Trump Introduces Tariffs On Steel and Aluminum
On Sunday, en route to the Super Bowl, President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, a move aimed at bolstering domestic production and addressing...
View ArticleJanuary Consumer Price Index Report: Inflation Rose Unexpectedly
Consumer prices increased by the most in nearly 1-½ years in January, with Americans facing higher costs for housing and food, reinforcing the Federal Reserve’s message that it was in no rush to...
View ArticleThe End of WEP and GPO: What It Means for Your Social Security
On January 5, 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law. The bill, which had strong bipartisan support in Congress, eliminates two provisions that reduced Social Security benefits for...
View ArticleFinancial Planning Checklist: What to Consider When You Get A Promotion Or Raise
After months of hard work and dedication, you’ve finally received a long-awaited promotion or raise – congratulations! It’s a moment of triumph and a clear sign of progress in your career. But after...
View ArticleEpisode 233 – Trust and Honor: A Heartfelt Approach to Estate Planning With...
In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, host Marc Bautis is joined by Sara Ecklein, Founder of Trust & Honor and host of The Legacy of Love podcast. With over a decade of experience in...
View ArticleMarket Recap Week of 02/10/2025 to 02/14/2025
The S&P 500 index rose 1.5% last week, supported by gains in the technology and materials sectors and better-than-expected quarterly results. This marked the S&P 500’s first weekly gain since...
View ArticleAvoiding Emotional Investing in a Tumultuous Market
It’s been hard to miss the wave of attention-grabbing headlines lately. News cycles have been dominated by concerns over Big Tech’s earnings, trade tensions, and a potential economic slowdown in 2025....
View ArticleFinancial Planning Checklist: What to Consider When Reviewing Beneficiaries
Keeping track of your beneficiaries isn’t always an easy task. Relationships evolve, family dynamics shift, and financial goals change. Yet, beneficiary designations are a critical part of your estate...
View ArticleA.I. Stock Wars: Super Micro Computer Soars While Palantir Sinks
The only thing that’s harder than getting to the top, is staying there. Palantir Technologies (NYSE: PLTR), once the crown jewel of retail investors and the best-performing stock of 2024 with a...
View ArticleEpisode 234 – Unlocking Wealth With Car Wash Investments, With Kriss Berg
Did you know that car washes in the United States generate over $15 billion in revenue annually? Yet, most investors overlook them as a serious wealth-building opportunity. Today, we’re diving into...
View ArticleMarket Recap Week of 2/18/2025 to 2/21/2025
The S&P 500 fell 1.7% last week as consumer discretionary and communication services stocks weighed. The index is now down 0.5% in February, but up 2.2% this year. Data released last week by the...
View ArticleThe Pros and Cons of Buying vs. Renting a Home
When deciding whether to buy or rent a home, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Your decision depends on your financial situation, lifestyle, and long-term...
View ArticleEpisode 235 – How to Reduce Tax Debt With Stephen A. Weisberg
The words “IRS” and “tax debt” can strike fear into the hearts of many, but what if you had an expert guide to help you navigate the process? Whether you’re facing mounting tax debt, undergoing an...
View ArticleWhat’s the Difference Between Fixed and Variable Expenses?
Once you finally work up the courage to create a monthly budget, one challenge remains: What is the difference between a fixed and variable expense? And how does the role of these two fit within a...
View ArticleMarket Recap Week of 02/24/2025 to 02/28/2025
The S&P 500 index shed 1% last week, resulting in a February drop of 1.4%, which erased much of the benchmark’s January gain. The index, which fell in three of February’s four weeks, is now up...
View ArticleTariffs and Job Cuts Shake Investor Confidence
After reaching more new highs recently, markets have pulled back and gotten choppy. Concerns about the impact of inflation and tariffs on consumer sentiment are one major driver. If Americans lose...
View ArticleNavigating Federal Layoffs: Financial Strategies for Stability
The news surrounding federal layoffs is unsettling, leaving many employees uncertain about what comes next. If you’re feeling concerned about your job security, you’re not alone. Major shifts in the...
View Article2025 Key Financial Data Card
Our tax code has evolved dramatically over the years, making it more important than ever to stay informed about the key numbers that impact your financial life. The 2025 Key Financial Data Card is a...
View ArticleMonthly Market Wrap: February 2025
The Monthly Market Wrap provides an insightful analysis of treasury yields, fixed income performance, mega-cap stocks, and key economic indicators in February 2025. It also delves into housing market...
View ArticleHow to Decide if a Roth Conversion is Right For You
A Roth IRA offers a powerful way to create tax-free income in retirement, if it aligns with your long-term strategy. Since contributions are made with after-tax dollars, qualified withdrawals can be...
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