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Monday, June 5, 2023

Stocks surged higher in the closing days of a holiday-shortened trading week, ignited by a political resolution on raising the debt ceiling and a strong employment report.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.02%, while the Standard...

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Markets moved in sync last week with perceived movement in debt ceiling talks, weakening early in the week and then surging on news of progress. A solid quarterly report and guidance from a mega-cap technology company helped with...

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Estate management can be a complex and daunting task for many people, but it’s a critical step in helping your assets get managed and distributed according to your wishes.One popular tool that can be used in estate strategies is...

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

LPL Financial Chief Economist Dr. Jeffrey Roach shares insights on the shift that’s happening in the job market these days.

Monday, May 22, 2023

Stocks rallied last week, propelled by growing optimism over reaching a deal on raising the debt ceiling and avoiding a technical debt default by the U.S.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.38% higher, while the Standard &...

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Monday, May 15, 2023

Stocks were mixed last week as good inflation news was offset by mounting debt ceiling concerns and rekindled regional banking fears.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.11%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.29%. The...

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Economies move in cycles – always have, always willThe Federal Reserve has been steadily increasing interest rates in an attempt to slow the rate of inflation. Its efforts are yielding some results, although inflation remains...

Monday, May 8, 2023

A Friday rebound, triggered by a big tech company’s earnings beat and a strong jobs report, shaved much of the week’s accumulated losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Monday, May 1, 2023

Strong earnings from several mega-cap technology companies offset renewed regional banking jitters and weak economic data, leaving stocks higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.86%, while the Standard &...

Friday, April 28, 2023

Fun fact: You probably have dozens of credit scores out there, and each one might be a different number.You’re probably familiar with a credit score, why it’s essential, and what it’s used for, but do you know how...

Monday, April 24, 2023

Stocks remained resilient last week amid mixed earnings reports, hawkish Fed-speak, and lingering recession fears, closing out the five trading days with small losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.23%, while the Standard &...

Monday, April 17, 2023

The combination of an improving inflation outlook resulted in a week of uneven, albeit positive, performance, in which cyclical and financial stocks rallied while technology, real estate, and utilities lagged. The Dow Jones...

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

As we get older, it’s important that our adult children are prepared to manage any aging-related situations that may arise. This includes everything from having to make medical and financial decisions to determining assisted...

Monday, April 10, 2023

Stocks ended a shortened week of trading mixed amid revived recession fears on Wall Street triggered by weak economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.63%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.10%. The Nasdaq...

Monday, April 3, 2023

Stocks rallied last week on receding fears of a widening banking crisis, led by resurging investor interest in technology and communication services names.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.22%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Monday, March 27, 2023

Modest gains in major market indices masked sharp volatility amid the uncertainty arising from mixed messages emanating from public officials and revived banking fears. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.18%, while the Standard...

Monday, March 20, 2023

Amid the reverberations of two U.S. banks being taken over by regulators and the spread of uncertainty to European banks, stocks trended higher last week on the strength of the technology sector.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was...

Monday, March 20, 2023

Every parent wants the best for their children and strives to prepare them to lead a happy, healthy, and successful life. But, despite understanding the importance of financial responsibility, only 28 percent of parents speak to their...

Monday, March 13, 2023

Stocks tumbled last week as investors reconsidered their interest rate expectations after Fed Chair Powell’s Congressional testimony that rates may need to go higher. Stocks also were rattled when a west coast bank was placed...

Monday, March 6, 2023

Transitioning from Private Health Insurance Plans to MedicareAs you approach retirement age, you may be anticipating transitioning from your private insurance to Medicare, which is a federal health insurance program that provides...

Monday, March 6, 2023

A late-week surge, triggered by reassuring Fed-speak, propelled stocks higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up 2.58% for...

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months. We started the year hopeful that stocks would benefit from a better economic and monetary policy environment by the spring, but recent...

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

LPL Financial Chief Economist Dr. Jeffrey Roach suggests an alternative analogy to that of an airplane landing.  

Monday, February 27, 2023

Concerns over a firmer monetary policy were heightened by fresh economic data, touching off a climb in bond yields and a slide in stock prices last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.99%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Growing concerns about further interest rate hikes, prompted by fresh economic data, reversed early-week gains and left stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

According to the Investment Company Institute, near the end of 2022, there was more than $4.7 trillion in cash sitting in U.S. money market funds.1,2While cash can play a role in a diversified portfolio, historically, cash has not kept...

Monday, February 13, 2023

Stocks drifted lower as a week of mixed earnings reports and resurgent worries over Fed monetary policy dragged on investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

By 2040, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 80 million people in the U.S. will be age 65 or older.1 Most of these senior adults will either want to—or need to—"age in place," living in their homes securely, independently...

