Medicare’s open enrollment period occurs each year between October 15 and December 7. This is the best opportunity for current Medicare participants to modify their coverage, if their healthcare needs have changed.
Global markets continued their recovery in the third quarter, albeit at a more measured pace than the second quarter. Once again, every major asset class notched positive returns, with stocks from Emerging Markets and Natural Resources leading the way. On the bond side, we note the excellent returns from US TIPS over the past 12 months, supported by lower interest rates and a change in inflation expectations. Finally, the other assets category performed well with average returns exceeding U.S. bonds' but lagging equities' overall.
When it comes to purchasing a new home, it's essential to be realistic about what you expect to pay. While most people focus on their monthly mortgage payment, other costs related to the purchase are frequently overlooked. Some of these costs are one-time (paid at purchase or immediately after) while others persist over your entire ownership tenure.
At Bristlecone, we implement the best online practices to protect our clients' assets and privacy. We thought we would share the tools we use in our professional and personal lives.
With interest rates on the 30-year mortgage below 3%, now might be a good time to refinance or even pay off your mortgage balance early. When does it make sense to choose one or the other?
Nearly everyone is familiar with the expression "A bird in hand is worth two in the bush." On its face, this proverb conveys the risk of exchanging a sure thing for the uncertain prospect of something better. But underlying this time-tested truism is a core concept of finance: The Time Value of Money (TVM).