The adage “Now is the most uncertain time to invest” seems more true than ever. So, what to do? For many investors, the post-recession recovery (stock market gains) went largely unnoticed. Now, the economic backdrop has softened and the recession to recovery momentum has decelerated — or even in some areas reversed. After the S&P Index peaked at a recovery high of 1217 in April, the market is now within shouting distance of the standard bear market definition of a 20 percent decline. Our Northwest summer was dismal, and made worse by a severe market chill. read more »

We all know retirement is something to actively plan and save toward. Social Security alone isn’t enough, and traditional pension plans that pay lifetime defined benefits are becoming increasingly scarce. Yet the majority of Americans typically don’t know how much to save and don’t save enough. With life expectancies increasing, it’s not uncommon for the retirement years to last upwards of 30 years. So, how do you prepare for retirement and when do you start? read more »