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What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the investment world or concepts from the financial industry, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.

Monday, May 11, 2026

As a financial advisor, one of my “unofficial duties” is acting as a sort of translator: Taking financial terms, jargon, or legalese that may be important but are hard to understand and explaining them in plain English. I really enjoy...

Sunday, May 10, 2026

A mother’s work is never done, never easy, and never celebrated enough. It’s not uncommon to hear people describe their mom as “The Best Mom Ever” and proudly present her with a personalized coffee cup or trophy. But for many people,...

Monday, April 20, 2026

Due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, gas prices have risen sharply over the past month or so. Nobody wants to pay more at the pump, and even if the fighting ends quickly, it may take a lot longer for gas prices to return to...

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Pop Quiz: How many astronauts served on the crew of Apollo 11, the first spaceflight that landed humans on the moon? If you know your history — or if you did a quick Google search before reading this sentence — you’d probably answer...

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Whenever we look at history — and the first quarter is now exactly that — the temptation is always to simply recount what happened and leave it at that. It’s why many people could tell you “Magna Carta was signed in 1215” or “Columbus...

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Tuesday, March 31, 2026

No, you are not reading a message that’s been stuck in my outbox since 2020. This message is about the world in 2026. But as you’ll see, the lessons we can apply today are drawn from the markets as they were exactly six years ago.As...

Monday, March 30, 2026

Recently, I’ve been thinking about investing.“What’s so special about that?” you’re probably wondering. After all, I am a financial advisor, so it’s my job to think about investing. But lately, my thoughts have taken on a slight twist....

Monday, March 23, 2026

Every March, most of us begin thinking about change and renewal. Throughout history, people have celebrated spring’s arrival, and many cultures still do so today. If you’re one of those people, I’d like to tell you about a spring...

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

This St. Patrick’s Day, you might take out a piece of green clothing for luck (or to keep from getting pinched). Maybe you’ll peer down into the grass in hopes of spotting a four-leaf clover or tell a youngster a pot of gold is at the...

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

On Saturday, February 28, the United States and Israel launched joint airstrikes on Iran.  As part of this operation, Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed.  As you can imagine, this has caused an upsurge in market volatility.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

By now you’ve probably heard the news: On Friday, February 20, the Supreme Court struck down a significant portion of the tariffs levied by President Trump last year. Then, on Saturday, President Trump announced that he would raise a...

Monday, February 23, 2026

As a financial advisor, I get a lot of questions. Some people ask me if it’s a good time to invest in the markets, or if they should be sticking their money under a mattress. Others ask me about the economy.

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Every four years, the world tunes in for the Winter Olympics, where some of the most memorable sporting moments in history have occurred. The “Miracle on Ice” in 1980, when an amateur U.S. hockey team defied the odds to beat the Soviet...

Monday, February 16, 2026

Have you ever seen those celebrity magazines near the checkout at a grocery store? If so, you’ve probably noticed that they often have features showing various celebrities doing relatable, “everyday” sort of things.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

No matter who you are or where you come from, you have goals in life. Things you want to do. The type of person you want to become. It’s a common link between all men and women who have ever lived or ever will live.

Monday, February 9, 2026

Happy Valentine’s Day!For many people, Valentine’s is the most romantic day of the year. But not everybody feels that way. Some people are single. Some are divorced. Some are widowed. Others don’t think the idea of spending money on...

Monday, February 2, 2026

Every February 2, a groundhog emerges from its burrow. If the sky is cloudy and the groundhog does not see its shadow, then it will remain outside, and spring will arrive early. But if the groundhog does see its shadow, it will scurry back.

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

As you know, this is the time of year for making resolutions. Some people want to lose weight, quit smoking, or learn a second language. When you sit down to plan out your resolutions, spare a thought for your finances.

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Every January, it’s customary to look back on the year that was. What were the highlights? What were the “lowlights”?  What events will we remember?  Most importantly, what did we learn?  

Friday, December 26, 2025

Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s as a way to build unity and to help Black communities celebrate themselves and their history.

Monday, December 22, 2025

Everyone has a favorite ornament on their Christmas tree. For some, it’s those red, shiny glass spheres that reflect the lights around them, bathing the room in a warm glow on Christmas Eve.