Monday, February 6, 2023

Stocks were mixed last week following better-than-expected corporate reports and increasing optimism over a slowdown in interest rates.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged lower, slipping -0.15%. The Standard & Poor’s 500 rose...

Monday, January 30, 2023

Stocks added to their early 2023 gains amid a busy stream of mixed corporate earnings results and conflicting economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.47%. The Nasdaq...

Monday, January 23, 2023

With the possibility of a recession looming, it's natural for those nearing or in retirement to have concerns over their long-term strategies. After decades of accumulating a portfolio, the last thing retirees want is for a market...

Monday, January 23, 2023

Stocks showed mixed results last week as recession fears resurfaced in response to weak economic data and a tepid start to a new corporate earnings season.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.70%, while the Standard &...

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Stocks rallied last week thanks to fresh confirmation of inflation’s cooling trend and growing optimism that an inflation slowdown may provide the Fed with space to ease up on future rate hikes.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

Monday, January 9, 2023

A strong Friday rally triggered by fresh signs of moderating inflation pushed stocks into positive territory to begin the new year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.45%....

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

In October 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced tax changes for 2023 — changes primarily driven, in part, by the current inflationary environment. For affluent couples or individuals interested in transferring...

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

In a holiday-shortened week, erratic trading left stocks marginally down for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.14%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.30%. The MSCI...

Monday, January 2, 2023

Hey 2022… Goodbye, adios, arrivederci, au revoir, sayonara…. Don’t let the door hit ya on the way out!!!  

Monday, December 19, 2022

Hawkish comments by the Fed and weak economic data heightened investors’ recession concerns and sent stocks lower last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 2.08%. The...

Monday, December 12, 2022

In today’s social media-obsessed world full of popular “influencers” targeting teens, pre-teens, and even younger groups, instilling values in your children and grandchildren about what really matters in life is more...

Monday, December 12, 2022

Recession fears and concerns that the Fed may consider a longer rate-hike cycle sent stocks lower for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.77%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 3.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Monday, December 5, 2022

Stocks ended higher last week as investors navigated the crosscurrents of a potential easing in future rate hikes and continued strength in the labor market.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.24% higher, while the Standard &...

Monday, December 5, 2022

In late October, the IRS announced that it is increasing contribution limits to retirement savings accounts in 2023. The changes, like many you are seeing, are a direct result of months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some...

Monday, November 28, 2022

Growing optimism that the Fed may be ready to ease future interest rate hikes sent stocks higher in a quiet trading week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.53%. The Nasdaq...

Monday, November 28, 2022

The year is almost over, and it has certainly been a bumpy one for the financial markets and our economy. As financial professionals, we work with families to design investment strategies that help them pursue their goals for education...

Monday, November 21, 2022

The stock market edged lower last week as it digested a crosscurrent of conflicting economic data and contrasting comments from Fed officials.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.01%), while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Monday, November 14, 2022

A cooling inflation number ignited a powerful rally on Thursday, sending stocks to strong gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 5.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Monday, November 14, 2022

Key points:Over the past five years, affluent Americans increased their donations to charity by 48%.1Understand various strategies to help you maximize the impact of your charitable donations and your income tax savings.To qualify for...

Monday, November 7, 2022

Hawkish comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, following the announcement of another 75 basis points interest rate hike last week, cast a pall over financial markets, sending yields higher and stocks lower.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Key points:One of the biggest components of the Inflation Reduction Act is the changes to healthcare costs and coverage. The Inflation Reduction Act requires all pharmaceutical companies to rebate Medicare participants for the...

Monday, October 31, 2022

Stocks overcame poor earnings results from some of America’s largest companies to post gains last week as investors cheered positive earnings surprises, easing inflation and a rebound in economic growth.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Monday, October 24, 2022

If you haven’t heard much about ESG investing, you will. ESG has gone from a niche investment philosophy to a mainstream investment tenant. At the same time, it has gained the attention of corporations, politicians, regulators,...

Monday, October 24, 2022

A positive start to a new earnings season and late-week hopes for a near-term easing in Fed rate hikes lifted investors’ spirits and powered stocks to gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 4.89%, while the...

Monday, October 17, 2022

Stocks were mixed last week amid wide intra- and inter-day price swings, as technology shares bore the brunt of the downdraft.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.15% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Over 50% of consumers have fallen victim to a cybercrime, with a third of those attacks taking place in the past year alone. So there are 263 million American consumers. 131.5 million have been hit by cybercrime, with 44 million...

Monday, October 10, 2022

A powerful two-day stock rebound cemented a positive week for investors as a new trading month began.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.99%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.51%. The Nasdaq Composite index increased 0...

Friday, October 7, 2022

As the third quarter comes to an end, it’s admittedly difficult to be optimistic about stock and bond markets right now. The most recent quarter saw both stocks and bond prices fall in tandem again.

