Blog
Welcome to The Essential Blog. Here, Tommy discusses timely financial topics and life strategies you can use to filter the noise and maintain an Essential perspective.
Why Are Stock Market Returns Strong Despite Investor Concerns
The stock market has performed well this year despite ongoing uncertainty. What is driving these returns and how can long-term investors stay disciplined?
Read MoreThe Value of Gold Amid Uncertainty in Washington
Gold prices have risen over the past six months due to the Fed, Washington, and inflation. What role can gold play in diversified portfolios?
Read MoreWhy the 4% Rule Is Only a Starting Point for Retirement
Planning for retirement has never been more important and yet so challenging. Does the 4% rule still apply with the current inflationary environment, and what else should retirees consider?
Read MoreHow Challenges in Commercial Real Estate Impact Investors
Commercial real estate is sensitive to financial stability, rising rates, and slower economic growth. How might this impact investors?
Read MoreWhat the Looming Debt Ceiling Deadline Means for Investors
The federal debt limit is back in the news as a deadline quickly approaches. How can investors maintain the right perspective around political and fiscal uncertainty?
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How the Failure of First Republic Impacts the Financial System
The failure of First Republic Bank has renewed concerns over the ongoing banking crisis. What perspective do investors need to navigate the months ahead?
Read MoreWhat This Earnings Season Reveals About the Economy
This earnings season is being closely watched by investors as the economic trajectory remains uncertain. What do corporate profits suggest about banks, tech and more?
Read MoreWhy the U.S. Dollar Is Still the Leading Global Currency
Some investors are worried about the role of the dollar in the global financial system. Why does the dollar serve as the global reserve currency and how might this change?
Read MoreWhy Oil, the Fed and Jobs Are Surprising Markets
Market expectations have driven volatility over the past year. What surprises have impacted portfolios recently?
Read MoreQ2 Outlook: 5 Insights to Navigate Banking Crises
Investors faced a number of issues in the first quarter. However, markets also rebounded significantly across a number of important areas. How can investors maintain a broad perspective in Q2 and beyond?
Read MoreBanking Turmoil and Market Pullbacks
The banking crisis has spread globally with the failure of Credit Suisse, a global systemically important bank. The situation is still evolving, but is already quite different from 2008. What does this mean for markets and investors?
Read MoreSpecial Update: Navigating Bank Failures
Recent bank failures have sparked concerns over the financial system. Here is what you need to know as this situation develops:
Read MoreHow Our Aging Population Affects Long-Term Investing
The U.S. population is aging and life expectancies are rising. How does this impact economic growth and the outlook for investors?
Read MoreUnderstanding Slowing U.S. Growth
Manufacturing activity has slowed as consumers buy fewer goods in favor of services. What does this mean for economic growth?
Read MoreFeeling Déjà Vu with the Fed and Inflation?
Markets are once again worried that the Fed may need to tighten more forcefully this year. How can investors keep recent data in perspective?
Read MoreHow To Stay Positive Amid Market Uncertainty
Investor sentiment is slowly improving after reaching historic lows last year. Here's how you can stay positive in this environment?
Read MoreHow Corporate Earnings Can Guide Long-Term Investors
Corporate earnings are expected to slow alongside the economy this year. How do these trends impact long-term investors?
Read MoreHow Layoffs and Slower Consumer Spending Affect the Broader Economy
Layoff announcements have picked up as tech and consumer-related sectors adjust to slowing demand. What will this mean for the broader economy?
Read MoreThe Debt Ceiling, Government Spending and You.
The government has hit the debt ceiling and has enacted extraordinary measures to avoid a default. What perspective do investors need in the coming months?
Read MoreA Different Outlook for Bonds in 2023
The outlook for bonds has shifted as inflation has improved and interest rates have fallen. What role should fixed income play after a difficult 2022?
Read MoreWhy Wages Are Central to the Economic Outlook in 2023
The pivotal issue for markets continues to be whether there will be a recession in 2023. How does the latest wage data affect this debate?