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Lighting the menorah is a fundamental element of the holiday that commemorates the Maccabees victory over oppression and the miracle of how a single day’s supply of oil lasted for eight.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

A financial review is a great way to determine exactly how your year went, so you know what mistakes to avoid next year, and which successes to replicate. It’s a chance to take stock: are your finances in the shape you want them to be?

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Whenever you need to make a financial decision, I want you to consider the following five things. They will help you ensure that your decision is a sound one.

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

You know the game. Every Thanksgiving, we gather around the table and try to think of something we’re grateful for. It’s tradition! And it’s a fun tradition … during those years when the game comes easy.

Friday, November 21, 2025

What if we’re in an AI bubble?  The “b” word is not one most investors like to talk about, but what began as a whisper has become louder and more prominent in recent weeks.

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Earlier this year, two dates came and went, largely unnoticed by Americans and mostly uncovered in the media.  But they are two of the most important dates in modern history — maybe all history.

Friday, October 31, 2025

On a dark and stormy night (well, afternoon) in 1816, a young Mary Shelley told her spellbound friends a story about a man who created life with science and a little lightning.

Monday, October 13, 2025

Sometimes, whenever the road to our goals seems long or daunting, it’s helpful to look for inspiration. So, lately, I’ve started sharing a few quotes that have inspired me in my own personal journey.

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Yesterday Americans woke up to the news that their government had shut down.1It is the first such shutdown since 2018, although there have been plenty of near-misses in recent years. In this case, both parties rejected last-minute...

Monday, September 22, 2025

The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah has begun. I myself am not Jewish but wanted to learn more about this spiritual holiday that gathers over 15 million together.

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Today we remember the 24th anniversary of the events of 9/11. Even for me, someone that lost two very close and dear friends on that awful day, time tends to dull the ache somewhat.

Monday, September 8, 2025

Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month? I recommend that everyone use the month of September to make themselves financially prepared for the unexpected curve balls that life often throws at us.

Monday, September 1, 2025

Just a heads up: This letter is a little vanilla. No, I don’t mean it’s boring.  (Or at least, I hope it’s not!)  I mean it’s about vanilla, the ingredient.  You know, the one used to make delicious ice cream or chocolate chip cookies.

Thursday, August 21, 2025

When did you stop believing in magic?  For some people, it’s when they first found out that Santa isn’t real.  Or when they realize the money under their pillow isn’t from the Tooth Fairy.  For others, it’s a gradual process.

Friday, July 18, 2025

I’m sure you’ve seen it before: When an excitable pooch sees a flash of movement in the corner of his left eye.  But after ten minutes of frantic pursuit, swapping one target for another, the dog usually comes up empty-pawed.

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

On July 4th, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into law, enacting sweeping legislation that makes changes to everything from the debt ceiling to Medicaid to immigration to taxes.

Friday, July 4, 2025

When we celebrate Independence Day each year, we’re not just celebrating the flag.  We’re celebrating the people who created that flag and everything it stands for.  

Thursday, June 19, 2025

The first Juneteenth marks the true beginning of the end of slavery in America.  Today, it commemorates the knowledge that slavery has ended.

Monday, June 16, 2025

When a major geopolitical event happens, I can always count on three things happening.  First, there will be headlines.  Second, there will be a reaction in the market. And third, my inbox will light up with emails.

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Fathers do so much for us.  They provide for us.  Guide us.  Spend time with us.  Push us.  And, when the time is right, they let us go.

Monday, May 26, 2025

In 1968, Lieutenant Johnie Webb was a logistics officer in the United States Army.  His job was to run supply convoys from base to base along the Cambodian border in Vietnam.  It was a dangerous assignment.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Headlines, whether good or bad, are temporary.  Volatility, up or down, is temporary.  That is why we always prioritize the permanent over the transient.  Why we take the long view over the short one.

Sunday, May 11, 2025

I’m making it official.  For one day only, there should be no politics.  Because on Sunday, May 11, we have something more important to focus on: our mothers.

Sunday, April 20, 2025

As you know, Easter is both a religious holiday and a chance to celebrate the spring season.  But there’s actually a lot to Easter that many people don’t know about.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Like getting the flu or visiting the DMV, market volatility is one of those facts of life that never gets more pleasant no matter how many times we experience it.  As you know, the markets have been very volatile of late.  

