May 2018

With Memorial Day just around the corner and outdoor amenities reopening across the country after months in deep freeze, summer is here and ready to roll. Pool parties and outdoor sports are the order of the day, but... Read More

May 2018

Market Snapshot for the month of May Read More

May 2018

We Americans have cultivated a pretty cool image. Always looking ahead. Aiming high. Ready for adventure. And always on the move. That can-do, movin’ and shakin’ energy is part of our DNA. And even in the literal... Read More

May 2018

Usually the gap between GDP and potential GDP (what GDP would be if all economic resources were fully utilized) is very small. However, during 09Q2, the gap hit $935 billion; 6.5% of GDP. That was the largest gap... Read More

May 2018

Warmer weather, more relaxed work schedules and kids on break make summer the most popular time of the year to take a vacation. But while getting away is a lot of fun, travel can be costly and chaotic. So, why not... Read More

April 2018

Economic Roundup for the month of April Read More

April 2018

Most Americans just finished or are in the process of filing taxes and it's a good time of year to do a little maintenance to make sure the documentation is in order so you can eventually collect benefits you are... Read More

April 2018

Market Snapshot for the month of April Read More

April 2018

Winter has faded, and everyone is eagerly looking forward to all things spring: fresh flowers, firing up the barbeque and…cleaning? Not so much. The end result of a thorough seasonal scrubbing may be appealing, but... Read More

April 2018

In the ever-increasing roster of awareness days competing for attention, Arbor Day has gotten short shrift. But as environmental awareness continues to grow, so does interest in this nearly 150-year old holiday... Read More

March 2018

Market Snapshot for the month of March... Read More

March 2018

2018 is already in full swing, but when it comes to your yard, the arrival of spring is actually the start of the new year for your yard. As the cold weather subsides, now is the perfect time to focus on helping... Read More

March 2018

St. Patrick’s Day may be known in our country for boisterous celebration and dyeing both rivers and beer various shades of emerald, but the holiday is actually rich with culture and tradition. According to Eamonn... Read More

March 2018

Tax time often sheds light on our organization skills – or lack thereof. If you’re struggling to collect and collate multiple documents for your 2017 taxes or just wishing you had a better system, you’re not alone... Read More

March 2018

Inflation-adjusted GDP in 17Q4 grew at a realistic annualized rate of 2.6% after growing at slightly over 3% in 17Q3 and 17Q2. In 2017, GDP grew by 2.3%. While not sizzling growth, it's pretty good given that this... Read More

March 2018

Start making the tomatillo salsa by preheating the oven to 425 degrees F. Prep tomatillos, peppers, and yellow onion. I make my salsa medium spicy, but for a mild sauce you can seed and devein all the peppers, or... Read More

February 2018

The structure and definition of “family” in the United States is changing. Census Bureau data shows that as of 2015, nearly half of American adults do not live with a spouse – compared to only a third who didn’t... Read More

February 2018

Would you like to feel 40% better? Research shows pleasant aromas can improve our moods. Our sense of smell is the strongest of the five senses, and the one most closely linked to mood and memory. Seventy-five... Read More

February 2018

Rental affordability has decreased nationwide while mortgage affordability has increased. Median rent requires 29.1% of the average income while homeowners are spending 15.4% of average income on their mortgages... Read More

February 2018

Some people view February 14th as a retail holiday devised mostly by marketers to sell flowers, candy and jewelry - and they’ve done a good job: The National Retail Federation says Americans will shell out... Read More

February 2018

17Q4 is shaping up to be surprisingly strong, with US GDP growth possibly as high as 3% for the third straight quarter. Employment growth is solid, auto sales are down but still strong, construction spending is... Read More

January 2018

Every January brings a flurry of predictions for the new year. The effects of tax reform will take time to be fully realized, but acclaimed economist Dr. Elliot Eisenberg says some provisions will stimulate the... Read More

January 2018

The decorations are packed away. The visiting friends and relatives have all headed home. Sugar cookies and fudge are no longer considered a food group. Holiday revelry can be a lot of fun. But in the midst of... Read More

January 2018

The number of times the Fed boosts rates a quarter-point in 2018 will depend entirely on GDP growth and inflation. If both perk up, expect four hikes, if they both remain weak, expect two. The low and falling... Read More

January 2018

The holiday hoopla may be over, but winter isn’t ready to pack it in. And without the seasonal celebrations to distract us, it can be tough to ride out another three months of gloomy weather that’s more chilling... Read More

January 2018

Even with skyrocketing prices, housing affordability is up according to the National Association of Realtors’ historic Housing Affordability Index (HAI). This chart shows housing affordability is much higher as of... Read More

January 2018

Learn how to make these paprika chicken in white wine butter thyme sauce. This recipe make 2 servings... Read More

December 2017

Economic Roundup for the month of December... Read More

December 2017

Market Snapshot for the month of December... Read More

December 2017

Learn how to make these christmas Italian almond cookies. This recipe make about 30-40 cookies in about 1-2 hours... Read More

December 2017

As 2017 draws to a close, it’s natural to mentally jump ahead to what’s on tap for 2018: new connections, opportunities, and the anticipation of a fresh start. Setting goals and planning for a successful new year is... Read More

December 2017

For many of us, winter means plummeting temps and navigating ice and sleet on the daily commute. But even if frozen roads and falling snow aren’t part of your picture, this time of year still has its own set of unique... Read More

November 2017

Cyber criminals have caused panic and problems in virtually every industry and attacked some of the biggest players in retail, business and online media. Many consumers have been put at risk by multiple breaches at... Read More

November 2017

Even people who use their ovens as storage space and avoid all things domestic have a tendency to warm up to the idea of hosting a dinner party as the holidays approach. A beautifully decorated home brimming with delicious... Read More

November 2017

Psychology Today and Harvard Health are just a few of the publications reporting on research confirming the positive impact thankfulness has on body and mind. Robert Emmons, PhD - a professor of psychology at U.C. Davis... Read More

November 2017

Learn how to make this delicious dish and share with friends and family. This recipe make about 4-6 servings in about 25-30 minutes... Read More

November 2017

How are American consumers feeling at the end of the third quarter this year compared to the same time last year? The September National Association of Realtors (NAR) Home Opportunities and Market Experience... Read More

November 2017

Global economic growth is expected to be 3.6% this year and 3.7% next year, up pleasantly from 3.2% in 2016. Better yet, all 15 nations that the IMF individually follows are growing. As for the US, after 1.5% growth last... Read More

October 2017

Just about everyone is, has been or knows a student and many Americans are either thinking about saving for college or paying off student loans. Student debt doesn’t have to derail a graduate’s financial future, even... Read More

October 2017

The destruction of private wealth and public infrastructure caused by hurricanes Harvey and Irma is roughly $200 billion. The impact on GDP growth will critically depend on how fast refineries in Houston and tourism in...Read More

October 2017

Housing data is in for the second quarter – here are the ups and downs:Predictions of more than 100 leading economists, real estate experts and investment and market strategists on the path US home prices will take... Read More

October 2017

And just about everyone can agree that the latter is a nice side effect of the Fall time change. However, for many people, the end of long days can usher in everything from depression and seasonal affective disorder... Read More

October 2017

Learn how to make these halloween themed chewy pumpkin ginger cookies. This recipe make about 30-40 cookies in about 1-2 hours... Read More

October 2017

Five Ideas to Celebrate Your Personal Holiday Style According to the meteorologists, we are smack dab in the middle of autumn. However, if you spend approximately six seconds in any retail outlet (online or otherwise)... Read More