Read More5 Key Insights to Guide Investors in 2023
While the past year has been challenging for investors, there are reasons to stay disciplined and invested in 2023 and beyond. Here are 5 key insights for the year ahead:
Read MoreHow the Global Economy Affects Long-Term Investors
The global economy has struggled this year due to inflation, the war in Ukraine, and more. How does this impact global diversification and long-term portfolios?
Read More3 Reasons Investors Can Be Thankful This Year
Investors do have much to be thankful for despite the challenging market and economic environment. How can investors remain positive as we approach year-end?
Read MoreAvoiding The Guessing Game
The Fed has raised rates at one of the fastest paces in history. How can investors stay patient amid all of the speculation about what may come next?
Read MoreQ3 GDP Swings to Economic Growth
Major stock market indices have rebounded in October. What's driving optimism in markets and how can long-term investors maintain perspective?
Read More4 Key Drivers For Markets
How can investors stay patient as macroeconomic events play out? Here are 4 key drivers for markets in the long run to help you filter the noise and stay grounded:
Read MoreMidterms And The Markets
The upcoming midterm election will be especially heated due to inflation, the bear market and geopolitics. What can we expect? How can Investors stay focused?
Read MoreQ4 Outlook: 7 Key Insights
Investors continue to face challenging markets as Q4 begins. What will drive markets in the months to come?
Read MoreKeep Bear Markets in Perspective
The market has pulled back once more as the Fed intends to keep rates higher for longer. How can investors maintain perspective on bear markets?
Read MoreCore Inflation in Context
The Fed is expected to keep rates higher for longer due to accelerating core inflation. How could this affect the market outlook?
Read MoreWhy Underlying Market Drivers Matter More Than Daily Price Swings
Investors often focus on daily prices swings, but the underlying market drivers matter much more. How are interest rates, commodities and currencies driving markets?
Read MoreHow Easing Inflation Affects Investors and the Market Recovery
Investors have reacted positively to signs that inflation could be easing. How does this affect investors as the market continues to recover?
Read MoreThe Fed, GDP and the US Dollar
The Fed is between a rock and a hard place as it fights inflation while the economy is slowing. How do the Fed, GDP and the dollar affect investors?
Read MoreInflation and Corporate Earnings
Inflation is hurting consumers but can help corporate sales and profits. How can investors benefit from this?
Read MoreHow to Take Advantage of Attractive Valuations
Stock market valuations have improved this year as the market has corrected. How does this impact investors with long time horizons?
Read More7 Insights for the Second Half of 2022
As we consider the past few months and look toward the second half of the year, here are 7 critical insights for the remainder of 2022.
Read MoreRecord Gas Prices & Inflation
Oil and gas prices have become the most important indicators for consumers, the economy and markets. How might they matter going forward?
Read MoreHow the Fed's Rate Hike Impacts Investors
The Fed raised rates by the largest amount in 28 years. What does this mean for consumers and investors?
Read MoreSpecial Update: Info for the Bear Market
The S&P 500 officially fell to bear market levels this week. As markets find a level and the inflation story evolves, it's important for long-term investors to maintain perspective.
Read MoreWorsening Inflation and a Bear Market
Inflation worsened in May, rattling investors and pushing markets back toward bear market levels. How did we get here? How should investors respond?
Read MoreIs a Recession Inevitable?
Markets continue to worry about a recession. Can the economy achieve a soft landing instead?
Read MoreRecession, Correction or Bear Market?
Investors are increasingly worried about a bear market and recession. What does history tell us about these periods? Here are 3 keys for proper perspective:
Read MoreHave The Rules Of Investing Changed?
As investors adjust to a seemingly new economic landscape, many wonder if "it's different this time." In this challenging market environment, have the rules of investing changed?
Read MoreHow to Buy I Bonds Direct from the Treasury
With inflation hovering near 40-year highs, some investors are looking for alternative ways to weather the storm. For many, a Series I Savings Bond is just the ticket. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting started with I Bonds.
Read MoreNothing Worth Doing Is Easy (Including Investing)
The market environment has been challenging all year. What lessons can remind investors that nothing worth doing is easy?
