The U.S. stock market recently entered correction territory – dropping about 10% – for the first time in two years. The increased market volatility continues to rattle investors. What is causing the market decline and what should you do about it? Here are 8 tips for your investment strategy. WHAT IS CAUSING RECENT MARKET…
Let’s forget the stock market for a moment. The events of our daily lives, not Wall Street, may determine our financial security or ruin. Let’s just suppose, your teenage student has a grudge against a high school teacher and begins a smear campaign on social media. Due to the false statements and following public humiliation and…
The start of a New Year is a great opportunity to do some financial housekeeping! Which documents and records should you keep and which ones can you throw away? WHAT IS THE STARTING POINT FOR KEEPING GOOD FINANCIAL RECORDS? Develop a filing system. Set up a file for: Bills Due: Immediately after opening mail,…
What a year 2017 was! After a lingering slump for worldwide economies and markets (2014 through late 2016), the past 12 months have been crazy, chaotic, and chart-topping in ways both good and bad. Hurricanes Harvey and Irma brought destruction. The Equifax cyber-hack created its own tidal wave of financial security concerns. A reality TV…
As Congress grapples with the most sweeping tax overhaul effort in decades, investors have many questions: How will this affect me? What should I do now? Well, we’ve got answers. WHAT SHOULD INVESTORS DO TO PREPARE FOR THE NEW TAX RULES? In general, investors should not make significant changes to their investments or financial…
A Message of Thankfulness from Paul Fain My college freshman son came home for the holiday weekend. As he packed his car to return to campus, I offered him some gas money. “No thanks, I’ll manage,” he responded. I shoved the twenty dollar bill back into my wallet in disbelief. I am thankful that…
Holiday Bonuses The holidays often bring lots of cheer, festivities—and those much anticipated year-end bonuses. What is the best way to spend your holiday bonus? HOW GENEROUS ARE BUSINESSES TO THEIR EMPLOYEES OVER THE HOLIDAYS? Accounting Principles surveyed 500 businesses and found that 75% of them will give out holiday bonuses this year. For…
As seen on WBIR, Knoxville’s NBC affiliate station. Warren Buffett has a history of buying companies you’d never expect would capture his interest. His holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, has agreed to purchase a majority stake in Pilot Travel Centers over a six-year period. Is Mr. Buffett getting a good deal? HOW WILL THIS ACQUISITION…
On Sunday, August 27th, Paul Fain, CFP®, president of Asset Planning Corporation, visited WBIR-TV in the 7 a.m. broadcast to discuss the best cities for retirement. It may seem that all retirees go to Florida, but not necessarily. Financial website WalletHub recently published its list of the 25 best U.S. cities for retirement. (Interview transcript):…
With the stock market at record highs, many investors are anxious about when the inevitable bear market will arrive. Is there a case for staying invested in the market? How can an investor remain calm and steady? IS RECENT STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING? As of August 1, the stock…