According to data just released by the Treasury Department the U.S. budget deficit topped $1 trillion through the first 11 months of the current fiscal year.  The figure exceeds the official forecast and adds to the nation’s growing debt balance, which is now in excess of $22 trillion.  The gap is especially noteworthy as
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Crosscurrents following the June Fed meeting have been significant, particularly given there was no change to existing rate policy.  Market expectations anticipated a more dovish policy stance, and the shift was consistent citing slower economic growth and weaker business investment.  While there was no action at this meeting, the Fed all but confirmed it would
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Conflicting Economic Numbers Paint a Confused Portrait Heading into 2019 The year 2018 will go down as a fine year for the U.S. economy.  Despite evidence of a slowing global economy, America’s still managed to expand 2.9 percent last year.  The U.S. ended the year in fine fashion, with the nation adding 227,000 net new
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Maryland Posts a Decent 2018 Federal Shutdown Isn’t Enough to Reverse Momentum Directly bordering the nation’s capital, Maryland is in a unique position.  Its proximity offers a steady flow of government contracts, thousands of handsomely compensated and abundantly educated federal workers, and a number of agencies like the National Institutes of Health, Food & Drug
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Joshua Sacks, CFP®, Director of Financial Planning It is that time of year again. The days are getting shorter. The thermostat has been switched to “heat”. There is a seemingly endless supply of leaves finding their way onto your lawn. To top it all off, the 2019 cost of living adjustment for social security income
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Trade Winds July 16, 2018 After the volatility spike in the first quarter, returns from U.S. stocks steadied in the second quarter and saw positive performance.  In contrast, returns from stock markets outside the U.S. experienced pressure with the broad indices for both developed and emerging markets finishing lower in the quarter.  The declines were
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Bradley Williams, Chief Investment Officer June 11, 2018 The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) is commonly looked to in determining the beginning and end of economic cycles.  The organization has compiled economic data from 1854, delineating the peak, trough, and length of each business cycle in the United States. The current economic expansion, according
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The Economy is Good, Maybe Too Good Inflationary Pressures Build, Interest Rates Rise The story of the economy has been akin to a Cadillac meeting a series of jolting potholes.  It’s an uncomfortable ride, but the vehicle continues to progress, and it’s not clear whether or not any of the road imperfections are producing lasting
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Your credit score is an important piece of your financial life. Many people understand that their credit score will be taken into account when they apply for credit. Common examples include applying for a mortgage, car loan, student loan, credit card, etc. However, your credit score can also be checked by cell phone companies, utility
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Volatility Returns April 19, 2018 The remarkable calm enjoyed by the markets last year finally gave way in January of this year.  Following early gains to start the year, equity markets reversed abruptly in late January and saw sharp declines on concerns over higher interest rates and trade policy.  February and early March then saw
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