Read MoreRemaining Optimistic Despite The Negative
The negative GDP report for the first quarter has some worried about a recession. How can investors stay optimistic in this difficult environment?
Read MoreHow Diversification Helps in Today's Challenging Market
Diversification can help investors during this period of market uncertainty, despite challenging performance across many asset classes. Here's perspective to help you stay focused amid day-to-day market swings.
Read MoreTwo Key Ingredients For Investing Success
Time and patience are the key ingredients to successful long-term investing. In this environment, how can investors focus on these time-tested investment principles to achieve long-term financial goals?
Read MoreQ2 Outlook: 5 Insights as Markets Stabilize
Markets have stabilized after a rocky first quarter of 2022. What drove this volatility and how could it impact the rest of the year? Here are 5 insights for perspective for Q2 and throughout the remainder of 2022.
Read MoreWhat a Stronger Dollar Means for Markets, Inflation and Oil
The U.S. dollar has had a tumultuous few years. The U.S. government is also exploring the possibility of a “digital dollar.” What does the strengthening dollar mean for investors and consumers in the months ahead?
Read MorePerspective on Ukraine and the Markets
Geopolitical risk is an unavoidable part of long-term investing. How can investors stay level-headed amid all the headlines today?
Read MoreAnother Side of the Inflation Story
It's important to keep inflation, consumer sentiment, and the overall growth of the market in perspective when making long-term financial decisions. Here are three relevant impacts of rising prices:
Read MorePerspective on the $30 Trillion Government Debt
How can investors view government spending with the right perspective and stay focused on what drives markets in the long run?
Read MoreNavigating Market Corrections
At the moment, headlines are focused on the stock market correction. Here is some perspective to help understand and navigate the volatility.
Read MoreWith a Rocky Start to 2022, Should You Stay Invested?
Financial markets have had a rocky start to the year. Here are 3 key reminders for investors during this period of uncertainty.
Read MoreWhat a Hawkish Fed Means to Long-Term Investors
Investors are adjusting to a more hawkish Fed. What perspective can we take as markets price in higher rates?
Read More2022 Outlook: 5 Insights for Investors
Markets have performed well over the past two years despite the on-going pandemic and economic concerns. What lessons can investors use from this as we move into 2022? Here are 5 Insights:
Read More3 Insights For Record Inflation
Inflation has reached its highest level in almost four decades. What does persistent inflation mean for long-term investors?
Read MoreLesson Learned and the Omicron Variant
The latest COVID-19 variant, omicron, has some investors concerned. What lessons learned from the pandemic can be applied to this latest strain?
Read MoreWhy Investors Can Be Thankful This Year
Investing is often as much about psychology as it is about facts and figures. The holiday season is the perfect time for investors to remember that there is still much to be thankful for amid the uncertainties.
Read MoreWhy Today's Inflation Is Unusual and Challenging for Investors
Inflation continues to be a hot topic as markets adapt to worsening supply chain disruptions. However, not all inflation is the same and requires a clear understanding of what's driving prices higher. Here's some essential perspective:
Read MoreAre Estate Taxes Changing?
To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes. One of the proposals would reduce the estate tax exemption to...
Read MoreAre Capital Gains Taxes Changing?
There are a lot of questions about President Biden’s Build Back Better plan and potential tax law changes, including an adjustment to capital gains taxes. Here’s a look a some of the proposed changes:
Read MoreHow Record Profits Are Fueling the Bull Market
Earnings season for Q3 is already off to a strong start. Concerns over supply chain bottlenecks, the delta variant, rising rates and more threaten company bottom-lines. Here's what to expect from corporate profits in the quarter ahead:
Read MoreQ4 Outlook: Fiscal Woes, Interest Rates & Slowing Gowth
As we begin the final quarter of 2021, the economy is shifting from a recovery phase to a sustained expansion. Investor sentiment has shifted alongside this, swinging from bullishness to bearishness. What's next? Here's our Q4 Outlook:
Read MoreHow To Navigate Fiscal Uncertainty in Washington
Partisan drama is once again center stage as the debt ceiling deadline approaches. Although this has become a regular occurrence in Washington, many investors are still understandably nervous. Here is some essential perspective:
Read MorePerspective Amid China and Fed Concerns
As concerns grow about risks building within the global financial system, remember that there are always reasons to fear that the sky is falling. Rather than overreact to every new headline, investors should maintain perspective:
Read MoreHow Investors Should React to Government Spending and Taxes
There are perhaps no two topics as controversial as deficits and taxes. With new spending and tax proposals being released, it's important to distinguish your personal views from how taxes affect markets.