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Mistakes.  We all make them. Yes, mistakes are inevitable.  That’s why, most of the time, it’s not the mistake that really matters.  It’s what we do after that counts.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Something happens when the markets go down for days at a time that doesn’t occur when they go up. What happens, exactly? Simply put, the headlines turn gloomy.

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

“What should we do about tariffs?”  It’s a question I’ve heard a lot lately, often with a note of fear in the voice of whoever is asking it.  In this message, I want to answer that question.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

They set the standard. They were the first. They were innovators. I’m referring to the twenty-five Black men of the Freedom House Ambulance Service who, in 1967, became the first fully-trained paramedics in United States history.

Monday, February 17, 2025

On the morning of January 20, 1993, President George H.W. Bush sat down at his desk in the Oval Office for the last time.  Since he had failed to win reelection to a second term, he was preparing to attend the inauguration of his successor.

Friday, February 14, 2025

On the surface, Valentine’s Day is the simplest holiday. It’s a day for celebrating love! But love is anything but simple. That’s why, for many people, Valentine’s can be a difficult day.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

We’ve known it was coming, but on February 1, President Trump made it official: The U.S. intends to levy a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, plus a 10% tariff on imports from China.  (This is on top of existing tariffs)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Every January, we here at Antoine Williams & Associates Wealth Management take a look back on the year that was. What were the highlights? What were the “lowlights”? What events will we remember? Most importantly, what did we learn?...

Monday, January 20, 2025

Dr. King’s words have always been a source of inspiration to many. Even though they were written decades ago, they continue to resonate deeply and remind us of the power we all have to make the world a better place.

Thursday, January 2, 2025

One cold January morning in 1494, the citizens of Florence, Italy woke up to an extremely rare sight: Their city was covered in snow. Snow is uncommon in Florence, and this was no mere coating of powdered sugar. There was so much snow...

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Happy Hanukkah! You may not know this but, eating dairy on Hanukkah has become a strong custom in many Jewish homes. But do you know the reason? Some people believe this tradition started in honor of a brave hero named Judith, but many...

Monday, December 23, 2024

One of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions is watching the 1965 classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas. I love watching Snoopy’s antics, and poor Charlie Brown trying to wrangle his uncooperative friends into finding the perfect...

Saturday, December 7, 2024

A lot can happen in 75 minutes. It’s enough time to settle in with loved ones for a classic like The Nightmare Before Christmas, bake a batch of cookies, or enjoy a peaceful, reflective walk through a snow-dusted park. These moments...

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Every Thanksgiving, we take time as individuals, families, and as a nation to reflect on what we’re grateful for. This year, I propose three things: Stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Now, you might think I mean we should be...

Monday, November 11, 2024

September 11, 2001. At a time when nearly every plane in the sky was landing at the nearest airport, two others were about to take off. They were a pair of F-16 fighter jets. Their mission? Find the last plane to be hijacked — and...

Friday, November 8, 2024

The dust has settled, the votes have been counted, and Donald Trump is once again president-elect of the United States. The question now is, “What does that mean for us?” As happens after every election, some people are elated by the...

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves...

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

It’s always great to start a letter with the words, “The markets finished the quarter at an all-time high.” Fortunately, that’s the case this time around. The S&P 500 rose 2% in September, and 5.5% for the entire quarter. The Dow,...

Thursday, September 26, 2024

In just about every scary movie, there’s always that one scene near the end where the hero thinks they’ve escaped, or that the monster is dead — only for there to be one more “jump scare” in store. This is the scenario currently facing...

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

It was 23 years ago today when Stanley Praimnath saw the plane coming right at him. The morning of September 11, 2001, was as clear, bright, and beautiful as could possibly be in downtown Manhattan. On that day, Stanley worked as a...

Monday, September 2, 2024

Happy Labor Day! Most of us associate Labor Day with BBQs, parades, and weekend camping trips. But the more I learn about the holiday, the more I realize that it’s really a celebration of things we take for granted yet couldn’t imagine...

Monday, August 5, 2024

A few months ago, I hit a deer on my way to pick up one of my sons at school. I had long expected this might happen. The area their school is in is dotted with deer crossing signs, so I knew the possibility was always present. I always...

