12 Scovil Road, Higganum, CT 06441

(860) 264-1111
[email protected]
Client Portal

Blog

What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s about great financial tips, ongoing current events, ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. We hope you'll find our blogs insightful and educational.  Please share with your colleagues and friends, and let us know what you think.   Wishing you all continued good health, and good fortune!

Sunday, April 7, 2024

One critical area often overlooked by executives is their unvested stock options. It never ceases to amaze me how often unvested options are disregarded as executives leave one employer for another.

Monday, March 18, 2024

Stocks fell for the second straight week on inflation concerns despite a report on consumer prices that was initially well received by investors. Stocks Slide Tuesday was the only bright spot during the week as stock prices rose after...

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Tax season is upon us when we reconcile our dues with Uncle Sam. However, it's also a period when some unscrupulous individuals exploit this necessity, conducting scams to defraud unsuspecting taxpayers. In this digital age, tax scams...

Thursday, March 7, 2024

You’re busy, we get it. With work and home demands, managing your wealth can often be seen as just one more thing for you to do. As a result, it often gets pushed to the back burner. You have good intentions and the reality is...

Monday, March 4, 2024

America is emerging from winter, and many will be ready for sun and fun. Spring Break is an important date in the nation’s leisure calendar: Morning Consult says that 30% of Americans had springtime travel plans last year,...

Show All

Thursday, February 29, 2024

As we continue through 2024, I wanted to share some data that many may find positive. Fidelity Investments just announced that 440,000 retirement savers reached an incredible milestone in 2023: $1 million in their 401(k).1 That's...

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Ask yourself this question: Is your Advisor a specialist or a generalist? Does he or she have a focused set of skills and resources to serve the unique needs of your family, or are they more general by providing basic advice for...

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Over the years, I've come to believe that learning to navigate financial discussions and events in a relationship is a "must" that transcends generations. However, recent data shows that Gen Z and Millennial couples are forging their...

Friday, February 9, 2024

There’s a quote I use often by Harvey MacKay: “Time is free, but it is priceless. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it you can never get it back.” Understanding the concept of how...

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Executive compensation can leave you with a substantial equity concentration and you may wish to think about diversifying the risk involved in this. Although such equity concentration can be enviable while the company is doing well,...

Monday, February 5, 2024

Stocks pushed higher last week as investors cheered mega-cap tech corporate reports and a better-than-expected employment report. Stocks at New Highs At the beginning of the week, stocks surged, anticipating fourth-quarter corporate...

Friday, February 2, 2024

As the much-anticipated Super Bowl LVIII draws nearer, I thought sharing some fascinating details about the big event that will have us all on the edge of our seats would be interesting. Let's huddle up and review the stats that make...

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

It started with a question during a recent new client interview: I know I don't have TENS of millions of dollars, but where do I fall on the scale for your firm? I need a lot of help but may not need everything you offer, so how do I...

Monday, January 29, 2024

Stocks continued their upward climb last week as excitement around big tech continued; positive economic reports stoked investors’ belief that the Federal Reserve has pulled off a soft landing. Stocks Power Ahead Big tech was...

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Time's Person of the Year, Taylor Swift, is shaking off economic downturns and hitting high notes not just on stage but in the U.S. economy, too. The pop sensation's impressive impact extends beyond her record-breaking music, reaching...

Monday, January 22, 2024

Stocks finished higher last week, with big tech again leading amid lingering uncertainty over how continued economic strength would influence the Fed’s rate decision. Stocks Dip, Then Rally  Stock prices dropped early in...

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Early Retirement or Voluntary Retirement packages aren’t something new or genuine to the current global pandemic, so navigating your options and steps to take can be done so with some seasoning. These packages are usually offered...

Monday, January 8, 2024

Stocks retreated in the first trading week of 2024, struggling a bit after a celebratory end to last year as investors second-guessed Fed signals and fretted over lingering inflation concerns. New Year Blues Stocks got off to a rough...

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...

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Without Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen and the rest of the cast around him, who would Michael Jordan be known as today? Would we still want to fly like Mike? He likely would not have the same number of rings, wins and records. Would we...

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 18, 2023

Fed Chair Powell finally made his much-anticipated “pivot” at the close of the Fed’s two-day December meeting, saying he sees short-term rates heading lower next year. Perhaps much lower. Surprised but excited, the...

Friday, December 8, 2023

Every year, millions of Americans receive equity shares, or rights to future share purchases, from their employers. Often coming in the form of equity compensation, these share holdings can be a fantastic way for employers to reward...

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Investor enthusiasm for stocks remained strong last week, buoyed by declining bond yields in a holiday-abbreviated trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 1.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.00%. The...

Thursday, November 23, 2023

The warmth of the holiday meal beckons. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and observing gratitude.So, as you gather around the table, look around and give thanks for the family and friends surrounding you. Give...

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Budgeting can be such a scary term for many people. In actuality, once you implement a budget it can be quite freeing. We all have a certain amount of income coming into our homes and a certain number of expenditures that causes that...

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start...

Friday, November 10, 2023

As successful executives, you constantly strive for optimal financial outcomes, both personally and professionally. Now that the dust of tax season has settled, I want to shed light on an often-overlooked strategy that can...

Monday, November 6, 2023

“Oh, I see now why you kept telling me this every year”. When the lightbulb goes on for a client, and you hear those words, it’s a very rewarding feeling. You see, there are times where we lay the groundwork for years...

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Investors know that the stock market moves in cycles, but few are comfortable when the cycle takes stock prices lower. And since late August, the cycle has been decidedly lower. If you’re looking for reasons to worry, you...

