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In 1995, Dolly Parton began her efforts to raise the literacy levels of the children in her home state of Tennessee by offering free books to children from birth to age five through the foundation she created. By 2022 her foundation...

One Last Gift: Wrapping Up All of Your Financial Contributions Before the New Year. The end of the year is not just a season for celebration and reflection but also a perfect time to ensure that our finances are in order. This includes...

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the greatest days to score deals for holiday shopping. Unfortunately, with amazing deals plentiful, some scammers use these days to take advantage of shoppers...

Americans are very generous. According to Fidelity, Americans give over $400 billion to charities each year, most of which come from individual donors. Over the years, despite periods of economic downturn, giving has grown above the...

The holidays may still seem far away. But if you’re looking to save money and manage stress, now might be the time to start shopping, especially in today’s economic climate. Between rising prices, inflation-related cost increases, and...

As the leaves begin to fall and the year winds down, autumn offers more than pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters. It’s also a good time to clean up your finances. Just like spring cleaning helps freshen your home, fall financial cleaning...

Retirees often have the time, freedom, and desire to explore new destinations and make the most of their golden years. With careful planning and attention to detail, senior travelers can work towards preparing trips that are safe,...

If you are lucky enough to retire early before you become eligible for Medicare at age 65, you may have to contend with an expense you haven’t had to worry about while employed—the cost of health insurance.

Many dream of working toward early retirement, but getting there generally doesn’t happen by accident. Retiring early requires financial independence that can last for decades, but that is much easier said than done.

Here in The Villages, FL retirees know the secret to a vibrant life: Staying Social & Active. From golf cart cruises to community clubs, the fun never stops.

From hurricanes and wildfires to floods and tornadoes, natural disasters may strike with little warning and leave lasting damage in their wake.

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to plan vacations if you haven’t already. But the tanking economy, jammed airports, travel disruptions, canceled flights and flight delays...

As Benjamin Franklin wisely noted, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." This timeless advice rings especially true in the world of finance and investing.

If you plan to be adventurous during retirement but aren't sure how to afford it, you’re not alone.

At any age, health care is a priority. But when you retire, you should probably focus more on health care than ever before. That's why it's particularly important for women to factor in the cost of health care, including long-term...

Retirement is often envisioned as a season of travel, time with family, and pursuing long-postponed passions. But as that chapter approaches, especially in a year like 2025, with high inflation and continued market uncertainty, some...

Understanding the anticipated changes in tax laws and regulations in 2025 will become increasingly crucial. One area that requires attention is the estate tax sunset at the end of 2025.

In a welcome development for millions of Americans relying on Social Security, the Social Security Administration has recently announced a substantial increase in retirement and disability benefits.

We are proud to announce that Zechariah Montera and Tucker Woods have attained their CFP® certification, the gold standard in financial planning, and are now authorized by the CFP Board to use the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP®...

Addressing wealth management comprehensively in today's market environment is essential for individuals and business entities.

As we look ahead to the life insurance landscape, numerous changes are taking place that seek to benefit consumers.

It's nice to own stocks, bonds, and other investments. Nice, that is, until it's time to fill out your federal income tax return. At that point, you may be left scratching your head.

Managing retirement strategies and creating goals can help you stay focused and consistent in your financial efforts.

High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) often face a complex financial landscape characterized by diverse investments and sophisticated financial concerns. They require comprehensive financial planning to preserve and manage their wealth.

Many are interested in the impact of future tax legislation on Trusts. As we look ahead to 2025, it is crucial to understand how the evolving tax landscape may impact the administration, structuring, and distribution of Trusts.

Retirement is a chapter of life that, for some, may signal leisure, freedom, and working by choice, not necessity. However, this phase usually requires retirement income from retirement savings withdrawals.

Proactive tax planning is crucial for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Their financial situation may be incredibly complex, necessitating sophisticated tax strategies as they work toward specific tax planning outcomes.