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Tomorrow, we will reflect on the achievements of our ancestors and the opportunities of our descendants. We will ponder our own respective loves and beliefs. May we also recommit to love, support, and defend our country.

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Opal Lee never thought she’d live to see her dream be fully realized. The bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Sunday, June 16, 2024

With fathers being honored this month, it got me thinking about this question: How many dads have I had? I am lucky enough to say that I have had more than one father.

Monday, May 27, 2024

On May 30, 1871, President Grant and members of Congress gathered around the Monument to the Unknown Dead at the Arlington National Cemetery. Back then, what we call Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day.

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Earlier this month marked the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby. Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” it’s the oldest continuously-held sporting event in the United States!

Sunday, May 12, 2024

There’s a saying that a mother will move a mountain for the sake of her children. But sometimes, to move a mountain, you first might have to scale it.

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Happy Passover for those that celebrated on Monday! Michelle and I recently attended a dear friend's seder and I read some interesting thoughts on Pesach that I thought you might find interesting, too.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

The S&P 500 finished 2023 up 24%.  That hot streak continued through the first quarter of 2024.  The S&P gained 10.2% in Q1, its best start to a year since 2019.  The NASDAQ finished up 9.1%.  And the Dow saw a 5.6% gain.

Monday, March 18, 2024

Have you ever heard of the Magnificent 7? No, I’m not referring to the classic western starting Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen. I’m referring to the seven companies most responsible for the stock market’s rise over the past year.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

For some people, St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of their Irish heritage. For others, it is primarily a religious day. (It’s named, after all, for a legendary religious figure.) More recently, it has become a celebration of Irish culture

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

For many people, Valentine’s is the most romantic day of the year. But not everybody feels that way. Some people are single. Some are divorced. Some are widowed.

Friday, December 22, 2023

You know Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen… but do you recall the most famous reindeer of all? I’m referring, of course, to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. And yes, I know what you’re thinking: everyone knows Rudolph.

Friday, December 8, 2023

In honor of Hanukkah, I wanted to share a story that warmed my heart and reminded me to cherish this season of renewal. This story tells how an unlit menorah was able to magnify the light of Hanukkah all around the world. 

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving! Recently, I came across a poem that reminded me of all there is to be grateful for. It’s about the little things in life and why they matter.

Friday, November 10, 2023

When Dr. Harold Brown was young, he dreamed of flying. So, he worked hard as a “soda jerk,” making ice cream sodas at the local drugstore every afternoon to save up enough money for flight school. Eventually, he amassed a grand total of $35

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

You probably saw the news: On October 27, the S&P 500 officially slid into a market correction. A correction is when the markets decline 10% or more from a recent peak.

Thursday, October 12, 2023

It’s nice to come across a story that makes you feel hope for the future. Sometimes we can get so bogged down by the current news that it often leaves us feeling depleted.

Thursday, October 5, 2023

If you’ve been paying attention to the headlines, you know that September was a rough month for the markets. The S&P 500 finished down 4.9%, making it the worst month of the year.

Thursday, September 28, 2023

It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating the New Year, and now we’re in autumn! Before we know it, the holiday season will be upon us once again. It’s a reminder that time really does fly, especially as we get older.

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Every month, there are plenty of things to talk about regarding the markets. This month, however, I want to give you a quick preview of something that may happen next month: A government shutdown.

Monday, September 4, 2023

If you’re like many people, chances are you will wake up on Labor Day and make yourself a cup of coffee. It’s a time-honored tradition, performed unthinkingly by millions of people every single day.

Thursday, August 24, 2023

You are on a plane, currently descending gradually through the clouds. I’m on the plane, too. In fact, everyone in the country is on board. Welcome to Flight 2023 of U.S. Economy Airlines. We know our destination: A normal rate of inflation

Monday, July 17, 2023

As we get further into summer, I’ve had several friends tell me about their vacation plans. That got me thinking: what if people put as much time into planning their retirement as they do for their vacations?

Thursday, June 29, 2023

United we stand, divided we fall. It’s a phrase that’s been said many times throughout our nation’s history. The legendary Patrick Henry said it in the last speech he would ever give to the public...