Read MoreFed Tapering Shouldn't Alarm Long-Term Investors
Markets are increasingly concerned about tighter monetary policy by the Fed and its impact on valuations, interest rates and more. How can long-term investors navigate the policy changes and economic uncertainty that lie ahead?
Read MoreHow Geopolitical Risk Affects Investors
One of the risks that all investors must manage is geopolitical uncertainty. Headlines on regional and global crises are not only alarming but can take investors by surprise. How can you stay calm in the face of global events today?
Read MoreWhat's Next For The Markets?
The economy has officially surpassed pre-pandemic levels after the sharpest recession and recovery in history. Here's how the next phase of the business cycle affects investors:
Read MorePerspective For Declining Markets
As it often does, the stock market has hit a rough patch due to concerns around the delta variant, economic growth, interest rates and more. Here is some perspective on the market decline:
Read MoreWhy the Housing Market Is at All-Time Highs
The housing market continues to heat up alongside the post-pandemic boom. Where will prices go from here? And as the market further eclipses pre-2008 levels, how does this affect investors?
Read More5 Concerns for the Second Half of 2021
2021 has been a historic year for the economy and stock market with economic activity recovering at a once-in-a-lifetime pace. As we consider the past few months and look toward the second half of the year, here are 5 issues to consider:
Read MoreWhy All-Time Highs Both Worry and Excite Investors
With equity markets again at or near all time highs, some investors are enthusiastic about this momentum while others may be worried that stock prices have run too far too fast. How can all investors stay disciplined in this environment?
Read MoreHow To Manage Market Concerns
These days, financial markets may feel more uncertain than ever. Most headlines seem to serve as a catalyst for more and more concern. Against this backdrop, how can investors stay focused on their long-term financial plans?
Read MoreWhy Inflation Shouldn't Rattle Long-Term Investors
What's going on with inflation? It's on the rise and investors are raising concerns. Here is some perspective:
Read MoreWhy Investors Should Manage Market Expectations
As with many things in life, investing is often about managing expectations - for markets, portfolio returns and the economy. Here are some essential insights to help put recent economic and market expectations in perspective.
Read More2021 Retirement Confidence Survey
Will your retirement dreams match your reality? That's perhaps the most critical question asked of people who are currently retired. Here are some highlights from the 2021 Retirement Confidence Survey that might surprise you.
Read MoreWhat a Soaring Economy Means for Long-Term Investors
Exceptional growth and soaring market returns also call into question the sustainability of the business cycle. What does this mean for Investors?
Read MoreWhat In The World Are NFTs?
Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have been the recipient of the latest buzz. What are they? Here's the scoop:
Read MoreQ2 Outlook: Inflation, Interest Rates and Taxes
If you're curious about how Inflation, Interest Rates and Taxes might affect the markets, this one is for you. Get into the details with these 5 Insights from our Q2 2021 Outlook.
Read MoreHow to Balance Fear and Complacency at All-Time Market Highs
Even with the S&P 500 and Dow both reaching new all-time highs last Friday, there are often gaps between what we believe may matter and what actually does. Here's how to balance fear and complacency in spite of the headlines:
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: It’s All About Bonds
There’s an old Wall Street maxim that says, “markets climb a wall of worry.” And these days, there’s plenty to worry about with the trend in long-term interest rates. The 10-year Treasury yield in recent weeks...
