Do you have confidence in your financial planning and investing? If you answered no, you’re not alone. Fidelity’s 2021 Women and Investing Study1 found that while the majority of women feel comfortable managing day-to-day finances, they’re doubtful of their ability to select the right investments or adequately plan for retirement. Despite this uncertainty, women actually have a slight edge— 0.4% over men — when it comes to long-term gains. How is this possible?
By Scott D. Knapp, CFA
Chief Market Strategist, CUNA Mutual Group
Financial markets and the economy entered 2022 with a mixed bag. On one hand, economic growth was very strong and financial markets had just produced a third year in a row of excellent returns. On the other hand, inflation was awakened from a long slumber that started as far back as the 1970s. Conditions were good in the aggregate, but they were far less hospitable for investors compared to last year. Market returns so far this year reflect this changing dynamic. The world was recently awakened by another vestige from a bygone era when Russia conducted a Soviet-style invasion of Ukraine. Continue reading
Home values hit new heights in 2021. In October, the CoreLogic Home Price Index1 recorded the highest increase in its 45-year history of tracking annual home price growth in the U.S. This sharp uptick in market values gives homeowners an opportunity to access a sizeable amount of equity now, instead of waiting years to pay down mortgage principal balances.
Do you have home makeover ideas but worry about having the funds to cover your wish list? When determining the projects to tackle or forego, keep in mind that some enhancements can increase your home’s value, while others may not. Some home improvements may be worth the cost, even if you don’t recoup all the money you’ve invested in them. But if you plan on moving within a few years, you’ll want to proceed with caution before taking on a project that may cost you in the long run.
Here are some facts to help guide your decisions.
New and used car prices are skyrocketing. If you plan to buy a vehicle soon, you’ll need a strategy in place so you don’t get taken for a ride.
The availability and pricing of new cars can fluctuate. For example, a global semiconductor shortage starting in 2020 slowed the production of certain new car inventory, causing used car sales to soar. Despite this potential roadblock, you can still find a year-end deal on a new or used vehicle if you do your homework. 
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When you first bought your house, it was the perfect fit for you and your family. Now your circumstances may have changed and you’re exploring what to do next. Here are some ideas that can help you improve your living situation and make the most of your money.
They say knowledge is power, especially when it comes to buying or selling a home. And when you’re trying to do both at the same time, you’ll need the right information to make the transition as smooth as possible.
If you’re planning to buy a home, you may be worried if you’ll have enough money saved for a down payment. You’ve probably heard that you can use retirement funds to help, but it’s important to know the restrictions, or you could be stuck paying penalties and taxes. And even though a home can be a great investment, taking out retirement funds early could hurt your long-term security.
Here’s what you should know before you make any financial moves. Continue reading
Buying your first home is a tremendous achievement, but the journey to get there can sometimes feel like a winding road rather than a straight path. That’s why it’s important to learn as much as you can about the process and lean on the expertise of your real estate agent to help you navigate any bumps along the way.
Here are four common mistakes first-time buyers make, and what you can do to steer clear of them.
