New Tariffs Drive Market Volatility
At 4:00 p.m. on April 2, 2025, President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imported goods that were significantly larger and different in structure than expected. The announcement was carefully timed to coincide with the close of the New York Stock Exchange to avoid immediate market...
New Social Security Identity Verification Rule: Are You Affected?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that effective April 14, some individuals who want to claim Social Security benefits or change their direct deposit account information will need to visit a local Social Security field office to prove their identity in person. According to the...
The Financial Literacy Gap: How Gen Z Women Can Take Control of Their Financial Future
In an era of unprecedented economic challenges, Generation Z women find themselves at a critical crossroads. Despite being the most educated generation in history, they face the lowest financial literacy rates among all demographic groups, creating a paradoxical situation that threatens their long-term financial well-being. The...
Tariff Turmoil or Economic Signal? The Makings of a Stock Market Correction
On March 13, 2025, the S&P 500 Index landed in correction territory after a swift three-week drop of more than 10% from its February 19 record high. The NASDAQ index suffered an official correction a week earlier, having fallen over several months from its most...
Understanding Living Trusts and Estate Management
Living trusts have evolved from specialized legal instruments into fundamental components of comprehensive estate planning. These sophisticated arrangements provide precise control over asset distribution while delivering substantial privacy benefits and eliminating probate complications that often plague traditional estate transfers. "A well-structured living trust can be the...
Retirement Savings Strategies for Different Life Stages
April is Financial Literacy Month, a perfect time to reflect on your retirement savings strategies and how they evolve through different stages of life. Saving for retirement is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it requires careful planning and regular adjustments as your financial situation, career, and goals...
How Interest Rate Changes Impact Your Investments and Savings
One aspect of Financial Literacy is understanding how interest rates work. Interest rates play a crucial role in shaping financial markets and personal finance decisions. Whether they are rising or falling, these changes can influence the value of your investments, borrowing costs, and overall economic growth. Understanding...
Women’s Financial Security in Retirement: Bridging the Gender Gap
A century after women won the right to vote, remarkable progress has been made in educational achievement, career opportunities, and income potential. However, a critical challenge remains: ensuring women's financial security in retirement. While celebrating how far we've come, it's essential to understand and address...