Bitcoin vs. Ethereum…So what’s the big deal?

Ben Klamo

Cryptocurrencies have garnered much attention in the financial world in the past few years as their adoption has increased by investors and institutions. It’s safe to say that cryptocurrencies have reached the mainstream; if you have invested money at some point, you have probably heard of or had a conversation…

Categories: News, The Market

First Quarter Market Commentary

David Martin

The U.S. equity market hit all-time highs during the first quarter and several non-U.S. markets joined the march upwards, including the Canadian and European equity markets. Additionally, the S&P 500 gained 5.8% in Q1 and its trailing 12-month gain was 53.7%, the strongest gain in the post-war period. Alternatively, bonds…

Categories: News, The Market

April is National Financial Literacy Month

Thad Schlaud

April is National Financial Literacy Month – an entire month dedicated to underscoring the importance of learning, establishing, and maintaining healthy financial habits. Sadly, the money habits of the average American reveal that: • Only about 40% of adults use a budget and track spending; • More than three out…

Categories: Industry Ideas, News

That $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Might Cause Inflation

Thad Schlaud

The current job market landscape is a warning sign of how painful the U.S. economy is for many, as over 745,000 Americans filed first-time unemployment claims at the end of February. But then on March 5th, the February employment report showed the U.S. economy added 379,000 jobs in that month.

Categories: News, The Market

COVID’s Impact on our Super Bowl Spending

Thad Schlaud

When you add it all up, how much money is spent on the Super Bowl? How much do we really consume on Super Bowl Sunday? And how much do we wager? While those are interesting topics to explore as we get ready for Super Bowl LV between the Kansas City…

Categories: News

2020 Year-End Review and Outlook

David Martin

During the year 2020 we saw the global economy fall into its deepest recession in the postwar era due to COVID-19, with the S&P 500 falling by as much as 34% from its late February highs into late March. But as early as the second quarter (Q2), the economy began…

Categories: Industry Ideas, The Market

Your 2021 New Year’s (Financial) Resolutions

Thad Schlaud

Cleaning up personal finances remains one of the top resolutions every New Year. But we all know what happens to most such self-promises, so here’s a month-by-month to-do list to cultivate better financial health. January: Organize paperwork. This obvious starting point eludes many. Are your financial documents organized, in paper…

Categories: Education