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

When it comes to stock market performance, August was “the best of times, and the worst of times.” The strong market rally that peaked in mid-August was viewed by many analysts as a transition from a bear to bull market,...

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Most people are used to having a percentage of their paycheck withheld for Social Security. The withholding rate in 2022 stands at 6.2% for individuals and another 6.2% for their employers, for a total of 12.4% per person.1 But...

Monday, October 3, 2022

Rising recession fears and uncertainty in the bond and currency markets sent stocks to new 2022 lows last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.92%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2.91%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Monday, September 26, 2022

Last week, Fed Chair Powell said the U.S. would not tame inflation without economic pain. This week heightened recession fears and sent stocks broadly lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 4.00%, while the Standard &...

Thursday, September 22, 2022

A hotter-than-expected inflation report sent stocks sharply lower last week as investors faced the prospect of more aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve for perhaps a longer period.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell...

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Several factors will affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. If a policy...

Monday, September 12, 2022

In a holiday-shortened week of trading, stocks posted healthy gains despite more tough talk on monetary policy from Fed officials.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 3.65%. The...

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

The overhang of Fed Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole speech the previous week carried over into last week as investors recalibrated stock valuations amid a seemingly more assertive monetary policy stance.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

A comprehensive sell-off on Friday following comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell drove stocks to losses for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 4.22%, while the Standard & Poor's 500 dropped 4.04%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Thursday, August 25, 2022

The end of summer and the start of the school year always seem to be a catalyst for conversations about college savings and where they fit into larger, long-term financial strategies. In particular, the 529 college savings plan, with...

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

With inflation at 40-year highs, the Fed is aggressively hiking interest rates; but it's a tricky proposition: raise rates too much and many fear the next recession is right around the corner. Markets have been reflecting that fear,...

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Is Now a Good Time for a Roth IRA Conversion?We know that taxes are one of life’s two inevitables. So, the question is not if you will pay taxes on your retirement accounts, but when and how much. That’s where Roth IRAs...

Thursday, June 2, 2022

June 2, 2022The bull market that began in March of 2020 came dangerously close to an end. From March 23, 2020 through January 3, 2022, the S&P 500 Index gained 114% (excluding dividends). From that January 3 closing high through the...

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Monday, April 11, 2022

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Monday, February 14, 2022

Friday, February 4, 2022

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Friday, December 10, 2021

Thursday, November 4, 2021

November 4, 2021 The past year and a half have tested all of us, but overall, the economy continues to strengthen, COVID-19 trends are greatly improving, and this still relatively young bull market is alive and well. As the leaves turn...

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Please join us in welcoming Jennifer Hoover to the Madison Financial Planning team. Jennifer will work under the leadership of Terri to provide the excellent service experience that you are accustomed to. She can assist with a full...

Thursday, October 7, 2021

October 7, 2021 One constant in life is change. During the past year and a half, we have experienced more change than any of us bargained for. Change is disruptive—but also brings opportunities. For investors right now, there is...

Monday, October 4, 2021

We are excited to announce that we have new neighbors! Please welcome the Shoreline Arts Alliance to 206 Boston Post Road. ABOUT Shoreline Arts Alliance: Shoreline Arts Alliance is a non-profit arts council founded in 1980. They are...

Thursday, September 30, 2021

CRAIG BERNARD HONORED AS ONE OF LPL FINANCIAL’S TOP FINANCIAL ADVISORS Madison, CT— Craig Bernard, an independent LPL Financial advisor at Madison Financial Planning in Madison, CT today announced his inclusion in...

Thursday, September 2, 2021

September 2, 2021 The bull market continues, with the S&P 500 Index now up seven months in a row. Stocks have impressively gained 20% year-to-date, with the S&P 500 making 53 new all-time highs before the end of August—another...

Monday, August 9, 2021

August 9, 2021 Dear Valued Investor: Six months and counting. That is the current monthly winning streak for the S&P 500 Index. To take that a step further, this key equity benchmark has posted gains in 13 of the last 16...

Thursday, June 3, 2021

June 3, 2021 Dear Valued Investor: As we move into June, a path to normalcy is coming quickly with stadiums allowing full capacity, restaurants filling up, and summer vacations in full swing. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy continues to...

Monday, February 1, 2021

Good Afternoon! With the New Year we finally completed the filming and editing of a video that Kim and I had talked about doing for quite some time. This video is meant to introduce ourselves to someone new- typically someone that you...

Friday, January 29, 2021

CRAIG BERNARD HONORED AS ONE OF LPL FINANCIAL’S TOP FINANCIAL ADVISORS Madison, CT. January 29, 2021: Craig Bernard, an independent LPL Financial advisor in Madison, CT, today announced his inclusion in LPL’s...

