COVID-19 | A Reflection On The Effects of The Pandemic
COVID-19 – a reflection on the effects of the pandemic. #covid19vaccination #covid #deltavariant #covid19economy #covid19impact #pandemic #globalpandemic #Signaturewmg #marketupdate #stockmarket Bad takes and a review of the 2020 Coronavirus Outbreak Brian Ransom, MBA, MS Research Director, SWMG August 17, 2021 The Scientific Process: 1. Make observations. 2. Formulate a question. 3. Produce a hypothesis. 4. Test the hypothesis. 5. Review, refine, expand, or reject the hypothesis 6. Restart from 1. The above is the scientific [...]
Exploring the Implications of Restricted Stock Units
Exploring the implications of Restricted Stock Units on #taxes #compensation #wealthmanagement #SignatureWMG In the corporate world, there are a lot of unique compensation packages that include more than just the standard salary, insurance, paid leave, and 401(k) and/or pension. These packages present their own unique challenges for employees to properly manage their benefits. Improper planning can lead to unnecessary tax events, a mismatch in retirement needs to asset levels, or general confusion about the salary packages and the benefits they provide. [...]
2021 Is Halfway Over: How to Conduct a Mid-Year Financial Checkup
Summer is finally in full swing, meaning we’re already about halfway through 2021. After a year like no other, we’re all excited to enjoy the warm weather with friends and family. If you have some time over the coming weeks, take a moment to slow down and check up on your financial wellbeing. Here are six things you can do right away to make sure your goals are being met and your finances are in good shape before heading into the [...]
A Beginner’s Guide to Alternative Investments
Alternatives are investment options beyond the typical stocks, bonds and cash found in most portfolios. They can be tangible assets like precious metals, or they could be financial assets like private equity or hedge funds. Alternatives tend to be riskier than traditional assets, which means investors usually have to meet certain criteria to access them. Here’s a closer look at alternatives and some of the most common options available. What is an alternative investment? An alternative investment is a [...]
What Is Inflation—And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
Climbing commodity prices, ambitious government spending packages due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crash have resurrected a long-dormant fear: runaway inflation. But what is inflation, and is it something to worry about? A lot of the thinking surrounding inflation has changed over the years, and economists disagree on what causes it and how much weight the federal government and Federal Reserve should give it when it sets fiscal and monetary policies. Here’s a closer look: What is inflation? [...]
Where Does the Travel Industry Stand as Summer 2021 Kicks Off?
The travel industry has begun to see growing demand as we move closer to summer. However, not all travel will be the same, as much of the demand is directly related to the COVID-19 vaccine and reduced CDC restrictions. Instead, industry trends have emerged based on individual comfort levels as they apply to different modes of travel. Below we will explore some of the factors that have contributed to an increase in travel and how different industries are responding to it. [...]
5 Tips to Getting Started With the Business Transition Process
At the most basic level, business transition planning is a strategy that can be put into play when a business is sold or changes hands. For company owners nearing retirement, a successful transition plan can play an important part in creating and preserving the value of the business after its changed hands. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to maximize the return on your investment as you prepare for retirement. Tip #1: Evaluate Your Market [...]
Military Appreciation Month | 5 Financial Tips For Every Military Family
In honor of Military Appreciation Month, we’re recognizing those in the military as well as their families. Military members and their families face one-of-a-kind challenges, such as deployment to conflict zones, overseas assignments and the constancy of change - all of which make dedicating time to personal finance a challenge. Luckily, there are special tax breaks and other benefits unique to service members. Follow these five tips to take advantage of potential benefits and simplify your military family’s personal finances. Tip #1: [...]
April Is Financial Literacy Month. Do You Have These 5 Finance Basics Down?
Working with a trusted financial professional is important when it comes to strategizing and preparing to meet your financial goals. But as most of us handle money on a daily basis, it’s important to have an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of financial literacy. Below we’ve identified five financial basics everyone should know. Understanding these important concepts can serve as a basis for your financial standings. Basics #1: Debt & Credit Scores Understanding the ways in which credit or debt can [...]