Blog
What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or common themes that arise from our conversations with clients, you can read about it here. We’re glad to have you reading along and hope you will keep checking in.
The Return of Normal is Approaching
March 4, 2021 Dear Valued Investor: It’s now been over a year since COVID-19 first hit American shores. While the pandemic has affected everyone to varying degrees, we can all agree that everyone’s life is different today...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Rising Bond Yields Diminish Stocks
Stocks dropped amid rising long-term bond yields, with sharp declines in high-valuation growth stocks leading the overall market lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...
Read MoreFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: John Galego receives the Women’s Choice Award®
WomenCertified Inc., home of the Women’s Choice Award identifies Financial Advisors and Firms based on rigorous research focused on 17 points of objective criteria, in addition to references of validation from the...
Read MoreFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: John Galego Receives Five Star Award For Sixth Consecutive Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:John Galego Receives Five Star Award For Fourth Consecutive YearHopkinton, MA February 2021 As seen in Boston Magazine, Five Star Professional has recognized John Galego with the 2021 Five Star Wealth Manager...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Rising Inflation Concerns
Rising bond yields dampened investor enthusiasm for high-multiple growth companies last week, sending market averages mostly lower in a holiday-shortened week of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.11% for the week. But...
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Weekly Market Insights: Markets Go Back to Basics
Stocks notched strong gains last week, paced by a string of solid economic reports and consensus-beating corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.89%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 4.65%. The...
Read MoreStay the Course
February 8, 2021 Dear Valued Investor, “In the short-term, the market is a popularity contest. In the long-term, the market is a weighing machine.” Warren Buffett 2021 is under way, as our nation and the rest of the world...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Unexpected Trading Rattles Market
Despite strong corporate earnings, stock prices closed lower after a volatile week of trading triggered by unprecedented activity in a handful of companies.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 3.27%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Optimism Stimulates Markets
Anticipation of a new fiscal stimulus and improved vaccine distribution powered stocks to fresh record highs last week with technology stocks leading the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.59%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2021 - Markets Start 2021 on a High
The Week on Wall Street Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreJanuary 4, 2021 - The Year in Review
The Week on Wall Street Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreDecember 21, 2020 - Vaccine Rollout Spurs Markets
The Week on Wall Street Stocks climbed higher amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and an improving outlook for a fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged all year, gained 0.44%. The Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreOutlook for 2021
As 2020 comes to a close, we are already looking forward to a new year—and to a world very different from the one we’re leaving behind. Areas of the economy have been damaged and may never fully recover, but other areas...
Read MoreDecember 14, 2020 - Cases Rise, Stocks Retreat
The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreDecember 7, 2020 - Is Stimulus Near?
The Week on Wall Street Stocks marched higher last week on an improving outlook for the passage of a fiscal stimulus package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on 1.67%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreNovember 30, 2020 - Dow Hits 30,000
The Week on Wall Street Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data, and the easing of political uncertainty.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.21%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreNovember 23, 2020 - New Infections Increase Anxiety
The Week on Wall StreetDespite news of another COVID-19 vaccine candidate, stocks were mixed amid investor anxiety over an increase in new infections and economic lockdowns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.73%, while the...
Read MoreElection 2020: Biden's Policy Initiatives
Now that several major news groups have projected Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election—and Congress appears divided with Democrats in control of the House and Republicans the Senate—it’s a good time to...
Read MoreNovember 16, 2020 - Vaccine Triggers Rally
The Week on Wall Street News of a COVID-19 vaccine ignited a rally in economically sensitive stocks and a broad retreat in technology companies last week, though enthusiasm was tempered by reports of rising new infections and fresh...
Read MoreElection Clarity For the Markets
Former Vice President Joe Biden has been elected the 46th President of the United States, defeating President Donald Trump in a tight race and bringing an end to the highly contested 2020 election. The new president-elect benefited...
Read MoreNovember 9, 2020 - Markets React to Election
The Week on Wall Street Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated that a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to changing corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of big technology companies.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreNovember 2, 2020 - No Stimulus, Stocks Lag
The Week on Wall Street Stock prices dropped last week as hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill faded and investors focused on rising COVID-19 infections, here and abroad. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 6.47%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWhy Market Timing Doesn't Work
Today’s market conditions may feel a bit uncertain. Between international trade tensions, changes from the Federal Reserve, and increased volatility, some investors react emotionally and may want to make changes to their...
Read MoreOctober 26, 2020 - No Stimulus, Stocks Lower
The Week on Wall Street The failure to reach an agreement on a new fiscal stimulus bill soured investor sentiment and sent stocks modestly lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreElection 2020: Preparing For Any Outcome
October 22, 2020 As the U.S. presidential election draws near, expect to see more and more headlines that propose, "What will happen next if this person is elected?" or, "What policy changes should you prepare for in the next four...
Read MoreOctober 19, 2020 - A Difficult Week for Stocks
The Week on Wall Street Stocks treaded water last week amid fading prospects for a stimulus bill, fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, and increasing political and regulatory pressures on Big Tech companies.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreSigns of Strength in the Economy
Autumn has arrived, with students back in school, baseball playoffs beginning, and football in full swing. Life is trying to get back to as normal as possible despite the ongoing impact from COVID-19. While the number of new daily...
Read MoreOctober 12, 2020 - Stocks Rise, Stimulus Uncertain
The Week on Wall Street Stocks staged a powerful rally last week, riding a wave of optimism over the prospect of the passage of a new fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreOctober 5, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings....
Read MoreWomen Facing Poverty
Check out this article: This is Why so Many Women Face Poverty in their Old Age
Read MoreDow 30 Changes Its Starting Lineup
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), one of the most widely followed stock market indices, has made some key changes to its starting lineup. Salesforce.com, Amgen Inc.and Honeywell International Inc. have replaced Exxon Mobil Corp....