Read More3 Key Investor Insights From The 2021 Stimulus Bill
With the latest $1.9 trillion stimulus package now signed into law, over $5 trillion has been authorized over the past year. How does this massive new stimulus package impact investors? Here are 3 key insights.
Read MoreFocus On Years Instead Of Days And Weeks
How everyday investors react to uncertainty is often more important than what they are reacting to. Here's why you should focus on years instead of days or weeks:
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Weekly Market Insights: Rising Inflation Concerns
Rising bond yields dampened investor enthusiasm for high-multiple growth companies last week, sending market averages mostly lower in a holiday-shortened week of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.11% for the week. But...
Read MoreEconomic Predictions: What Lies Ahead?
It can be easy to overlook the nation’s solid economic fundamentals when the financial media splashes stories every day about an army of amateur traders, short-selling mania, and initial public offerings (IPOs) that double in...
Read MoreWhy Is Investor Optimism Rare?
Investors often find it more natural to be pessimistic. After all, with one's hard-earned savings on the line, it's hard not to focus on what can go wrong. Here is some perspective on economic trends and a few reasons for optimism.
Read MoreShort Squeezes and Reddit Shouldn't Distract Investors
What captures the attention of investors, the media and the general public is often not what matters for portfolios, saving for retirement or achieving financial security. Here are 3 things you may have missed as Reddit took on Wall Street:
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How the Internet Gamed Wall Street’s Short Sellers
You may have heard the news about stocks for certain companies suddenly ballooning, quickly going from lunch money prices to several hundred dollars a share. In one case, the shares rose over 1700% since December 2020.1 So, what...
Read MoreWhat Rising Interest Rates Mean for Investors
With financial markets recovering due to economic optimism, reduced political uncertainty and the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, interest rates have also increased. What signals are interest rates sending today and what should we expect?
Read MoreStock Market Bubble?
As the stock market's steep climb continues, some investors worry about the possibility of a bubble. While major stock markets are certainly expensive by historical standards, here are 3 important points to consider.
Read More2021 Outlook - 7 Insights for Investors
For investors, the new year is a time to reflect on the lessons of the past twelve months. As we begin 2021, here are seven important lessons and insights for the coming year to help you maintain perspective.
Read MoreWhat Do Vaccines Mean for Investors in 2021?
The U.S. is beginning to roll out the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this week just days after it was approved by the FDA. Investors should maintain realistic expectations and stay disciplined in the short term for these 3 reasons:
Read MoreHow To View New Market Highs
As we approach the end of 2020, the stock market is hovering near record highs. What do these recent new highs mean for investors? Here's our perspective:
Read MoreHow Investors Should React to Rising COVID-19 Cases
As COVID-19 cases rise, new restrictions are being considered. This has been a heated political issue as the balance between economic activity, personal liberties and control of the coronavirus is debated. How should investors react?
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Election 2020: Biden’s Policy Initiatives
Now that several major news groups have projected Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election here's a review what type of legislative support would be needed to pass certain proposals.
Read MorePost Election Perspective
After this heated election, investors need perspective. Where does the market conversation go from here?
Read MoreThe Economy Is Recovering Despite Election Uncertainty
Despite short-term uncertainty around the presidential election and recent stock market turbulence, there are clear signs that the economy continues to recover. Here is some timely perspective on the bigger picture:
Read MoreKeep Your Portfolio Out Of Politics
With the Election just around the corner, it's important to remember what affects markets in the long run. While our votes should reflect our personal beliefs and preferences, here's why it's best for our portfolios to stay out of politics.
Read MoreA Two Year Earnings Recession?
As the economy continues to recover from the pandemic, it's likely that corporate profits will follow suit. Some recent headlines suggest a two year earnings recession. Is this to be expected and how would it affect investors?
Read MoreHow Stock Market Concentration Impacts Investors
The stock market's strong performance since March has not been shared by all parts of the market. Some sectors have fared much better than others. It may feel "fragile", "unsustainable" or even "artificial" to some. Here's some perspective.
