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The House and Senate have come together to produce this Act. Know what it means for you. 

The SECURE Act And Your 401(k) & IRA: 5 Things You Need To Know Right Now
-Leon LaBrecque, Forbes, Dec 21, 2019

The SECURE Act of 2019 has passed. This bill is the product of bipartisan effort, which should give thinking Americans a lead-in-the-gut realization about the sorry state of retirement preparedness and the importance of this issue.  If the two sides of the aisle are working together, it might be important! 

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Today's press conference may provide some insight into what happens after that. 

Fed Eyes Thrid Rate Cut, but Faces Questions Over What Comes Next
-Nick Timiraos, The Wall Street Journal, Oct 30, 2019

Federal Reserve Officials are leaning toward cutting their benchmark interest rate by one-quarter percentage point to between 1.5% and 1.75% at the conclusion of their two-day meeting on Wednesday. The big question is how they frame what happens after that. 

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New regulations could impact inherited IRAs. 

Planning to Leave an IRA to the Grandkids? Not So Fast.
- Laura Saunders, The Wall Street Journal, Sept 27, 2019

Joseph Folk feels betrayed.

Mr. Folk, a 72-year-old retired middle manager for railroads living in Norfolk, Va., is a rigorous saver. He says his two cars are 14 and 24 years old—“and they run fine”—and he hasn’t bought any new clothes in years.

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Here is an interesting read on the possible effects negative interest rates might have on consumer bank accounts.

Europe’s Banks Eye Breaking Last Taboo With Negative Interest Rates
​- Nicholas Comfort, Charlie Devereux, and Steven Arons, Bloomberg, August 22, 2019

​Five years after Mario Draghi turned the world of European banking upside down, lenders are considering breaking a last taboo: Negative interest rates for the masses.

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Here are some thoughts on how you can meaningfully begin saving more today for your retirement!

The 7 Easiest Ways To Save More For Your Retirement
– Robert C. Lawton, Forbes, June 17 2018
​
In a recent post, I pointed out that none of us appear to be contributing enough to our 401(k) plan accounts to fund a retirement that doesn't require reducing our standard of living. Many of us, when faced with that reality, struggle with how we could possibly save more. Following are some thoughts on how you can meaningfully begin saving more today for your retirement.

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Crazy to think it's almost here already!

Six Things You Should Do Before Year-End To Get Financially Organized
– Kristin O'Keeffe Merrick, Forbes, November 12 2018
​
When you are a financial advisor, you get slammed in January. Everyone spends the holiday season going over their goals and dreams for the New Year. Getting “financially fit” falls very high on the list of resolutions. But what if I told you that it was just as important to focus on your financial hygiene in December? December can be crazy as everyone is generally rocking around the Christmas tree and spending too much money. But the actions you take in the last month of the year can be very impactful for many reasons. Here are some things you should focus on before year-end:

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Here's a good article to give you an idea of how your retirement savings stack up against your peers.

Here's how much money people in their 30s have in their 401(k)s
– Kathleen Elkins, CNBC, September 18 2018
​
A 401(k) plan, if you have access to one, is an effective way to build your retirement savings: You get significant tax advantages, the money is automatically taken from your paycheck before you have the chance to spend it and, often, companies offer a match, which is essentially free money.

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Can you guess what it is?

Warren Buffett Says Your Greatest Measure of Success at the End of Your Life Comes Down to 1 Word
– Marcel Schwantes, Inc
​
Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett is rarely wrong, especially when it comes to investment and innovation. As most of us know, the Oracle of Omaha is also a sage imparting wisdom that transcends industries and generations and cultures.
And that wisdom, however common-sensical​ (ever thought to yourself, "Wait, I could've said that myself!"), is usually spot-on. Like this hard-hitting bit of truth telling: "If you get to my age in life and nobody thinks well of you, I don't care how big your bank account is, your life is a disaster."

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Amazing how a simple smile and positive attitude can make all the difference!

3 Ways to Trick Your Brain Into Making Important Financial Decisions
– Camilo Maldonado, Forbes, August 1 2018
​
​It is no secret that as Americans, we avoid making financial decisions, even when it’s not in our own best interest. You only need to look at the latest trends in household savings rates, or evaluate retirement plan participation rates. A common belief is that financial decisions are complicated and require thoughtful planning and skill. However, research exploring our reluctance to take control of our personal finances points to a different reason.

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"Despite their reliance on Social Security income, many retirees don't fully understand these benefits..." 

6 Social Social Security Myths That Could Make or Break Your Retirement Planning
– Lorie Konish, CNBC, July 15 2018
​
If you're like many retirees, your Social Security checks will account for a large portion of your retirement income. But how well you understand the ins and outs of these benefits could make a big difference in how much you receive over your lifetime.

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"Young adults are making plenty of money mistakes..."

6 Money Management Mistakes Millennials often Make
– Maryalene LaPonsie, U.S. News, March 2 2018
​
Millennials have to endure many stereotypes. They are often labeled lazy, entitled and even narcissistic.
Zach Swartz, an older millennial himself and portfolio manager with BKD Wealth Advisors in Springfield, Missouri, isn't sure the generation really deserves to be singled out in that way. "Sometimes millennials can be painted as very different from other generations when they're not," he says.

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Cognitive vs. Emotional Bias in Investing 

Behavioral Bias: Cognitive Versus Emotional Bias in Investing
– Tim Parker, Investopedia, May 3 2018
​
Everybody has biases. We make judgments about people, opportunities, government policies and, of course, the markets. When we analyze our world without knowing about these biases, we put our observations through a number of filters manufactured by our experiences, and we're not just talking about stock screeners.

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Eddie and Tony will be making the 10 hour drive to see the "Oracle of Omaha" himself!

5 Questions for Warren Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway's Annual Shareholder Meeting
– Adam Shell, USA Today, May 3 2018
​
Billionaire Warren Buffett brings the "Woodstock of Capitalism" back to Omaha this weekend for the annual Berkshire Hathaway stockholders' meeting, which is known for its straight talk and party-like atmosphere.

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Need some ways to get rid of a little stress? Check this out!

5 Ways Investing Can Relieve Your Financial Stress
– Kelly LaVigne, U.S. News, April 18 2018
​
Ask someone what causes them the most stress and chances are money will be right at the top of the list. Whether it is making ends meet on a day-to-day basis or long-term financial planning and investing for retirement, there is no doubt that many of us fret over money.

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