Friday, January 15, 2021

Check out this week's Weekly Market Roundup Click here to read

Friday, January 8, 2021

January 7, 2021 Dear Valued Investor: Happy New Year! A new year offers a welcomed turn of the calendar and a fresh start. However, it’s difficult to put 2020 completely behind us just yet because the COVID-19 pandemic still...

Friday, December 4, 2020

Check out this week's Weekly Market Roundup. Click here to read

Friday, December 4, 2020

December 4, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: As 2020 comes to a close, we are already looking forward to a new year—and to a world very different from the one we’re leaving behind. Areas of the economy have been damaged and may...

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Craig recently appeared on a cable TV show called Shore Things. In the interview he discusses the current status of the markets and some financial thoughts for today’s environment. We hope you enjoy the show!

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

We are so excited to share Carolyn's Thanksgiving Floral Arrangement Tutorial with you. It is broken into 2 parts. If you decide to make something of your own, please send a picture to kelly@madisonfinancialplanners.com. We would love...

Friday, November 13, 2020

Check out this week's Weekly Market Roundup. Click here to read

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

November 10, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: A record number of people voted in the 2020 US presidential election, and several media outlets have projected that former Vice President Joe Biden has won enough electoral college votes to be...

Monday, November 9, 2020

November 9, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: Former Vice President Joe Biden has been elected the 46th President of the United States, defeating President Donald Trump in a tight race and bringing an end to the highly contested 2020 election...

Friday, November 6, 2020

Check out this week's Weekly Market Roundup. Click here to read

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

November 4, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: The American people have voted, casting a record number of ballots under extraordinary circumstances, which is a testament to the enduring resilience of our democracy. Determining the outcome of...

Friday, October 30, 2020

Check out this week's Weekly Market Roundup Click here to read

Friday, October 23, 2020

Check out this week's Weekly Market Roundup. Click here to read

Friday, October 16, 2020

Check out this week's Weekly Market Roundup Click here to read

Friday, October 9, 2020

Check out this week's Weekly Market Roundup Click here to read

Friday, October 2, 2020

Check out this week's Weekly Markey Roundup Click here to read

Thursday, October 1, 2020

October 1, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: Autumn has arrived, with students back in school, baseball playoffs beginning, and football in full swing. Life is trying to get back to as normal as possible despite the ongoing impact from...

Friday, September 25, 2020

Check out this week's Weekly Market Roundup here: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Weekly-Wealth-of-Knowledge--September-21-25--2020.html?soid=1117375119089&aid=Zx6-3KDoprY

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

September 8, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: Back to school this year will be different. On the one hand, like other years, it marks the end of summer, the arrival of cooler weather, kids hitting the books again, and Labor Day gatherings....

Thursday, August 6, 2020

August 6, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: The battle versus COVID-19 continues. The spread in some of the recent hotspots like California and Florida is slowing, while states in the Northeast and Midwest are now experiencing increases in...

Thursday, July 16, 2020

July 16, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: We are at the midpoint of 2020, and it would be an understatement to say it’s been a challenging year so far in the United States and around the world. We’ve faced health, social, and...

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

June 30, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: The July Fourth holiday will be very different this year. Although it’s a time to enjoy family and friends, and maybe even watch some fireworks, social distancing and a new wave of COVID-19...

Friday, June 5, 2020

As we look ahead to the summer months, we can’t help but think what a challenging year it’s been so far. At the same time, we’re encouraged by the resiliency and accelerated innovation among US businesses and the...

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

2020 is only five months old, but in many ways it is one of the most historic years we’ve ever seen. “2020 went from moving along nicely, to seeing the worst recession in a generation and the fastest bear market ever...

Monday, May 25, 2020

What’s Memorial Day all about you ask? Well let me tell you something right now......... It’s NOT about a 3 day weekend, it’s about HONOR! Honor: showing of merited respect It’s NOT about sales, it’s about...

Thursday, May 21, 2020

May 21, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald The economic struggles in our country are among the worst we’ve ever seen. In April, a record 20...

Friday, May 8, 2020

May 8, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: Investors like labels for the economy and financial markets—many of them with the word “great” in them. The Great Depression. The Great Recession. The Great Lockdown. Well,...

Thursday, April 23, 2020

We hope that this monthly installment of “Around the Office” finds you and your family in good health. When we talk about health we are taking into consideration your physical health, mental health/well-being, and your...

Thursday, April 23, 2020

April 21, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.” — Lou Holtz, Hall of Fame football coach As the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic continues, how we respond to...

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

We wanted to formally reach out to offer you my comfort and support during this very daunting time. The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has most certainly caused you to have significant worries about a number of things, including your...

