Blog

Spring into financial transparency

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

The time following Valentine's Day has always served as a reminder that Spring is on the way. The days are getting longer, the birds and the bees are doing their thing, and people everywhere are thinking about future travel and...

European Stocks At All-Time Highs

Christopher Haberl

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Would it surprise you that the U.K. stock market is hitting new all-time highs and several other European markets are either at new highs or approaching new all-time highs?It seems like only a few months ago, European economies...

Words of Wisdom from Warren Buffett

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

The stock market can provide some head-scratching moments, which is why I like Warren Buffet’s quote, “...don’t watch the market closely.”Stocks have been strong this year, and they rallied sharply before...

Is the Bear Market Over?

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

"Is the bear market over?"That's a question I've been asked a number of times in recent weeks. And my answer is the same, "Let's give it a little time."But people are quick to remind me that stocks are off to a good start in 2023,...

Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Results Following Weak Economic Data

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Stocks showed mixed results last week as recession fears resurfaced in response to weak economic data and a tepid start to a new corporate earnings season.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.70%, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: Inflation Cools, Stocks Warm Up

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Stocks rallied last week thanks to fresh confirmation of inflation’s cooling trend and growing optimism that an inflation slowdown may provide the Fed with space to ease up on future rate hikes.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

Weekly Market Insights: New Year's Rally in Reply to Positive Economic News

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

A strong Friday rally triggered by fresh signs of moderating inflation pushed stocks into positive territory to begin the new year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.45%....

Weekly Market Insights: Erratic Holiday Trading Leaves Stocks in Doldrums

Christopher Haberl

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

In a holiday-shortened week, erratic trading left stocks marginally down for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.14%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.30%. The MSCI...

Happy New Year - 2022 into 2023

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

A new year is on the horizon. Each day that comes presents something new and exciting both for you and the people in your life.Is this the year you open the door to something new and exciting? Embark on some new travel adventure? Or...

Discussing Finances Over the Holidays

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

The holiday season is upon us; from story time with sorely missed grandchildren to laughter with friends and family over long-cherished memories, there's little doubt that "the most wonderful time of the year" has arrived.For my family...

Weekly Market Insights: Fed Talks Turkey on Lower Rates, Boosting Markets

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Growing optimism that the Fed may be ready to ease future interest rate hikes sent stocks higher in a quiet trading week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.53%. The Nasdaq...

Weekly Market Insights: Cooling Inflation Brings Market Gains

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

A cooling inflation number ignited a powerful rally on Thursday, sending stocks to strong gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 5.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Slip After Powell Comments

Christopher Haberl

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Hawkish comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, following the announcement of another 75 basis points interest rate hike last week, cast a pall over financial markets, sending yields higher and stocks lower.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Weekly Market Insights: Plenty of Treats for Wall Street This Week

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Stocks overcame poor earnings results from some of America’s largest companies to post gains last week as investors cheered positive earnings surprises, easing inflation and a rebound in economic growth.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Weekly Market Insights: Wall Street Flips the Script & Enjoys a Rally.

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

A positive start to a new earnings season and late-week hopes for a near-term easing in Fed rate hikes lifted investors’ spirits and powered stocks to gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 4.89%, while the...

Have a Hopeful Halloween

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Lately, "inflation" seems to be the media's favorite word. Everywhere you turn, there's another story about the impact of inflation. For example, many news outlets have reported that confectionary prices have surged over 30% from last...

Have a Hopeful Halloween

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Lately, "inflation" seems to be the media's favorite word. Everywhere you turn, there's another story about the impact of inflation. For example, many news outlets have reported that confectionary prices have surged over 30% from last...

What’s the Fed’s Master Plan?

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Wall Street is always searching for a hero to embrace or a villain to blame. And right now, Fed Chair Jerome Powell is the villain.After the September Fed meeting, Powell said interest rates may be heading higher for longer than...