Monday, October 30, 2023

Amid a busy week of corporate earnings reports, stocks slumped on cautious earnings guidance, fears of higher interest rates, and growing anxiety over the increasing amount of Treasury bonds and notes coming to market. The Dow Jones...

Friday, October 27, 2023

A few years back, I met with a very smart executive that made a mistake with his 401(k) that was so big I hesitated to expose to him the gravity of his error. You see, this was one of those mistakes that a person would not even know...

Friday, October 20, 2023

I've seen the "Boomerang Generation" in more than a few headlines lately. These young adults return, or "boomerang," to their parents' homes as they attempt to navigate the property market. The key culprit is mortgage rates nearing...

Monday, October 16, 2023

The Social Security Administration has announced a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024. This adjustment means the average Social Security retiree beneficiary will see their monthly check increase by about $57 to $1,849,...

Monday, October 9, 2023

The Fed’s ongoing pledge of “higher interest rates for longer” has rattled financial markets and raised the cost of everything from mortgages to credit cards. Now adding to tensions are the recent events in the...

Monday, October 9, 2023

I hope this email finds you in high "spirits" as we approach the spookiest time of the year. As the days creep closer to Halloween, confectioners weave a sweet web in preparation for this enchanting holiday. Did you know that the...

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

Rising bond yields and fears of a government shutdown hammered stocks last week, with technology shares bearing the brunt of the retreat. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.89%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 2.93%...

Friday, September 22, 2023

In light of the recent cyberattack in Las Vegas, I want to address an increasingly critical issue in today's digital age: cybersecurity. Hackers are increasingly using a tactic known as "social engineering," which involves hacking...

Monday, September 11, 2023

Concerns that the Fed may raise interest rates soured investor sentiment, sending stocks lower in a holiday-shortened trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.29%....

Friday, September 1, 2023

For a few years now, Ted and I have been asked about crypto currencies, what our opinions are & whether we recommend investing in the space. Of course, much of this was while crypto "values" raged and the media acted like Don King...

Monday, August 28, 2023

Stocks fluctuated last week, jostled by fitful bond yields and headline news, before ending strongly following Fed Chair Powell’s comments on the monetary outlook. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.45%, while the...

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Ever considered writing your own will? While you can draft a will on your own, there are plenty of reasons why you may not want to go that route. Most people do it to save money, but they may overlook or forget to take care of some...

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Stocks retreated last week as bond yields increased following the Treasury's announcement indicating “a larger-than-expected funding need” and a downgrade in the federal government’s debt rating. The Dow Jones...

Monday, August 7, 2023

“Big jobs usually go to the men who prove their ability to outgrow small ones.” – Theodore Roosevelt My stepfather has a small boat. He’s a good fisherman and loves taking the grandkids out on the lake where I...

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

The Federal Reserve has a dual mandate—manage inflation and maximize employment. But sometimes, those economic goals conflict with each other. As you can see in the accompanying chart, labor shortages in 2022 pressured...

Thursday, July 27, 2023

You may have heard of the cultural craze that's caused a recent box office boom. Dubbed "Barbenheimer," the odd cinematic pairing of Gretta Gerwig's "Barbie" and Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" is proving to be exactly what tinsel...

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Stocks moved to the rhythm of earnings season last week, initially rising on positive earnings surprises and faltering later in the week on key earnings disappointments.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.08%, while the...

Friday, July 21, 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 &...

Monday, July 10, 2023

It’s one thing to love your employer. It’s a whole other thing to love your employer’s stock.Let’s rewind the clock and go back to the eve of the new millennium. It’s New Year’s Eve 1999 and you...

Monday, July 3, 2023

Now that summer is in full swing, it's the perfect time to take a trip. But sometimes, even your best-laid plans go a little off-kilter.Here are a few of the most common travel issues and how to make sure that no matter what happens,...

Monday, July 3, 2023

Stocks posted gains for the week to close out a stellar month, aided by positive economic data and reports that all major banks had passed the Federal Reserve’s annual stress test.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.02%,...

Thursday, June 1, 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 29, 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...

Friday, May 26, 2023

What is a bull market, and more importantly, who determines if we are in one?Technically speaking, a bull market is defined as a 20% gain in a stock market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500, from a closing low.So are we in one?...

Tuesday, May 23, 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 &...

Friday, April 21, 2023

In chaos, everything appears to be a risk. In these turbulent times, it’s common for investors to start questioning what is financially safe and what is at risk. Particularly if your employer is going through a bankruptcy, as we...

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 14, 2023

When events like Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank happen, it's natural to wonder how a bank safeguards your funds. Fortunately, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance was designed for this very reason:...

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

March is Women's History Month, a time to recognize the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. This year's theme is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories," We're honored to share a few examples of women who continue to...

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

A late-week surge, triggered by reassuring Fed-speak, propelled stocks higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up 2.58% for...

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Growing concerns about further interest rate hikes, prompted by fresh economic data, reversed early-week gains and left stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Monday, January 30, 2023

Stocks added to their early 2023 gains amid a busy stream of mixed corporate earnings results and conflicting economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.47%. The Nasdaq...

Monday, January 23, 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 &...

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...

Tuesday, January 3, 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...

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Congress spent the final days of 2022 on new reforms designed to help Americans save more for retirement.You may hear the changes called SECURE Act 2.0, which is a follow-up to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement...

Friday, December 30, 2022

While you probably already found your notice in the mail, you may be curious about the COLA increase happening for Social Security recipients in the New Year. Starting in January, beneficiaries will see an 8.7% increase to help offset...

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Stocks ended higher last week as investors navigated the crosscurrents of a potential easing in future rate hikes and continued strength in the labor market.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.24% higher, while the Standard &...

Monday, November 14, 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...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.Individual Retirement...

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...

