wealthMD Blog

Not since the days of inflation and high-interest rates have Certificates of Deposits (CDs) been perceived as a viable source of income for retirees and conservative savings for working individuals. For years, banks used CDs as primary marketing products to attract new customers and help build deposit bases. As rates fell substantially, CDs became less attractive, incentivizing banks to find …

A properly drafted will or trust is essential for anyone that has assets to leave to heirs. Either a will or a trust allows you to designate anyone you wish as a beneficiary. Both a will and a “revocable living trust” allow you to identify who the heirs to your assets will be. The main difference between the two is …

Nearly a year and a half since the WHO declared Covid-19 a global pandemic, millions of Americans are experiencing ongoing health effects as a result of stay-home restrictions, lack of social interaction, and deteriorated eating habits. The American Psychological Association released a report detailing some of the ill health effects brought about by the pandemic. Prolonged stress experienced by adults …

Demographics and population data are carefully tracked by the Census Bureau in order to better determine what the United States may look like in the future. Over 73 million minors, under 18 years of age, currently outnumber 46 million older Americans, 65 and over. Younger citizens help spur economic growth and provide essential workers for the labor market. The demographical …

The traditional gauge for inflation, known as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), is being challenged by yet another government-produced measure known as Consumer Expectations. The most recent data released shows an inflation rate of 1.7%, as noted by the CPI compiled by the Bureau of Economic Analysis for February 2021. The Federal Reserve maintains its own inflation gauge, yet is …

Optimism deriving from continuing fiscal and monetary stimulus efforts in addition to vaccination progress drove equities higher in the first quarter. Major equity indices moved higher with the energy, financial and industrial sectors leading in the first quarter. International developed market indices were mostly positive for the first quarter, with emerging market indices primarily flat to negative amid growing debt …

Financial markets are becoming more sensitive to the Delta variant mutation of Covid-19, as some countries in Europe reconsider easing restrictions on businesses and travel. Regardless, global equities finished the 2nd quarter on a positive note, and rates stabilized following an upward trending environment earlier in the year. A lack of spending and stay-home orders during the pandemic has left …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the U.S. birthrate fell 4% to about 3.6 million births over the past year, the largest decline since 1973. Births have been declining since the Great Depression as Americans got married later and held off on having children over the decades. The pandemic pronounced the effects of childbirth due to the …

With the pandemic subsiding and alleviated restrictions enticing consumers to head out, restaurants have seen an enormous surge in business. While many restaurants suffered tremendous setbacks during the height of the pandemic, some have reopened and hired back once laid-off employees. Adding to the challenges are increasing costs for food and labor, which have risen substantially since last year. Consequently, …

The 2nd quarter ended positively for major global indices, with the S&P 500 index posting gains for 10 of the 11 sectors. Top-performing sectors for the quarter included technology, communications, healthcare, and financials. The SEC said that it is closely monitoring frantic moves in the market caused by memes to determine if there have been any market disruptions, manipulative trading …