As the year comes to a close, there are some important deadlines that you shouldn’t ignore. These deadlines affect your taxes, savings, and, perhaps, your financial future.

Charitable giving is a way for you to participate in something meaningful to you and your family, a cause that aligns with your core values while benefiting members of the community.

High-net-worth (HNW) individuals play a crucial role in fostering positive change and impact on a global scale. However, for many first-time donors, the world of philanthropy can seem overwhelming or challenging to navigate.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 6.9 million Americans are suffering from Alzheimer’s dementia, and the number of those diagnosed is growing fast

Between work commitments, children’s schedules, and fall cleaning, how much time is left in our busy days to think about financial planning?

Election years are a time of uncertainty and excitement for many people. There may be concerns with social and public policy, and the implications of legislature on the market and personal finances.

Medicare is complex with many different moving parts involved. First and foremost, it is always beneficial to gain a solid understanding of your options. There are two main types of Medicare: · Original Medicare · Medicare Advantage...

Market uncertainty occurs when investors find it challenging to analyze current and future market conditions due to market volatility. Various factors, such as inflation, central bank policy changes, interest rate fluctuation, investor...

In golf, as in finances, there are a few rules of thumb that may improve your game: keep a level head, avoid traps, practice before trying something new and stay the course. Applying lessons from the golf course to your financial life...

Investing for your retirement isn't about getting rich quick. More often, it's about having a game plan that you can live with over a long time. You wouldn't expect to be able to play the piano without learning the basics and...

For kids, teens, and college students, summer break often represents freedom from schedules, responsibilities, and all those other drains on your time. Retirement actually can provide a similar level of freedom...

Renee Springstead, a financial advisor at Fross & Fross Wealth Management in The Villages, Florida, received an invitation to attend the 2024 Forbes Annual SHOOK Top Women Advisor Summit in May of 2024. SHOOK Research, in...

Protecting your finances is always important. But as you approach retirement, with less time to bounce back from any missteps, it becomes even more critical to avoid fraud, identity theft, and other threats.

Insurance is designed to provide coverage for some of life's biggest disasters—fire, floods, car crashes, disability, and death. But when you're on a tight budget, paying even a few extra dollars a month for an insurance policy you may...

Most people, at some point in their lives, have experienced being a renter, and then eventually, took that big step of purchasing a home once they could afford it. There are pros and cons to both renting and owning a home. The route...

Retirement is often envisioned as a time of relaxation and freedom, a period to enjoy the fruits of years of hard work. However, living a truly "rich" life during these years involves more than just financial security.

Embarking on retirement alone, either by choice or due to unforeseen circumstances such as the loss of a partner or divorce, presents a unique set of challenges and considerations.

April marks Stress Awareness Month, which provides a great opportunity to shed light on a topic often overlooked in the world of high-net-worth investors, which is mental health. For anyone who is used to managing substantial wealth,...

Patrick Fross, a financial advisor at Fross & Fross Wealth Management in The Villages, Florida, today announced that his achievements have been recognized with inclusion in LPL Financial’s Masters Club* for 2024.

As you approach retirement, you're probably envisioning a future of leisure, adventure, and well-deserved relaxation. But just as you plan your wardrobe for different seasons, organizing your financial closet is crucial to help manage...

As we kick off 2024, the world of retirement planning is undergoing a fairly significant transformation, as tax brackets, retirement contribution limits, estate and gift tax exemptions are set to undergo upward revision.

Asset management and financial wellness can help develop long-term confidence when wealth transfers from generation to generation. Understanding and implementing financial wellness techniques is essential for effectively sharing wealth...

Tax planning might be complex, but it's also essential—especially for high-net-worth families, where missing tax breaks or failing to optimize income could cost significant dollars, maybe millions, over a lifetime. And even in...

As the year comes to a close, probably the last thing on your mind is filing your taxes in spring. But if you start assembling the necessary documents and information now, you’ll experience less stress and be in a far better...

