Those who thought the Stock Market was in a catastrophic free fall last March and decided to bail should have stuck around. Stocks are at an all-time record high of 27,000 in early August. So, those who figured their 401(k) retirement funds were down the drain are now smiling with relief. Who would have figured … Continue reading “The Stock Market Hit An All-Time High Despite the Pandemic”

When the coronavirus shut down New York City, the number of real estate sales dropped by 54 percent and the median price fell to “a mere” $1 million. So, if you want to buy a home on, say, Manhattan Island, plan on shelling out around $1,550,000. Want to sell? Well, the price drops to $945,500. … Continue reading “New York Population Exodus Accelerates as Companies Are Overloaded”

Congress is in a bit of a impasse right now as Democrats and Republicans bicker over a fourth coronavirus relief bill, and the lack of progress between the two parties was evident over the weekend when President Trump signed several executive orders to boost unemployment benefits and offer other protections in the meantime. While the … Continue reading “Ask the Experts: How to Spend a Second Stimulus Check”

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the American economy. Unemployment topped off at an unprecedented 14 percent in March 2020. Fortunately, it bounced back to about a 10 percent national level according to a July 17, 2020, Bureau of Labor Statistics report. One outcome could be that many … Continue reading “How the Pandemic is Ruining Everyone’s Retirement Plans”

As the Dow continues its recovery, the NASDAQ hits a new record, and the S&P 500 continues to recover its pandemic-prompted losses, the coronavirus pandemic continues to cast a shadow over the U.S. equity markets. Flare-ups of COVID-19 continue to inject negativity after an unprecedented market rebound from the March 2020. Market analysts hope for … Continue reading “Stock Market Peaks and Plummets as Lawmakers Delay COVID-19 Relief Package”

Despite a seemingly uneven recovery from the pandemic, U.S. manufacturing posted a 15-month high-water mark in July. On Aug. 3, the Institute for Supply Management released its topline manufacturing measure known as the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). The benchmark exceeded expectations by posting a reading of 54.2 in July. Figures above 50 point to growth … Continue reading “U.S. Manufacturing SURGES, Trade Deficit NARROWS Despite Pandemic”

As congressional leaders meet with Treasury and White House negotiators, they are hoping to hammer out an agreement on phase four of the coronavirus relief package. As of Friday, August 1, negotiations were stalled in a partisan stalemate. Democrats want to continue the $600 unemployment payment, plus another $1 trillion to state and local governments: … Continue reading “A Second Round of Stimulus Checks Are Coming — Are You Eligible?”

In March 2020, Eastman Kodak shares bottomed to an all-time low of $1.50. Then, along came the coronavirus pandemic and a $765 million federal loan from the Trump Administration. Kodak’s plan is to launch Kodak Pharmaceuticals and to produce generic drugs to help reduce U.S. dependency on foreign drug makers. The cash infusion will add … Continue reading “Kodak Stock SKYROCKETS After Company Tapped to Develop Generic Drugs”

It’s estimated that more than 70 million Americans subscribe to Netflix in the United States. And now, presuming that they’re paying their bill on time, subscribing and binging content on Netflix could actually be helping tens of millions of Americans improve their credit score. That’s right… while you Netflix and chill, you could also be … Continue reading “Netflix and… Boost Your Credit Score?”

Earlier this week, Senate Republicans unveiled another coronavirus relief package, and there’s certain to be negotiations that take place with the Democrat-majority House of Representatives over the coming days and weeks before it goes to vote and lands itself on the President’s desk. Quite frankly, swift action could be crucial, especially as the pandemic continues … Continue reading “5 Things to Know About the Senate GOP’s Fourth Stimulus Package”

Now that the July 15 extended deadline has passed for the 2019 tax filing, the 2020 tax year is already more than half finished. With only 9 months to April 15, 2020, the good news is that there are no massive tax overhauls like that ushered in by the Trump Administration’s Tax Cuts and Jobs … Continue reading “Here is Your Strategy for the 2020 Tax Year”

According to this Ameritrade Survey conducted on line last May, 32% of the over 1,000 adults surveyed mistakenly believed they had to pay back the Trump Administration’s stimulus check next tax season. Simply put: no, they do not. The stimulus payment is an advance tax credit. Investopedia defines tax credit as “an amount of money … Continue reading “Too Many Americans STILL Believe This MYTH About the Stimulus Checks”

Contrary to popular belief that there’s no such thing as “good debt,” most financial experts agree that certain types of debt can actually work out in your favor, so long as you stick to the terms of the payment plan. Being that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing financial strain for American households, now is a … Continue reading “What’s the REAL Difference Between “Good” Debt and “Bad” Debt?”

After a 700-point drop towards the end of June, the stock market is once again on the comeback trail. Like an ICU patient monitor, stock futures have accompanied the coronavirus pandemic into its peaks and valleys. From a high of over 29,000 in February, the market dropped over 10,000 points in April as the coronavirus … Continue reading “Potential Virus Cure, Second Stimulus Bodes Well for the Stock Market”

Elections, as everyone knows, have consequences. The unexpected consequences of the 2016 presidential election were favorable to both the economy and the stock market. In fact, the economy may be President Donald Trump’s last, best hope for reelection. President Trump is viewed as a competent steward of a pro-American economic policy where jobs and full … Continue reading “A Democrat Triple Win in November Won’t Be a Home Run for Wall Street”

Among the many businesses that the COVID-19 pandemic forced into shuttering this past winter and spring were car dealerships. And though these dealerships attempted to provide some service by offering virtual consultations and delivering new vehicles to consumers that purchased them, sales still plummeted. Once dealerships opened back up in the spring and into summer, … Continue reading “Here’s How Your Next Car Can Be MUCH Less Expensive”

Low interest rates are bad news for savers looking to see their money work harder for them. But they’re great news for consumers that are looking to refinance debt and save money long-term. In previous posts, we discussed how now is still a great time to refinance a home mortgage – but these historic low … Continue reading “Is Now the Right Time to be Refinancing Student Loans?”