Monday, June 19, 2023

Juneteenth carries a rich historical legacy. Although the Emancipation Proclamation stated “all shall be free”, it only applied to slaves in the Confederacy and would have no constitutional basis after the Civil War ended.

Friday, June 16, 2023

Recently, I came across a sweet story on social media that really put the holiday on my mind. In honor of all fathers, I’d like to share it with you...

Friday, June 9, 2023

When 2023 kicked off, there were two storylines every economist, analyst, and financial advisor were keeping an eye on. Two potential crises that could upend the markets...

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Sometimes, when you turn on the TV or see what’s trending on social media, it can feel like the world is awash in negativity and bad news. Sometimes, it’s easy to wonder what kind of world we’re leaving for the next generation...

Monday, May 29, 2023

Every Memorial Day, we, as Americans, take time to remember the soldiers who died serving our country. We lay flowers at their graves. We touch the monuments erected in their memory. Sometimes, we even walk on the same battlefields...

Friday, May 12, 2023

Happy Mother’s Day! A few weeks ago, I was thinking about what sort of flowers to send to the mothers in my life. In doing so, I started researching the deeper significance behind many types of flowers. Doing so really made me...

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Have you ever noticed how so many idioms refer to the duality of life? Consider: There are two sides to every coin. Life is a double-edged sword. You can see the glass as half-full or as half-empty. Everycloud has a silver lining.Each...

Friday, April 7, 2023

Happy Easter!As you know, Eastertime is a very special one for people of varying faiths, cultures, and traditions. One thing that has always fascinated me, though, is how Easter symbolizes growth and renewal. That’s no surprise...

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

I recently came across the saying, “Bad news travels fast. Good news takes the scenic route.” Because it’s so easy to get discouraged when turning on the TV or seeing what’s trending online, the world can feel...

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

If you haven’t already contributed to an IRA (Individual Retirement Account), there’s still time to do so. Many people don’t know that the 2022 contribution deadline is actually April 18, 2023.1 However, if you...

Monday, March 20, 2023

The only bad question is the one left unasked. That’s the premise behind many of my recent posts. Each covers a different investing-related question that many people have but are afraid to ask. Last month, I answered the question...

Thursday, March 16, 2023

As you know, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was seized by federal regulators on Friday, March 10. It was not the first bank to collapse this month or the last. Two days earlier, Silvergate Bank, another California institution, announced it...

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Sometimes, when you turn on the TV or see what’s trending on social media, it can feel like the world is awash in negativity and bad news. Sometimes, it’s easy to wonder what kind of world we’re leaving for the next...

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Some time ago, I wrote a series of monthly letters called “Questions You Were Afraid to Ask.” Each letter answered a common question many investors have but feel uncomfortable asking. When I was young, I was taught that...

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Many people think that, as a financial advisor, I spend all day with my head buried in numbers, following the movement of the markets. And it’s true – that is a big part of what I do. But the most important part of my job...

Monday, February 20, 2023

Happy Presidents’ Day!As you know, this holiday was originally set aside to honor George Washington’s birthday. But as Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is also around this time of year, many states began celebrating the two...

Thursday, February 16, 2023

“Here we go again.” That’s a line from Return of the Jedi, delivered by C-3PO just before he and his friends prepare to go out on another harrowing adventure. In the movie, poor C-3PO was referring to taking down the...

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

What do you think of when you think of Valentine’s Day? When I was young, I remember the first thing I thought of was how many valentines I would need for my elementary school class and how fun it would be to make my own...

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

A new year means new tax changes. While Congress didn’t pass any major tax reform last year, there are still updated tax provisions that could affect how much money you keep and how much goes to Uncle Sam. That’s because...

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

On December 23, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. This is what’s known as an “omnibus spending bill.” (The word omnibus means that multiple measures were packaged into a single document.)...

Monday, January 16, 2023

Few individuals in the history of mankind have had the lasting impact Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has. He is one of the most influential individuals to have lived in the United States or elsewhere.  In 2011, a monument to Dr....

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

As you probably know, there is a lot of uncertainty about our economy today. Many economists have discussed the possibility of a recession in the near future, and given the volatility in the markets, many investors see the possibility,...

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Every January, it’s customary to look back at the year that was. What were the highlights? What were the “lowlights”? What events will we always remember? Most importantly, what did we learn?So many things happened in...

