Market Commentary: What’s Important Amid a Shutdown Morass, Market Momentum, and a Missing Jobs Report
Wash and Repeat This might sound familiar, but the S&P 500 continued to climb higher last week, making fresh new all-time highs along the way. In fact, it closed higher all five days with new all-time highs on the last three days of the week, getting October off to a strong start. The i …
4 Unforeseen Third-Party Sales Challenges for Small Business Owners
Many business owners assume their exit path will be a sale to a third party. In fact, some entrepreneurs start their businesses with the goal of finding a larger buyer, selling the business, and moving on to their next business idea. A cash sale can definitely draw business owners toward th …
Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Talking About the Government Shutdown
In the latest episode of Take 5, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macros Strategist, dive into the latest government shutdown and what it means for the markets and the economy. While shutdowns grab headlines, history shows their long-term impact on …
Your Money
MoreYour Social Security Game Plan
Have you given much thought to your strategy for Social Security benefits? It’s good to have a plan in place to help you make the most of this program. But you may have questions.
Do I Need Life Insurance? How to Choose Life Insurance Coverage and When to Reassess Your Needs
Just because we express a desire to do something, doesn’t mean we’ll do it. Insurance is a great example of this. A recent study on life insurance statistics showed that 42% of Americans report feeling that they need more life insurance coverage.* At the same time, the percentage of familie …
Health Savings Account (HSA) Worksheet
Did you know you can utilize a health savings account (HSA) to invest for your future? HSAs have many tax benefits, including tad-deductible contributions and tax-deferred growth. But is one right for you? This worksheet will help you determine if you qualify, as well as identify common mis …
2025 Calendar: Key Tasks & Financial Dates
Tackle 2025 with this month-by-month financial task list. We’ve also included important dates so you won’t miss any key deadlines.
Your Business
More4 Unforeseen Third-Party Sales Challenges for Small Business Owners
Many business owners assume their exit path will be a sale to a third party. In fact, some entrepreneurs start their businesses with the goal of finding a larger buyer, selling the business, and moving on to their next business idea. A cash sale can definitely draw business owners toward th …
Your Guide to Business Succession Planning
As a small business owner, you may be so immersed in the day-to-day functions of your business that you haven’t yet put much thought into the day you leave it behind. In fact, for many business owners, the thought of bringing their time to a close can be daunting. Yet planning for your depa …
Life Insurance Strategies for Business Owners
Owning a business can be like parenting. You’ve likely experienced many sleepless nights and spent a countless amount of energy on your “baby.” Like parenting, being a business owner can be an enriching journey and make life worth the trip.
Business Succession Planning Checklist
You remember your first day of business. But what about your last day? Succession planning is more complex than it may seem. Our guide walks you through the details.
Your Retirement
MoreHow Much Will Healthcare Cost in Retirement?
When saving for retirement, we often dream about all the things we’ll be able to do with that money—traveling, going out to eat, maybe trying new hobbies. But the reality is that there are also everyday household expenses that you should account for in your post-retirement budget. Less fun …
Which Medicare Plan Is Best for You?
Choosing the right Medicare plan is one of the most important decisions seniors face. It’s also one of the most difficult. The healthcare system isn’t user-friendly to begin with. Stack all the Medicare options on top of that, and you’ve got yourself a challenge. That’s why it’s a good id …
Maximizing Medicare: A Strategic Approach to Healthcare in Retirement
Have you thought about how much your healthcare will cost in retirement? Many people underestimate what they’ll need, and that can be an unwelcome reality check once you’re in retirement. According to recent findings, a 65-year-old individual retiring in 2025 will most likely spend an avera …
Medicare and Managing Health Care Costs in Retirement
Health care costs in retirement aren't going anywhere. Naturally, as our bodies get older, it costs more to keep them running. Let's look at the parts of this vital program and how it plays a part in your financial plan.