Life Doesn't Stand Still

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. If you haven’t reviewed your insurance profile in a while, you may be surprised that what made sense in the past no longer fits your life.Here are some ways to quickly evaluate your...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Upbeat, Despite Gloomy Inflation Talk

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

In a holiday-shortened week of trading, stocks posted healthy gains despite more tough talk on monetary policy from Fed officials.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 3.65%. The...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Sag, Job Numbers Soar

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

The overhang of Fed Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole speech the previous week carried over into last week as investors recalibrated stock valuations amid a seemingly more assertive monetary policy stance.The Dow Jones Industrial...

These Months are More Volatile Than Others

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

We’re entering a tricky time of year: September and October have a reputation for bringing an extra measure of market volatility.Some of the stock market’s most challenging events have hit in September and October, and...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Tap Brakes, But Hold Fast Against Downbeat News

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Stocks tumbled on Friday, sending stocks to a weekly loss after an otherwise quiet August week of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped -0.16%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 1.21%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

An Everything Bagel of Good News

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

These days, an encouraging word can feel like a relief. Here are a few positive stories I’ve noticed lately – like an “everything bagel” sprinkled with good news.I saw a recent report in The Guardian about the...

Where There's A Will

Christopher Haberl

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

"Where there's a will, there's a way." Sage advice that applies not only to our lives but to your estate strategy.When was the last time you reviewed your will or estate strategy? August is National "Make a Will" Month, an excellent...

Companies Winning Despite Sour Economy

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Sometimes, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion.And this may be one of those times.Government reports are telling a rather bleak story about the economy. The headlines talk about high inflation, rising interest rates, and a...

3 Tips for the Second Half of 2022

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

With half the year behind us, now is a great time to consider what the remainder of 2022 may hold. However, with inflation and economic uncertainty causing many of us to delay or cancel vacations, large purchases, and more, it can be...

How SECURE 2.0 Might Change Retirement

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

The SECURE Act of 2019 represented the biggest update to retirement law in over a decade. Now, Congress is deliberating on what “SECURE 2.0” legislation might entail.In March, the House passed the Securing a Strong...

3 Shrewd Maneuvers in a Down Market

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

It’s natural to think “defense” during a bearish market season. But why not mix in some “offense” with your defense? Here are three moves we can discuss together that may be helpful during the current...

Summertime Checkup

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Summer’s here, and the time is right for vacations, outdoor activities, and fun. It’s also a good time to consider a few financial matters. Here are some questions to ask yourself mid-year.Goals still the same for 2022? Has...

Comics, Collectibles, and Coping with Calamity

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Rare collectibles can provide an entertaining form of alternative “investment,” and might seem particularly intriguing when markets are wobblier than Aunt Gertrude’s jello salad. Comic books can sell for millions of...

Weekly Market Insights: Confidence in Fed Helps Spark Market Rally

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Stocks posted solid gains for the week, buoyed by the release of Fed meeting minutes and upbeat earnings from mid-size and discount retailers.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 6.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced...

Weekly Market Insights: Recession Concerns Rising

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Recession fears grew last week following weak earnings reports from major retailers, sending stocks lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.90%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 3.05%. The Nasdaq Composite index dropped...

The Power of the Consumer

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

A confident consumer can be a powerful ally in an economy. But when the consumer starts to have questions, we can measure consumer confidence in everything from retail sales to home buying to the personal savings rate.In recent months...

Is Inflation Peaking?

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

You see it in prices at the grocery store and the gas station. You feel it in your monthly budget. So why don’t the financial markets seem too concerned about inflation?Remember, financial markets are considered...

2022 Contribution Limits

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Preparing for retirement just got a little more financial wiggle room. This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new contribution limits for 2022.Staying put for 2022 are traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)...

Tax Changes: What's In, What's Out?

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

While it’s still too early to draw any final conclusions, Congress is getting closer to outlining what tax law changes are under consideration to pay for the proposed $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Plan.1For now, it appears...