Thursday, April 9, 2020

April 9, 2020 These are challenging times, and this week may be the toughest as we wait for COVID-19 to reach its peak in the United States. As the war against COVID-19 wages on, we continue to be inspired by the tremendous bravery...

Monday, April 6, 2020

I hope this note finds you and those around you safe and healthy during this unprecedented time. You may be aware at the end of March, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and it is now...

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Dear Valued Investor: “Every decade or so, dark clouds will fill the economic skies, and they will briefly rain gold. When downpours of that sort occur, reach for a bucket.” —Warren Buffett The battle with COVID-19...

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Our hope is that this monthly installment of “Around the office” finds you and your family Healthy & Happy. We understand that the pandemic has left most of us feeling anxious and isolated. We’re trying finding ways...

Thursday, March 26, 2020

March 26, 2020 The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are providing special tax filing and payment relief to individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 Outbreak. The filing deadline for tax returns has...

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

March 25, 2020 The world continues its battle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, which now has likely impacted, either directly or indirectly, nearly every person on Earth. This is far more than just a health crisis—this is a...

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

March 24, 2020 We know that these can be frightening times, but we want to assure you that the one thing you don’t need to worry about is us supporting you through them. No one knows what the next days, weeks, or even months...

Thursday, March 19, 2020

March 19, 2020 Our everyday lives have changed dramatically over the last few weeks as we work together to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We know these efforts are necessary, but they also have come at a cost. Global...

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Friday, March 13, 2020

Fears over the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) have gripped the country and sent stocks in the US and around the world into bear markets. Thursday’s nearly 10% decline in the S&P 500 Index was one of its worst days in history...

Thursday, March 12, 2020

We want to share information about the steps we’ve taken to minimize any potential impact to our clients as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and maximize our efforts to keep our team and clients safe. This event,...

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

March 10, 2020 The tough times that global markets were experiencing due to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) worsened this past weekend as a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia resulted in sharply declining oil prices. This...

Thursday, March 5, 2020

March 5, 2020 It’s been a tough week. The number of coronavirus cases have continued to increase globally, and new cases have been confirmed in the United States. Countries are making progress with containment, but those efforts...

Monday, March 2, 2020

March 2, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: “The stock market takes an escalator up, and an elevator down,” is a classic Wall Street saying. The last week has sure felt like taking an express elevator down, as the end of February...

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

2020 is a Leap year. February 29 is a date that usually occurs every four years and is called Leap Day. This day is added to the calendar in leap years as a corrective measure because the Earth does not orbit the sun in precisely 365...

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Attached is the 2019-2020 Turbo Tax Guide. Please give us a call at 203.245.3131 if you have any questions. Turbo Tax Guided 20-19-2020 Thank, Craig & Kim

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Dear Valued Investor: The start of 2020 has brought increased stock market volatility. The uncharacteristically calm market environment we experienced for much of the past four months was bound to end, but identifying the catalyst for...

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Around the Office- January 2020 With the start of a new year and a new decade we thought we’d share our 2020 resolutions with you this month. Craig: -Continue to find ways to help others -Continue to exercise and eat well -Take a...

Monday, January 27, 2020

Below are the mailing dates for our Consolidated 1099 tax forms: Mailings Description Type of Investment 1 – January 31 Mailing Includes accounts with the simplest tax information and not subject to income reclassification...

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Dear Client, As you may know the SECURE Act was signed into law on December 20, 2019. This landmark piece of retirement legislation could have an impact on decisions you may want to make regarding your retirement savings strategy. I...

Friday, January 3, 2020

Happy New Year! What a difference a year makes. One year ago the stock market was plunging and came perilously close to ending what has become the longest bull market ever recorded. In December 2018, dropping stocks were suggesting an...

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Hindsight is 20/20, but finding clarity in future uncertainty can be fuzzy. 2019 has been a very rewarding year for investors. One year ago after publishing Outlook 2019 we were all tested with market volatility, and that’s a...

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

While Thanksgiving is the obvious holiday we look forward to in November, there are two lesser known “holidays” of National Philanthropy Day (11/15) and Giving Tuesday (Tuesday after Thanksgiving) that also embrace the...

Friday, November 8, 2019

November 8, 2019 Dear Valued Investor: Turning the calendar from October to November brought more than trick-or-treaters, pumpkins, and leaves to rake. It also brought a wave of important economic updates that delivered more treats...

Monday, November 4, 2019

If you donate your car to charity, you may claim a tax deduction for the donation if you itemize your deductions on your federal income tax return. To get started, you'll need to pick a qualified charitable organization, determine the...

Monday, November 4, 2019

Charitable giving can play an important role in many estate plans. Philanthropy cannot only give you great personal satisfaction, it can also give you a current income tax deduction, let you avoid capital gains tax, and reduce the...