Thursday, October 20, 2022

How well do you remember 1981? Harrison Ford had his first bow as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Frogger and Donkey Kong were all the rage at video arcades. Bob Ross left the Air Force and took up painting. On top of that,...

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Stocks were mixed last week amid wide intra- and inter-day price swings, as technology shares bore the brunt of the downdraft.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.15% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Monday, September 26, 2022

Last week, Fed Chair Powell said the U.S. would not tame inflation without economic pain. This week heightened recession fears and sent stocks broadly lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 4.00%, while the Standard &...

Monday, August 29, 2022

Most executives realize that if their employer were to file bankruptcy, an unfortunately very real risk for many this past year, their stock benefits will be lost. This can be a tough pill to swallow as stock awards can represent a...

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

When a large portion of your wealth is tied to your employer, a company bankruptcy is devastating. Even if you think your company is financially sound today, but you continue having your wealth tied to that employer in the future, your...

Monday, August 22, 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...

Monday, August 22, 2022

Most executives come to Spurstone with an existing broker/advisor relationship. They may have worked with someone at a bank or brokerage firm who has managed a portfolio for them, sold them some investments, etc. In our experience this...

Friday, August 12, 2022

There’s a quote I use often by Harvey MacKay: “Time is free, but it is priceless. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it you can never get it back.” Understanding the concept of how...

Monday, July 25, 2022

Stocks rallied last week as investor spirits lifted thanks to a better-than-expected start to the second-quarter earnings season.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.55%. The...

Saturday, July 16, 2022

If you’re trying to get an inside edge on Wall Street, you’re probably paying attention to an array of stats and measurements. But there’s one indicator you might be overlooking.I’m talking about the...

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Summer travel is picking up this year. If you’re headed to Europe, you may notice that you get more bang for your buck.Why is that?For the first time in almost 20 years, the U.S. dollar and the euro have reached parity. Souvenirs...

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Prospects of cooling inflation powered a rally in stock prices last week despite growing recession concerns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 5.39%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 climbed 6.45%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

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...

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Monday, May 16, 2022

Monday, April 4, 2022

Stocks spent last week digesting the sharp gains of previous weeks as investors assessed a tightening yield curve, the war in Ukraine, and an uncertain outlook for economic growth and inflation. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

Friday, April 1, 2022

April marks the start of Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized movement to promote and support financial understanding in children and teens. For many, it's a fantastic opportunity to teach and connect with their children...

Monday, March 14, 2022

Monday, February 28, 2022

Monday, February 7, 2022

Stocks managed to gain ground last week as investors turned their focus to corporate earnings. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.05%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.55%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up 2.38%...

Monday, January 24, 2022

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

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...

Monday, January 17, 2022

Gone are the days of a lifelong job with a single employer. As millennials have entered the workforce and the landscape continues to change, it’s not unusual to see entire executive teams move firms seeking new and exciting...

Friday, January 7, 2022

When it comes to life insurance, many successful executives can find themselves in a whole new world. There are many different types of insurance, features, funding options and venues to purchase through. With so much at stake for your...

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

If you weren’t paying close attention, you might have missed it. Fed Chair Jerome Powell dropped the word “transitory” when describing inflation during his recent testimony to Congress.1 Powell had told the story of...

Monday, January 3, 2022

Monday, December 13, 2021

Monday, November 29, 2021

News of a new, highly virulent COVID variant triggered a market sell-off on Friday, sending stocks into negative territory for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2...

Thursday, November 11, 2021

CNBC’s Mad Money host Jim Cramer created the popular FAANG acronym to denote some of the largest, most powerful companies in the world: Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google. Recently, changes in those companies are...

Monday, November 8, 2021

To some, the buying and selling of a company’s stock by corporate officers and directors can be an indicator of Wall Street sentiment. In July 2020, the ratio of companies with executive buying compared with executive selling...

Friday, November 5, 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.1 For now, it appears...

Monday, November 1, 2021

A fresh wave of positive corporate earnings surprises sent markets to new record highs last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.40%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.33%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked...

Monday, October 25, 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...

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Financial markets tend to function best when they have clear, strong leadership. When there’s concern about who’s the boss, markets can struggle. Jerome Powell’s first term as Fed Chair ends in February 2022. Until...

Friday, October 8, 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...

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Plan for tomorrow, today.That seems like sensible advice, doesn't it? Yet a surprising number of people leave no estate plan in place for their survivors. It makes a certain amount of sense. Nobody likes talking about death. But this...

Friday, October 1, 2021

Debates over government debt, taxes, and infrastructure have captured the attention of the nation this week. All eyes are on Washington and Wall Street as these events play out, with potentially far-reaching consequences that seem to...

Monday, September 27, 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...

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Most likely, you’ve heard what’s brewing in Washington, D.C., called by one of these names. The Build Back Better Act. Or the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill. Or the Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan for Working...

Thursday, September 9, 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 2021.1 During August, stocks rallied as investors looked past the increased number of COVID-19...

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

The most recent stats on corporate dividends suggest that global companies are bullish on the world’s economic recovery. Dividends paid to investors are on track to hit $1.4 trillion this year and are expected to stretch even...

Monday, August 2, 2021

The stock market posted small losses last week despite a very strong showing by corporate America.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.36%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 0.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index dropped...

Monday, July 26, 2021

After a year of delays due to the coronavirus, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are officially here. The opening ceremony took place last Friday, July 23, and events will take place over the next two weeks with closing ceremonies on August 8....

Monday, July 19, 2021

It’s long been an aspirational target for entrepreneurs. It literally goes beyond “blue sky,” in terms of location, to a place no business has gone before: Outer Space!Longtime space enthusiast and entrepreneur...

