across our communities, unhealed wounds have been brought vividly to our...

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Of all the TV watching I did over the last two months it never occurred to me to watch movies about pandemics. Hmm… You know, like in THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN (1971), where the key to defeating the virus, was in finding what the two...

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Hello Everyone! New Jersey gets the go ahead to hold high school graduation ceremonies and begin professional sports events. Traders took to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange since it shut down in March. Airlines still losing...

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

As we head into the Memorial Day Weekend, we hope that you and your families can enjoy this time together and continue to stay safe and healthy. We recently received a request from our local Boy Scout troop of which both my son's are...

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

When your grandparents retired a few decades ago, they may have spent a considerable amount of time sitting on the front porch or putting together jigsaw puzzles on the living room coffee table. But that’s not the case anymore...

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

My father-in-law is 96. Kirk Douglas was 103 and his wife is 102. Olivia de Havilland is 102. It is estimated that there are currently living 150 to 600 people alive who have reached 110 years old. 1 As our lifespan has increased, it...

Saturday, May 9, 2020

I don’t know about you, but I keep feeling like Bill Murray in that movie, Groundhog Day, where my alarm keeps going off and I live the same day, every day. As sure as the sun will rise and set, this morning and the previous 2...

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

As Baby Boomers make their way through their “next 50 years,” eating right and exercising have become essential components for many – and to aid with a long list of issues, such as digestion, stamina, and weight loss,...

Thursday, March 5, 2020

I think about being 63 sometimes and subtract years from it to remember a time in the past to feel how fast the time has flown. My sister and I used to talk about how old we would be in 2000. I said I’d be 43. I won’t say...

Friday, February 21, 2020

Back in the early 2000's I became my mother's primary caretaker after she had a major stroke. Over the next few years she did recover quite well and moved into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CRCC). She went from Independent...

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

It is if you’re saving money in tax-advantaged accounts like traditional IRAs and/or employer-sponsored retirement accounts like a 401(k) or 403(b) plan. That’s because in most cases, your contributions that go into these...

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Even if you were a gold medal athlete in your younger years, it can be difficult to maintain a regular exercise routine as we get older. One barrier is simply finding the time – particularly if you are still working at a full-...

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine your ideal retirement. What do you see? Are you and your spouse relaxing in your new beach house - the home that you've both been imagining for many years? Or, does your dream take you...

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

As you prepare to retire, you may have started wondering how much money you will receive each month from your Social Security retirement income benefits. You may also have concerns about whether or not you will get any benefit from...

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

A brand new year – and even better yet, a brand new decade – is always a good time to review past accomplishments and to plan ahead for the future. This is particularly the case for many Baby Boomers who are anticipating...

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Well, the Holiday season is in Full Swing. Have you been shopping online by any chance?How The Hacker Stole Christmas If so, this blog post may interest you...and please shoot me an email if you want more information. For starters, do...

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Thanksgiving IS a binge-fest. Ever wonder why we not only allow, but plan to give in to our gluttonous selves on the last Thursday of November? Why is Thanksgiving all about the pumpkin pie? The puffed appetizers? The black Friday...

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

While there are many ways to save and accumulate assets for our future retirement, for us boomers, this was just the beginning - it is just one of the two key parts of the overall retirement picture. The first part, where we have been...

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Thanksgiving is in a few weeks and it made me want to go to the Memorial Park where my parents are buried. One of the things that I learned from my relationship with them was too try to be grateful under almost any circumstance because...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

When Spring comes, it melts the Winter snows. That's a fact. Likewise, freezing your credit will prevent thieves from stealing your identity. That was a fact, but maybe not so much anymore. With all the breaches that have occurred in...

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

I can kick myself for some of the dumb mistakes I have made in my life. Maybe you feel like that too? Well, we all have heard that history has a way of repeating itself… Maybe we should pay attention to that! Here's what I mean....

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

When my mom was 79 years old, she had a massive stroke and it took 2 years to her life back to "almost normal". During that time I was her primary caretaker, which did have its ups and downs. I tell you that to tell you that this...

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Based on my last post, the question arises "What can we do to protect my phone being hacked?" Well, I'm glad you asked! Let's start with... The Many Dangers of Having Your Cell Phone Hacked Kathy had just hung up from an important, and...

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

In 2004 my bank account was hacked and I was so amazed that someone could get past the protection of one of the world's largest bank's security system. So I became an avid student of Identity theft and the purpose of this two-part...

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Big news! As most of you know, we have chosen to use TD Ameritrade as our firm's account custodian. We originally chose them over other institutions for a wide range of reasons including their award winning technology as well as their...

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Today we will focus primarily on Original Medicare- parts A and B. We will also take a look at Medicare Supplements. Original Medicare was never intended to cover all of a retiree’s health expenses, similar to how Social Security...

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Why Baby Boomers Absolutely Need a Will, Living Will and Power of Attorney Here’s a secret, but it’s between you and me okay? I used to go and get my haircut at different salons when my hair started to go grey in my mid-...

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Somewhere along the way you might have heard somebody say: “Man, I hadn’t thought of it that way. I hadn’t heard that before. I hadn’t seen that perspective before.” Maybe you learned something. Whatever...

Sunday, August 18, 2019

If you are reading this blog post, chances are you are at that point in life where you need to make some decisions about your retirement healthcare. The purpose of this blog is to give a quick overview of what I call "Medicare Alphabet...

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Did you know that the burger chain FIVE GUYS* is the most reviewed restaurant in the world and has grown from one store in Arlington, Virginia back in 1986 to more than 1500 locations in recent years?*Their secret is their focus....

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

We have seen this mistake made more often than you'd expect.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, “Almost any decision...

Friday, June 1, 2018

Many of us grew up with the concept that making regular, periodic contributions to our retirement account was a sound investment strategy. The idea was that, in a fluctuating market, regularly investing a set amount would enable an...