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Essex Office

201 Eastern Blvd

Essex, MD 21221-6958

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Saturday, April 6, 2024

Gold's value surged due to central bank buying, global tensions, and increased demand. However, Warren Buffet's comparison suggests investing in farmland may offer more long-term benefits than holding gold.

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Deciphering the Fed's intentions: Rather than better data, they seek sustained signs of cooling inflation. Eyes on upcoming CPI and PCE updates. Rate cuts in 2024 uncertain. Stay focused on financial goals. #FederalReserve #InterestRates

Monday, February 26, 2024

Stocks soared on Nvidia's strong Q4 report, hitting record highs, signaling belief in AI's economic impact. Nvidia's $2T valuation highlights its AI dominance.

Monday, February 19, 2024

📉 Last week, stocks fell amid inflation worries, breaking a 5-week winning streak. Keep an eye on key economic data and earnings reports for insights.

Monday, February 12, 2024

Last week, the S&P 500 hit a record high fueled by robust corporate earnings and favorable inflation news. Despite initial concerns, the market rallied, spotlighting the economy's resilience. Challenges like rising oil prices loom.

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Monday, January 29, 2024

Big tech-fueled stock market highs. Q4 growth exceeded expectations, and inflation cooled. Earnings season driven by FOMO. This week: FOMC, earnings reports. Stay informed!

Monday, January 22, 2024

Stocks dipped, then rallied last week, driven by tech. Economic uncertainty looms as retail sales impress. Keep an eye on key data and earnings this week.

Monday, January 15, 2024

Stocks had a rollercoaster week, boosted by tech and mixed inflation data. This week, watch for economic data and earnings reports.

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Stocks started 2024 with uncertainty. Tech stocks led the decline, but positive jobs data on Friday offered relief. Key economic data and earnings reports ahead. Stay informed. #StockMarket #2024Outlook

Monday, December 25, 2023

Investor optimism and fears of missing out on future gains propelled stocks higher in the last full week of trading before year-end. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.22%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.75%. The...

Monday, December 18, 2023

Markets reacted positively last week to cooler inflation and the idea of potential rate cuts next year, adding to the gains of the market’s year-end rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.92%, while the Standard &...

Monday, December 11, 2023

Stocks rally late in the week, boosting November gains! Discover why AI news and productivity reports are fueling investor optimism and what economic data to watch this week. Full insights here! #StockMarket #Investing

Monday, December 4, 2023

Stocks had a mixed week but rallied on Friday. Dow is up 2.42%, S&P 500 gained 0.77%, and NASDAQ rose 0.38%. Inflation eases, and this week brings key economic data and earnings reports.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Explore the importance of reasonable compensation in S corporations, debunking myths, outlining IRS guidelines, and emphasizing expert guidance for compliance and financial health.

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Stocks rose as bond yields fell. Dow up 1.27%, S&P 500 up 1.00%, Nasdaq up 0.89%. Fed minutes hint at reduced rate hike chances. Earnings strong.

Monday, November 20, 2023

Stocks gain on low inflation: Dow +1.94%, S&P 500 +2.24%, Nasdaq +2.37%. CPI & PPI below forecasts. Upcoming: housing sales, FOMC minutes, jobless claims, earnings (Agilent, Nvidia, Lowe's, Analog Devices, Deere).

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

The IRS has updated 2024 tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits. Key changes include a 5.4% adjustment in tax brackets, higher standard deductions, and increased IRA and 401(k) contribution limits.

Monday, November 13, 2023

Stocks had a strong Friday rally, extending November's gains. Dow up 0.65%, S&P 500 1.31%, Nasdaq 2.37%. Powell's remarks impact. Critical economic data and earnings reports ahead.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

2024 Medicare Update: Part A premiums may hit $505, Part B rises to $174.70/month. Deductibles up to $240. See income-based premium chart for more.

Monday, November 6, 2023

Stocks ripped higher last week on a dramatic retreat in bond yields triggered by easing inflation and a slowing labor market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 5.07%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 surged 5.85%. The...

Monday, October 30, 2023

Stocks declined due to cautious earnings guidance, higher rate fears, and increased Treasury supply. Robust economic data added to concerns. Key earnings this week include McDonald's, Pfizer, Apple, and Berkshire Hathaway.

Monday, October 23, 2023

Stocks decline as 10-year Treasury yields hit 5% and mortgage rates reach 8%. Fed Chair Powell cites high inflation. Despite strong retail sales, housing shows mixed signs. Upcoming data and corporate earnings in focus."