Read MoreSeptember 28, 2020 - Stocks Mixed Amid Uncertainty
The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week as worries that stretched from Washington D.C., where prospects of a new fiscal stimulus bill dimmed, to Europe, which saw an increase of new COVID-19 cases.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreBack to School in a New Way
Back to school this year will be different. On the one hand, like other years, it marks the end of summer, the arrival of cooler weather, kids hitting the books again, and Labor Day gatherings. But unlike other years, going back to...
Read MoreSeptember 21, 2020 - Tech Sector Slip Continues
The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped as the technology sector remained under pressure and a mid-week announcement by the Federal Reserve failed to inspire investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.03%, while the Standard...
Read MoreHow Can Women Prepare for Retirement?
When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration estimates that today's average 65-year-old woman will live to age...
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2020 - Stocks Continue Downward Slide
The Week on Wall Street Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreSeptember 8, 2020 - Stocks Stall as Recovery Continues
The Week on Wall Street A late week sell-off sent stocks broadly lower as investors took some profits after stocks reached all-time highs earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.82%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreAugust 31, 2020 - Stocks Power Higher
The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced relentlessly last week on positive COVID-19 developments, encouraging economic data, and a supportive policy shift in the Fed’s approach to its target inflation rate. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreAugust 24, 2020 - Stocks Reach New Highs
The Week on Wall Street Stocks powered to another week of gains as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite set multiple new record highs along the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially unchanged while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreAugust 17, 2020 - Stocks and Consumer Prices Rise
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%,...
Read MoreAugust 10, 2020 - Earnings Season Winds Down
The Week on Wall StreetOverlooking stalled efforts by Congress to pass a new fiscal stimulus bill, stocks marched higher last week with the Dow Jones Industrials leading the way and the NASDAQ Composite setting multiple fresh record...
Read MoreThe Covid-Cation
I am not sure what else to call our family vacation this year…. Like many other families, our travel plans were turned upside down by the pandemic. Now, we are left wondering where to go and what to do? We definitely want to get...
Read MoreTalking to Your Children about Money
As I sit in my home office (aka the kitchen) during the unprecedented times, my teenage twins have finished their daily school work and are Zooming (a new verb!) their friends. I hear them talking not only about how much they miss each...
Read MoreQuestions About Your 529 Plan You Were Afraid to Ask
This fall I have had many friends drop their oldest child off at college for the first time. Some have shared the excitement of this next step, others the chaos of setting up the dorm room, and for others the loneliness of coming home...
Read MoreSummertime: Time for the Beach, Back Yard BBQ’s and Long Term Care!
Ahhh, Summertime! Time for vacations, get togethers, the beach, BBQs and long-term care discussions with family. Wait, say what??? OK – that last one doesn’t quite fit the typical summertime experience but let me explain!...
Read MoreLOOKING FOR A GIFT IDEA FOR YOUR FAMILY: HOW ABOUT AN ESTATE PLAN?
When the words “Estate Plan” are mentioned, many people conjure up images of a stodgy attorney reading a letter to a group of formally dressed relatives in the library of a mansion… just waiting to see who will get...
Read MoreLET'S CLOSE THE FINANCIAL LITERACY GAP
At Atlas Wealth Strategies, we talk a lot about Knowledge and Empowerment. We want our clients to feel self-assured when discussing their financial goals. Unfortunately, there is a true gender gap that exists when it comes to feeling...
Read More10 Benefits of Working with a Financial Planner
10 Benefits of Working with Financial Planner Research shows that people who have financial plans – and who work with financial advisors – save and invest far more and are more likely to feel on track or ahead of...
Read MoreALIGN YOUR INVESTMENTS WITH YOUR VALUES
Consider the following… An energy company fails to uphold sound health and safety standards… In 2010, while in the Gulf of Mexico, one of the company’s oil rigs suffers a massive explosion. Shareholders lose 50% of...
Read MoreWOMEN AND INVESTING: A PLAN OF HER OWN MAKING
What role do women play in the world of investment? An ever increasing one. That being said, recent research shows that there remains a gap between men and women when it comes to taking part in long-term financial planning and investment.
Read MoreOutlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL - How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets
LPL Research Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets is filled with investment insights and market guidance for the year ahead. LPL Research believes the following three themes will be key to the...
Read MoreHOW CARING FOR A PARENT OR SPOUSE CAN UPEND YOUR RETIREMENT
The more conversations I have with family, friends, neighbors and clients, the more the topic of caring for an aging parent or spouse comes up. I am continually surprised just how many families are affected by this (my own included)....
Read MoreWHY YOU SHOULD PLAN FOR AN EARLIER RETIREMENT
Do you know when you will retire? If you have an age in mind for retirement, and a financial plan to back it up, you are ahead of many Americans who have little or no retirement plan to speak of. That said, recent data suggests that the
Read MoreESTATE PLANNING AND PROBATE
I am often asked by my clients, as a financial planner, should I have a will or trust? The short answer is YES! If you own assets and want to make sure at death they go to whom you intend them to go, a simple will or trust is a great...
Read MoreWHY FINANCIAL PLANNING IS ESSENTIAL FOR WOMEN
There are many reasons why financial planning is especially important for women, but the following article focuses on three important ones: 1. Longevity; 2. The Wage Gap; 3. Providing Care For Others. Like many factors that impact...
Read More4 REASONS WHY LONG-TERM CARE IS A WOMEN'S ISSUE
Understanding the need to plan for long-term care is important for everyone, especially women. Although many of us don't want to talk about it, the majority of us will have to confront a long-term care event at some point in our lives....
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