Estate Taxes May Be Amended Soon

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes.One of the proposals would reduce the estate tax exemption to...

Are Capital Gains Taxes Changing?

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

There are a lot of questions about President Biden’s Build Back Better plan and potential tax law changes, including an adjustment to capital gains taxes.One of the proposals Congress is considering sets the top rate for taxing...

Will the IPO Market Heat Up?

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

If the stock market outlook brightens, there are expectations for a bumper crop of initial public offerings to make their debuts over the next several weeks.Somewhere between 90 to 110 IPOs are preparing to come public by the end of...

Weekly Market Insights: Wild Week of Contagion Concerns

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Stocks prices were whipsawed last week, dragged initially lower by financial contagion worries and later lifted by a supportive Fed policy statement.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.62%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Happy Equinox!

Christopher Haberl

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

The Autumnal Equinox approaching on September 22 is a day with 12 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of darkness. This balance of day and night serves as a reminder of the change of seasons, and heralds the coming of fall colors and...

The September Effect

Christopher Haberl

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

The stock market notched its 7th straight month of gains in August, and the Standard & Poor's 500 index has set 53 new highs so far in 2021.1During August, stocks rallied as investors looked past the increased number of COVID-19...

The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients.It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1...

With all the attention given to inflation, stock prices, and job reports, it’s been easy to overlook the remarkable move in the bond market during the past few months.The yield on the 10-year treasury closed at 1.37% on Friday,...

With June officially behind us, it’s time to face the facts: we’re headed toward the second half of 2021. While there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the rest of summer, we encourage you to slow down and check up on...

Summertime rouses our desire to hit the road (or the airport) and travel. Here are a few things you’ll want to consider before you take off.Employment Issues for Airlines: Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights due to...

Recently, you may have seen a number of major cryptocurrencies fall thanks to a continuing sell-off that began last week. In fact, over $250 billion was lost in the crypto market alone.1It may be tempting to view this as another...

One of the most anticipated comebacks of 2021 isn’t an athlete, rock star, or movie franchise. It’s summer travel, and it appears to be back with a vengeance.Travel agents are working 14-hour days to meet the needs of...

Recently, you may have seen headlines regarding the Securing a Strong Retirement Act, also referred to as the second version of the SECURE Act, or SECURE Act 2.0.As the bill moves from the House of Representatives to the Senate, many...

Over Memorial Day weekend, gasoline prices hit the highest for this holiday weekend since 2014.1With the Colonial Pipeline outage in the rear-view mirror and an ever-increasing number of adults vaccinated, formerly cooped-up motorists...

Optimism over the economic reopening and renewed enthusiasm for technology and other high-growth companies powered the stock market higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

The talk is of tapering, and it’s making investors nervous.The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) released the minutes of its April meeting last week. The report suggested that should the economy continue to make progress, it...

Stock prices fluctuated amid inflation concerns and bargain hunting, leaving stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.51%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.43%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...

A cyberattack shut down a major gas and energy pipeline supplying the East Coast of the United States for several days. The actual pipelines themselves are still functional and have since started running again, but it’s led to...

What does it mean when two of the most powerful voices in American financial life seem to be saying two different things?In one corner, we have the “Oracle of Omaha,” investor Warren Buffett. As one of the nation’s...

Stocks meandered around a flatline in a busy week of corporate earnings, ending the trading week slightly lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.50%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 was flat (+0.02%). The Nasdaq...

Investors looking for "green shoots" to confirm that the economy is on the mend have seen plenty of examples in recent weeks. Retail sales rose 9.8% in March, the largest monthly gain since May 2020. It's important to remember that...

In a speech to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has called for a minimum corporate income tax that would be shared by countries all over the world.1The decrease of corporate tax rates around...

It can be exhausting trying to keep up with the whims of Wall Street.Lately, the financial markets have been fixated on federal taxes and what may be proposed on Capitol Hill in the weeks and months ahead.Wall Street’s focus on...