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Everyone has a favorite ornament on their Christmas tree. For some, it’s those red, shiny glass spheres that reflect the lights around them, bathing the room in a warm glow on Christmas Eve. Others prefer ribbons, beads, or candy...

Monday, December 19, 2022

Have you ever gotten a present you didn’t really want but knew that you kinda sorta needed? (For example, socks.) Just before Christmas, that’s exactly what the Federal Reserve decided to give the country. Except the...

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Chanukah is coming up, and what better way to show my admiration for the holiday than sharing a sweet poem dedicated to my favorite Chanukah treat, the sufganiyah? I personally love to have so manydifferent treats during the season,...

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Happy Thanksgiving!Recently, I’ve been thinking about how the concept of Thanksgiving has evolved over the centuries. Once upon a time, it was mainly about giving thanks for a successful harvest. Now, however, it has grown into...

Friday, November 18, 2022

November is a month for turkey, pumpkin pie, and cranberry sauce. For leaves piled so high, you could dive right into them. For crisp mornings, cold nights, and football. It’s also a month for shopping. I’m talking about...

Friday, November 11, 2022

To you, and especially to all who served happy Veterans Day!While thinking about the meaning behind the day, I came across an editorial in the Washington Post from a few years back. It was written by a veteran named J. Mark Jackson,...

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

October is an exciting month. It brings crisp, cool mornings, fall colors…and playoff baseball!As you know, I write about financial topics during most months of the year. But in honor of the season, for this month’s letter,...

Monday, October 10, 2022

With elections right around the corner, many clients have been asking me what the results could mean for the markets. So, without further ado, here are four things you should know about the relationship between midterms and markets.1....

Monday, September 12, 2022

You’ve probably noticed the volatility wreaking havoc in the markets over the past few weeks. To understand what’s going on, let me tell you a story.Imagine you are inside a fancy restaurant, waiting for your meal to be...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Whether we can believe it or not, Labor Day is here.Kids have started back in school. The hotter days of this summer are (hopefully) moving past us. And, supposedly, we are now to avoid wearing white.This holiday is often the last big...

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

If I wanted to see if it was raining in, say, Zimbabwe, all I’d have to do is load my favorite weather app and I’d know within seconds. Similarly, if I wanted to find out if the UVM Catamounts wonlast night, all I’d...

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Recently, I came across a story I found to be so touching and delightful, I wanted to share it with you. In 1957, a boy named Howard dreamed of becoming an artist. Anxious for some tips on how to be one, he sent a letter to his...

Monday, July 4, 2022

When we were kids, one of the things we had to learn is that many people are different from us – and thatwe are different from other people. We all look different, dress different, talk different, think different,you name it....

Monday, June 27, 2022

After two years, the bear is back. That means it’s time to review three things every investor should know about how to take advantage – that’s right, advantage – of this bear market.As you probably know, a bear...

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, marking the day when slavery came to an end in the United States. The observance of this holiday, formally recognized by the state of Texas in 1980, has continued to spread to the rest of the...

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Back in March, a train from Ukraine arrived in Poland. Inside were dozens of tired, hungry children fleeing the war. I have no idea what the kids expected to see when they arrived at the station, but the sight that greeted them was...

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

The bear is back. On Monday, June 13, investors began the week by digesting a new spate of bad – albeit familiar – news: Inflation continues to surge. In response, the markets sank swiftly and sharply, pushing the S&P 500...

Friday, May 27, 2022

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Sunday, May 8, 2022

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Friday, March 25, 2022

Monday, March 21, 2022

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Friday, March 11, 2022

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Friday, February 25, 2022

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Thursday, February 17, 2022

Monday, February 14, 2022

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Monday, January 17, 2022

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

September 21, 1897. A man named Francis Pharcellus Church arrived to work at The New York Sun, one of the nation’s leading newspapers at the time. As the paper’s head editorial writer, Church no doubt assumed he’d be...

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

About six months ago, I decided to share some lifestyle ideas I’ve been pondering this year. There are many habits and behaviors that, while not directly related to finance, can spell the difference between reaching your goals or...

Friday, December 3, 2021

Have you ever received a gift you didn’t actually want? Well, investors got just such a gift recently – the kind nobody wants. I’m not talking about an ugly sweater or a pair of socks. I’m referring to a new...