Your Legacy
MoreWhy Tax Planning Is Really a Women and Family Issue
Imagine planning for decades to help secure your financial future, only to watch a substantial portion of your savings disappear to unexpected taxes after losing your spouse. For millions of women, this scenario isn’t just a possibility—it’s a reality they face without proper preparation. T …
How Estate and Gift Taxes Can Impact Your Financial Plan
Tom Fridrich, JD, CLU, ChFC®, Manager and Senior Wealth Planner Giving something you own to someone else. It’s a simple, human act – one that seems like it shouldn’t take too much planning to do it correctly. But when does gifting become a tax issue? What do you need to consider about gifti …
Why You Might Need a Power of Attorney
Have you thought about your legacy? We highly recommend that you appoint a trusted family member or friend as your power of attorney (POA), giving them the ability to help with your financial or health needs, should an unfortunate event occur in your life.
A Guide to Gifting to Your Heirs
Gifting to your loved ones now or posthumously each carries their own positives and negatives as they relate to your estate plan, taxes, your goals and your legacy.
Your Freedom
MoreIdentity Theft Webinar
Wealth Advisor Alana Macy shares essential tips to protect yourself from scams and identity theft. Learn key facts, warning signs, common scams, and practical steps to prevent and address identity theft.
Compounding Wealth (and Wisdom): The Power of Compound Interest
No single strategy works forever, but you also don’t want to change your approach every time the markets shift slightly. How does investing work – not just for a season or a year or two, but for a lifetime? Time is a major factor when it comes to successful investing.
How to Make Charitable Giving Part of Your Financial Plan
COVID-19 caused an economic shockwave that we’ll feel for a long time. Nonprofits, from large global networks to the local churches, have been hit hard, too. In a recent survey of 110 nonprofits, 80% of them said revenue had fallen across the board.
When Shifting Goals Mean Shifting Plans
Your financial plan shouldn't look the same at 55 as it did when you were 35, right? So how do you know when it's time to adjust your plan?
Market & Investments
MoreMarket Commentary: What’s Important Amid a Shutdown Morass, Market Momentum, and a Missing Jobs Report
Wash and Repeat This might sound familiar, but the S&P 500 continued to climb higher last week, making fresh new all-time highs along the way. In fact, it closed higher all five days with new all-time highs on the last three days of the week, getting October off to a strong start. The i …
Facts Vs Feelings Take 5 – Talking About the Government Shutdown
In the latest episode of Take 5, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macros Strategist, dive into the latest government shutdown and what it means for the markets and the economy. While shutdowns grab headlines, history shows their long-term impact on …
Market Commentary: Are Stocks in a Bubble? We Don’t Think So
“By many measures, for example, equity prices are fairly highly valued.” Jerome Powell, Tuesday, September 23, Speech to the Providence Chamber of Commerce.
2025 Market Outlook Report
The economy had a big year in 2024, avoiding a recession while posting strong job numbers and a soaring stock market. But the new year brings new concerns. What impact could we see from tariffs? How long do we think this bull market will continue? What will the Fed do in 2025?
In the News
MoreAlana Macy on Colorado Public Radio
Alana Macy, CFP®, MBA of Bloom Wealth Advisors joined Colorado Matters to discuss market volatility and what investors can do now. She shared three key tips: don’t panic, keep investing if you’re in accumulation mode, and have a plan for short-term needs. She also touched on inflation …
Question of the Quarter: It’s an election year, what does this mean for the markets?
Every election year we get many questions and concerns around the markets. Election years bring heightened uncertainty and speculation, and typically the market doesn’t like uncertainty. As an investor, it is important you understand how elections can impact the stock market to make informe …
3 Roth Conversion Traps To Avoid After The SECURE Act
Roth conversions can be a powerful tax and retirement planning technique. The idea behind most Roth conversions is to take money from an IRA and convert it to a Roth IRA. Essentially, you’re paying taxes today instead of paying taxes in the future.