Are your financial goals well-defined? While "I want to have lots of money" may sound like a great goal, it's just too vague. How much is "lots?" If you don’t know … how will you know when you have it? And will the...

Recently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that tax season will start a little later than usual. This year the IRS will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax returns on Friday, February 12, 2021.1In light of the December...

There’s an old Wall Street maxim that says, “markets climb a wall of worry.” And these days, there’s plenty to worry about with the trend in long-term interest rates.The 10-year Treasury yield in recent weeks...

Stocks touched new record highs last week as bond yields steadied, a fiscal relief bill was signed into law, and confidence in a strong economic recovery grew.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.07%, while the Standard &...

St. Patrick’s Day is fast approaching! On March 17, the annual celebration of Irish culture begins with parades, festive music, and fun from coast to coast. Celtic music, Irish pastries, corned beef and cabbage, the camaraderie,...

At this time last year, it was still unknown that a deadly global pandemic was on the rise, eventually stalling economic growth and sending crude oil prices into negative territory. But recently, oil prices have surged, with crude...

Stock prices inched higher last week amid declining COVID-19 cases, a pick-up in vaccinations, and progress on a fiscal relief bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.00%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.23%....

Recently, Jeff Bezos, one of the wealthiest people in the world, announced he would take a different role at his company. Corporate moves make the news all the time, but for the largest companies, the story can jump from the business...

You may have heard the news about stocks for certain companies suddenly ballooning, quickly going from lunch money prices to several hundred dollars a share. In one case, the shares rose over 1700% since December 2020.1 So, what...

Anticipation of a new fiscal stimulus and improved vaccine distribution powered stocks to fresh record highs last week with technology stocks leading the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.59%, while the Standard &...

Markets drifted lower last week as uninspired investors digested mixed news on the economic front.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.91% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slid 1.48%. The Nasdaq Composite index stumbled 1...

The first week of 2021 has already had many ups and downs. Just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean that the 2020 issues go away, and so far, 2021 has been no exception to this rule.The markets opened on January 4 and...

Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased...

Hardly a day goes by that the topic of bitcoin or other cryptocurrency assets doesn’t come up in meetings with clients and prospects or from friends and relatives who want to know, “what all the buzz is about?”The...

For many of us, 2020 has been a year unlike any other. For some, it’s brought hardships that have tested the hardiest of souls. For others, it has brought unspeakable loss.Yet, we press on, and as we do, we may be surprised to...

Your investment strategy is a lot like a marriage. One day you may feel like everything’s going swimmingly. The next day, there might be an argument over who forgot to load the dishwasher. And even the best marriages and...

Stocks marched higher last week on an improving outlook for the passage of a fiscal stimulus package.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on 1.67%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

With all the election chatter and stock market volatility, it may have been easy to miss the ongoing uptrend in long-term interest rates.The yield on the 10-year Treasury bond is sitting just below 1%. Just a few short months ago, the...

As the United States sees a rise in cases of COVID-19 across the nation, news of two promising vaccines out of hundreds being tested has offered a ray of hope for a fatigued world.1A positive reaction to these vaccines affects every...

With the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates at or near zero, you may wonder about your mortgage. Is it a good time to refinance or even pay off the debt entirely? After all, your mortgage is one of the biggest expenses you may...

After many weeks of telegraphing a long and careful ballot count, this week’s election lived up to that prediction in races for the Senate, the House, and the presidency. While Americans voted Tuesday, Wall Street cast its...

Stock prices dropped last week as hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill faded and investors focused on rising COVID-19 infections, here and abroad.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 6.47%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

The failure to reach an agreement on a new fiscal stimulus bill soured investor sentiment and sent stocks modestly lower for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 0.53%....

On October 13, 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 1.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2021. This adjustment will begin with benefits payable...

It’s a startling statistic.45% of consumers with $100,000 or more investable assets expect to make changes to their investments due to the upcoming 2020 presidential election.1Second-guessing your investment strategy is natural,...