Read MoreHow Investors Should Respond to the Two Recoveries
Recent economic data show that we may be near the halfway point in the recovery from the COVID-19 shutdown. However, there is evidence that the second half may take much longer. Are there 2 recoveries? Here's our perspective:
Read MoreQ4 Outlook: 5 Insights for a Challenging Election Season
After what has been a challenging year, many investors are worried about how markets may react in the fourth quarter. Grab a cup of coffee and read on for our Q4 2020 Outlook and 5 insights to help put the uncertainty in perspective.
Read MoreHow Long-Term Investors Should React to Market Sell-Offs
After a historic six-month rally, the stock market has fallen from its all-time high at the beginning of September. Should investors be concerned about a market correction as uncertainty remains?
Read MoreIs the Stock Market Experiencing Another Tech Bubble?
The stock market has hit a rough patch with high-flying tech stocks facing pressure. After such a swift recovery for the stock market, is this the beginning of a more severe correction or perhaps a repeat of the late 1990s dot-com crash?
Read MoreHow Do Presidential Elections Affect the Stock Market?
How do presidential elections affect the stock market? Should investors fear either party winning the White House? Is it best to sit on the sidelines until the dust settles? Check out the blog for answers to these questions and more.
Read MoreInvestor Fortitude Is the Real Lesson of 2020
With the markets now calm, it's more important than ever for investors to reflect on the last several months. Here are 3 important lessons from this period that can serve investors throughout their financial journey.
Read MoreWhat Are Stock Splits?
Two high-profile companies—Apple and Tesla—have announced stock splits in the past few weeks, which makes it a great time to discuss what’s involved when a company announces a stock split. Here are the details:
Read MoreHow Investors Can Stay Disciplined After a Full Market Recovery
After only six months, the stock market has surpassed where it started the year and is near a new record high. This is further evidence that by staying disciplined and invested, investors are more likely to achieve their financial goals.
Read MoreWill Political Changes Affect the Economy?
How do the markets usually react to elections? Was the 2016 election any different?
Read MoreWhy Job Trends Matter More Than Scary Headlines
Rather than react to daily coronavirus headlines, you should continue to stay disciplined. Job trends matter more than scary headlines. Here are the facts:
Read MoreWhat the Worst GDP Decline in History Means for Investors
Last week's GDP data for the second quarter showed that the economy suffered its worst decline in history over those three months. What does this mean for Investors? Check out this week's blog post.
Read MoreHere Is What's Driving The Market
Once again, the stock market is back to where it started. However, not all parts of the market have behaved the same. What's driving the performance?
Read MoreHow Economic Fears Are Now Reasons for Optimism
While there are still many challenges with COVID-19, there are also reasons to be optimistic. These 2 critical factors, which were sources of concern in March, are important to understand as we approach the rest of 2020. Here's the data:
Read MoreHow the Swift Stock Market Recovery Affects Investors
The stock market has recovered swiftly. Curious how this affects Investors? Check out our latest blog post.
Read MoreSpecial Update: Jobs and the Economic Recovery
What's happening in the Market?? We are not out of the woods yet, and there will be more bad economic data to come, but a clear light at the end of the tunnel can help investors stay on track and help to justify recent market performance.
Read MoreMarket Behavior and the Economy
As states cautiously begin the process of relaxing their COVID-19 restrictions, some are wondering, “Why is the stock market doing so well when the economy is doing so poorly?” It’s a great question, and fortunately,...
Read MoreWhat's The Deal With Medicare?
If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably been thinking about your health quite a bit lately — especially if you’re approaching retirement. Anticipating your future medical costs can feel daunting. Here is some essential info.
Read MoreDon’t Let Headlines Get You Down
Even in “normal” times, the news can be depressing. But these days, it can seem like there’s an awful lot to worry about. Here’s a sampling of the types of headlines I’ve seen recently. Feel free to give yourself a mental break.
Read MoreFAQs About 2020 Stimulus Checks
As of Friday, April 24, the Internal Revenue Service said it had issued 88 million payments to individuals across the country. Here are 7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to consider.
Read MoreHow the CARES Act Impacts RMDs
Here are two key changes you should know about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) tucked into the gigantic “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (“CARES”) Act.
