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Financial education, planning, lifestyle adjustments and advice are crucial As Generation X, often referred to as the "forgotten generation," inches closer to retirement, a unique set of challenges and concerns emerges. Born between...

You have probably heard about financial planning and its potential benefits, but you are unsure how to apply the principles to your life. A financial plan is a collection of steps that help you to evaluate your financial condition and...

When it comes to financial planning, people often think of financial professionals as people who assist with strategies for retirement planning. That is one aspect of their job; however, financial planning and working with a financial...

With a few simple actions, you can ensure your estate planning is effective Whether your estate plan is simple or complex, there are many details, which are often overlooked, that can undermine your plan’s effectiveness. Are you...

Economists and pundits predicted that the baby boomer generation's retirement would be dramatic, and the COVID pandemic sped things along. According to the St. Louis Fed, the number of retirees in the U.S. increased by 7% between...

Dear Valued Investor, LPL Research recently unveiled Outlook 2024: A Turning Point, which recaps where markets have been over the last half of 2023 to help position your portfolio through midyear of 2024. It’s with pleasure that...

Improving return by minimizing taxes. Although we are all obligated to pay our fair share of taxes, few of us would be pleased to pay taxes unnecessarily. Because taxes lower the actual return on your investments.

For many of us, a new year is an opportunity for fresh starts and discovering the best versions of ourselves, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all.

Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning. Factors that determine how much pay SS tax you pay, depending on your circumstances.

Ah, Money. The word leaves you with a positive or a negative feeling when you hear it. The feeling we get from money, and investing, has deep roots inside our emotions, although we may not understand why.

In 2013, a Gallup poll found that only about one in every three U.S. households maintained a budget.1 A 2021 survey of 1,000 Americans found that 80% now say they have a budget.2 Americans are budgeting more due to the pandemic.

You may have thought your digital identity was safe and not a likely target of a cybercriminal until one day, the bank calls wondering if purchases made at a store that you have never been to, 2,000 miles away, were made by you.

Retirement is a time that many of us look forward to our entire careers. It is the reward for a lifetime of work and the time to indulge in hobbies and enjoy much-needed vacations.

Financial markets lived up to their reputation during the month of August, which has a record for being difficult. On the first day of August, markets had to contend with a downgrade of U.S. long-term debt by the rating agency, Fitch.

What are the ownership issues of life insurance? In estate planning, life insurance is purchased for several reasons.

Estate planning helps disperse your assets according to your wishes. The effort may seem daunting at first, but estate planning does not have to be overly complicated.

There are five estate planning documents you may need, regardless of your age, health, or wealth: 1. Durable power of attorney, 2. Advance medical directives, 3. Will, 4. Letter of instruction, 5. Living trust

Investing in U.S. stocks and bonds is a popular way for individuals and institutions to grow their wealth and generate income. However, it is important to consider the impact of taxes on these investments.

Our 2023 investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy. Considering 2022’s market volatility and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the idea of finding balance was certainly a welcomed change.

“Old-fashioned” practices, such as periodic financial reviews, can lead to greater confidence in the long run. As the year passes its midpoint, why not spend a few hours reviewing your finances?

High Net-Worth executives and those that have been self-employed, can experience common problems in their financial planning journey. Here are a few tips for preparing for retirement after earning a high income.

Understanding your financial situation can help you develop a retirement plan, pay down debt, draft a comprehensive estate plan and live with financial independence. Calculate your worth to continue the plan toward financial confidence.

It may be safe to say that, when it comes to retirement, the best-laid plans can be made well before the traditional retirement age of 65. Here are some tips.

In times of crisis, you don't want to be shaking pennies out of a piggy bank. Having a financial safety net in place can ensure that you're protected when a financial emergency arises. Here are some tips.

Determining how your income impacts Social Security (SS) taxes is important for tax planning. Here are some factors that determine how much pay SS tax you pay, depending on your circumstances.

LPL Research remains cautiously constructive on equities, though gains for this year may be more back-end loaded.

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.

It will take some time, but the FDIC was designed for moments like this. Here is some vital information about the Silicon Valley Bank failure.

I expect investors who put money to work in the coming weeks to be rewarded with solid gains this year. Please keep reading for more insights.

It's nice to own stocks, bonds, and other investments. When it's time to fill out your federal income tax return, you may be left scratching your head. Just how do you report your investments and how are they taxed?

[DENVER, CO] — [February 13, 2023] – Michael Markovich, an independent LPL Financial advisor at Encompass in Denver, today announced his inclusion in LPL’s Freedom Club. With more than 21,000 LPL-affiliated advisors...

If you've never engaged in financial planning and are unsure how to get started, this article is for you.

Financial wellness isn’t something you should ignore. It's a critical concept for anyone who wants to be knowledgeable and confident about their finances. So, what is financial wellness and why is it so important?

LPL Financial January 2023 Client Letter

Making resolutions is a great way to set goals for the upcoming year and gauge where to focus. Staying on track may be difficult. If you've struggled before with keeping resolutions, here are a few tips to help you stay focused.

In 2023, we look to equity markets to find balance between key macroeconomic factors—inflation, interest rates, and Fed policy—and business fundamentals. Our economic and market forecasts for 2023 can help us navigate the year ahead.

The window of opportunity for many tax-saving moves closes on December 31, so it's important to evaluate your tax situation now, while there's still time to affect your bottom line for the 2022 tax year. Here we discuss some basics.

Normal retirement age used to be 65, but things are way different todayYou might be thinking about retiring, but how do you know when you are really ready for it, mentally and financially? For decades, the normal retirement age was 65....

Bear markets are painful, but they are also part of the investment processBull markets happen. Bear markets happen. Just stick to your financial plan, and stay calm and disciplined. When the market sours or slumps, don’t believe...

Financial planning is unique for each person; no two financial plans look the same because everyone's life and personal goals are different. Regardless of what your goals are, financial planning can help you work towards achieving them...

Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to you, and each comes with a price tag attached. That's where financial planning...

Whether you're seeking to manage your own assets, control how your assets are distributed after your death, or plan for incapacity, trusts can help you accomplish your estate planning goals. Their power is in their versatility —...

Matching your tolerance for risk with your investment objectivesEveryone wants a comfortable retirement, but the road you take there will depend on your specific situation. When you invest, you assume a certain level of risk (but like...

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...

With the wide variety of stocks in the market, figuring out which ones you want to invest in can be a challenging task. Many investors feel it's useful to have a system for finding stocks that might be worth buying, deciding what price...

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...

Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...

The "sandwich generation" is the descriptive term for adults generally between the ages of 40 and 59 who are raising a minor child (or supporting a grown child) while also caring for a retirement-age or older parent. With financial...

Many investors still adhere to the old adage—"sell in May and go away"—while others remain fully invested even as the summer heat waves begin. What goes unsaid is that if your asset allocation accurately reflects your risk...

If you're getting ready to buy a home, there are a few key steps you can take to prepare your finances for this major lifestyle shift. Here we discuss three things you can do to make the transition to homeownership as smooth as...

By becoming familiar with certain deductions and rules, you may be able to avoid costly tax-related mistakes. Here’s what you need to know for the end of 2021 tax planning that may impact you: Required Minimum Distributions...

Spend as much time fixing your mistakes as you do planning the holidays You probably spend more time planning your holiday gathering than preparing for your golden years. As a result, you make basic mistakes in trying to fund your...