Thursday, November 25, 2021

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a wonderful day spent with family, friends, and great food. As you know, Thanksgiving is a time for reflecting on all that we have to be thankful for. It occurred to me the other day that, as your...

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Happy Veterans Day! As you know, Veterans Day is a chance to honor those who have served our country. Of course, we always hope that when soldiers return home from defending our country, they are rewarded for their heroism. Sometimes,...

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

About five months ago, I decided to share some lifestyle changes I’ve been pondering this year. There are many habits and behaviors that, while not directly related to finance, can spell the difference between reaching your goals...

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Spooky season is upon us! When I look around, I see leaves changing (even they are getting in the spirit!), I feel a bite to the once warm air, and I know that soon there will be things that go bump in the night. Like Christmas and...

Friday, October 15, 2021

As a financial planner, my passion centers around helping you build and preserve the wealth that will carry you into retirement. It is for this purpose that I am writing this blog. You see, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness...

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Recently, I decided to share some lifestyle tips I’ve been pondering this year. There are many habits and behaviors that, while not directly related to finance, can spell the difference between reaching your goals or not. But in...

Friday, October 1, 2021

In the 245 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the United States has never once defaulted on its debt. But all that could change on October 18th if Congress does not raise the debt ceiling. Should that happen,...

Thursday, September 23, 2021

When you’re a kid, there are certain birthdays you can’t help but look forward to. When you’re sixteen and can drive, for example. When you turn eighteen and can vote. When you turn twenty-one and can…well, you...

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

As you probably know, volatility has returned to the markets recently. To explain why I want you to imagine you’re playing a game of chess. Visualize this: You’re fifteen moves in, and all your pieces seem to be on good...

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. On it, those of the Jewish faith withdraw from the world of our daily activity, refrain from eating and drinking, and spend the day examining our deeds and...

Friday, September 10, 2021

It was 20 years ago tomorrow when Stanley Praimnath saw the plane coming right at him. The morning of September 11, 2001, was as clear, bright, and beautiful as could possibly be in downtown Manhattan. On that day, Stanley worked as a...

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

About two months ago, I decided to share some lifestyle ideas I’ve had on my mind this year. You see, there are certain habits and behaviors that, while not directly related to finance, can spell the difference between reaching...

Thursday, August 26, 2021

If you think about it, almost every major holiday centers on gratitude. With New Years, we express gratitude for new opportunities and a fresh start. With Valentine’s, we express gratitude for our significant other....

Thursday, August 5, 2021

It may sound strange to hear a financial advisor say this but achieving the things you care about most requires more than just money. There are certain habits and behaviors that, while not directly related to finance, can spell the...

Thursday, July 22, 2021

At some point in our lives we look back, usually when we start having children of our own, and realize that we wouldn’t be where we are today if not for our parents. While it seems obvious, most of us don’t have the time to...

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Pandemics don’t end just because we want them to. Investors were reminded of that in a big way on Monday when the Dow plunged over 700 points.1 It’s the most significant single-day drop since October of last year....

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

When it comes to helping people reach their goals, most financial advisors tend to focus on areas like investing, tax planning, and other money-related topics. I am no exception. After all, these things are critically important if you...

Monday, July 12, 2021

I think by now all of you know how much I love the history of holidays and how that reverberates for us today. July 4th, Independence Day, is no different. This July 4th, we get to celebrate our independence from the Covid pandemic as...

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Father's Day is fast approaching, and the time to show appreciation is officially upon us. As most of you know, this will be my first time celebrating Father's Day since my own father passed away. I am grateful to have learned so much...

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Name, rank, service number, and date of birth. That was the only information Donald Cook ever told his captors. Donald Gilbert Cook. Captain, U.S. Marines. August 9, 1934. Even when he was beaten, even when he was starving, even when...

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Everyone knows that April showers bring May flowers. But this year, the saying could be, April tranquility brings May volatility. Okay, maybe that saying won’t catch on. But still: Up one day, down the next, flat overall —...

Monday, May 17, 2021

Thankfully, Tina has returned from her Grand Canyon rafting trip and I am ecstatic to have her back in action. I wanted to take a moment and remind everyone to review their options for UVM pension plans. As we know, the previous UVM...