As the U.S. presidential election draws near, expect to see more and more headlines that propose, "What will happen next if this person is elected?" or, "What policy changes to prepare for in the next four years?"In reality, however,...

Due to COVID-19, Americans are spending more time at home than ever before, leading to a record amount of spending on home improvement.1It’s not that big of a surprise since many Americans now find their homes are doing triple...

In our uncertain climate, it’s unsurprising that when American investors are thinking about their financial strategy, that the topic of life insurance comes up.For some, it’s always been front of mind. For younger...

In economics, one might classify statistics that measure overall business activity as either leading indicators, lagging indicators, or coincident indicators.Leading indicators attempt to point toward a future activity while lagging...

Let’s hear it for the dads, the ones who help us grow, give us guidance, and look out for us in a million different ways. In celebration of Father’s Day, here are some of the ways you can honor the father-figures in your...

Thanksgiving is America’s second favorite holiday,1 and it offers something for everyone. You can enjoy family togetherness, feasting, football, school plays, parades, gratitude, and, of course, shopping. If you’re a traditionalist,...

“American soldiers in battle don’t fight for what some president says on TV. They don’t fight for Mom, apple pie, the American flag. They fight for one another. ”1 Stars and Stripes used the words of Lieutenant Colonel Harold “Hal”...

In the 1970s, a TV episode of The Odd Couple taught viewers never to assume.1 It’s a lesson we appear to have forgotten. Many Americans assume Medicare will provide financial assistance to help with long-term care costs in retirement....

In the 1970s, a TV episode of The Odd Couple taught viewers never to assume.1 It’s a lesson we appear to have forgotten. Many Americans assume Medicare will provide financial assistance to help with long-term care costs in retirement....

People of a certain age will remember ‘It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.’ The animated television special debuted in 1966,1 way back when there were only a few channels and you had to get out of your seat to change them from one...

That’s how much Americans had spent on pain relief medications and treatments when the Institute of Medicine (IOM) completed its report in 2011. If you factor in lost productivity, the economic cost of pain rose to more than $560...

If you ask people what creates stress in their lives, money is often at the top of the list. Stress in America: Paying With Our Health found money was a somewhat or a very significant source of stress in the lives of 64 percent of...

Labor Day weekend — the three days dedicated to celebrating American workers — marks the end of summer and, for some, the start of a new school year. It’s a good time to relax and ponder thoughts about work and play: “No work is...

You may not have heard of the Longevity Market but, if you’re older than 50, you’re one of its 74.9 million members.1 It may be easiest to think of the Longevity Market as another way of describing the Baby Boom and preceding...

Most investors are familiar with the maxim ‘buy low and sell high.’ The unfortunate reality is that it’s a difficult principle to follow. Buying low often means investing in a company when its shares are priced below full value.Of...

Would you accompany a group of high school students studying photojournalism and social change in Argentina? How about a group learning about language and culinary traditions in France? Does working for a season or two in a great place...

Our Founding Fathers structured American democracy and left a legacy that has greatly influenced the world. This Fourth of July, see what you know about the Founding Fathers by taking this brief quiz. 1. Who were America’s Founding...

You may be asking yourself whether that’s a trick question. After all, almost one-third of 18- to 34-year-olds are still living at home with their parents. It is, in fact, the most common living arrangement for this age group and a...

For several years, researchers at Boston College have been studying the experiences and expectations of fathers. As you might suspect, the way in which men understand the role of ‘Dad’ has been changing. While some still believe their...

In medieval times, alchemists sought methods for transforming ordinary metals into gold. Today, just about every adult searches for a means of transforming savings into a retirement’s worth of income. Recently, they received help from...

Before the big barbecue, take time this Memorial Day weekend to honor the men and women who gave their lives fighting for our country. If you’re looking for a way to remember those brave Americans, here are a few suggestions:1 • Raise...

Scientists have been mapping our mothers’ brains! They haven’t found eyes in the back of her head, or a way to help her worry less, but they are beginning to understand the mother-child bond better:1 “After centuries of observing...