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Strong employment reports and rising consumer confidence sent the stock market broadly higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.02%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 1.67%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Friday, June 18, 2021

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...

Friday, June 4, 2021

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

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

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...

Monday, May 24, 2021

Inflation can be a scary word for people who are retired. It’s code for “prices are going up, but my income may stay the same.”The most recent reading on consumer prices put inflation back into the conversation. The...

Monday, May 17, 2021

A surge in consumer inflation unsettled investors, leading to a turbulent week of trading on Wall Street.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.14%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 1.39%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Friday, April 30, 2021

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...

Monday, April 26, 2021

Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have been the recipient of the latest buzz. NFTs are digital files attached to blockchain codes. If you know anything about digital currencies, you’re probably aware that these blockchain codes are...

Friday, April 16, 2021

Recently, you may have seen reports that a record-low number of homes are available for sale—roughly 1.03 million nationwide. If you compare that to the average number of homes for sale during the past 10 years, it's no surprise...

Monday, April 5, 2021

Overcoming a rocky start, stocks rallied into the close of a holiday-shortened week of trading as technology shares staged a powerful recovery and investors reacted positively to President Biden’s infrastructure spending...

Friday, April 2, 2021

Previously, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year had been automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021.1More time for allHowever,...

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Partnerships: They're what make good things great.For us, we've been fortunate to build Spurstone with fulfilling partnerships with our clients and our institutional resources.SEI has been one of our key partners in delivering elite...

Friday, March 26, 2021

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...

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Less than one month ahead of the traditional date, the I.R.S. has delayed the deadline for filing and paying taxes. The new deadline is May 17, 2021.1,2,3 The delay follows continued disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic and a late...

Monday, March 8, 2021

Stocks were mixed last week as rising bond yields and heightening inflation fears sent stocks on a wild ride, capped by a remarkable Friday afternoon rally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.82%, while the Standard &...

Thursday, February 25, 2021

The acronym “SPAC” is showing up more often these days because there is some big money behind the revitalized investment approach. SPAC stands for Special Purpose Acquisition Company, and they are sometimes referred to as...

Monday, February 22, 2021

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...

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

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%....

Monday, January 11, 2021

The Week on Wall Street Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the Standard &...

Monday, January 4, 2021

The Week on Wall Street 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 &...

Monday, December 21, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks climbed higher amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and an improving outlook for a fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged all year, gained 0.44%. The Standard & Poor’s 500...

Monday, December 14, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq...

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

The Week on Wall Street 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...

Thursday, December 3, 2020

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...

Monday, November 30, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data, and the easing of political uncertainty.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.21%, while the Standard &...

Friday, November 27, 2020

As an investor, it can be tempting to get caught up in daily news headlines. Consider how news about the election and COVID-19 vaccines have moved the markets over the past several weeks. But having a financial strategy can help you...

Monday, November 23, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetDespite news of another COVID-19 vaccine candidate, stocks were mixed amid investor anxiety over an increase in new infections and economic lockdowns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.73%, while the...

Friday, November 20, 2020

Some people think the world has changed as a result of the Coronavirus. In many senses it has, but in others I think there are simply a lot of companies being exposed as the world flies right by them. Right now, you have an opportunity...

Monday, November 16, 2020

The Week on Wall Street News of a COVID-19 vaccine ignited a rally in economically sensitive stocks and a broad retreat in technology companies last week, though enthusiasm was tempered by reports of rising new infections and fresh...

Monday, November 9, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated that a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to changing corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of big technology companies.The Dow Jones...

Monday, November 2, 2020

The Week on Wall Street 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 &...

Monday, October 26, 2020

The Week on Wall Street 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...

Monday, October 19, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks treaded water last week amid fading prospects for a stimulus bill, fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, and increasing political and regulatory pressures on Big Tech companies.The Dow Jones...

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

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,...

Monday, October 12, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks staged a powerful rally last week, riding a wave of optimism over the prospect of the passage of a new fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Monday, October 5, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings....

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

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...

Monday, September 28, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week as worries that stretched from Washington D.C., where prospects of a new fiscal stimulus bill dimmed, to Europe, which saw an increase of new COVID-19 cases.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Friday, September 25, 2020

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,...

Monday, September 21, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped as the technology sector remained under pressure and a mid-week announcement by the Federal Reserve failed to inspire investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.03%, while the Standard...

Monday, September 14, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

The Week on Wall Street A late week sell-off sent stocks broadly lower as investors took some profits after stocks reached all-time highs earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.82%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Monday, August 31, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced relentlessly last week on positive COVID-19 developments, encouraging economic data, and a supportive policy shift in the Fed’s approach to its target inflation rate. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

As a follow-up to my recent blog titled “Executive Musical Chairs”, I like everyone else wonders what’s in store in the days ahead? We are all seeing and experiencing the obvious turmoil. We are living in the new work...

Monday, August 24, 2020

Two high-profile companies—Apple and Tesla—have announced stock splits in the past few weeks, which makes it a great time to discuss what’s involved when a company announces a stock split.Remember, any companies...

Monday, August 24, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks powered to another week of gains as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite set multiple new record highs along the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially unchanged while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Over the last few months, mainly perpetuated by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen some interesting activity happening in the corporate arena. An “Executive Musical Chairs” if you will. I am uncertain as to whether this is...

Monday, August 17, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%...

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Roughly six months after leaving his job for a new opportunity, Mark opened his quarterly benefits statement and had, as he called it, an “Oh Sh$t” moment. With a sinking feeling in his gut, he realized the gravity of the...

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

When working with an executive who has worked at, or is currently working at a publicly traded company, it is rare that we run into an individual who doesn’t have lingering outside holdings of said company. I like to refer to...

