Keeping You Informed 

Have you received an inheritance and aren’t sure what to do next? Learn how to decide whether to spend, save, or invest so you can honor your loved one’s gift while securing your financial future.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said that "plans are worthless, but planning is everything." Applied to today, the lesson is that specific geopolitical events are unpredictable, but the fact that they occur regularly is not. The process of structuring a portfolio and making financial plans is designed precisely to deal with this uncertainty. While each event is unique, financial markets have navigated countless wars, crises, and regional conflicts, including the U.S. operation in Venezuela earlier this year. What should investors keep in mind as events unfold in Venezuela, Iran and other nations the coming weeks?

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces represents an unexpected and significant geopolitical event. As has been widely reported, the U.S. military successfully conducted an operation that detained Maduro on charges related to drug trafficking and corruption. President Trump stated in a press conference that the United States will "run" Venezuela and work to expand its oil production. While the humanitarian and geopolitical implications for the Venezuelan people and the region are most important, investors may naturally wonder: What do the actions in Venezuela mean for their portfolios? The move raises many questions around the role of the U.S. in the region, whether this will pave the way for democratic elections in Venezuela? the effect on the narcotics trade? if oil production will increase meaningfully, and how it will impact the sphere of influence of countries like Iran and China?

Conventional wisdom says that what goes up must come down. But even if you view market volatility as a normal occurrence, it can be tough to handle when your money is at stake. There's no foolproof way to handle the ups and downs of the stock market. What strategies will help you cope with volatility?

The Federal Reserve plays a key role in supporting the economy and financial system. While headlines often focus on the Fed's next rate decision, much of the debate on both Wall Street and in Washington is around what the Fed’s role should be. The Fed’s mandate has evolved over time in response to financial crises and business cycle trends. For many investors, this can be a controversial topic, with natural disagreements over the scope of the Fed’s authority and what policy actions it should take today on interest rates and the money supply. Looking ahead into next year, these topics matter because they shape not just near-term policy decisions, but the future of the Fed itself. What context do investors need as Fed headlines dominate the news in the coming months?

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

This article examines one's options when receiving a work bonus or other financial windfalls.

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

Are Investors Holding Too Much Cash? For long-term investors, a growing challenge today is how to manage cash as short-term interest rates fall. What appears safe actually comes with real costs beneath the surface, since holding too much cash can quietly undermine long-term financial goals. This comes at an important time, when some investors find themselves with “cash on the sidelines,” including a record $7.3 trillion held in money market funds.

The famous investing principle "don't fight the Fed" was coined in the 1970s but has only grown in significance. The idea is simple: the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions can have important effects on markets and the economy, so investors should consider them carefully. At the same time, perspective is needed to focus on the overall path of interest rates, and not individual Fed decisions. This is relevant today as the Fed continues its rate-cutting cycle amid a complex economic environment.

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors—Check-in weekly for the most current happenings.

What's the difference between HSAs and FSAs?

Dreaming of a vacation but don’t want the debt? Check out these smart tips for planning a budget-friendly trip without financial stress!

Struggling with a financial setback? This guide offers practical steps to rebuild your finances, from budgeting and debt repayment to boosting your income and securing long-term stability. Read more.

How much should you save for unexpected expenses? Learn how to build the right emergency fund for your financial situation with these tips and tricks!

Financial literacy is the key to a secure future. Read more about why we should teach teens and young adults how to budget, save, and make smart money decisions!

You’ve likely considered using apps or spreadsheets, which are great strategies, to stick to a budget. Here, we share a few more ways to simplify your budget.

Inheriting money is about much more than just an influx of cash into your bank account. Learn more about the psychology of an inheritance windfall and how you can protect your finances and mental health.