Money Wisdom & Musings

Here's your source for thoughts and observations on all things financial (and otherwise). Topics can range from tips on your personal well being to the well being of your investments. As always, we welcome your comments and feedback.

Disclaimer: Our blog posts are for informational purposes only and are not to be considered investment, tax, or financial advice. Cornerstone does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information presented in our blog posts regarding your individual circumstances. Please review your personal situation with your tax and/or financial advisor.

Are you caught in the ‘Return Gap?’

Posted by on August 20, 2018

When it comes to our portfolios, the word “return” is one that most of us understand and recognize. However, focusing on (or chasing) returns can be a futile exercise.

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The Dog Days of Summer

Posted by Jill Boynton on August 2, 2018

Contrary to popular belief, the “dog days of summer” have nothing to do with lying around in the heat with your tongue sticking out. The phrase actually originated in Greek and Roman literature...

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What's Going On With Tariffs?

Posted by Christina Traurig on June 21, 2018

What exactly is a tariff? The direct definition of a tariff is “a tax imposed on imported goods and services.” Tariffs can be used to protect domestic industries by making imported goods more expensive or to raise more revenue for the government. As a recent example, the US Government has decided to impose a 10% tariff on aluminum. A US company that buys aluminum from a Canadian company will now pay 10% of the purchase price to the US Government as a tax. The big issue with tariffs comes when other countries retaliate with tariffs of their own, resulting in a trade war.

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Spring Cleaning: The Personal Finance Edition

Posted by Christina Traurig on May 7, 2018

Finally, springtime in New England! The weather is getting warmer, the flowers are blooming, and everyone is in the mood to start cleaning house. Now is a great time to do a clean up of your personal finances as well.

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April: Financial Literacy Month

Posted by Mackenzie Arsenault on April 12, 2018

April is Financial Literacy Month and even Saturday Night Live recognizes the importance. Check out SNL's skit with Kate McKinnon as she highlights the importance of teaching children money basics early!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP57Kn9eAAQ

 

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Anchors Away!

Posted by Jill Boynton on February 12, 2018

When the stock market goes down, as it has over the past week, some investors hold off on buying or selling until the security they have in mind comes back up to a particular price. For instance, Investor A might decide to hold onto his GE stock, which was at roughly $19 a month ago...

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Guys 'n Gals: a message to all women

Posted by Susan Veligor on January 11, 2018

I’ve noticed for years now a growing use of the pronoun “guys” when addressing a group of two or more people regardless of gender. It is most glaring, though, when the group consists of all women!In the early years of feminism, there was an effort to randomly exchange...

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The Price of a Thanksgiving Dinner

Posted by Jill Boynton on November 20, 2017

Thanksgiving dinner a budget-buster? Not really. Every year the American Farm Bureau releases their survey of the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people. The meal includes turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, peas, sweet potatoes, a vegetable tray, rolls, pumpkin pie and coffee/tea. This year the average cost is $49.12, or about $4.91 per person. That’s down $0.75, or 1 ½ percent, from…

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Back to School

Posted by Mackenzie Arsenault on September 29, 2017
Back to School

Oh snap -- where did September go? The years since I headed back to school has creeped into double digits but I still feel the excitement and shift towards the fall mentally; a time of getting back on a regular schedule and of course buying new school supplies, shoes included! Here at Cornerstone...

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What Are The Odds?

Posted by Jill Boynton on May 4, 2017

The following statistic came to my attention recently: “According to a recent study in the Journal of Aging, a full 50% of those over 65 will need care that’s sufficient to trigger benefits under a long-term care policy – substantial assistance with 2 of 6 activities of daily living, or substantial supervision due to a cognitive impairment.” That’s a staggering statistic to me. If I told…

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