Learning Center
Your Weekly Market Update - June 5
Stocks rallied this week, continuing their strong advance since the most-recent low on March 23rd. While we have seen improvement and progress regarding COVID-19, much of this rally happened before these positive developments. This rally has also
May Market Insight
Stocks continued to rebound strongly in May, led by the Russell 2000 (US small company stocks). The S&P 500 and the MSCI World Ex-US (international stocks) were also up to a lesser extent. The Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate Bond index was slightly up as well.
Weekly Market Update - May 22
We hope you are well and ready to enjoy a beautiful holiday weekend. After declining last week, the S&P 500 increased this week and continues to trade inside a range of 2850-3000.
Weekly Market Update - May 15
We hope this finds you well, and exploring more outside your home, or at least the sunny outdoors. This week, the S&P 500 declined, and bigger picture: has continued to move sideways over the trailing month, from the middle of April until now.
Weekly Market Update - May 8
The S&P 500 continued its grind higher this week – we have continued to see market volatility trending lower as markets have digested much of the current economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
April Market Insight
Year to date, the low point of the S&P 500 happened on March 23rd. Since that time, stocks have rallied in spite of a host of negative announcements on the economy and record high unemployment.
Your Weekly Market Update - April 24
We hope this finds you well. Here is a recap of this week’s performance in the S&P 500:
Your Weekly Market Update - April 17
We hope this finds you well – and don’t worry, we are almost certain this is the last snowfall of the spring! Here is a recap of this week’s performance in the S&P 500
Weekly Market Update - April 10
We hope this finds you well as we enter the Easter holiday weekend! We had a strong rally in stock markets this week. Here is a brief return summary:
March Market Insight
We hope this finds you well. We will have another post at the end of the week, but for now we wanted to give an update on market performance for the month and year to date
Highlights of the CARES Act
CARES Act for Individuals - On Friday, congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. In addition to providing support to small businesses, the bill provides measures to help individual
A Breath of Fresh Air in the Stock Market
We hope you are staying safe and well! Recently, life has been awkward and uncomfortable for all of us. The past few weeks have not been fun. However, we do believe the drastic measures that have been implemented by state governments are ultimately
Ease the Pain of Repaying Student Loans
Student loan debt is a hot topic and for good reason. Managing the burden that comes during repayment is very difficult. Fortunately, there are ways to get some relief while taking advantage of timely tax breaks at the same time.
All COVID-19 Changes So Far
Right now, your highest priority is the health of those you love and yourself. But if you have time to read about some non-medical but important matters related to the health crisis, here is a summary of IRS action already taken and federal tax
W&H Operating Procedures During COVID-19 - 3.20.20
Based on the current situation concerning COVID-19, Whitcomb & Hess has made the decision to have most of our team begin working from home. This change will not impact our commitment to providing you with high-quality service and timely communica
W&H Weekly Market Update
The recent coronavirus pandemic, and resulting panic, has affected every aspect of our lives – our portfolios, social interactions, expressions on social media, schools, recreation, and stress levels. We are still learning much about the virus
How to Succeed as an Independent Contractor
Are you one of the now 33% of Americans who work as either an independent contractor or freelancer?
W&H Operating Procedures During COVID-19 - 3.16.20
Whitcomb & Hess is blessed to have strong relationships and roots in our Ashland community and beyond. The health of our clients, neighbors, and team members is very important to us.
Bear Markets Bounce
It’s been a historic week to say the least! Schools, professional sports, concerts, and many other social events have been canceled or postponed. Even going to the store has become a stressful event. If you are feeling perplexed, confused,
Some thoughts on the current market volatility
As you have probably heard, stock markets have remained volatile in March. Currently, the S&P 500 is down over 19% from its all-time high in February through its low yesterday afternoon. While market corrections are a normal part of investing,
Setting up Your Business Accounting System
You've done the hard work. You have a new business idea or you've found an existing business to purchase. Want to help ensure your business success? Pay attention to correctly setting up your business' accounting system. Here's how.
You NEED These Documents to File Your Taxes!
It’s easy to get inundated with documents during tax season. You can receive documents from many different organizations, including employers, financial institutions and others. Many documents are now also being sent via e-mail
New W-4 Creates Questions for Human Resources
With the major Form W-4 overhaul for 2020, you may field questions from your employees. While it’s not your responsibility to provide tax advice to your employees, it’s good to be prepared to help answer common questions
Valentine's Day - Did you know?
Cupid, candy hearts, flowers and chocolates are common items associated with Valentine’s Day. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans now spend more than $20 billion lavishing gifts on their kids, friends and significant others.
New Rules Mean Saving More for Retirement
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act, also known as the SECURE Act, was passed by Congress in late December 2019. Here are some of the features in the new legislation that will help you save more for retirement
Finding the Balance of Income vs. Spending
Every year the IRS publishes instructions to prepare your Form 1040, individual tax return. The publication for 2019 is a whopping 108 pages! On page 103 of the IRS booklet is a summary of collections (income) and spending (outlays) by the federal government. Given the election year, here is a summary of this recap and some general observations.
Avoid Misclassification: Understand Independent Contractors
The best way to avoid mis-classifying workers is to understand the defining characteristics of independent contractors — and then treat them as such. Use this to help you identify independent contractors and understand how they are different
2020 Archive
2019 Archive
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