Are Annuities the Missing Piece of Your Retirement-Income Puzzle? by Morningstar
Immediate and deferred annuities (not to be confused with variable annuities) can provide retirees with a guaranteed income stream, offering financial stability amid market volatility and diminishing pension plans. However, they come with complexities, fees, and limit your financial upside, making them more suitable for risk-averse individuals seeking long-term security and willing to make a large trade-off to get it..
Commercial Real Estate Stabilizing Despite Policy Uncertainty by Wells Fargo
Green shoots continue to sprout for the commercial real estate (CRE) market. Against a backdrop of sturdy economic growth and the Federal Reserve beginning to ease monetary policy, property valuations continued to stabilize at the end of 2024. Meanwhile, transaction activity shot higher, reflecting lower interest rates and improved access to capital. Generally speaking, supply continues to run well ahead of demand, resulting in elevated vacancy rates and softer rent growth. However, the development pipeline has thinned significantly with few signs of improvement, implying better balance for the CRE market is on the horizon.
What Worked for Fund Investors? Pinching Pennies and Letting Winners Run by Morningstar
A Morningstar study shows that cheaper funds with stronger past pre-fee performance did well for their investors over the past two decades.
Jigsaw Puzzle: Growth vs. Value by Charles Schwab Asset Management
Pre-conceived notions of “growth” and “value” aren’t always reflected in indexes labeled growth and value. That has been both exacerbated and emphasized in the post-pandemic era, especially for a sector like Technology, which is traditionally thought of as dominating the growth sphere but now has a hefty weight in some Value indexes (e.g., S&P 500 Value). These details matter at a time when sector leadership shifts remain rampant and swift—particularly when the sectors in question (i.e., Technology) constitute such a large portion of the market. This matters for investors who tend to take a more passive approach and track indexes, as changes in index construction have led to discrepancies between conventional wisdom and actual reality
For Love and Money: Financial Planning for Couples by Fiducient Advisors
Effective financial planning is crucial for couples to align their financial goals, reduce conflicts, and build trust through open communication about income, debts, and spending habits. By collaboratively setting short-term and long-term objectives, creating a realistic budget, and deciding on whether to combine finances, partners can work together towards a secure financial future. Regular discussions and mutual understanding of each other’s financial personalities are essential in achieving financial harmony in the relationship.
Tips for Those Living in the Sandwich Generation by Heritage Financial
If you find yourself sandwiched between caregiving demands, here are some strategies to navigate this life phase.
Book Recommendation
Shōgun (The Asian Saga) by James Clavell
It took me a while to get through this behemoth after the FX Series that came out last year based on it, but it was well-worth it.
Boston Corner
New England’s Housing Markets: Supply and Demand Factors Affecting Housing Prices across the Region
Housing demand surged significantly in recent years, driving a sharp rise in home prices, particularly in areas experiencing strong migration. While new construction has increased, it has not been sufficient to meet demand, leading to lower rental vacancy rates and sustained pressure on housing affordability. Regions with more active homebuilding relative to population growth have seen slower price increases compared to areas with limited new supply.
See also: America’s Most Exclusive Suburbs Are Finally Building More Housing and Median listing prices for new builds in Massachusetts topped $1M in 2024
