Retirement Planning Center

09/15/2025

Stocks posted a solid gain last week, riding a rally in megacap tech stocks while overcoming interest rate anxiety, a downward revision to jobs data, and mixed inflation reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.59 percent,...

08/14/2024

Did you know? The 2024 Paris Olympics will feature some seriously high-earning athletes:

🥇 LeBron James is set to be the first self-made billionaire to compete in the Summer Games.
🥇 NBA players dominate the earnings list, with 7 of the world's 50 highest-paid athletes on Team USA alone.
🥇 In women's sports, tennis stars like Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff lead the pack in earnings.
🥇 Fun fact: Some countries pay medal bonuses—the USA offers $37,500 for gold!

But remember, for most Olympians, the real challenge is turning that brief moment of glory into lasting financial success.

Spanish golfer Jon Rahm is the highest-paid athlete competing at the Paris Olympics with $218 million in earnings in the past year.

07/24/2024

🦞 Age is Just a Number: Meet the 104-Year-Old 'Lobster Lady' 🚤
Virginia Oliver, Maine's maritime marvel, just renewed her commercial lobster license at 104 years old. Why? Because retirement isn't in her vocabulary!

Picture this: A centenarian rising at 3 AM, donning lipstick and earrings, to catch lobsters thrice a week. That's Virginia's life, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

Her secret? "You've gotta keep living, you gotta keep working."

Virginia's story isn't just about lobsters. It's about passion, purpose, and shattering age stereotypes. As we plan for our futures, perhaps we should ask: What's our equivalent of Virginia's lobster boat?

Let's celebrate those who prove that life's adventures don't have an expiration date.

At 104 years old, Virginia Oliver is setting sail this year to continue doing the job she's loved over 90 years: catching lobsters.

06/24/2024

Stocks edged higher over the four trading days last week, with the three major averages taking turns leading based on various economic and artificial intelligence (AI) news. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.45 percent–its best...

06/07/2024

Stocks rallied in May as investors welcomed upbeat Q1 corporate reports and signs of a Goldilocks economy - not too hot, not too cold. The Dow crossed 40,000 for the first time after cooler inflation data raised hopes for a potential rate adjustment.

Stocks rose in May as investors cheered upbeat Q1 corporate reports and signs that the economy was still strong while not overheating.

06/03/2024

Stocks edged lower in the final week of May as fresh news on economic growth and inflation failed to inspire investors. Stocks Slide Markets shrugged off news that the Q1 Gross Domestic Product was revised lower to 1.3 percent from...

05/28/2024

Last week's stock performance was mixed, following investors' reaction to the Fed's May meeting minutes, while a handful of mega-cap tech companies created a buzz with their news. Market Splits Stocks began trading in a narrow band...

05/27/2024

🎖 On this Memorial Day we remember the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who gave everything for our freedom. Today, and every day, let's remember and reflect on their courage. 🎖

05/20/2024

The latest inflation data shows prices rose 3.4% annually in April, a slight easing from March's 3.5% increase. Here's what it might mean for you and your investments:
▪️ The modest dip may be a step in the Fed's battle against stubborn inflation 🥊
▪️ However, housing and gas costs are still elevated 🏡⛽
▪️ Wage growth (3.9%) outpaced inflation, providing some relief for workers' purchasing power

While inflation is inching down, it remains above the Fed's 2% target.

The road to price stability is long, but this data offers a small step in the right direction. 💪

The Federal Reserve wants to see more progress in quelling inflation before cutting interest rates.

05/20/2024

Stocks notched a solid gain last week in a mega-cap, tech-led rally bolstered by positive inflation news. Dow 40,000 The week began quietly as market averages traded in a tight range, awaiting fresh inflation news. On Tuesday, markets...