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Unfortunately, I failed to mention that last week was also Teacher Appreciation Week. My sister-in-law Nicole, who is a special education teacher, reminded me of my slip-up after receiving the Mother's Day/Nurses Day reminder email....

Thursday, May 6, 2021

With the recent passing of my father, I have been giving a lot of thought to the people that cared for him at the end of his life. It's natural to reflect on these things when big life changes happen and our course is altered in some...

Monday, May 3, 2021

I want to begin by saying thank you for the condolences I have received in light of my fathers passing. I am extremely grateful for your support and it has helped tremendously. Tina will be leaving on a white water rafting trip in the...

Monday, April 26, 2021

Unfortunately, I have sad news to report this Monday. Yesterday, my father passed away in Los Angeles. I am deeply saddened but reflective. My father was an extraordinary man who taught me the value of hard work and how to truly...

Thursday, April 22, 2021

In honor of Earth Day 2021, I am bringing you some history about how Earth Day came to be, where it is now, and where it is going. As a father, I am passionate about recognizing Earth Day, every day. I strive in everything I do to...

Thursday, April 1, 2021

By now, we are all pretty familiar with the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, President Biden’s first stimulus package. Many of you may have received your stimulus checks already. There are a few points that are common knowledge...

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Almost 250 years ago, Thomas Jefferson wrote: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty...

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Happy Valentine’s Day! Because of the pandemic, this year’s holiday may feel different than usual. I expect there will be fewer people eating at candlelit restaurants or cuddling in the back of a movie theater. Most of us...

Friday, January 29, 2021

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 gives?...

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Refinancing your home. It seems like every month, some neighbor or family member is telling you about how they just refinanced. Billboards and television ads are constantly promoting it. But is it the right thing for you? The answer:...

Monday, January 18, 2021

This month, America honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.As we look around today, we see manifestations of that legacy in the form of stronger, more diverse communities, in the continued fight for equality, and in the...

Monday, January 4, 2021

Another year is in the history books, and what a year it was. There are few people, I imagine, who are sad to see the year 2020 go – mainly because it felt like ten years rolled into one. Yes, the universe threw a lot at us this...

Thursday, December 24, 2020

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” - Luke 2:7 Every Christmas, we celebrate this moment. Two thousand...

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

In 2009, President Barack Obama and the First Lady welcomed leaders from the Jewish Community to the white house. While gathered in the grand foyer, President Obama had this to say: It was more than 2,000 years ago, in the ancient city...

Friday, October 30, 2020

Making long-term decisions while dealing with short-term challenges. It’s the acid test of being a successful investor. It’s also a test every investor will be taking for the rest of 2020. On Monday, October 26, the stock...

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves...

Friday, September 4, 2020

Labor Day is coming up! Normally, we’re used to celebrating it with parades, barbecues, and sometimes, fireworks. Unfortunately, for this Labor Day, we will have to go without the traditional celebrations. But I think I can speak...

Monday, July 20, 2020

As you know, the coronavirus has made certain aspects of life more difficult. Work, education, and leisure have all been transformed due to the need for social distancing. Under such conditions, we can hardly blame anyone for throwing...

Saturday, July 4, 2020

Happy Independence Day! To commemorate our nation’s birthday, I’d like to tell you a story about a young man you’ve probably never heard of before. His name was Harry Burn, and it was 100 years ago this summer when he...

Friday, June 19, 2020

Early Happy Father’s Day! As you know, this special day isn’t just a chance to buy Dad some new cologne or a card. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what fathers mean to us. The things they’ve taught, the values...

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

You’re on the highway, drumming your fingers along the steering wheel and humming to the music on your radio when suddenly you look at the speedometer. Woah! You’re driving 83 miles per hour – and the speed limit is...

Friday, May 22, 2020

In honor of Memorial Day, I’d like to tell you a story about a man named Ben Salomon. Ben Salomon was a dentist. He went to school, got his degree, and started his own dental practice at the tender age of 23. The most trying...

Thursday, January 12, 2017

What does a hero look like? What actually makes someone a hero? I’ve been pondering those questions lately, and in doing so, came across a story I’d like to share with you. The story of the Man with the Golden Arm. No,...