Read MoreRoth Conversion in 2020 - Is It Right For You?
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up nearly every aspect of American life. To say it’s been a difficult time would be an understatement. However, difficult times may open doors to new possibilities. Businesses are changing their...
Read MoreHow To Add 10 Years To Your Life
Tired of the "Bad News" news cycle? The relentless headlines and soundbites can cause anxiety and negatively impact our general outlook. It's time to turn off the news and replace it with these 4 practices.
Read MoreTravel, Without The Baggage
Air travel is stressful. While some stress may be unavoidable, dealing with stress from luggage check-in and baggage claim can be reduced. Here are 5 simple strategies that may help you make next getaway with only carry-on luggage.
Read More5 Essential Phone Apps
Apps. We all love ‘em and there are millions available, but most aren't worth your attention. We’ve highlighted 5 that we’ve tested, regularly use and approve...
Read MoreEmotional Investing
The US equity markets have been setting records recently and are sitting near all time highs. Are you excited or concerned? Either way, if you’re led by your emotions, you will more than likely fail...
Read MoreWhy Process Matters
If you’ve ever wondered why a molehill turned into a mountain on a simple task, it could be due to lack of process. Having a process makes tasks not only efficient, but in most instances, a process can create desired outcomes....
Read MoreNational Preparedness Month
September is officially National Preparedness Month, and it is no coincidence that this national awareness month happens to take place during peak hurricane season. As I am writing this, tropical storm Gordon is quickly approaching...
Read MoreBack to School
Whether or not you have children back in school, this can be a great time of year for all of us to incorporate some discipline and focus into the routine. These 4 productivity tips can help in any season of life...
Read MoreThe Essential Planning Approach
When you look at your life today, are you where you thought you'd be 5 years ago? Do you wonder how you ended up here? In this post, we'll show you how to connect all the dots and develop a clear plan for your future...
Read MoreEssentialism 2.0
In 2014, after stumbling upon Essentialism by Greg McKeown, I was grabbed by definition of Essentialism - really it's the subtitle on the book: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. It has impacted me both professionally and personally,...
Read MoreSweet Liberty
It has been 242 years since this great country first declared it’s freedom but in today’s world of constant distractions and concerns about security, liberty is easily taken for granted. I know I’m guilty....
Read MoreFour Budget Essentials
A budget is essential to attaining and maintaining a work-optional lifestyle. Hidden expenditures can potentially snowball into unwanted debt. In this post we list out four hidden expenses you may have forgotten to add to your budget!
Read MoreCritical Financial Events
The road to financial independence is fluid and dynamic. As life unfolds, you inevitably face what we call Critical Financial Events. Some will be surprises, but many you can predict and prepare for. This post outlines...
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
When we visit with the families we serve or those who’ve been introduced to us, there are common questions that always come up. In this post we answer four of these frequently asked questions...
Read MoreBank Card Fraud
Have you ever found a charge on one of your bank cards that wasn’t yours? Well, one of our team recently did, and this post gives you the process you should use to get your money back! We also outline a few strategies to being...
Read MoreMother's Day Gift Ideas
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and if you struggle every year to find that perfect gift for your mother, grandmother, or spouse then this article is for you! Below is a list of the best items we’ve seen over the...
Read MoreSpring Cleaning
Now that spring is here everything snaps back to life, including things around the house! Which is why we covered this list of six essential spring cleaning items around the house on our podcast, one of which you can do from the...
Read MoreEssentialism
If you have visited my office, you have probably seen a copy of the book Essentialism on my desk. This book has been pivotal in helping me discover where my highest point of contribution should be. If you haven't read it, I highly...
Read MoreHappy New Year
The new year brings new resolutions and goals for everyone, Barko Financial is no different. This year we look to move our practice further into to a stewardship role for our clients and we will be adding additional valued services....
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Tips for Finding Care for Your Special-Needs Child
The need to care for special-needs children may continue into their adult years, and even after the passing of their parents. The care choices are wide ranging—family, health-care aides, special-care facilities, day programs, and...
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