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Inflation Is Trending Lower. Now What?
The December inflation report had some encouraging news. It showed that consumer prices trended lower for the month, but more importantly, it confirmed that overall prices have been trending lower for the past six months.Now the ball...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Easing on Rate Hikes and Job Numbers Cheer Markets
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 &...
Read MoreOutlook 2023: CEOs Are Cautious
It appears that America’s corporate leaders are preparing for the worst while hoping for the best.Almost half of S&P 500 CEOs in second-quarter conference calls pointed to “recession” as a potential headwind in 2023....
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets Down Ahead of Thanksgiving Holiday
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...
Read MoreHappy Thanksgiving 2022
The warmth of the holiday meal beckons. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and observing gratitude.So, as you gather around the table, look around and give thanks for the family and friends surrounding you. Give...
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Weekly Market Insights: Cooling Inflation Brings Market Gains
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...
Read MoreWill the Midterm Elections Move Markets?
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...
Read MoreHonoring Veterans Day
On November 11, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who have served America in the armed forces. This federal holiday – Veterans Day – is a time to reflect on their courage.Please take a moment this...
Read MoreBalmy Business Books for a Sweltering Summer
There’s nothing quite like the pleasure of a good book. And with temperatures rising nearly everywhere, now is a great time to grab a frosty beverage, settle into your comfiest chair, and lose yourself in a good story.Here's what...
Read More3 Tips for the Second Half of 2022
With half the year behind us, now is a great time to consider what the remainder of 2022 may hold. However, with inflation and economic uncertainty causing many of us to delay or cancel vacations, large purchases, and more, it can be...
Read More3 Shrewd Maneuvers in a Down Market
It’s natural to think “defense” during a bearish market season. But why not mix in some “offense” with your defense? Here are three moves we can discuss together that may be helpful during the current...
Read MoreComics, Collectibles, and Coping with Calamity
Rare collectibles can provide an entertaining form of alternative “investment,” and might seem particularly intriguing when markets are wobblier than Aunt Gertrude’s jello salad. Comic books can sell for millions of...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 5/23/22
Equities tried to make some progress early in the week, but finished the week lower. The Dow was down 2.48% last week, while the S&P 500 lost 2.55%, the Nasdaq was down by 1.88%, while the Russell 2000 lost…
Read MoreWhat is Cryptocurrency?
What is Cryptocurrency? The terms “Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, NFTs, and Doge” are being used a lot lately. These are, of course, all examples of “cryptocurrency” (or “crypto” as it’s casually...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 5/16/22
Another wild week for equities as investors are at a capitulation moment with the Federal Reserve. The Dow was down 1.89% last week, while the S&P 500 lost 2.05%, the Nasdaq was down by 3.17%...
Read MoreHow Could the Behavior Gap Affect Your Investments During This Time of Market Volatility?
“It turns out my job was not to find great investments, but to help create great investors,” writes Carl Richards, author of “The Behavior Gap.”1 From increasing our budget mindfulness to taking a steadier...
Read MoreYou're Biased Toward Your Own Money. Here's What We Can Do About It
In one way or another, we all have a complex relationship with our own money. Because of that, it’s hard to be rational all the time in how we use it. But where do our behavioral biases come from, and what can we do to counteract...
Read MoreDo You Have These 5 Financial Basics Down?
Working with a trusted financial professional is important when it comes to strategizing and preparing to meet your financial goals. But as most of us handle money on a daily basis, it’s important to have an in-depth...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 4/4/22
Equities were largely flat for the week as solid economic data left the door open for continued Fed rate hikes… Weekly Market Update
Read More6 Ways to Overcome Market Psychology
Market psychology is the reaction to investing. Overcoming market psychology is not easy but learning how the market works can reduce the number of surprises and increase the degree of success. Keep in mind, all assets rise and...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 3/28/22
Equities posted a 2nd consecutive week of gains and two sectors—Basic Materials and Utilities—turned positive for the year. The Dow was up 0.76% last week, while the S&P 500 gained 2.00%, the Nasdaq was up by…
Read MoreMedicare Enrollment Ends March 31st
The general enrollment period for Medicare goes from January 1st to March 31st. If you haven’t decided yet, your time is running out for the year. It may not be immediately clear what this specific enrollment period is for, as...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 03/21/22
The Fed acted as expected, progress was made on the war front, and investors were in a buying mood last week. The results point to why it’s difficult to time markets and why making drastic investment decisions is often…
Read MoreUkraine and Market Volatility
What is unfolding in Ukraine is extremely troubling. As Russia presses its military advantage, it is inspiring to see Ukrainians defending their country. And while the images of fleeing refugees and bombed out maternity wards create...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 3/14/22
While it may not seem like it, volatility actually declined last week. Despite the decline in volatility, equity markets finished lower on the week. The DOW was down 1.78% last week, while the S&P 500 lost 2.59%, the Nasdaq...
