Market Commentary: U.S. Job Creation Slows, Emergency Unemployment Benefits Expire For 7.5 Million People
The U.S. economy produced just 235,000 new jobs in August, missing expectations of 725,000. Unemployment dipped to 5.2%. Average hourly earnings rose 0.6%, partly because wages continue to rise more rapidly compared to the pre-pandemic pace.
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 …
Got an HSA? Learn How to Maximize It
Are you healthy? Or are you anticipating some hefty medical bills coming up? Or do you want to save money in a tax-advantaged way for future medical expenses? If so, a health savings account (HSA) might be a good choice. An HSA is a tax-favored savings and investment account that’s used for …
Market Commentary: Fed Chair Signals Reduction in Bond-Buying Program; S&P 500 Reaches Another All-Time High
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell joined the chorus of Fed officials signaling the U.S. central bank would reduce its bond-buying program designed to keep long-term interest rates low and sustain the economy during the pandemic. After two strong jobs reports and generally positive econom …
When Should You Collect Social Security
Watch this webinar hosted by Carson’s Managing Partner of Wealth Solutions, Jamie Hopkins, to learn more about when is the right time to collect social security.
Market Commentary: S&P 500 Doubles From Its Pandemic Low; U.S. Retail Sales Decline
The benefits provided by recent stimulus packages seem to be fading. U.S. retail sales dipped 1.1% last month and have now declined in two of the last three months [Figure 1]. Declines in motor vehicle and online purchases led the fall. Restaurant sales grew 1.7% in July and continue to reb …
You’ve Got the Mini-Fridge for Your College-Bound Kid – Now Don’t Forget the Documents!
My niece’s hard work in high school paid off, and she had many fantastic options for higher education. Despite being from New Jersey, she chose a liberal arts college halfway across the country in Texas and is about to begin her junior year there.
Market Commentary: Inflation Surge Loses Steam, Job Openings Continue to Increase
Core inflation moderated significantly last month, rising only 0.3% after jumping 0.9% in June. Used vehicle prices, which rose 10.2% in June, increased only 0.2% in July. Core CPI excludes food and energy prices, which rose 0.7% and 1.5% respectively. Those two categories propelled overall …
The Right Time for a Roth Conversion
Watch this webinar hosted by Carson’s Managing Partner of Wealth Solutions, Jamie Hopkins, and Planner, Ryan Yamada, to learn more about when is the right time for a roth conversion.
Market Commentary: Restaurants, Bars Lead Hiring Surge as Unemployment Drops, Wages Rise
A strong U.S. employment report was the top market event last week. Payrolls surged 943,000, and the prior two months were revised higher by 119,000 (Figure 1). Restaurants and bars continue to rehire workers as activity expands. The leisure and hospitality segment, which includes eating e …