Getting close to retirement is exciting, but it often brings a little worry about your financial future. The closer you get, the more you may be concerned with the rising living costs and if your finances are on track to allow you to...

RENEE SPRINGSTEAD NAMED A ‘RISING STAR’ AT LPL FINANCIAL’S ACHIEVE: WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP FORUM 2023 Renee Springstead, an independent financial advisor at Fross and Fross Wealth Management in The Villages, Florida...

As we approach the last quarter of each year, it is a good time to plan for the next one. Year-end planning is especially important for existing retirees and those hoping to retire in the next few years.

Baby Boomers — those born between 1946 and 1964 — hold about $20 trillion in wealth.1 Over the next few decades, many Boomers may transfer this wealth to their Gen X, millennial, and Gen Z children, perhaps incurring a...

Most of us who have experienced college are all too familiar with that intimidating mountain you have to climb upon graduation: repaying your student debt. Seeing our children struggle financially is heart-wrenching, and though we want...

Retirees often have the time, freedom, and desire to explore new destinations and make the most of their golden years. With careful planning and attention to...

Once you are in your 60s, you are likely to focus less on growing your retirement funds than answering, "When do I retire?" And once you crack open your nest egg, how should you allocate its contents?

In golf, as in finances, there are a few rules of thumb that may improve your game: keep a level head, avoid traps, practice before trying something new and stay the course...

If you work after you begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits, all or part of your retirement benefit may be withheld if your earnings exceed the retirement earnings test exempt amount...

Golfing and investing may not seem to share much common ground at first glance. But the more you think about it, a successful golfer and a successful investor share a number of traits such as patience, perseverance, attention to detail...

While you never know your needs as you age, the first step is thinking about your financial situation and health today so you can plan for your later years...

Whether you make tennis one of your leisure activities during retirement or just enjoy watching the sport, you may not realize that the same strategies used in a tennis match may also translate into retirement.

You may be retired and considering investing some of your retirement nest egg. Depending on your situation, it is crucial that investing in the stock market, bond market, or other investments does not jeopardize your retirement savings...

Getting Ready for a Hurricane

Robert and Thomas Fross

Friday, August 30, 2019

At Fross & Fross Wealth Management we are committed to taking care of more than just your investments. As we prepare for the coming storm, we want to help you be prepared too. In anticipation of the coming hurricane we want to share a...

The Week on Wall Street A short and relatively placid trading week wrapped up Thursday, with the major indices turning in mixed performances. The S&P 500 retreated 0.08%, the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.17%, and the Dow Jones...

The close of the year provides an opportunity for investors to step back and consider the wider financial landscape. This week, we're reviewing some key issues that defined 2018, as well as some factors that may influence financial...

Last week, domestic markets had some of their worst performance in 10 years.[1] The S&P 500 lost 7.05%, the Dow declined 6.87%, and the NASDAQ dropped 8.36%. All three indexes have now lost at least 8% in 2018.[2] On Friday, December...

Last week brought more volatility to the markets. While domestic indexes had some rallies as positive trade news emerged earlier in the week, by Friday, December 14, they had erased any gains. The last time major U.S. indexes ended in...

Markets went for another wild ride last week, as major domestic indexes swung back and forth. By Friday, December 7, markets had posted their worst weekly performance since March - and the S&P 500 and Dow both moved into negative...

U.S. markets ended a volatile month on a high note Friday. All three major indices posted impressive increases for the week, buoyed by news from the Fed Reserve and international trade.[1] The S&P 500 jumped 4.85%, and the NASDAQ...

Last week was a tough one for markets. The S&P 500 dropped 3.79% and experienced its worst results during a Thanksgiving week since 1939.[1] While the index officially entered correction territory on Friday, it closed 10.2% below its...

Markets experienced more volatility last week, as perspectives on trade, tech, and retail pulled investor sentiment back and forth. Although domestic indexes were up on Friday, November 16, they still posted losses for the week.[1] In...