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Analyzing the Fed's 2023 rate hike plan. Jerome Powell hints at another hike, but market and Fed members disagree. The article explores the impact of recent CPI data on upcoming decisions, revealing a complex economic landscape.

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Stocks ended mixed last week amid the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East and higher-than-expected inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.20%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 0.45%. But the Nasdaq...

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Dow slipped 0.30% last week, S&P 500 gained 0.48%, and Nasdaq rose 1.60%. Friday's strong employment report fueled a rally. Key economic data and earnings reports await this week.

Monday, October 2, 2023

Rising bond yields and government shutdown fears left stocks in mostly negative territory for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.74%. The Nasdaq Composite index was...

Monday, September 25, 2023

Last week, stocks fell sharply due to rising bond yields & shutdown fears. The Dow lost 1.89%, S&P 500 down 2.93%, Nasdaq 3.62%. Fed hints at another rate hike soon. Upcoming key data: GDP, Jobless Claims.

Monday, September 11, 2023

Stocks down due to rising bond yields, higher oil prices, Fed rate hike concerns.

Monday, September 4, 2023

Falling bond yields–spurred by weak economic data–helped lift stocks to weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.43%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 2.50%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Monday, August 28, 2023

Stocks wavered last week but rose post-Powell's monetary views. Dow fell 0.45%, S&P 500 up 0.82%, Nasdaq at 2.26%. Powell's inflation remarks calmed investors. Key data and earnings ahead.

Monday, August 21, 2023

Stocks declined last week with the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq falling over 2%. Rising bond yields and weak China data weighed on markets. Despite this, a 0.7% July retail sales increase offered hope.

Monday, August 14, 2023

Despite positive inflation, stocks waned with Dow up 0.62%, S&P 500 down 0.31%, and Nasdaq down 1.90%. Tech struggles, Moody’s downgrade, and China's export concerns affected sentiment. Upcoming: Retail Sales, Housing Starts. Earnings: Home

Monday, August 14, 2023

Make a Will Month" emphasizes estate planning. Through our Trust & Will partnership, get state-compliant digital plans. Secure a discount on our site's link.

Monday, August 7, 2023

Stocks fell last week with rising bond yields and a U.S. debt rating downgrade. The Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq, and MSCI EAFE all reported losses. Mixed employment data led to market fluctuations, and the unemployment rate dropped to 3.5%.

Friday, August 4, 2023

Exploring rising interest in AI in Q2, its potential to reshape industries, & the need for discerning adoption.

Monday, July 31, 2023

Stocks rallied as an inflation indicator cooled. 78% of S&P 500 firms exceeded forecasts. 2023 recession fears reduced amid positive economic data. Key data releases and earnings ahead.

Monday, July 24, 2023

Q2 earnings triggered stock market volatility last week, with initial gains offset by tech disappointments. Housing showed a slowdown. Key economic data and earnings from major firms are expected this week.

Monday, July 24, 2023

Like some of my clients, you may have seen the latest regarding Aretha Franklin's estate.The Queen of Soul passed in 2018, and years later, her loved ones are still caught in legal trials thanks to the existence of multiple wills.As...

Monday, July 17, 2023

Better-than-expected updates last week on consumer and wholesale price inflation buoyed investor sentiment, driving stocks higher and lower bond yields. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.29%, while the Standard &...

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Explore reverse mortgages: a tool for homeowners 62+ to convert home equity into cash, offering financial flexibility in retirement. However, they carry risks and are not suitable for all.

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Despite warnings of a 2023 recession due to Fed interest rate hikes, the economy shows signs of expansion. Q1 GDP grew 2% and job market indicators are positive. Despite an inverted yield curve typically signaling recession, the stock mark

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Hobby income must be reported on tax returns without deducting expenses. Factors determining hobby vs. business include intent, profitability, record-keeping, and more.

Monday, July 10, 2023

Amid fears of more rate hikes, global stocks retreated. Unexpected surge in ADP jobs report unsettled investors. Friday's soft nonfarm payrolls calmed markets, but overall losses remained. Labor market shows potential cooling.

Friday, July 7, 2023

As the Fed continues its fight against inflation, one of the more challenging parts of the economy is gauging what's happening in the jobs market.One July report showed the private sector added nearly 500,000 jobs, double the...

