Blog
The future you want, the money to do it.
Education is a key component of our planning and investment process. We share our expertise with you through our blog so that you can have a deeper understanding of your finances and the decisions surrounding them.
The Latest From Our Blog
How to Use a 529 Plan: 5 First Steps, 2 Tips, and 9 FAQs
As a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or friend, you’re eager to see the young people in your life succeed, and you do what you can to foster that success. One way to give back is through a 529 plan, which helps fund a beneficiary’s educational endeavors. If you’re interested in opening a 529 for your loved one, consider the following 5...
4 Reasons Not to be Alarmed by an Anticipated Economic Slowdown
In light of a forthcoming economic slowdown, labor market, spending, earnings, and savings data tell an interesting – and even reassuring – story. First, investors should remember that recessions are a normal phenomenon. They are a function of the capital markets and the business cycle. With the right mindset and tools, we can navigate them...
Avoid These 4 Common Financial Mistakes
Your financial health and trajectory are unique, and a mistake for one person could be the right decision for you. However, there are common mistakes to avoid when building a financially healthy life. Here are four to be cautious of: Watching market fluctuations can be nerve-racking. Unfortunately, influences in your life, whether the media or...
3 Ways Women Can Build Financially Healthy Families – A Female Advisor’s Perspective
My grandfather unexpectedly passed from a heart attack while milking cows at 50 years young, and my grandmother became the sole provider for four children and chief financial officer for 60 cows and 700 acres. This is not an anomaly. A 2022 Bank of America study found that 94% of women and 88% of men “Believe that most women will be personally...
5 Reasons Why Financial Planning is Important
A financial plan may seem like an extraneous addition to an investment portfolio, nothing more than a nice-to-have bonus. In reality, financial planning is important for building a secure future and offering unmatched clarity on your financial standing. Not everyone offers planning services, but at Credent, we believe in the powerful combination...
3 Ways To Navigate Global Geopolitical Events and Stock Market Reactions
In an interconnected world, global geopolitical events have an undeniable impact on financial markets. In fact, members of our Investment Policy Committee identified geopolitical tensions as one of the reasons for the market volatility in mid-April 2024. From political unrest and trade disputes to natural disasters and continued conflicts (such...
2 Reasons for the Current Market Volatility
While we ended the first quarter with a fairly robust economic background (which has continued into the first month of Q2), we've also seen some market volatility unfold. Volatility is no cause for concern, especially if you understand the source. Here are two reasons for the current market volatility in mid-April 2024: The March 2024 CPI...
U.S. Money Market Assets
Volatility across capital markets is often a sign of cash exiting or entering a specific asset class, which can be defined as exposure to stocks, bonds, commodities, or any other investment that carries a reasonable liquidity profile. Measuring the level of cash that investors are sitting on has often provided an actionable perspective as to the...
5 Essential Tax Planning Topics to Consider Each Year Before Tax Day
April 15th is marked on calendars across the United States, signifying the deadline for filing income tax returns. However, tax planning is not merely about filling in boxes on forms to determine what you owe or what you're owed by the government. It's also about strategic decision-making and proactive measures to optimize your financial...
Debunking 3 Social Security Myths You May Believe
Myths and misinformation around Social Security claiming strategies can cause hardworking Americans to miss out on some of their benefits. Working with an expert is one of the best ways to ensure you have the most accurate information when building your financial plan. Here are three common Social Security myths we can debunk today: Myth #1:...