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Market Week: June 2, 2025

06/02/2025
Despite a dip at the end of the week, stocks closed last week higher as investors digested renewed trade tensions with China, while inflation showed signs of cooling. Each of the benchmark indexes ended the week higher, riding solid gains in tech shares. All of the market sectors closed the week with gains, with notable advances in information technology, consumer discretionary, real estate, and financials. Long-term bond yields declined. Crude oil prices fell for the second week in a row. The dollar continued to slip lower, while gold prices fell as traders moved from safety to risk.

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The Power of Dividends in a Portfolio

It wasn't so long ago that many investors regarded dividends as roughly the financial equivalent of a record turntable at a gathering of music streamers — a throwback to an earlier era, irrelevant to the real action.

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9 Estate Planning Frequently Asked Questions

05/15/2025
I recently streamed The Beekeeper, and Adam Clay is right at home with the John Wicks, Robert McCalls, and Bryan Millses of the world. While the movie was entertaining enough, with a few new elements and twists here and there to make it different, I was struck by a particular scene where a character asks: “I’m 28 years old, why would I need an estate plan?” This article is inspired by that question and tries to answer other estate planning FAQs.

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What You Should Know About Your Spouse’s Money

05/13/2025
Do you know your spouse’s salary? What about the balance of your partner’s retirement account — and credit card? Bonus points if you can cite how much your husband or wife thinks you need to live comfortably in retirement, or even what age he or she hopes that will happen.

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Beyond Traditional Asset Classes: Exploring Alternatives

05/09/2025
Stocks, bonds, and cash are fundamental components of an investment portfolio. However, many other investments can be used to try to spice up returns or help reduce overall portfolio risk. So-called alternative assets have become popular in recent years as a way to provide greater diversification.

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Market Month: April 2025

05/01/2025
The latest inflation data was encouraging: however, it does not reflect the potential impact of global reciprocal tariffs. Both the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index and the Consumer Price Index declined over the 12 months ended in March. Energy prices were a large contributor to the decline in overall consumer prices.

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6 Moves Wealthy Investors Are Making Amid the Market Turmoil

04/24/2025
Common investing wisdom says you should stay put when markets are as rocky as they have been amid the tariff-induced downturn of the past few weeks. But some wealthy investors are looking for opportunities in the chaos, while stress-testing their current asset allocations and ensuring it aligns with their risk tolerance.

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Quarterly Market Review: January-March 2025

04/01/2025
Wall Street got off to a good start to begin the first quarter of 2025 and continued to rally for much of the quarter. Several of the benchmark indexes reached record highs in January through mid-February. However, U.S. stocks closed the first quarter in a tailspin, unable to keep pace with major global stocks.

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Treasury Management Services: Your Tool for Worry-Free Business Finances

Running a business is no small task, and managing finances can often feel overwhelming. Outdated, time-consuming practices pull you away from other aspects of your business. Whether you’re a startup, a mid-sized company, or a large corporation, having a trusted banking partner can make a significant difference. That’s where CNB’s Treasury Management Services can help.

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Do You Really Want Advice?

03/10/2025
Do you really want advice? In life? In financial matters ? This question recently occupied my thoughts during a flight to Miami. A friend had asked me for advice on how to work better with her boss. Their relationship had become rocky, and she felt boxed in, cornered, and isolated. Yet, she loved her job and valued the impact she was making, even if she didn’t feel a strong connection with her boss.

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Technology Is the New Essential Cost in Retirement Planning

03/05/2025
As we mark the fifth anniversary of the Covid-19 shutdown, it’s clear that what many initially perceived as temporary changes became permanent fixtures in our daily lives. The pandemic propelled the role of technology in our lives at a velocity few would have anticipated.

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Understanding Trust Funds: How They Work and Who They Benefit

02/28/2025
Setting up a trust fund gives you control over how your money is used after your death, and sometimes even during your lifetime. Trust funds serve various purposes, such as sheltering assets from some estate taxes, paying your heirs an annual income, or giving to charity, all while potentially avoiding some of the problems that can come from transferring assets, like wills getting held up in probate court.

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Market Month: February 2025

02/28/2025
Wall Street saw stocks tumble mostly lower in February after posting strong returns in January. Investors worried about the economic impact of tariffs, inflation, and rising geopolitical tensions. Consumer staples and real estate stocks moved higher last month, while consumer discretionary, industrials, information technology, communication services, and energy underperformed.

