In early 2020, governments around the globe took drastic measures to slow the spread of Covid-19. As a result, we saw a major shift in the way we work, interact with others and go about our daily lives. While working with an advisor virtually is nothing new, the relevance of virtual advising has increased significantly amidst the global pandemic.
When we think of financial health, a few things might come to mind. We may think of our own financial status, our investments, the Dow Jones Industrial Average performance, the stock market as a whole, the economy, the country’s employment status and so on. While some aspects may be interrelated on some level, they are not all one and the same, nor do they all indicate the status of one another.
We all know we need a will so that our affairs will be in order and our last wishes carried out once we have passed on. But did you know you have options when it comes to creating a will? You may have heard that you can actually do-it-yourself when it comes to creating a will, and it is fairly easy to accomplish online.There are a few considerations to make, however, before going this route.
By the end of May 2020, over 20 million Americans claimed unemployment benefits.1 This payment can be a great relief to many who have found themselves out of work due to COVID-19. Many companies have been forced to lay off workers, while others simply have not been able to operate as a result of health risks, including restaurant and entertainment industry workers.
Retirement can often feel like a reward at the end of the finish line. You’ve worked hard for years, saved diligently and now you’re ready to relax, travel or take up some new hobbies. But if you have a significant other, it’s important to approach this life transition as a partnership through open communication and honest dialogue. By discussing important emotional and financial factors ahead of time, you can hopefully spend less time stressing and more time enjoying retirement together.
Between popping the question and saying “I do,” you and your partner have plenty to plan. And while it’s not as fun as cake tasting, you’ll want to sit down together and discuss the expectations you have about your future finances. According to a survey offered by Psychology Today, 27 percent of respondents found money to be the biggest stressor in their marriage.1
COVID-19 has impacted nearly every aspect of the economy. When President Donald Trump declared the virus a national emergency at the beginning of March, standards of living rapidly shifted: governors enacted stay-at-home orders, learning institutions closed and consumers suddenly faced unprecedented challenges.1 While the travel and tourism industry is seeing record lows, demand for staple foods and hygiene products has surged.
While staying alert and identifying potential scams is something we should always be doing, it is even more important at this moment in time. That's because, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers are eager to take advantage of the current state of fear and confusion - which is leaving many people isolated and vulnerable. To help you remain alert and aware, we’ve identified a few common scams that have arisen in response to the current pandemic.