Thursday, October 24, 2019

“Everything is awesome, when you’re living out a dream.” The Lego Movie As the S&P 500 Index continues to flirt with new record highs, something under the surface is taking place that is making 2019 extremely special...

Thursday, October 24, 2019

October is Breast Cancer awareness month and Small Business month. As many of you know my wife Carolyn is a breast cancer survivor. This is the most common cancer found in women globally. Speaking from experience, we encourage regular...

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Dear Valued Investor: Summer has turned to fall, and there’s already a little chill in the air. Three-quarters of the year is behind us now, and both stock and bond markets have had a strong year so far, although we expect to see...

Thursday, September 26, 2019

September marked another start of the school year. Noah started his sophomore year of high school and Aden is now a seventh grader. Below is their mandatory first day of school photo. October is also a busy month for the Chorney...

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Dear Valued Investor: The Dog Days of Summer were on full display this past month, as a variety of concerns pushed stocks and bond yields lower. After reaching new record highs in late July, the S&P 500 Index dropped approximately 1.8%...

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

For July’s “Around the Office” we thought we’d share some of the things we like to do during the summer with you. We hope our ideas will inspire you to try something new- a new sport, a new restaurant or a trip...

Friday, July 12, 2019

Each year Madison Financial Planning hires a new summer intern. We do this as part of our commitment to our community and to the field of Financial Planning. Our goal is to share our experiences as how we provide value to our clients...

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Madison Financial Planning is proud to be a sponsor of the Back to the Garden 1969: The Woodstock Experience, a free concert that will be held on Saturday July 13, 2019 from 7 pm to 9 pm on the Town Green in Madison. “Back To...

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

We are pleased to announce the release of the LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets, with investment insights and market guidance through the end of 2019. LPL Research...

Monday, June 10, 2019

During the month of June we focused on summer fun. We decided this month would be a great time to share some of our favorite summer recipes with you- just in time for Father's Day, graduation celebrations and backyards BBQ's. Craig:...

Friday, June 7, 2019

Trade tensions have interrupted an unusually calm year in U.S. stocks. In May, the S&P 500 Index fell from an April 30 record high as the United States and China failed to reach a trade deal and escalated tariff tensions. The United...

Thursday, June 6, 2019

What recent graduates (and their parents) need to think about Spring is here, summer weather has begun (in many places), and graduation time has arrived. Across the country, students are finishing their high school, college, and even...

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Mark joined Madison Financial Planning 7 years ago to transition toward retirement. He joined our firm knowing he had a partner who shares the same philosophy/values, with a focus on always placing the client’s interest first and...

Monday, May 13, 2019

In the spirit of Mother’s Day, this month we have decided to introduce you to our moms. Being a mother is perhaps the hardest, most rewarding job a woman will ever experience. We are so incredible thankful for all the moms out...

Friday, May 3, 2019

Dear Valued Investor: If it seems like the financial markets have been off to an unusually strong start to the year—you are correct. The S&P 500 Index has risen for four consecutive months, resulting in the strongest start to a...

Friday, April 26, 2019

During the month of April we focused on humor. Did you know that on average children laugh 300 times a day while adults laugh 20 times a day? Humor has many physical benefits of humor which include reduction of muscle tension which...

Friday, April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019 Dear Valued Investor: April brings showers, baseball, and historically, the best month of the year for the S&P 500 Index (for the last 20 years). On top of that, the S&P 500 had its best first quarter since 1998, and in...

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

It is a busy time of year in the office helping clients with tax related questions on top of the everyday financial planning services we provide. Outside the office we’ve been just as busy. Kim and I continue to give back to the...

Thursday, March 7, 2019

When you think of health insurance, you probably think of coverage for prescription drugs, visits to the doctor, hospital stays, surgery expenses, and the like. But your overall health also includes your mental health, so don't...

Friday, March 1, 2019

Craig: “Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain” by Mark Twain (Author), Bob Blaisdell (Editor) Mark- My favorite book…hmmm…tough one. Fiction – The Exorcist, scared the heck out of me Non-fiction, which is mostly...

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

During the month of February we focused on love, relationships and ways to keep your heart healthy. Based on the theme our team decided it would be a great month to introduce you to Carolyn, Peter, Jean and Mike. Craig While I enjoy...

Friday, February 22, 2019

As this week’s Weekly Market Commentary suggested, over the near term equities appear quite stretched, but overall we continue to think the bull market has plenty of life left. Today, we’ll take a look at market...

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Most of the country might still be in the throes of the winter, but after extreme cold throughout many parts of the United States, thankfully the weather has warmed up. Stocks followed a similar path, warming up in January after a...

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Dreary days got you down? Dark mornings, darker evenings, and chilly days in between mean winter is here — and with the coldest season sometimes comes the winter blues. Here are a few ways that the team at Madison Financial...