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I asked an estate planning attorney the best way to establish a trust for my 2-year-old daughter

01/31/2025
One of my biggest goals in 2024 was to finally get a will and an estate plan. I failed to do either of those things. When I attempted to take action, I got too overwhelmed and pushed those items further down my to-do list. But I've decided to finalize my estate plan before the end of the first quarter of 2025.

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How, When, and Why to Talk to Your Kids about Your Money: Timeless Wisdom from Warren Buffett

01/26/2025
Forget E. F. Hutton—when Warren Buffett talks, people listen. And I don’t feel like that’s simply because he’s the world’s most famous investor, though he is. He’s a person of wisdom. A wisdom that seems to have been applied not only in his investing, but also in his marriage, his parenting, and his own personal finances.

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Annual Market Review 2024

01/02/2025
The year 2024 was extraordinary for the economy and the markets. High interest rates, rising unemployment, turmoil in the Middle East, and the ongoing Russia/Ukraine war, were some of the many factors that should have signaled economic contraction and a downturn in the stock market.

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A Financial Fresh Start

As we reflect on the past year and set resolutions for 2025, it’s crucial to also review your portfolio, investments, and the strategies you implemented. While your plans and outcomes may differ, reflection can bring clarity.

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You’re Retired. What’s the Best Way to Withdraw Your Savings?

America is hitting a phase some experts call Peak 65, with more than 4 million people turning 65 in 2024, 2025 and 2026. According to one survey, that’s an average of 11,200 people every day each of those years. Whether they’re retiring or getting ready to retire, a huge number of workers will need to significantly change how they think about their finances.

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Don’t Be a Victim of Fraud: Protect Yourself Online with These Steps

Consumer fraud shows no signs of slowing down, especially Internet fraud attempts. Scammers and hackers are getting better and better at impersonating companies, government agencies, and stores. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, using social engineering tactics and AI to generate emails and even phone calls that are very convincing.

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Market Month: November 2024

Stocks posted strong gains for November, which saw the S&P and the Dow have their best months of the year. The gains likely reflected investor optimism that a second Trump administration will favor businesses, with the hope that the President-elect will take a more moderate stance on trade tariffs. All 11 market sectors ended November higher, led by consumer discretionary and financials. Year to date, financials and information technology increased by more than 36.0%.

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Inherited IRA Rules That Can Surprise and Trap Heirs

Inherited IRAs are accompanied by a host of little-known rules that are traps for the unwary, and that’s before considering the end of the Stretch IRA and the creation of the 10-year rule that were enacted in the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act in 2019 and the accompany regulations that were finalized in 2024.

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Market Month: October 2024

10/31/2024
Stocks closed lower in October as Wall Street couldn't maintain the momentum from September's strong showing after the Fed lowered interest rates. Equities began October on an upswing on the heels of a better-than-expected jobs report. In fact, during the first half of the month, the Dow and the S&P 500 reached record highs.

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How Investors Can Brace For Election Uncertainty by Forbes

After the 2020 election, a significant portion of the electorate questioned the legitimacy of results, leading to the January 6 attack on the Capitol. The peaceful transfer of power—a hallmark of American democracy—now seems less assured than in previous years, and the possibility of election-related unrest is real .

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How Financial Independence Transforms Women’s Lives by Forbes

Financial independence is a game-changer for women. It’s not just about having money - it’s about having the freedom, security, and power that come with financial control. When women achieve financial independence, they transform their lives, communities, and the generations that follow.

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6 Financial Matters To Discuss With Older Family Members by Forbes

Discussing money, health, and mortality with loved ones can be incredibly difficult. Despite the discomfort you may feel, these discussions are critical to build trust and ensure the wellbeing of all the generations in your family. These are the six financial matters you should be discussing with your older family members.

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In-Service Withdrawals from 401(k) Plans

You may be familiar with the rules for putting money into a 401(k) plan. But are you familiar with the rules for taking your money out? Federal law limits the withdrawal options that a 401(k) plan can offer. But a 401(k) plan may offer fewer withdrawal options than the law allows, and may even provide that you can't take any money out at all until you leave employment. However, many 401(k) plans are more flexible.

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Quarterly Market Review: July-September 2024

Wall Street got off to a good start to begin the third quarter of 2024 and continued to rally for much of the quarter. Investors spent the quarter watching inflation and economic data, trying to gauge whether the Federal Reserve might lower interest rates.

