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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...

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...

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...

The stock market can provide some head-scratching moments, which is why I like Warren Buffet’s quote, “...don’t watch the market closely.”Stocks have been strong this year, and they rallied sharply before...

Whenever you are starting to build your financial plan with your Advisor, it is a good idea to brush up on some basics. This will help create a productive dialogue with your Advisor, and encourage you both to create a plan that is best...

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...

The financial markets are complex systems. They can move from one event to the next so quickly that it's hard to know what’s driving prices.For example, look at the roundtrip oil prices in the chart below.Oil prices surged to...

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...

The midterm elections have come and gone, and although the results don’t appear as one-sided as many predicted, it seems one party will narrowly take control of the House, while the Senate may hinge on a Georgia runoff.It's...

The financial markets are on edge this year each time Fed Chair Jerome Powell takes the podium following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.The chart below shows that the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index has gained...

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...

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...

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 &...

Bull and bear markets are not a new concept to most of us. Over the years, we have seen times of severe market volatility. When the stock market seems unpredictable, this is just a part of the journey to ultimately gain. It is...

In the U.S., it is estimated that elderly Americans lose 3 billion dollars to scams, and one out of ten adults become a victim of fraud each year. Learning about scams is the only way to keep your guard up and stay safe. Once you can...

If you are a parent sending your child off to college, it may be difficult to stay focused and be sure that you have packed the necessities. Between school supplies, clothes, room decor, etc. it is easy to become overwhelmed. Here is...

Technology has evolved, and you have too. Since technology has given us the opportunity to make organization a little easier, it’s time to really get to the bottom of the question, “which documents should you keep, shred,...

July 26th will be the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which became a law in 1990. This law was created to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of the public. This means jobs,...

With the current state of the housing market, some of you may be considering an update without the move. Renovating your home can be a great way to experience a little change and increase the future value of your home. Here are some...

June is National Homeownership Month! This month is an effort to educate homeowners as well as future homebuyers about the current housing market. This also acts as a longstanding commitment to creating more homeownership opportunities...

Summer is approaching fast and as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and everything in between, you may have to think of some ideas to entertain the kids while they are home from school. We know it can be hard to think of things...

The month of December is here! Let's take a look at some of the most memorable events that took place during this month... December 1st, 1885: The soda Dr. Pepper is served for the first time in history. December 2nd, 2005: Microsoft...

Until we're back to warm weather, beaches, and barbeques, you may find yourself wondering how to fill up these cold winter months. When the boredom strikes this winter, we have ideas to keep you busy all season long! 1. Host a dinner...

The month of November is here! Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable events that took place during this month… November 1st, 1959: For the first time in History, hockey goalkeeper Jacques Plante wears a...

September 11, 2021 marks the 20th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country. Since that time, I have had the honor of being involved with the Jim Fassel Foundation which was formed to support the families of First Responders...

This year’s Jim Fassel Foundation Memorial Celebrity Golf Tournament was a great success! It was hosted at Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, NJ. It was a great day filled with lots of fun and camaraderie. The foundation...

We are hoping you’re enjoying your summer! These are US Financial’s top 10 favorite cocktails to sip on in the summer heat. 1. Malibu Bay Breeze What You’ll Need Glass with ice Coconut rum Pineapple juice Cranberry...

How to Save Money on a Tight Budget

Gerard T. Papetti, CPA, CFP®

Friday, July 23, 2021

Question: I have a question about how to save money on a tight budget. My household is just me and my wife. We both work day jobs and she works a part time job as well, so we are pretty much living on a paycheck to paycheck basis. We...

U.S. Financial Services Annual Golf Challenge

Matthew DeFelice, CFP®

Friday, June 23, 2017

The US Financial Services Annual Charity Golf Challenge gives us the opportunity to give back to our community.

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...