Read MoreFed Has An Eye On Ukraine
As global energy prices fluctuate and the Fed ponders its next move, concerned investors have questions.
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 3/7/22
More volatility ensued as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continued last week. The Dow was down 1.16% last week, while the S&P lost 1.14%, the NASDAQ lost...
Read More10 Tips for Women to Keep in Control of Their Finances
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’ve put together a list of tips women can use to help keep in control of their finances.
Read MoreFive Most Overlooked Tax Deductions
Five Most Overlooked Tax Deductions Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to? While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible....
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 2/28/22
Volatility was the norm last week as Russia officially invaded Ukraine and that conflict continues. Equities rebounded in the latter half of the week as most broad equity indices finished higher for the week. The Dow was down 0.02% last week…
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 2/22/22
Equity markets were higher by Wednesday, but dropped Thursday & Friday after more concerns over Ukraine arose. The Dow was down 1.57% last week, while the S&P 500 lost 1.28%, the Nasdaq was lower by….
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 02/14/22
Equity markets were higher for the week until a surprise headline indicating a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine spooked markets on Friday. The Dow was down 1.05% last week, while the S&P 500 lost…
Read MoreDo I (Should I) Have All the Tax Documents I Need?
Like it or not, it’s tax season once again.
Read MoreScammers Are Getting Smarter in 2022: 5 Ways to Spot Them Online, Over the Phone and In Person
As people grow to recognize scams, scammers grow more sophisticated. Here are 5 tell-tale signs that you may be dealing with a scam.
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 02/07/22
Equity markets moved higher last week after strong corporate earnings from the Technology sector pushed the broad indices in a positive direction. The Dow was up 1.01% last week, while the S&P 500 gained 1.46%, the Nasdaq…
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 1/31/22
It would appear that corporate buybacks are once again en vogue after a sell off in equities. The Dow was up 1.27% last week, while the S&P 500 gained 0.73%, the Nasdaq was just….
Read MorePullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets
Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets When the market drops, some investors lose perspective that downtrends and uptrends are part of the investing cycle. When stock prices break lower, it's a good time to review common terms that...
Read More7 Best Podcasts for Thrifty Travelers
Have travel dreams, but want to do them on a budget? Check out these seven podcasts for thrifty globetrotters!
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 1/24/22
Investors began the week with a continued shift from “growth” to “value” stocks, but all sectors sold off late in the week. The Dow was down 4.50% last week, while the S&P 500 lost 5.55%...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 01/18/22
Equities finished the week mostly lower, despite a late Friday rally in technology stocks. The rotation from “growth” stocks to “value” stocks continues. The Dow was down 0.88% last week….
Read More2022 Canon/Canopy Trust Estate Planning Teleconference Series
For registration sign up and packet information, please email Elizabeth Bishop at Old North State Trust at ebishop@trustonst.com a week before the session you wish to attend.
Read MoreLifevesting: A Memo for Heirs
Our Lifevesting: Memo for Heirs is the perfect way to make sure your assets fall into the correct hands once you’ve passed.
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 01/10/22
Equities finished the week mixed, with investors beginning to shift from “growth” stocks that now appear expensive to “value” stocks that are priced more attractive. The Dow was down 0.25%....
Read MoreGeorgia Bulldogs defeat Alabama Crimson Tide
Go Dawgs!!! The Georgia Bulldogs have done it. After 41 long years, the Dawgs sit atop the college football world once more, having defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 33-18 in the College Football Playoff...
Read MoreCanopy Asset Management Heir's Checklist
Download our free checklist for estate planning today! Our checklist is designed to help you organize all of your important estate planning documents, so your family can easily find them when the time comes.