Last week, markets experienced a 4-day winning streak before dropping on Friday, November 9. Despite those losses, domestic indexes posted gains for the week.[1] The S&P 500 increased 2.13%, the Dow added 2.84%, and the NASDAQ was up 0...

Markets posted strong gains last week after struggling for much of October. The S&P 500 had its best weekly performance since May, and the NASDAQ had its first positive week since September.[1] Despite domestic markets dropping on...

Last week did nothing to dispel October's reputation as a tough month for the markets. The S&P 500 lost 3.94%, the Dow declined 2.97%, and the NASDAQ dropped 3.78% during what was one of 2018's most volatile weeks so far. All three...

Stock performance was mixed last week as investors considered the impact of interest rates, international affairs and corporate earnings.[1] The S&P 500 gained 0.02%, and the Dow added 0.41% to post its first weekly gains in October....

Volatility was back in full force last week. The three major domestic indexes posted several days of losses before experiencing wide swings on Friday. By week's end, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), which investors use to help measure...

Although new data continued to show strength in the U.S. economy, markets stumbled across the globe last week.[1] The S&P 500 lost 0.98%, the Dow dropped 0.04%, and the NASDAQ declined 3.21%.[2] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE...

Friday, September 28, was the last trading day in 2018's 3rd quarter, and the S&P 500 posted its strongest quarterly return in nearly 5 years.[1] The Dow also showed impressive returns by beating expectations for the quarter, while...

Last week brought new tariffs and data, and another look at changes coming to equity classifications. Overall, the S&P 500 gained 0.85% and the Dow was up 2.25%, while the NASDAQ dropped 0.29%.[1] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE...

Last week brought new tariffs and data, and another look at changes coming to equity classifications. Overall, the S&P 500 gained 0.85% and the Dow was up 2.25%, while the NASDAQ dropped 0.29%.[1] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE...

Last week, the East Coast prepared for Hurricane Florence, which roared through the Carolinas and Georgia. As investors kept their eyes on the weather and its potential for destruction, estimates emerged of up to $27 billion in...

Last week, the East Coast prepared for Hurricane Florence, which roared through the Carolinas and Georgia. As investors kept their eyes on the weather and its potential for destruction, estimates emerged of up to $27 billion in...

Domestic markets fell last week due to negative trade news and declining tech stocks, with the S&P 500 and Dow both breaking their multi-week winning streaks. Meanwhile, the NASDAQ posted losses for 4 days in a row for the first time...

Domestic markets fell last week due to negative trade news and declining tech stocks, with the S&P 500 and Dow both breaking their multi-week winning streaks. Meanwhile, the NASDAQ posted losses for 4 days in a row for the first time...

Trade continued to dominate the news last week and cause market volatility as investors monitored discussions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and tension with China. While Mexico and the U.S. reached a new trade...

Trade continued to dominate the news last week and cause market volatility as investors monitored discussions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and tension with China. While Mexico and the U.S. reached a new trade...

Last week marked a noteworthy milestone in our economy: On Wednesday, August 22, the bull market entered its 3,453rd day, the longest such run in U.S. history. In the past 9 plus years, domestic indexes have come quite a ways since...

Last week marked a noteworthy milestone in our economy: On Wednesday, August 22, the bull market entered its 3,453rd day, the longest such run in U.S. history. In the past 9 plus years, domestic indexes have come quite a ways since...

Challenges in emerging markets affected both U.S. and global stock performance last week, with the S&P 500 experiencing several down days.[1] By market close on Friday, however, two of the three major domestics posted gains for the...

Challenges in emerging markets affected both U.S. and global stock performance last week, with the S&P 500 experiencing several down days.[1] By market close on Friday, however, two of the three major domestics posted gains for the...