Monday, July 3, 2023

Despite initial concerns, stocks rose as recession fears eased. Positive data on home sales, jobless claims, and GDP growth boosted investor confidence. Central bankers globally anticipate further rate hikes.

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Market timing is exhausting. And sometimes, it can be expensive. When you time the markets, you have to be right twice – first when getting out and second when getting back in.In the accompanying chart, you can see individual...

Monday, June 26, 2023

Stocks took a breather last week as investors digested the previous week’s surge and the month-to-date solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.67%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 1.39%. The Nasdaq...

Friday, June 23, 2023

Student loan payments to resume in Oct. Millions impacted. Plan ahead, know your options. Need guidance? Reach out today. Let's prepare together.

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Maximize your business mileage deductions. Keep updated records, use GPS apps, collect secondary evidence. Consult a Certified Tax Planner. #TaxDeductions #BusinessMileage"

Monday, June 19, 2023

Stocks climbed last week as reassuring inflation data boosted investor hopes that the rate-hike cycle was nearing an end amid fresh economic data pointing to continued economic resilience.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.25%,...

Friday, June 16, 2023

Jerome Powell skipped an interest rate hike at the Fed’s June meeting, but the market isn’t buying what the Fed Chair is selling about what’s next with short-term rates.Powell signaled that two more rate increases may...

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Here’s a riddle. “I’m a two-word phrase that we heard almost every day for two years, but it has dropped from almost all economic talk in 2023?”Answer: Supply chain.As you can see from the accompanying chart,...

Monday, June 12, 2023

A late-week rally sent stocks into positive territory, with the S&P 500 index closing just shy of the 4,300 mark.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.39%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Monday, June 5, 2023

Stocks surged higher in the closing days of a holiday-shortened trading week, ignited by a political resolution on raising the debt ceiling and a strong employment report.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.02%, while the Standard...

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Markets moved in sync last week with perceived movement in debt ceiling talks, weakening early in the week and then surging on news of progress. A solid quarterly report and guidance from a mega-cap technology company helped with...

Monday, May 22, 2023

Stocks rallied last week, propelled by growing optimism over reaching a deal on raising the debt ceiling and avoiding a technical debt default by the U.S.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.38% higher, while the Standard &...

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Would it surprise you to hear that investors have moved past worrying about inflation? They have, at least for now.Wall Street has shifted its attention to Washington’s budget negotiations and how the debt ceiling will be...

Monday, May 15, 2023

Stocks were mixed last week as good inflation news was offset by mounting debt ceiling concerns and rekindled regional banking fears.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.11%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.29%. The...

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Don't hold a surprise birthday party for Jerome Powell. He would hate it. And if you plan on visiting the Fed Chair, call first. He doesn't like surprises.Powell delivered on his March promise at the most recent Fed meeting by...

Monday, May 8, 2023

A Friday rebound, triggered by a big tech company’s earnings beat and a strong jobs report, shaved much of the week’s accumulated losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Financial markets can be challenging to understand. And when markets enter a “bad news is good news” cycle, it becomes even more challenging to follow along.Stock prices rallied at the end of April after the Commerce...

Monday, May 1, 2023

Strong earnings from several mega-cap technology companies offset renewed regional banking jitters and weak economic data, leaving stocks higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.86%, while the Standard &...

Monday, April 24, 2023

Stocks remained resilient last week amid mixed earnings reports, hawkish Fed-speak, and lingering recession fears, closing out the five trading days with small losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.23%, while the Standard &...

Monday, April 17, 2023

The combination of an improving inflation outlook resulted in a week of uneven, albeit positive, performance, in which cyclical and financial stocks rallied while technology, real estate, and utilities lagged. The Dow Jones...

Saturday, April 15, 2023

A recent survey reported that 68% of parents had made financial sacrifices to support their adult children. It's often a difficult decision that can stress relationships, impact retirement strategies, and harm overall financial...

Monday, April 10, 2023

Stocks ended a shortened week of trading mixed amid revived recession fears on Wall Street triggered by weak economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.63%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.10%. The Nasdaq...

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Market timing must be exhausting. Always moving in and out of the markets based on economic analysis or business headlines must be so challenging.The accompanying chart shows that money held in money market mutual funds rose to $5.1...

Monday, April 3, 2023

Stocks rallied last week on receding fears of a widening banking crisis, led by resurging investor interest in technology and communication services names.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.22%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Monday, March 27, 2023

Modest gains in major market indices masked sharp volatility amid the uncertainty arising from mixed messages emanating from public officials and revived banking fears. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.18%, while the Standard...