Read MoreYour 2022 Tax Filing Season To-Do List
The tax season is officially here. If you haven't already, now is the time to get prepared. Whether you meet with a tax professional or prepare your taxes yourself, proper planning helps the processes go more smoothly and may reduce...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 1/3/22
There was little market activity last week as trading volumes were markedly lower. In a typical holiday-shortened week, traders were not as active in preparation for the New Year. The Dow was up 1.30% last week, while the S&P 500….
Read MoreFed Chair Changes His Tune
If you weren’t paying close attention, you might have missed it. Fed Chair Jerome Powell dropped the word “transitory” when describing inflation during his recent testimony to Congress.1 Powell had told the story of...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 12/27/21
Market volatility eased heading into the holiday last week. As traders departed for Christmas, trading volume de-creased throughout the week last week. The Dow was up 1.94% last week, while the S&P 500 gained….
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 12/20/21
The return of market volatility was ushered in by the Fed last week. Investors are fearful that the Fed has waited too long to address rising inflation The Dow was down 2.00% last week, while the S&P 500 lost 2.43%, the Nasdaq was down...
Read MoreCreating the Best Year of Your Life
Creating the Best Year of Your Life At the end of each year, and on their birthdays, many people take time to reflect and look ahead. If you're one of these people, or if you would like to start getting the benefits from a little self...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 12/13/21
Market volatility declined considerably as fears over Omicron seemed to ease. The Dow was up 4.66% last week, while the S&P 500 gained 4.71%, the Nasdaq was up 4.23%, while the Russell 2000 added 2.70%. Bonds were lower as the 10-year....
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 12/6/21
The Fed didn’t help things much last week and markets remained under pressure from COVID fears. The Dow was down 0.88% last week, while the S&P 500 lost 1.46%, the Nasdaq was off 3.15%, while the Russell 2000 lost…
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 11/29/21
Broad markets were trading about flat for the week, until concerns about a new COVID variant emerged on Friday. Despite the undue anxiety, markets sold off just over 2% on the last day of trading last week. The Dow was down 2.32% last week…
Read MoreBiden Signs Infrastructure Bill
At the White House on Monday, President Biden signed a $1T bipartisan infrastructure bill set to enable enhancements for transportation and utilities over the next five years.1Over those five years, $550 billion will be invested into...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 11/22/21
Equities were mixed as new concerns over European lockdowns emerged ate in the week. The Dow was up 0.30% last week, while the S&P 500 gained 0.46%, the Nasdaq was up 1.53%, while the Russell 2000 lost 3.48%. Bonds were mixed as the......
Read More10 Tips for Effective Time Management
Have you ever thought to yourself that there aren’t enough hours in the day, or felt overwhelmed at the tasks facing you? If you have, this article can help you! 1. Clarify your goals and strategy (Your Why) Be very clear about...
Read More2022 Contribution Limits
Preparing for retirement just got a little more financial wiggle room. This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new contribution limits for 2022.Staying put for 2022 are traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 11/15/21
Bonds and stocks took a breather last week as the S&P 500 Index ended a 4-week winning streak. The Dow was down 2.52% last week, while the S&P 500 lost 0.35%, the Nasdaq was off….
Read MoreDealing with a Bad Trustee (Webinar)
Please join us November 16th for a free CE Cannon Estate Planning Webinar on "Dealing with a “Bad” Trustee." RSVP to ebishop@trustonst.com so that we can send you the streaming link and participant packet. Cannon Estate...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 11/08/21
Equities explode higher despite the beginning of Tapering. The Dow was up 1.70% last week, while the S&P 500 gained 2.52%, the Nasdaq was up 3.67%, while the Russell 2000 gained a whopping 7.16%. Bonds were higher....
Read MoreThe 411 on Cryto Currency
Don’t let the "crypt" in the name fool you, it’s not “graveyard money.” Cryptocurrency has had a huge amount of buzz in financial circles these past few years. But is it a passing fad, or here to stay?
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 11/01/21
Equities inched higher, but not all sectors were positive last week. The Dow was up 0.47% last week, while the S&P 500 gained 1.65%, the Nasdaq was up 3.17%, while the Russell 2000 gained 0.31%. Bonds were higher as the 10-year Treasury..
Read MoreTime to Fall Back
As you have noticed, the days are getting shorter – and we are coming to the end of Daylight Saving Time for the year. On the first Sunday of November at 2:00 am, most of America will “fall back” into Standard Time...
Read MoreAre Capital Gains Taxes Changing?
