Inflation continues to rise slowly. This continues to be a worry for the Federal Reserve. The PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) is the Fed’s preferred inflation measure. In April, it increased 3.8%. That’s it’s highest level in a year. Core inflation, which excludes energy and food prices, climbed 3.3%. Both numbers are higher than the Fed’s 2% target which makes it less likely for the Fed to cut interest rates moving forward. Energy prices, strong consumer spen

Retirement planning is a critical step for anyone preparing to enjoy their golden years with financial security. Many retirees in Utah County face a common question: how much should I withdraw from my retirement savings each year? The popular advice often points to a fixed percentage, such as the well-known 4% rule. While this rule offers a simple guideline, relying solely on such general rules can lead to financial challenges or missed opportunities. Every retiree’s situatio

Choosing the right financial advisor in Utah can feel overwhelming. One key factor that often gets overlooked is how advisors get paid. This affects the advice you receive and how well your interests align with theirs. Financial planners typically use one of three compensation methods: commission-based, fee-based, or fee-only. Understanding these differences helps you make an informed choice that protects your financial future. Financial advisor’s workspace with Utah mountain

The past few months have brought significant challenges and surprises to the financial markets. From geopolitical tensions to fluctuating energy prices, investors face a complex environment that demands careful attention. For investment advisors including those in Utah County, understanding these shifts is crucial to guiding clients through uncertainty and positioning portfolios for future growth. Recent Market Volatility and Its Causes March was a difficult month for markets

How to Determine If You Have Enough Money to Retire in Lehi, Utah Retirement is a significant milestone that requires careful financial planning. If you're considering retiring in Lehi, Utah or other the greater Provo/Salt Lake areas, it's essential to evaluate your financial readiness. Here’s a guide to help you determine if you have enough money to retire comfortably in this beautiful city. Understanding Your Retirement Needs Before diving into financial calculations, it’

Why Choose Fee-Only Financial Planning in Utah? Your Path to a Personalized Retirement Roadmap In today's complex financial landscape, finding trustworthy guidance one's future is more important than ever—especially when planning for retirement in Utah. If you're searching for fee-only financial planning or fiduciary advisors Utah, you're already taking a smart step toward objective, client-focused advice that puts your interests first. Unlike traditional advisors who may ear

No one knows what’s going to happen in the Middle East on a day-to-day basis; it makes sense from investment point of view to look ahead a bit. When this conflict calms down, what do we think the markets will do? Eventually the hostilities will dimmish and traffic through the strait to Hormuz will start to normalize. We expect interest rates to fall. The 10-year Treasury note, which effects borrowing costs across the economy has jumped on concerns of inflation risk from

Recently, oil and global markets have been nervous as a major military operation against Iran continues. We expect markets to continue to be volatile for the foreseeable future. Inflation also continues to be a problem. Geopolitical events happen frequently in today’s world, usually with minimal disruptions to US equities and we don’t expect a major negative effect on the US economic outlook. The effect of Middle East disruption on the US economy is not what it once was

Smart Retirement Planning Tips for Utah Families Planning for retirement can feel like a big task—but with the right strategy, it becomes a roadmap rather than a mystery. Whether you're in your 30s and just starting to plan, or in your 60s and preparing to retire, here are essential steps every Utah family can take to build a secure future. 1. Know Your Retirement Number Before you can retire comfortably, you need to understand how much you’ll need to support your desired lif

One month in, the outlook remains encouraging . The U.S. economy continues to demonstrate steady expansion, supported by resilient consumer spending even amid a cooling labor market, moderate inflation levels, and evolving Federal Reserve policy adjustments. Despite ongoing tariff pressures, overall fiscal measures, global trade dynamics, and economic momentum have outperformed many earlier forecasts. Consumers are holding firm, maintaining robust spending patterns despite s