Monday, August 10, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetOverlooking stalled efforts by Congress to pass a new fiscal stimulus bill, stocks marched higher last week with the Dow Jones Industrials leading the way and the NASDAQ Composite setting multiple fresh record...

Monday, August 3, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week amid a busy week of earnings, some troubling economic data, and seemingly little progress on a new fiscal stimulus package.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the...

Monday, July 27, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped in the final days of trading last week on higher jobless claims and rising tensions in the U.S.-China relationship. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor's 500...

Friday, July 24, 2020

Lately, it can feel like each day brings a new headline about fluctuating market behavior. But amid the ups and downs of 2020, there may be some potential good news on the horizon. On July 16, 2020, the interest rate for a 30-year...

Monday, July 20, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.29%,...

Monday, July 13, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices notched solid gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.96%, while the...

Monday, July 6, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetIn a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%,...

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Getting sued by a former employer sucks! Even if you win, it can be an enormous time, financial and mental expense.Here's an interesting read for any of you executives considering new job offers. Here's a Connecticut native executive...

Monday, June 29, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetA jump in COVID-19 cases dampened investor enthusiasm last week, sending stock prices lower on worries that rising infections could derail the economic recovery. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 3.31%,...

Monday, June 22, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStocks moved higher last week on news of more Federal Reserve market support and diminished concerns that new COVID-19 cases might lead to another economic shutdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.04%,...

Monday, June 15, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetInvestor sentiment turned negative last week, amid an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in states where reopening has been underway as well as a subdued economic forecast from the Federal Reserve. The Dow...

Monday, June 8, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetA positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Monday, June 1, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetThe shortened week, which began with a powerful two-day rally of trading, was enough to drive the markets into another week of solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.75%, while the Standard &...

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetUpbeat comments by the Federal Reserve Chairman and more signs of an economic turnaround combined to help fuel a powerful rally in the stock market last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.29%, while...

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Even in “normal” times, the news can be depressing. But these days, it can seem like there’s an awful lot to worry about. Here’s a sampling of the types of headlines I’ve seen recently: Why US hospitals...

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Monday, May 18, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week, weighed down by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's unsettling comments on the economy and signs of renewed tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.65%,...

Friday, May 15, 2020

The Internal Revenue Service knows that many taxpayers have had a stressful spring. So, it has reset the federal tax deadline. You now have until July 15 to file your 1040 form. July 15 is also the deadline to pay any federal taxes...

Monday, May 11, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetDespite a historic downturn in employment, stocks managed to climb higher last week as investors were emboldened by the pace of economic re-openings, both here and abroad.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2...

Monday, May 4, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices ended the week slightly lower, despite news of positive results from a test trial of a COVID-19 drug treatment and several states easing their economic lockdowns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

Monday, April 27, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices bounced around last week as investors reacted to wild swings in the price of oil and reports that called into question the efficacy of two potential virus treatments.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

Monday, April 27, 2020

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. quarterly insider trading window opened today and it has me thinking. If you have stock compensation, you need to be revisiting your plan for how you will navigate this storm, especially insiders who have...

Monday, April 20, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices pushed higher last week as news of a White House plan to reopen the economy and reports of a potential COVID-19 treatment helped the market overcome weak economic data and an ugly start to the...

Monday, April 13, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market staged a broad rally this week, buoyed by the prospect that COVID-19's grip on the nation may be easing and news of another Federal Reserve program to help stabilize businesses.The Dow Jones...

Monday, April 6, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetModest declines in stock prices this week masked the volatile inter- and intraday price swings as investors digested poor economic data and a warning from the president that the worst days of the COVID-19...

Friday, April 3, 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak has put tremendous pressure on stock prices, prompting some investors to blindly and indiscriminately sell positions at a time when the entire market is trending lower. Worried investors believe "this time it's...

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Hey everyone, it's April 2, and I wanted to say Happy Anniversary to the whole Spurstone team, and all of our clients and all of our partners. It's 11 years now, and it's really been a wonderful ride, it's been a humbling experience....

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Right now, it's too easy to get caught up in the negative. The news is yelling at you and everyone, not just news media, is updating you with the ever increasing case count. A person can only take so many links and headlines,...

Monday, March 30, 2020

An open-ended commitment by the Federal Reserve to support American businesses and capital markets along with the passage of a $2 trillion aid package improved investor sentiment and drove a strong rally in stock prices. The Dow Jones...

Friday, March 27, 2020

My kids played some hopscotch today. I hope you're not. This market has a lot of people making poor investment decisions. One minute they think the global economy is going to zero and then after just a day or two of big upswings they...

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

It's said that a politician should "never let a good crisis go to waste". Right now the same is true for your portfolio. Don't let this historic moment go to waste with inaction and idle hands. Seize this for all it's worth, some of...

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

“Executives and HR managers know coaching is the most potent tool for inducing positive personal change, ensuring better than average odds of success and making the change stick for the long term." - The Ivy Business Journal How...

Monday, March 23, 2020

It's a simple question: Are you a buyer or are you as seller? Your answer will tell you a lot about how to handle this market and also how you should have been handling your finances before. You're a buyer if you're in the "wealth...

Monday, March 23, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market suffered through another volatile week as it wrestled with the health and economic fallout of the domestic spread of the coronavirus. Swift and decisive actions by the Federal Reserve and policy...

Monday, March 23, 2020

It's Sunday evening and now that we've got the kids to bed, I'm sitting and thinking about the future. The future that my daughters will grow up in. The longer this virus event persists, the more it will change how we all move forward...

