The Market Recap & Outlook for September 4, 2026 examines a week shaped by a stronger-than-expected August jobs report, changing expectations for the Federal Reserve, continued AI investment and renewed pressure in global energy markets. With U.S. stocks relatively flat…
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The Biggest Financial Decisions You’ll Make Before Retirement
Preparing for retirement means making several important financial decisions that can affect how your income, taxes, healthcare and savings work together for years to come. From deciding when to claim Social Security and how to withdraw from retirement accounts to…
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Is Illinois a Good Place to Retire? Financial Considerations Before You Decide
Is Illinois a good place to retire? The answer depends on more than the state’s reputation for high taxes. Illinois does not tax Social Security benefits, pensions or qualified retirement account withdrawals, which can be an advantage for retirees. However,…
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August 28, 2026 Market Recap & Outlook: Nvidia Delivers, Warsh Warns. Then the Gulf Reignites.
In this week’s Market Recap & Outlook, Matthew Rice, CFA, CAIA, Chief Investment Officer at Goldstone Financial Group, examines the key economic events, market performance, and investment themes that shaped the week and what investors should watch in the days…
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August 21, 2026 Market Recap & Outlook: The Week the Treasury Stepped In. Gold and Bitcoin Took Notice.
U.S. debt and market outlook took center stage this week as the national debt crossed $40 trillion, the 30-year Treasury yield touched a 19-year high, and the U.S. Treasury stepped in, doubling buybacks of long-dated debt to steady the selloff….
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Why Comprehensive Retirement Planning Is About More Than Your Investment Portfolio
A strong investment portfolio is only one piece of retirement planning; comprehensive retirement planning brings your investments together with income, taxes, healthcare, insurance and estate planning so each decision supports the same long-term goals. By coordinating these areas, you can…
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What Does a Retirement Plan Actually Include?
A retirement plan is about much more than your investments. A complete retirement strategy connects how you want to live with your income, investments, taxes, healthcare, insurance and estate planning. Understanding how these pieces work together can help you identify…
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HSA Retirement Planning: The Powerful Tax Tool You May Be Overlooking
HSA retirement planning can become increasingly important as you approach retirement, especially when you consider how healthcare expenses, taxes, Medicare, and your overall retirement income strategy may intersect. Yet many people still think of a Health Savings Account, or HSA,…
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August 14, 2026 Market Recap & Outlook: Tame Inflation, Record Highs, a Hardening Stalemate. And the Consumer Sends a Warning.
For the August 14 2026 Market Recap, investors saw a week defined by easing inflation, record market highs, weakening consumer data, and continued uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Two benign inflation reports pushed September rate-hike odds below 40% and…
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Medicare Open Enrollment 2026 Is Coming: 5 Ways to Prepare Now
Medicare Open Enrollment 2026 begins October 15, and while that may feel like plenty of time, preparing early can give you more time to organize your information, understand your current coverage, and identify questions you may want to address once…
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