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.
It has been reported today that Aretha Franklin died “intestate”, which means that she had no will. In her home state, Michigan, the laws dictate that her estate will be divided among her 4 children. She might have wanted part of her assets to go to other relatives, charities or friends. Or she may have wanted to give certain belongings, such as jewelry or sentimental keepsakes, to a specific individual. Without a will, her four children will decide how to divide her possessions.
Read MoreWhen 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.
Read MoreContrary 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...
Read MoreWhat 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.
Read MoreFinally, 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.
Read MoreApril 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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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...
Read MoreI’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...
Read MoreThanksgiving 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…
Read MoreOh 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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