Super Bowl winners, the length of hemlines, and Sports Illustrated covers – all of these have been used to develop theories about the direction in which stock markets may be headed. Presidential elections and terms have also inspired a...

If you receive a voice or email message from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or you field a phone call from an IRS agent informing you “you owe back taxes” and “you better pay now or be arrested (or deported)...

College students have steep learning curves. In high school, they were tasked with doing well academically, participating in extracurricular activities, complying with the rules of their parents’ homes and, possibly, having a job...

If wars were fought with words, Ireland would be ruling the world. --Irish proverb1 The wit and humor of the Irish is legendary, as is their ability to weave words into poems, prose, folk tales, and song. On this St. Patrick’s...

Will You Be My Valentine?

Sandra Rodriguez

Monday, March 14, 2016

A loaded question, “Will you be my Valentine?” What exactly does that question mean? A valiant heart Valentinus was a relatively common name in the late Roman Empire, meaning “strength.” Words with the same root...

Are you looking for just the right Valentine’s Day message for someone you love? Here are a few suggestions that have a decidedly financial twist from 14 Ways an Economist Says I Love You by Liz Fosslien. The messages are...

The world’s first central bank offered unprecedented convenience. It gave 17th century Swedes the option to pay with paper notes rather than 40-pound copper plates, which were the currency units of the Swedish empire at the time....

Jan/Feb Events in H.B.

Christopher Haberl

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Jan/Feb Events in HB

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a complex man who took an unconventional approach to a difficult problem. He used non-violent protests to focus attention on civil rights in the United States. While he fought the status quo, he...

Instead of a New Year resolution, start a conversation

Sandra Rodriguez

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

By Sandra Rodriguez I spent part of today roaming around several websites looking at New Year resolution articles. It’s that time of year when people ask what resolutions you plan to make. So many of the articles are the same… make a...

Understanding 2016’s Higher Medicare Part B PremiumsOne-in-seven Medicare enrollees will pay higher Medicare Part B monthly premiums during 2016. Their premiums will be $121.80 each month, an increase of 16 percent. While...

From early Babylonians to present-day Americans, people have been celebrating the beginning of every new year for almost four thousand years!1 Here are a few ways people celebrate the holiday in the United States:2 61 percent of...

December is full of high spirits and good cheer. If you browse online, you’ll find some surprising holidays amidst more well-known celebrations. Just in case you need more reasons to celebrate the season, here is a list of major...

Not What You Think!

Sandra Rodriguez

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

December, calories, carbs, alcohol… oh my! We have a tendency to eat too much, drink too much and overdo a lot. That’s not what I am writing about today. Today we are going to talk about a different kind of holiday diet that includes...

December Events in the OC

Christopher Haberl

Monday, December 7, 2015

Old World Christmas Market - Huntington BeachDecember 6, 13, 20, 2015 11:00 am – 4:00 pm German Christmas Market with German Food, Bratwurst, Arts & Crafts, Handmade Gifts, Gluehwein and Christmas Cookies.Take Photos with Santa Claus,...

Thanksgiving traditions aren’t quite as straightforward as the elementary school plays about Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a feast would have us believe. History.com suggests that’s because Thanksgiving is,...

Taking Gratitude for Granted

Sandra Rodriguez

Monday, November 16, 2015

November, Thanksgiving in particular, is all about gratitude, giving thanks and feeling grateful. Research suggests that the more we stop to appreciate what we have, the healthier and happier we will be. It’s easy, though, to take the...

Veterans are skilled leaders and problem solvers who have a lot to offer in and out of the service. Got Your 6, a campaign to empower veterans in America, offered some interesting insights about the men and women who have chosen to...

You may have heard of tax loss harvesting. Some people harvest losses every year, while others do so only when they have taken significant capital gains or have received more income than expected during a given year (perhaps they sold...