There are a lot of questions about President Biden’s Build Back Better plan and potential tax law changes, including an adjustment to capital gains taxes.One of the proposals Congress is considering sets the top rate for taxing...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 10/25/21
Equities improved for a 3rd consecutive week on positive earnings. The Dow was up 1.32% last week, while the S&P 500 gained 1.99%, the Nasdaq was up 1.49%, while the Russell 2000 gained 1.31%.....
Read MoreTeach Kids About Finance
One of the most important and valuable gifts you can give to your children is financial literacy. The sooner they have a functional understanding of how things like spending, investing and credit work (and how to utilize them responsibly),
Read MoreCOLA Increase Announced for Social Security
On October 13, 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2022, the largest increase in four decades. This...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 10/18/21
Equities were upbeat last week as big bank earnings were positive. The Dow was up 1.81% last week, while the S&P 500 gained 2.17%, the Nasdaq was up 2.47%, while the Russell 2000 gained 0.81%. Bonds were mixed...
Read MoreConsiderations During Medicare’s Open Enrollment
How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment fast approaching, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage.Have you switched...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 10/11/21
Stocks rebounded overall during the first full week in October. A compromise on the debt ceiling was the major headline, but markets have mainly been adjusting to life after Fed Tapering. The Dow was up 1.45% last week, while the S&P 500..
Read MoreAre Your Taxes Going to Change?
Most likely, you’ve heard what’s brewing in Washington, D.C., called by one of these names.The Build Back Better Act. Or the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill. Or the Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan for Working...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 10/4/21
Everything but Energy stocks and Mid & Small Cap stocks ended the week lower. The Dow was down 1.56% last week, while the S&P 500 lost 2.61%, the Nasdaq was down 3.73%, while the Russell 2000 lost 0.28%. Bonds mostly declined for the 3rd.
Read MoreA Dividend of Confidence
The most recent stats on corporate dividends suggest that global companies are bullish on the world’s economic recovery.Dividends paid to investors are on track to hit $1.4 trillion this year and are expected to stretch even...
Read MoreWeekly Market Update 9/13/21
Last Week’s Highlights: Markets were down slightly before falling off considerably on Friday. The Dow was down 2.47% last week, while the S&P 500 lost 2.04%, the Nasdaq was down 1.93%, and the Russell 2000 lost 3.27%. Bonds were stable...
Read MoreFinancial Checklist for Fall
Financial Checklist for Fall It’s not just the end of the year holidays that come with a list to check. Now is the time to get your end of year finances together and we’ve put together your very own checklist.
Read MoreA Wall of Worry
Have you ever heard the Wall Street expression, "markets climb a wall of worry?"It's the idea that financial markets are constantly on edge. Traders fret about how long a market rally can continue before it runs into trouble. Worry...
Read MoreWhat is Your Everest?
In April of 2022 I will attempt to summit 3 Nepali Peaks in The Himalaya, some of the highest mountains on Earth. That trip is in preparation to make an attempt to summit Mt. Everest in 2025. In 2035 I will attain the age of 60, which...
Read MoreAs a High Income Tax Payer. How Might President Bidens Tax Plan Affect Me?
President Biden’s administration has outlined a tax policy built upon the agenda introduced during his campaign. Biden’s tax plan focuses on raising taxes on corporations and affluent households, while increasing credits...
Read MoreWhat Is Cryptocurrency?
A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that is secured by cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. Many cryptocurrencies are decentralized networks based on blockchain technology—a...
Read MoreA 6.1% Bump in Social Security?
The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients.It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1...
Read MoreHow to Career Hunt for the Recent Grad
HOW TO CAREER HUNT FOR THE RECENT GRAD For many college graduates, finally leaving school and entering the job world is a time of great excitement. The prospect of getting out there, snagging that dream job and carving a future for...
Read MoreConducting Your Mid-Year Financial Checkup
With June officially behind us, it’s time to face the facts: we’re headed toward the second half of 2021. While there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the rest of summer, we encourage you to slow down and check up on...
Read MoreAre You Ready for the Second Act of the S.E.C.U.R.E. Act?
Recently, you may have seen headlines regarding the Securing a Strong Retirement Act, also referred to as the second version of the SECURE Act, or SECURE Act 2.0.As the bill moves from the House of Representatives to the Senate, many...
Read MoreStarting College 101
Starting College Starting college is an exciting time for both parents and kids. The kids are about to fly solo for the first time, exploring the world all on their own with their parents routing for them from the sideline (their now...
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