Thursday, January 24, 2019

The big bounce off the December 24 lows continued last week, as the S&P 500 Index added 2.9% for the week. In fact, it has gained 2.9%, 1.9%, 2.5%, and 2.9% over the past four weeks for a total gain of 10.5%. Of course, the S&P 500 did...

Monday, January 7, 2019

Craig: Take opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate when “all is well”. Continue to exercise and eat well. Continue to seek ways to simplify complex financial matters and make them more understandable for our clients....

Thursday, January 3, 2019

As I reflect on 2018, I’m going to show my age by saying “boy the year went by so fast”! Time can tend to get away from us. Now is a good time to make a renewed commitment to slow down, take a deep breath, and refocus...

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Dear Valued Investor: After a mixed first half of the year and a solid third quarter, stock markets weakened considerably in the closing weeks of 2018. Turmoil in the financial markets is never a pleasant experience for investors, and...

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

AROUND THE OFFICE- DECEMBER 2018 Welcome to “Around the Office”. Each month we will be putting together a short newsletter about what is happening personally and professionally here at Madison Financial Planning. This month...

Monday, December 17, 2018

We are pleased to announce the release of the LPL Research Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets, filled with investment insights and market guidance for the year ahead. After nearly 10 years of...

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

The holidays are a time for family and traditions. Here are the team at Madison Financial Planning’s favorite holiday traditions. Craig : Our family has recently enjoyed the Christmas holidays in Vermont. Our hope is that we are...

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Last week was a tough week for stocks, with the S&P 500 Index down 4.5%, the worst performance since March. So what are some things investors should consider? To help answer that question, here are five takeaways on the near-term...

Friday, December 7, 2018

December 7, 2018 Dear Valued Investor: Another year is drawing to a close, but so far neither market volatility nor market-moving headlines have shown any signs of winding down. As we reflect on a challenging 2018 and look for bright...

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index (LEI) is one of our favorite economic indicators. It is designed to predict future movements in the economy based on a composite of 10 economic indicators (like manufacturers’...

Monday, November 19, 2018

I love this time of year and especially look forward to one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving. This holiday reinforces a focus of our firm, that is family and giving. Our team members have always been very active in the community....

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

November 7, 2018 Dear Valued Investor: The potential outcomes of the midterm elections have been dominating the news cycle lately, and we know from history that the markets typically do not like uncertainty. With the Democrats taking...

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Conventional wisdom says that what goes up, must come down. But even if you view market volatility as a normal occurrence, itcan be tough to handle when it's your money at stake. Though there's no foolproof way to handle the ups and...

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

This modern twist on the Ben Franklin maxim reflects the multiplicity of taxes to which earnings are subject in today’s world.¹ Finding ways to manage expenses is one of the cornerstones of a sound financial strategy. Here...

Friday, October 26, 2018

I’m having a birthday this month. It is not a “milestone” birthday, but still a chance to reflect on life. I very much appreciate all my clients and I am thankful for the trust you have placed in our firm. I’m...

Thursday, October 25, 2018

October has been a rough month for equities, but then again it’s historically been one of the most volatile periods of the year. “October is known for volatility, and we’ve sure seen it so far,” explained Senior...

Monday, October 15, 2018

Tip: One key difference between a will and a living trust is when they take effect. A will takes effect when you die; a living trust takes effect when you execute it and begins to operate when you transfer assets to it. Do you have a...

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Stocks just had their worst one-day drop since February, as a combination of higher bond yields, U.S./China tensions, nervousness over the upcoming midterm elections, six straight months of gains, and worries about peak margins this...

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

The first day of fall may be in September, but the beginning of October is when that autumn feeling really kicks in. Whether you’re mourning the end of long summer days or embracing the return of pumpkin spice at your local...

Monday, September 24, 2018

2018 continues to be a solid year for U.S. equities, even in the face of many well-documented concerns (we’re looking at trade worries and the flattening yield curve here). Want some good news? The calendar may quickly become a...

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Please join us at the Madison Senior Center Wednesday September 12, 2018 5:30- 7:00pm MaryJo Walker, an Enrolled Agent, will review tax consequences associated with processing an estate, how to prepare a budget, and bill paying...

Sunday, August 5, 2018

As we look back on the month of July, the standout stories for the summer so far have been strong U.S. economic growth and surging corporate profits. Although tariffs continue to grab headlines and may raise investor concern, it...

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Each year Madison Financial Planning hires a new Summer intern. We do this as part of our commitment to our community and to the field of Financial Planning. Our goal is to share our experiences as how we provide value to our clients...

Friday, July 13, 2018

Madison Financial Planning is very happy to introduce Terri Testa as our new Client Service Manager. Terri joined us in May and has been very busy getting to know our clients Terri brings extensive knowledge and experience to our firm....