October, how can that be? Wasn’t it just June and 6 months until Christmas? I blinked and here we are, the holidays are almost upon us! And then this happens to you – you make plans for how and when to get everything done...

A number you’re probably not looking for is 1.5 billion. That’s the number of pounds of pumpkins grown every year. History.com said that’s more than twice the weight of the Empire State Building. Here are a few other interesting...

If you’re 57 or older, it’s a pretty good bet you take at least one prescription medication. If you take more than one, it’s really important to understand how the drugs may interact with one another in your system – particularly, if...

Twenty-five years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, guaranteeing disabled Americans – people with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities – equal opportunity in employment, transportation, government...

Leave Your Worries Behind in Surf City USADiscover all there is to do in Huntington Beach including upcoming events such as Halloween Downtown and Oktoberfest! FUN Oktoberfest at Old World Now - November 1 FESTIVE Halloween Downtown...

OMG – it’s September already??? In the blink of an eye, two-thirds of 2015 is already gone and we are entering the home stretch, the countdown to the end of the year. What the @#$%^& happened to all those months, all my plans? How will...

Workers are essential to innovation and success. According to the London School of Economics (LSE), they’re a source of ideas for new products, new services, new approaches to work, and new business models.1Worker-led innovation must...

Workers are essential to innovation and success. According to the London School of Economics (LSE), they’re a source of ideas for new products, new services, new approaches to work, and new business models.1Worker-led innovation must...

When I was in college, long before desktop computers, the Internet, e-books and Pinterest, I would receive in the mail the college catalog for the next fall semester. I spent hours poring over all the entries, hundreds of classes in...

Healthcare. Retirement. Those may be two of the most stressful words in the English language today. Especially when you include them both in the same sentence. For instance, a married couple that saves $326,000 has a 90 percent chance...

How Do You Make Money in Stocks?Have you ever watched Family Feud? Perhaps you were a child when Richard Dawson hosted the game show or maybe you enjoy the current version. No matter, take a moment and:• Name a three-letter word that...

People think about character in many different ways. You have probably heard or may have commented on someone else’s character by saying:• She is a woman of good character.• What a character!• That was really out of character.• He has...

Achieving U.S. citizenship can be life changing, but it is not easy. Those who aspire to become American citizens must pass a 100-question naturalization test and answer six of 10 questions correctly during their naturalization...

While your high school student is taking standardized tests, parsing college choices, and raring for graduation, you’ll probably find yourself spending some time with net income calculators on college websites. Whether your family’s...

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 California Impressionism Huntington Beach Art Center 538 Main St. Huntington Beach, CA 714-374-1650 Now through July 4, 2015 Huntington Beach Art Center Huntington Beach 538 Main...

Modern dads are a diverse bunch. They may go to work or stay at home with the kids. They may be single, married, or dating. They may be birth parents, adoptive parents, or step-parents.1 They may be expected to teach children morals...

Scarred, flawed, but still Mom Posted By Sandra Rodriguez On May 9, 2015 @ 10:07 am In Calendar,May,Themed | No Comments The word/idea/reality “mother” conjures up so many possibilities: biological, surrogate, adopted, step, foster,...

There are many ways to show gratitude for the sacrifices made by the men and women who have died while fighting for our freedom. In 1868, General John Logan issued a Memorial Day Order that said:1“Let us, then, at the time appointed,...

When you think “Mom,” it’s likely your brain conjures up a scent or a story or a song that feels like home. Here are a few inspiring and heartfelt words that have been written about the value and importance of mothers:“A mother enables...

It all depends on you. Thanks to the Baby Boom generation, pre-retirees and retirees have a lot more options than did previous generations of Americans. There is a lot to consider before you decide where to live during retirement: your...

Before you know it – thanks to smart phones, tablets, and wireless technology – your home will be connected to the Internet of Things. Sure, home automation costs a few shekels, but just imagine it! You could be the envy of Jane Jetson...