Saturday, March 21, 2020

It's a springtime Saturday and there's a lot to get done on my property so I've decided to keep today's note light. I've learned a lot over the last decade as an entrepreneur. I've been fortunate to work with very successful...

Friday, March 20, 2020

"You never know who's swimming naked until the tide goes out" - Warren Buffett The above is a great quote from Warren Buffett. Right now, the tide is rushing out and what concerns me is that this market is exposing a lot of naked...

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Take a minute and think about a beautiful horizon. A hot orange sun melting into an endless blue ocean. Have you ever actually been to the horizon? Can you get to that place where the dreams of the sky meet the realities of earth? Of...

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Here's a blog series I'm starting today to help folks emerge from this latest crisis better positioned in their wealth. Check it out and please share!It's been said that a crisis is a terrible thing to waste. As the Coronavirus has...

Monday, March 16, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetMarkets remained exceptionally volatile, buffeted by the spreading impact of coronavirus, uncertain responses from federal policymakers, and the sudden drop in oil prices.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 10...

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

As markets continue a downward volatile trend, led by Coronavirus fears and now oil market shakeups, there are a lot of executives wondering what this means for their wealth. A lot of these folks who in 2019 might have back-burnered...

Monday, March 9, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetHeightened coronavirus fears, falling yields, and Super Tuesday primary results sent stocks on a rollercoaster ride of sharp price swings, leaving stocks marginally higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Thursday, March 5, 2020

We all make mistakes, but successful people learn from those mistakes and grow as a result. The 2019 stock market lulled a lot of executives into holding increasing positions in their employer stock with no strategy how to manage. They...

Monday, March 2, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStocks fell sharply last week as Wall Street considered how the coronavirus outbreak might influence global business activity and household spending.The selloff became a correction for the U.S. markets. The S&P...

Monday, February 24, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetTraders paid close attention to coronavirus developments and earnings last week, while wondering how the former might eventually impact the latter. Concern over updated infection numbers moderated risk appetite.A...

Friday, February 21, 2020

In the ever shifting landscape of banks, brokerage firms and service providers, Morgan Stanley confirmed they are acquiring e*Trade Financial Corp. While the media discusses the business rationale and the impact to general investors,...

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetDaily headlines about the coronavirus had little impact on stock market averages last week. Earnings and mergers had more influence. All three Wall Street benchmarks improved. The Nasdaq Composite rose 2.21%,...

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStocks advanced four days out of five during the past market week, erasing the losses of the week before. The Nasdaq Composite surged 4.04%, the S&P 500 3.17%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average 3.00%. Foreign...

Monday, February 3, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStock benchmarks declined for a second straight week as coronavirus news tempered risk appetite.The S&P 500 fell 2.14% on the week. The Nasdaq Composite dipped 1.76%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 2.55%....

Monday, January 27, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices fell last week as investors considered the potential health and economic risks of the flu-like coronavirus.Foreign stock markets, as tracked by the broad MSCI EAFE index, fell 1.03% for the week....

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetTraders were in an upbeat mood last week, reacting to news out of Washington: the signing of the phase-one trade deal between the U.S. and China as well as the Senate passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement...

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

The Week on Wall StreetThe market had a choppy five days, with traders reacting to geopolitical developments and weaker-than-expected jobs data. Even so, the three major U.S. equity indices posted weekly gains and continued their...

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Did you know that yesterday was unofficially dubbed "Divorce Day"? Neither did I... Apparently it's due to the dramatic increase in Google searches and inquiries to divorce lawyers after a long holiday season. As a child of divorce...

Monday, January 6, 2020

The Week on Wall Street Stocks descended from record highs Friday, as traders reacted to a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top military officer. Oil prices rose more than 3% following the breaking news.[1] Wall Street benchmarks...

Monday, December 30, 2019

What Drove the Markets? Four factors influenced investment performance in 2019: a shift in U.S. monetary policy, the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China, earnings, and the economy. Stocks reached record highs in 2019. The...

Monday, December 16, 2019

The Week on Wall Street The U.S. and China announced a limited trade agreement last week. That news lifted U.S. and foreign stocks, leading to weekly gains. Advancing 0.91% on the week, the Nasdaq Composite outperformed the S&P 500...

Monday, December 9, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Key Wall Street benchmarks were up and down last week – or rather down and then up. A Tuesday retreat was offset by a Friday rally spurred by the Department of Labor’s November jobs report. While the S&P 500...

Monday, December 2, 2019

The Week on Wall Street As November wrapped up, U.S. equity benchmarks advanced. Stocks were again aided by a sense of optimism that a preliminary U.S.-China trade deal could be near. For the week, the Nasdaq Composite added 1.87%;...

Monday, November 25, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks declined last week as mixed signals emerged about the progress of U.S.-China trade negotiations. The three major Wall Street benchmarks all took weekly losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0...

Monday, November 18, 2019

The Week on Wall StreetStock benchmarks were little changed for much of last week, but a rally occurred Friday after news broke that the U.S. and China could be closing in on the first phase of a new trade pact. At Friday's close, the...

Monday, November 11, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Domestic and international stocks rose last week. Risk appetite outweighed concerns about the state of U.S.-China trade discussions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500, and MSCI EAFE...

Monday, November 4, 2019

The Week on Wall Street A better-than-forecast jobs report prompted a stock market rally Friday, two days after traders witnessed another interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite ended the week...

Monday, October 28, 2019

The Week on Wall Street The S&P 500 came within 0.1% of a record close Friday. Stocks were lifted last week by positive news on U.S.-China trade negotiations, plus earnings announcements. The Nasdaq Composite posted the largest weekly...

Friday, October 25, 2019

Time is running out for certain GE pension plan participants to take advantage of their limited-time option to take their entire benefit as a lump sum or start payments ahead of the normal schedule. Elections must be made by 11/25/2019...

