December Economic Update

    December 2017 THE MONTH IN BRIEF In November, the S&P 500 gained 2.81% and advanced for a thirteenth straight month – an unprecedented milestone in the index’s long history. Consumer confidence and investor confidence were both abundant, as further...

Star Wars Then and Now

There’s another Star Wars movie coming out this winter. Brings to mind the first one that came out in 1977 – 40 years ago. That’s kind of crazy. It also brings to mind how much things have changed… and stayed the same. In 1977 I was in 3rd grade. My parents...

The Republican Tax Reform Plan

What is in it? What could its changes mean for you, if they become law? Major changes may be ahead for federal tax law. At the start of November, House Republicans rolled out their plan for sweeping tax reforms. Negotiations may greatly alter the content of the bill,...

Examining the 2018 Social Security COLA

It will help retirees out, but it will not help them get ahead.  Seniors got a little good news this fall. Next year, monthly Social Security income payments to retirees will increase by 2.0%. That will mean an extra $326 – roughly $27.40 a month – for the average...

November Economic Update

November 2017 THE MONTH IN BRIEF October saw the S&P 500 rise 2.22% in response to results from the fall earnings season, encouraging fundamental indicators, and anticipation of tax reforms. An impressive jump in personal spending complemented excellent readings...