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

As President Trump mentioned on Twitter yesterday, he has officially been in office for 500 calendar days. Although how he has done has led to many an argument at family dinners, it is easier to break things down from purely a market...

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

What a year 2018 has been for small caps. With the Russell 2000 Index up about 6% year to date versus the S&P 500 Index up only 2%, it has been quite the year so far for small companies. Tax reform is the big tailwind for the group,...

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Daily Insights The impact of a 3% 10-year yield. The 10-year Treasuryyield continues to hover near 3%, but we feel this level is more important psychologically than it is for the bottom line of investors or borrowers. A 3% yield on a...

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

As the calendar turns to May, it also means the current economic expansion is now 107 months old, officially marking the second-longest since World War II (WWII). As our LPL Chart of the Day shows, only the 120-month expansion of the...

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Daily Insights Fed acknowledges inflation rise but doesn’t alter course. The Federal Reserve (Fed) largely met market expectations at the conclusion of its meeting yesterday, holding the fed funds rate at its current level and...

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Earth Day was celebrated on Sunday, April 22, 2018, and this environmentally focused holiday may have some investors thinking about how the companies they invest in impact the world around us. Labels such as socially responsible...

Friday, April 13, 2018

“In the book of life, the answers aren’t in the back.” Charlie Brown Markets are not easy to navigate, as fear and greed can often get in the way of prudent investment decisions. As much as we would like a script to...

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

First quarter earnings season kicks off this week with several financial companies reporting results on April 12–13, and we are expecting another strong quarter of results. The S&P 500 Index has grown earnings at a double-digit...

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Stocks fell slightly in the first quarter, losing 0.8% and ending the S&P 500’s nine quarter win streak. The return of volatility was the big story of the quarter, when the index suffered its first 10% correction since early...

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

We hope you are having a good start to 2018! Last year we announced our name change to Madison Financial Planning. The reason for the change was to emphasize the service we believe provides the most value in our advice relationship....

Friday, January 19, 2018

Tanner will be giving the Madison Financial Planning Team some assistance on an administrative basis. Tanner graduated from Boston University with a B.S. in Business Administration with concentrations in Business Law and...

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

5 Key Facts About the New Tax Bill The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) represents “the most sweeping overhaul of the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years.”1 For millions of Americans and businesses it means an...

Friday, January 5, 2018

Please click the link below to read the New Income Tax Withholding Requirements for Pension and Annuity Payments written by the State of Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. New Income Tax Withholding Requirements for Pension...

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

As we approach Thanksgiving, we want to take the opportunity to wish you and your family a happy & healthy holiday season. Last year we decided to extend our blessings to those less fortunate within our community in lieu of a holiday...

Friday, November 17, 2017

Now is an ideal time to consider year-end strategies that may benefit you, and plan for the year ahead. Please call us to discuss any ideas and questions. YEAR END FINANCIAL PLANNING STRATEGIES 1. Meet with Financial Planner: Review...

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Since I ask my clients to share their most personal information about themselves and their families, it’s time for me to share “My Story”.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Wow, it is not easy to pick my favorite place to travel. My husband and I took the opportunity to travel quite a bit before children (BC) and now we travel as a family.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Equifax Data Breach: What Should You Do? Last week, one of the big four credit reporting agencies, Equifax, announced it experienced a security breach resulting in criminals accessing personal information of approximately 143 million...

Thursday, August 24, 2017

A few weeks ago Madison Financial Planning hosted the Madison Chamber of Commerce Business with a Twist

Monday, August 21, 2017

Clink the link below for the LPL Research's Midyear Outlook 2017 video where Managing Director, Investor and Investment Solutions and Chief Investment Officer Burt White breaks down the key themes to watch, and provides recommendations...

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

We are thrilled to announce the new and improved "EVENTS" portion of the Madison Financial Planning website. Please check in and see what events Madison Financial Planning is hosting or sponsoring AND what other fun things are...

Friday, July 28, 2017

The Madison Financial Planning Team is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting the Madison’s Chamber of Commerce Business with a Twist on August. 3. We have decided to put a summery spin on this monthly event and make it a...

Thursday, July 20, 2017

In January, we announced our firm’s name change to “Madison Financial Planning” which highlights BOTH the Financial Planning and Investment Management services we provide. We also introduced our online Financial...

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Please join us in welcoming Connor McShane as our summer intern!

Monday, July 3, 2017

Hello and welcome to our new website! As you can see we have a new name and a new look but with the same great team and commitment to exceptional customer service. We are thrilled with our new website and we encourage you to check out...

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Whether it’s sports, music or politics, life holds any number of “great debates” that never seem to reach a conclusion. In investments, that great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is...