Monday, October 21, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Earnings helped give the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 a slight lift last week, offsetting investor disappointment over the small scope of the preliminary U.S.-China trade deal reached on October 11. Blue chips...

Monday, October 14, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stock prices pushed higher last week, as investors remained hyper-focused on any new developments with the U.S. trade negotiations with China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.91%, while the...

Monday, October 7, 2019

The Week on Wall Street The fourth quarter started with a mixed week for equities. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.92% for the week; the S&P 500, 0.33%. In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite improved 0.54%. Overseas stocks pulled...

Monday, September 30, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week. Traders worried that the formal impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump might distract White House officials from their pursuit of a trade deal with China, and shift the focus...

Monday, September 23, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Investors reacted to two major news items last week, one far more of a surprise than the other. The Federal Reserve did indeed make a rate cut, matching Wall Street expectations. Drone strikes on two of the...

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Being in the executive seat through a corporate spinoff can be both an exciting and nerve-racking adventure. From the business side, successfully transitioning to an independent company and being judged for your business’...

Monday, September 16, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks edged toward all-time peaks during a relatively calm week marked by easing trade tensions. Friday marked the eighth straight daily advance for the Dow Jones Industrial Average.[1] Small-cap shares, as...

Monday, September 9, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks rose last week, with help from two developments: the announcement of further U.S.-China trade talks as well as August hiring and manufacturing numbers that seemed to bolster the argument for a rate cut...

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Fears of an impasse in the U.S.-China trade dispute lessened last week. While additional U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports were scheduled to take effect on September 1, China's government communicated that it...

Monday, August 26, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Traders assumed that the week's biggest news event would be Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech at the annual Jackson Hole banking conference. Instead, China seized the headlines by announcing new...

Monday, August 19, 2019

The Week on Wall Street U.S. stock indices saw significant ups and downs last week, with traders looking for economic cues from Treasury yields and also developments in the tariff fight between the U.S. and China. The S&P 500 lost 1...

Monday, August 12, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks spent much of last week rebounding from a Monday drop that reflected nervousness about the U.S.-China trade fight. By Thursday's closing bell, the S&P 500 had regained all its Monday losses - but it...

Monday, August 5, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Last week, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in more than a decade, in line with Wall Street's expectations. Ironically, stocks had their worst week of 2019. The S&P 500 finished the...

Monday, July 29, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Last week, investors assessed earnings and the initial estimate of second-quarter economic growth, while awaiting the Federal Reserve's next announcement about interest rates. Stocks rose for the week;...

Monday, July 22, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stock benchmarks retreated during the first week of the second-quarter earnings season. As some big names shared quarterly results, investors seemed more interested in what might happen at the Federal Reserve's...

Monday, July 15, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Friday, the S&P 500 settled above 3,000 for the first time, after rising 0.78% for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average chalked up a milestone of its own: the blue chips ended the week above 27,000,...

Monday, July 8, 2019

The Week on Wall Street U.S. stock benchmarks opened a new quarter positively. The S&P 500 gained 1.65% in the opening week of July; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 1.21%; the Nasdaq Composite, 1.94%. Overseas, stocks in developed...

Monday, July 1, 2019

The Week on Wall Street A month of gains for stocks ended with a weekly retreat. The S&P 500 lost 0.30%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.32%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.45%. In contrast, overseas shares, tracked by the MSCI EAFE...

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

The Week on Wall Street The S&P 500 hit an all-time peak of 2,964.03, in intraday trading Friday, while improving 2.20% across five market days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite posted respective, 5-day advances...

Monday, June 17, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced for a second straight week. The S&P 500 benchmark rose 0.47%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.70%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.41%. Overseas shares, as tracked by the MSCI EAFE developed markets...

Monday, June 10, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks rallied during a week in which Wall Street was buffeted by headlines. The S&P 500 rose 4.41%. The Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average respectively added 3.88% and 4.71%. The MSCI EAFE index...

Monday, June 3, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks struggled during a 4-day market week as the U.S.-China trade standoff continued to weigh on the minds of market participants. From the Friday, May 24 close to the Friday, May 31 close, the S&P 500...

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week as investors considered the possibility that the world's two largest economies might take some time to resolve key trade issues. The S&P 500 retreated 1.17%; the Nasdaq Composite,...

Monday, May 20, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks fell sharply at the start of last week over trade tensions, then recovered with help from strong earnings and indications that U.S.-China trade talks would continue. Even so, the major indices had a down...

Monday, May 13, 2019

The Week on Wall Street As we noted recently, Wall Street has a wandering eye. Last week, it focused on the new tariff threats in the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute. Stocks fell across five trading sessions: the Dow Jones Industrial...

Monday, May 6, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were up and down last week, and the three major benchmarks ended up little changed after five trading days. The S&P 500 rose 0.20% for the week; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.22%. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Monday, April 29, 2019

The Week on Wall Street Stocks returned to record territory, with both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite closing at historic highs. The S&P gained 1.20% for the week; the Nasdaq, 1.85%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged,...

Friday, April 26, 2019

I heard recently that there are over EIGHT TRILLION text messages sent every day. Yes, TRILLION with a T. That means we are sending over 15 million texts every minute, and according to OneReach.com, the average text is responded to in...

Monday, April 22, 2019

The Week on Wall Street A short and relatively placid trading week wrapped up Thursday, with the major indices turning in mixed performances. The S&P 500 retreated 0.08%, the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.17%, and the Dow Jones...

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

So much has changed for Ted and I since that fateful day and we had no idea what life had in store for us just around the corner. It was April 2nd, 2009, global financial markets were in turmoil and we were experiencing firsthand how...

