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What really happens at the Fed

One of the most common misconceptions about money is that the Federal Reserve (or Fed) “sets” interest rates. In reality, the Fed has a dual mandate to keep inflation in

Misconceptions about the Fed abound, from how it sets policy to whether it prints money. We look at the Fed’s dual mandate to manage inflation and the labor market.

September 2023 market update

For most of the summer, increasingly positive data releases fed into the market’s upbeat view of the economy. This seemed to belie the consistent messaging from the Federal Reserve that

August poured cold water on the stock market’s optimistic summer. We look at what that means heading into the Fed’s September meeting.

How to leverage the Estate Tax

Whenever pundits discuss tax policy, the Lifetime Estate and Gift Tax Exemption tends to get the spotlight treatment. Because of this, the lifetime exemption may be one of the most

The lifetime exemption may be one of the most misunderstood provisions in U.S. tax code, and it presents a big opportunity in 2023.

Can you trust your financial advisor?

You should be able to trust your financial advisor. Pundits will tell you that this kind of trust is only possible with a label: fiduciary. It’s a misleading way to

You should be able to trust your financial advisor. Pundits will tell you that this kind of trust is only possible with a label: fiduciary. That can be misleading.

What is “the economy”?

Most people don’t think of “the economy” as financial jargon; it’s one of those rare phrases that just about everyone understands. Or do they? While you probably hear regular reports

Everyone loves to reference the economy—from politicians to traders. But what, specifically, are they referring to? We look at the data.

Navigating the loss of a loved one

Logistics and money management are rarely top of mind when you lose someone you love. And yet, the decisions we make following someone’s death may have wide-reaching consequences. While advanced

Logistics and money management are rarely top of mind when you lose someone, yet you may have to make big financial decisions. This checklist can help you stay organized.