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Here's What The Interest Rate Cut Means For Retirees

If you’re retired or soon-to-be retired, how could the recent cut in interest rates by the Federal Reserve affect your finances? Unfortunately, there’s not a simple answer, because it depends on your financial circumstances, investments, and sources of retirement income. And if you’re like many retirees, there could be both positive and negative effects on your finances.

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Market Month: August 2024

Stocks closed mostly higher in August, buoyed by a strong close to the month. Favorable inflation data and economic reports helped drive stocks higher toward the end of the month as investors took heed of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's statement that it is approaching time to lower interest rates.

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Kids With Special Needs Deserve Benefits. A Trust Protects Them. By Barron's

When her mother wanted to leave Joel a $1 million inheritance, Bamburg made sure the gift wouldn’t compromise his Supplement Security Income and Medicaid benefits. The Jacksonville, Ark., financial advisor set up a trust that his sister, Elise, will manage for Joel after Bamburg dies; it is structured so that any remaining funds will stay in the family after Joel dies.

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Trust: A Financial Advisor's Most Important Asset By Investopedia

Investors increasingly seek investments with low costs and low fees. About 65% of advisors now recommend exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to their clients. But those clients still value high-quality advice on a range of issues related to investing and personal finance.

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Market Month: July 2024

Stocks closed mostly higher in July. Tech shares, including AI stocks, which had been a bellwether for much of the year, retreated in July, dragging the Nasdaq to its worst July performance since 2014.

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Market Volatility Can Upend Your Retirement Plans. How Do You Protect Yourself? By Investopedia

A recent survey from MetLife found that nearly 70% of defined contribution plan sponsors, who offer retirement plans such as 401(k)s, were concerned about participants’ (who were within 10 years or less from retirement) abilities to weather market volatility. 61% of sponsors were worried about participants’ who were already retired.

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As Americans live longer, many retirees struggle to care for elderly parents: ‘It makes childcare look inexpensive’ by Fortune

At a time when many have dreams of finally taking a long-awaited trip or dominating the pickleball court, a growing number of retirees are instead spending much of their time and money on caring for others—and risking their own financial security.

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‘Pig Butchering’ Crypto Scams a Growing Concern by ICBA

A new form of investment scam has skyrocketed in recent years as criminal syndicates target consumers through online channels. Called “pig butchering,” this new scam is increasingly relevant, including among the consumers and communities that community banks serve.

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How Couples Are Thinking About Money and Retirement

When it comes to planning for retirement, couples generally agree on the big picture. It’s in the details, however, where differences often arise, says Nayan Ranchhod, Ameriprise Financial private wealth advisor and CEO of Silver Lining Wealth Advisors in Scottsdale, Ariz.

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6 Questions Married Women Should Answer About Retirement Income

Married women face a special retirement planning challenge that’s best addressed when they and their spouse transition into retirement. Here’s the problem: When one spouse passes away, the survivor’s retirement income usually drops much more than their living expenses do.

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How Inflation Impacts Your Financial Plan And What To Do About It

As of May 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that inflation was 3.3%. This number is right in line with averages over the last 100 years. Assuming the trend continues, if your lifestyle expenses are $50,000 per year today, they will be closer to $130,000 in 30 years.

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2 Key Benefits Of Living Trusts by Forbes

With so many misconceptions around trusts, it's easy to understand the confusion about the benefits of a revocable living trust. A living trust (also called a revocable trust or revocable living trust) can be beneficial to a much broader group of Americans than most people expect.

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Market Week: July 8, 2024

The stock market fared quite nicely during the Fourth of July week. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted gains, with the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 reaching record highs a few times during the week. Only the small caps of the Russell 2000 slid lower. The June jobs report (see below) gave investors encouragement that the Fed may be inclined to cut interest rates as early as September. Information technology, consumer discretionary, and communication services outperformed among the market sectors, while energy and health care lagged.

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Estate Planning: An Introduction

By definition, estate planning is a process designed to help you manage and preserve your assets while you are alive, and to conserve and control their distribution after your death according to your goals and objectives.

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Market Week: July 1, 2024

Stocks closed generally higher for the week, with the Russell 2000, the Nasdaq, and the Global Dow posting gains, while the large caps of the Dow and the S&P 500 declined. Ten-year Treasury yields rose as bond prices fell. Crude oil prices gained about $1.00 per barrel.

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How to Keep Your Valuables Safe When You’re Away

12/28/2022
Traveling can be a wonderful experience, but it can also lead to unexpected surprises. Recently, a group of travelers returning from their trips were shocked to discover that their cars had been broken into while in long-term parking at the airport.

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