Friday, September 14, 2018

Some moments in our lives are special and that can be for so many reasons. Some will be for grand events or achievements, but others for the simple beauty in a small snippet of time. I got lucky and had one of those just last week. It...

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

We see it all over the news. Another hack, more identities stolen, and more data being exposed. We're talking more and more about it with clients and rightfully so. It’s become the new world we live in and we all need to be...

Friday, April 6, 2018

Pay your taxes, but not one penny more… Everyone has to pay taxes. There is no way around that. But nobody should ever pay one penny more than they are legally obligated to! Our team oriented professionals work hard to make sure...

Sunday, March 25, 2018

“Yay! Let’s analyze my work benefits!” – Said no one. Ever.Most employees gloss over the minutia of their compensation package. They tend to evaluate cash compensation and health insurance most, then maybe the...

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Earlier this year, just a day after Politico reported that Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald purchased shares in a tobacco company, she resigned from her position as Director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While she has...

Friday, February 16, 2018

Spurstone Partner, Ted de Groot, elected to New England Air Museum Board of Directors Spurstone Executive Wealth Solutions is proud to announce the recent election of Ted de Groot to the Board of Directors for the New England Air...

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

I’ll admit it, sitting in front of a packed room of top advisors from throughout the country, taking questions and giving my insights around technology and client service was an oddly entertaining opportunity for me. Even writing...

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Introducing the New Spurstone Logo! As the world continues to advance, so too does our firm. Each year, we distribute our annual client letter sharing the news of our growth and evolution. It has been exciting to build our business...

Friday, October 13, 2017

Welcome to the sixth, and final, part of the Spurstone Executive Wealth Solutions series discussing executive compensation negotiations and benefit considerations during a corporate spinoff. Through this series we are covering topics...

Friday, October 6, 2017

Welcome to the fifth part of the Spurstone Executive Wealth Solutions 6 part series discussing executive compensation negotiations and benefit considerations during a corporate spinoff. Through this series we are covering topics to...

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Welcome to the fourth part of the Spurstone Executive Wealth Solutions 6 part series discussing executive compensation negotiations and benefit considerations during a corporate spin off. Through this series we will be covering topics...

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Welcome to the third part of the Spurstone Executive Wealth Solutions 6 part series discussing executive compensation negotiations and benefit considerations during a corporate spin off. Through this series we will be covering topics...

Friday, September 15, 2017

Welcome to the second part of the Spurstone Executive Wealth Solutions 6 part series discussing executive compensation negotiations and benefit considerations during a corporate spin off. Through this series we will be covering topics...

Friday, September 8, 2017

Welcome to the first part of our 6 part series discussing executive compensation negotiations and benefit considerations during a corporate spin off. We will be covering topics to help you get a solid understanding of how your risks...

Friday, September 1, 2017

Estate planning is an often overlooked but crucial aspect of successful executive financial planning. An efficiently executed estate plan should mitigate taxes, address your unique needs and accomplish your legacy goals. With so many...

Friday, August 11, 2017

Non-qualifying deferred compensation (NQDC) is an additional form of reward for highly compensated executives, where a qualified plan is considered too limited. A portion of earnings is withheld until a later point in time, usually...

Friday, July 28, 2017

Are you an ostrich or a magpie? What is your approach to financial planning for your retirement? Are you simply sticking your head in the sand hoping it will be all right in the end, ostrich-like, or are you keeping your wits about you...

Friday, July 14, 2017

Concerned not only about how you would pay for future healthcare, but the location and form of care you will receive? Let’s talk about it. More and more of the families we speak with are increasingly concerned in regards to...

Friday, June 30, 2017

Whether your company issued you stock options as part of your compensation package, you invest in company stock within your 401(k) plan, or you have the option to purchase company stock in an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), there...

Friday, June 16, 2017

We live in a world fraught with risk. Almost no activity is "risk free" and a prudent investor knows that greater risk does not always mean greater reward. I believe successful families have a duty to be well educated on the risks they...

Friday, May 19, 2017

Control from beyond the grave. It's an interesting thought. As a successful executive, you have invested time, stress, heartache and pride in your work and are fortunate enough to have the assets to enjoy the fruit of this labor. Not...

Friday, April 21, 2017

Navigating equity compensation requires understanding the pros and cons of different compensation offers, as well as an appreciation for the alphabet soup of acronyms you may encounter. While it may be tempting to just look at the...

Friday, April 7, 2017

Close your eyes and think about the structure of the business in which you work. What makes you successful is likely not the product you sell but the team of talent that surrounds you. You have specialists in each area of expertise...

Friday, January 6, 2017

Stock compensation can be both a wonderful and a malicious benefit. For many successful executives, these tools have been a source of great fortune and great pain, building dynastic family wealth while also dashing the lofty financial...

Friday, September 9, 2016

Wells Fargo, the largest U.S. bank by market cap, was hit with $185 million in fines yesterday for secretly creating millions of unauthorized customer bank accounts and credit cards in order to generate fees and boost employee sales...

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Despite not being as well known as some other retirement tools, annuities account for 8.1% of all assets earmarked for retirement. With over $2.0 trillion in assets, annuities hold more funds than Roth IRAs.¹ An annuity is a...

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Wings & Wheels with Associated Aircraft Group & NetJets Earlier in June, Spurstone Partners Ted de Groot and Tim Golas were invited by a client to attend the Associated Aircraft Group (AAG) & NetJets “Wings & Wheels” event...

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Spurstone Partner, Tim Golas, was recently profiled in the Wall St. Journal Wealth Advisor. This area of the Journal covers a range of topics relevant to investment and private wealth management, occasionally highlighting prominent...