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

As the financial markets sort through the banking sector's issues, speculators have adjusted their outlook for interest rates for 2023 and beyond.In the first table, you can see that on March 3, speculators were expecting the Federal...

Friday, March 17, 2023

Stocks tumbled last week as investors reconsidered their interest rate expectations after Fed Chair Powell’s Congressional testimony that rates may need to go higher. Stocks also were rattled when a west coast bank was placed...

Friday, January 21, 2022

Opening the mailbox and finding a letter from the IRS is frightening, but what happens next can be even scarier. The tax agency wields incredible power, and if they claim you owe additional taxes, they have many different options for...

Friday, January 7, 2022

YOUR 4% WITHDRAWAL STRATEGY MAY NOT BE ENOUGH Get the Tax Guidance You Need to Help Live the Retirement You Desire There’s a lot of concern among industry experts about whether the popular 4% withdrawal rule can provide enough income...

Monday, January 3, 2022

The IRS actually understands taxpayers fall behind on their taxes, and they have programs in place that can reduce the amount you owe or at least make paying the tab a little easier.

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Small business owners and freelancers can get blindsided by huge tax bills. here are some tax deductions you may be eligible for to help reduce your tax burden and protect your income.

Monday, December 6, 2021

If you love the freedom of gig work but not the big tax bill, you need to think ahead. Here are four ways you can trim your tax bills.

Friday, November 26, 2021

The holidays are here. Not to be a Grinch but right around the corner is a less fondly anticipated time of year. Before you know it, you will be taking down the Christmas tree, pulling down the holiday lights and getting ready for the...

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Apparently, reality TV shows are now providing tax advice!. The number one questions across the country this year are from clients attending “real estate” seminars and being told to use their IRA to buy and flip homes....

Friday, November 5, 2021

Cryptocurrency has become an incredibly popular way to invest, but the tax side of this virtual coin can be difficult to navigate. The IRS has gone back and forth over the years on it's stance on cryptocurrency, making it confusing...

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Given how high the stakes are, it is surprising how little thought many people give to their taxes. All too often, individuals simply walk into a neighborhood storefront, hand over their most personal information and trust the person...

Friday, October 15, 2021

As tax filing season unfolds, many taxpayers are taking the bull by the horns and doing their own taxes. Though it may seem like good news for the individual taxpayer, it’s important to watch out for common tax filing mistakes....

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Congress is currently debating President Biden’s American Families Plan of tax and benefit changes. The Plan would make sweeping changes to our individual tax system and a limited window of time is available to plan for some of...

Monday, September 20, 2021

It is one of the scariest things that can befall a taxpayer - the dreaded notice from the IRS stating you owe them more money you can’t pay. When you open the mailbox and see the return address of the tax agency staring back at...

Sunday, September 5, 2021

Whether you are expecting a nice tax refund or preparing to write a big scary check, you know that April 15 is the annual tax filing deadline. What you may not know, however, is that tax day is every day at the IRS, and the tax agency...

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Few things are as frightening as opening the mailbox and finding a letter from the IRS, especially when you know you owe them money. The much feared tax agency does not contact taxpayers just to say hello and receiving communication...

Monday, June 1, 2015

A health care power of attorney, your medical decision-maker, plays an important role in estate planning but only if they are alerted to act. One way to make sure your medical decision-maker is alerted is to add them as an emergency...

Thursday, May 7, 2015

In order to maintain good credit and to guard against identity theft, you should check your credit reports frequently. Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act 0f 2003 (FACTA), you are entitled to one free credit report...

Friday, February 28, 2014

It use to be so simple: Social Security benefits were tax-free. But then as a part of a "Let's Save Social Security" plan, Congress decided to tax up to 50% of your benefits. Later Congress decided to tax up to 85%, allowing the extra...

Monday, February 10, 2014

Moving and trying to decide whether to rent out or sell your present home? If so, consider two important factors:How your choice will affect your cash positionHow willing and able you are to manage a rental property Are you buying...

Friday, February 7, 2014

If you have a qualifying child under the age of 17, you may be entitled to claim this credit. A qualifying child may be a dependent child, stepchild, adopted child, sibling, or step-sibling (or descendant of these individuals), or an...

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Did you know that the government shutdown has had an impact on your tax return? Because the shutdown prevented the IRS from doing some of its standard tax season preparation, the filing season will begin a little later and your refund...