Spring is the season for planting. There are many different kinds of gardens to grow. You can plant seeds, bulbs and rhizomes. You might plant flowers — annuals and perennials. You could plant vegetables. You can plant trees and vines....

Can it be March already? Didn’t the year just begin? How can it be Spring already? Be sure to mark March 20, 2015, 3:45 p.m. PDT on your calendars so that you don’t miss it. It’s much more positive than that dang Groundhog Day....

Mom, I need 4 dozen cookies for the class Christmas Party! Honey, my boss wants us to bring an unwrapped gift for the family we are “adopting” at work. Sandra, come on over the weekend before Christmas for our annual Open House!...

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Gratitude is not just another word, it’s a way of life Thanksgiving is a time for eating (don’t forget the eating, as if!), counting blessings, giving thanks and giving to others....

Trick or Treat? It’s Halloween! In front of you is a huge bag, full of calorie-laden candy. You think, I am strong and I will eat only one piece of candy! Care to make a wager? The last week of October is the beginning of the TRICK OR...

Staring me in the face on the back of a bus this week was an advertisement for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society featuring their tag line, ’someday is today.’ As I waited for the light to change I had time, plenty of time, to think about...

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 It’s Summertime and there is SO much to do in Huntington Beach. Highlighted below are activities outdoors – it is Summer after all!) happening around town in July (and a hint at...

Far too often in life when bad things happen, we let them pull us down. We fall hard and feel as though we can’t get back up. While it may seem impossible to fathom, we can always find a bright side when things get rough. I guess...

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Our heads are round so that thoughts can change direction. -Francis Picabia, painter and poet (1879-1953)...

First, recurring events: *Every Tuesday: Surf City Nights - Every Tuesday night downtown Time: 5:00 PM See more at:http://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/residents/calendar/calendar_day.cfm?day=6&month=5&year=2014#sthash.8EIgcF1j.dpuf *3rd...

A Springtime Gift for You! Almost three months of 2014 are already in the rear-view mirror. And I would bet that you began the year, as most of us did, with a list of resolutions...

March 2014 Huntington Beach Activities Tuesday, March 4, 2014 Surf City Nights: Street Fair, Farmer's Market Entertainment for all ages, from kids to seniors Time: 5 - 9 p.m. Cost:...

Here are some fun local activities and events in Huntington Beach for the month of February that are affordable and offer fun for the whole family.Sunday, February 2nd, 2014:Surf City USA Marathon & Half-MarathonHuntington City...

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 First Quarter 2014 Market Update Haberl Wealth Management is hosting an Informative and Educational Workshop Are you wondering what is happening in the markets? Please join us for...

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Investing a few hours to create and maintain a household budget may be the key to identifying opportunities to save more for the future, including for long-term goals such as retirement. Yet it's surprising how few households take the...

Most children don't make plans for their higher education until they are well into high school, but the foundation for saving and planning for college can take place much earlier.

Before launching a campaign to raise your credit score, know what you are shooting for. Get a current copy of your credit report and review it for accuracy. All U.S. consumers are entitled to free annual credit reports from the major...

Local Events in Huntington Beach, CA – Fun, inexpensive or free activities for the whole family in Orange County.

For some time, “the luck of the Irish” has been associated with March 17th and four-leaf clovers. How did the four leaf clover become synonymous with "Irish Luck"?

Pursuing short-term financial goals -- those that you'd like to achieve within one to five years, such as a down payment on a home or car -- can require a different strategy than pursuing long-term goals. Here are some steps to help...

Proper long-term financial planning requires time, skill, discipline, and confidence -- a combination that many individuals may lack. It's understandable that so many individuals are reluctant to take on the responsibility of...

Free February Fun! It is always a smart financial move to find fun free local activities. Here are some interesting family-friendly activities happening this month in Huntington Beach that are big on fun and low on cost!

The more business we do and information we share online, the more identity theft becomes a growing threat to our financial security. There are ways you can help protect your good name and credit. Here are some tips to help keep you and...