Stocks ended the week in mixed territory as trouble with Turkey's currency affected U.S. equity performance on Friday, August 10.[1] For the week, the S&P lost 0.25%, the Dow declined 0.59%, and the NASDAQ increased 0.35%.[2]...

Stocks ended the week in mixed territory as trouble with Turkey's currency affected U.S. equity performance on Friday, August 10.[1] For the week, the S&P lost 0.25%, the Dow declined 0.59%, and the NASDAQ increased 0.35%.[2]...

Domestic markets ended last week in positive territory, as the S&P gained 0.76%, the Dow was up 0.05%, and the NASDAQ increased 0.96%.[1] This performance marked the 5th week in a row that the S&P 500 and Dow posted gains.[2]...

Domestic markets ended last week in positive territory, as the S&P gained 0.76%, the Dow was up 0.05%, and the NASDAQ increased 0.96%.[1] This performance marked the 5th week in a row that the S&P 500 and Dow posted gains.[2]...

Markets experienced a push-and-pull last week between data indicating strong economic growth and lagging performance from several tech stocks' earnings reports.[1] Domestic indexes had mixed results, as the S&P 500 gained 0.61%, the...

On Friday, July 20, stocks lost a small amount of ground after President Trump escalated his threats of increasing tariffs on China. However, strong quarterly earnings reports from several large companies helped provide balance in the...

Last week, trade tensions with China lessened somewhat, while the 2nd quarter corporate earnings season started with mixed results. Against this backdrop, domestic stocks experienced sizable growth. By market's close on Friday, July...

Domestic stocks only traded for 4 days last week, due to the Independence Day holiday. In that time, all 3 major domestic indexes posted positive results for the week. The S&P 500 added 1.52%, the Dow gained 0.76%, and the NASDAQ...

International trade concerns continue to create uncertainty in markets around the world.[1] Despite the markets' slight rises on Friday, June 29, they recorded losses for the week.[2] The S&P 500 fell 1.33%, the Dow gave back 1.26%,...

Stocks stumbled across the globe last week as trade tensions continued to escalate. Despite rebounding somewhat on Friday, the S&P 500 experienced its first weekly loss in a month, and the Dow posted its worst week since March.[1] The...

Last week stocks showed mixed results as political headlines continued to dominate the news. The Dow lost 0.89% and the S&P 500 was almost flat with a 0.02% gain.[1] The NASDAQ, on the other hand, reached a record high on Thursday and...

As last week ended, tension between the U.S. and some of its greatest allies was on the rise. Trade remained a hot-button topic ahead of the G-7 meeting in Canada, but investors seemed largely unfazed by the drama.[1] In fact, all 3...

Markets experienced heightened volatility this week, with the S&P 500 rising 0.49% and Dow dropping 0.48%. Meanwhile, the NASDAQ rose 1.62%, as international markets took a small dip, with the MSCI EAFE losing 1.10%.[1,2] The markets'...

Geopolitical uncertainty affected stocks last week, as the historic summit between the U.S. and North Korea began to look less likely. On Thursday, May 24, President Trump announced that the summit was off, and stocks stumbled in...

Major domestic indexes went down last week after all three gained more than 2% the previous week.[1] The S&P 500 dropped 0.54%, the Dow gave back 0.47%, and the NASDAQ lost 0.66%.[2] International stocks also stumbled; the MSCI EAFE...

On Friday, the markets closed the week gaining traction. The Dow had 7 days of consecutive growth, rising 2.34% - its largest weekly gain since March.[1] Meanwhile, the S&P 500 rose 2.41%, the NASDAQ jumped 2.68%, and the MSCI EAFE...

Domestic indexes posted strong results on Friday, May 4, as the latest labor report data lessened investors' concerns about inflation and interest rates. Nonetheless, stocks had mixed results last week.[1] The S&P 500 dropped 0.24%...

We just finished the busiest week of 1st quarter earnings season, and although many companies shared positive results, stock indexes experienced modest declines.[1] The S&P 500 lost 0.01%, the Dow dropped 0.62%, and the NASDAQ gave...

Stocks posted moderate gains last week, as the S&P 500 added 0.52%, the Dow increased 0.42%, and the NASDAQ rose 0.56%.[1] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE followed suit, gaining 0.41%.[2] We received numerous new data updates...

Market volatility continues. Stocks slid on Friday, April 13, but still held on to gains for the week.[1] The S&P 500 increased 1.99%, the Dow added 1.79%, and the NASDAQ was up 2.77%.[2] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE also...

Domestic stocks lost ground last week as trade war concerns continued to rattle investors. With these declines, the Dow officially moved back into correction territory.[1] For the week, the S&P 500 lost 1.43%, the Dow dipped 0.95%,...

Markets were closed on March 30 for Good Friday, but in the four days of trading, stocks recovered some of this year's losses.[1] For the week, the S&P 500 added 2.09%, the Dow gained 2.67%, and the NASDAQ increased by 1.03%.[2]...

Markets experienced significant declines last week. The S&P 500 lost 5.95%, the Dow dropped 5.66%, and the NASDAQ declined 6.54%.[1] With these losses, all 3 domestic indexes had their worst weekly performance in more than 2 years.[2]...

Markets were up on Friday, but domestic stocks lost ground for the week as political turmoil and potential trade wars weighed on investors' minds.[1] The S&P 500 dropped 1.24%, the Dow gave back 1.54%, and the NASDAQ decreased 1.04%...

Domestic stocks leapt ahead last week as the latest jobs report inspired renewed confidence in our economic standing. The S&P 500 added 3.54%, and the Dow gained 3.25%.[1] The NASDAQ erased its losses from February's market correction...

Volatility continued last week as markets posted their 1st weekly loss in 3 weeks.[1] Despite some recovery on Friday, the S&P 500 dropped 2.04%, the NASDAQ slipped 1.12%, and the Dow lost 3.05% for the week.[2] Internationally, the...

Last week, the Presidents' Day holiday meant markets were only open for 4 trading days, and during that time, we received comparatively few economic reports. Nonetheless, major domestic indexes showed considerable volatility and...

Markets rebounded last week, posting sizable gains and moving back into positive territory for the year. All three domestic indexes experienced their largest weekly growth in years, despite losing some ground on Friday after news of...

After months of relative calm, market fluctuations are causing many investors to wonder what is happening to the economy. Last week, the S&P 500 lost 5.16%, the Dow dropped 5.21%, and the NASDAQ declined 5.06%.[1] The MSCI EAFE also...

After 4 straight weeks of gains, the markets have slipped. As of Friday, the S&P 500 lost 3.85%, the Dow dropped 4.12%, and the NASDAQ decreased by 3.53%.[1] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE also took a 2.78% hit.[2] Domestically...

Stocks had an impressive week yet again, as each of the domestic indexes reached record highs and gained at least 2%.[1] The S&P 500 added 2.23%, the Dow increased 2.09%, and the NASDAQ grew 2.31%.[2] International stocks in the MSCI...

We're only a few weeks into 2018, and stocks are showing quite a strong performance so far. Last week, major domestic indexes posted gains yet again, with all 3 up at least 5% this year. By Friday, the S&P 500 had added another 0.86%,...

Domestic markets continued their strong start to 2018, posting gains across the board for their 2nd week. The S&P 500 added 1.57% and closed at a new record high on Friday. The index just posted its best 10-day beginning to a year...

The first week of 2018 is behind us, and across the globe, stocks experienced a strong start to the year. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE gained 2.44% last week.[1] In the U.S., our major indexes also leapt forward, hitting a...

In the final trading days of a strong 2017, U.S. indexes lost some ground. During the holiday-shortened week, the S&P 500 dropped by 0.36%, the Dow lost 0.14%, and the NASDAQ gave back 0.81%.[1] A selloff toward the end of the day on...