college education Archives - Page 2 of 2

New Indicators Rattle Investors

jmuch2025-03-04T09:36:00-06:00February 24, 2025|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: 401(k), AI, artificial intelligence, chicago, college education, CPI, debt, Fed, financial planning, financial strategy, income tax brackets, Inflation, insurance, Interest Rates, investing, market volatility, markets, PPI, retirement, retirement planning, risk management, social security, tariff, taxes, Trump, wealth management, wealth transfer, women|

The Weekly Update

Week of February 24th, 2025
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks fell last week as concerns about sticky inflation and the pace of economic growth rattled investors.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.66 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also fell 2.51 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, was essentially flat (+0.04 percent).

S&P 500 Hits New High, Then Slips
Following the Presidents’ Day holiday, stock prices were largely range-bound on Tuesday despite some intraday volatility. Then stocks edged higher, shaking off some new tariff talk and disappointing housing starts data. The S&P 500 marked its third record close of the year on Wednesday.

On Thursday, stocks were under pressure from the start of trading after a weaker-than-expected outlook from a mega-retailer. The update reinforced some concerns that the economy may be slowing. The selling accelerated …

Black Swan Casts Shadow Over Wall Street

jmuch2025-03-03T15:34:11-06:00February 3, 2025|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: 401(k), AI, artificial intelligence, chicago, college education, CPI, debt, estate planning, Fed, financial planning, financial strategy, income taxes, Inflation, market volatility, markets, retirement, risk management, social security, taxes, wealth management, wealth transfer, women|

The Weekly Update

Week of February 3rd, 2025
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks were mixed last week as investors parsed market-moving news nearly every trading day—from an unsettling AI update to White House news to Q4 corporate reports.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.00 percent while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 1.64 percent. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose, picking up 0.27 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.75 percent.

A Choppy End to January
The week started on a down note with news that a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup had made a breakthrough, which put pressure on a wide range of tech stocks. The tech-heavy Nasdaq fell 3 percent for the day, but the Dow Industrials ended the trading session slightly higher.

Stocks were under pressure again mid-week as investors waited on news from the Federal Reserve. The Fed voted to hold …

Shifted Policy Gears Rev Markets

jmuch2025-03-04T09:43:32-06:00January 27, 2025|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: 401(k), aging parents, AI, alternative investments, artificial intelligence, college education, CPI, debt, estate planning, Fed, financial planning, financial strategy, income tax brackets, Inflation, Interest Rates, investing, market volatility, markets, retirement, risk management, social security, taxes, wealth management, wealth transfer, women|

The Weekly Update

Week of January 27th, 2025
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks rallied last week as investors reacted positively to a handful of better-than-expected corporate earnings reports and developments out of Washington, D.C.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.74 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.65 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.15 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 3.03 percent.

Flurry of News
Markets surged over the first three trading days as investors cheered a flurry of new policy announcements and executive orders following Monday’s inauguration. For example, investors responded to news that the White House trade team is considering taking a softer stance on tariffs.3
It was also a good week for Q4 company reports and other upbeat corporate news.

Markets leveled off Friday as investors were disappointed that existing home sales fell to a 30-year low. But for the week, …

Goldilocks Returns; Market Ends Week “Just Right.”

jmuch2025-03-11T12:00:33-05:00January 21, 2025|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: 401(k), AI, alternative energy, alternative investments, artificial intelligence, chicago, college education, CPI, debt, Fed, financial planning, financial strategy, income tax brackets, income taxes, Interest Rates, investing, investment, market volatility, markets, retirement, retirement planning, risk, risk management, social security, sustainability, taxes, wealth management, wealth transfer, women|

The Weekly Update

Week of January 20th, 2025
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks roared back last week, fueled by upbeat Q4 corporate reports and economic news that stalled inflationary fears.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 2.45 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, picking up 3.69 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 2.00 percent.

Goldilocks is Back
The “Goldilocks” narrative—an economy that’s neither too hot nor too cold—made a comeback last week.

Tuesday’s Producer Price Index report showed that wholesale prices rose less than expected in December—one piece of evidence suggesting a cooling economy.

Stocks jumped out of the gate Wednesday after the December Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed core inflation (minus volatile energy and food prices) rose less than expected. Investors also cheered Q4 reports from a handful of money center banks and positive news out …

What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?

jmuch2025-03-25T11:45:29-05:00February 28, 2024|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: 529, 529 plans, college education, financial planning, funding an education|

What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?

WHAT CAN YOU BUY WITH 529 DISTRIBUTIONS?

A 529 college savings plan is a tax-advantaged way to save for education expenses, and it’s not just limited to college anymore. Originally designed to help families save for higher education, these plans can now be used for a wider range of educational expenses, including K-12 tuition, private and religious schools, vocational schools, and even some international institutions. The plan offers flexibility, allowing individuals to use the funds for various educational purposes beyond traditional four-year college programs.

The primary advantage of a 529 plan is its tax benefits. Earnings on the funds grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals used for qualified education expenses are tax-free. However, it’s important to note that each state may treat 529 plan contributions differently, offering different state tax deductions or credits. Additionally, the fees and expenses associated with each 529 plan can vary, so …

Half Million Dollar Baby

jmuch2025-03-25T12:18:06-05:00April 6, 2023|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education, financial planning, women|

Half Million Dollar Baby

What Does It Actually Cost to Raise a Child?

The costs associated with raising a child start right at birth. A hospital bill for childbirth can easily reach up to $20,000, depending on various factors such as the type of birth and insurance coverage. Additionally, prenatal care adds extra expenses, often making the total cost even higher.

Food Costs

Once a child is born, feeding them becomes a significant part of the budget. On average, parents spend nearly $2,500 each year on food for their children. Over 18 years, this adds up to almost $45,000. These costs increase as the child grows and their nutritional needs change.

Hiring Help

For households with two working parents, the cost of childcare can be substantial. Depending on the type of care, expenses can range from $5,436 to $24,243 per year. Whether it’s daycare, a nanny, or other forms of help, these costs are …

Ultimate College Checklist

jmuch2025-03-26T08:24:23-05:00July 12, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education, financial planning|

Ultimate College Checklist

Ultimate College Checklist

With summer in the air, it means fall is just around the corner. And, for many, that means kids heading off to college.

Sending your child off to college is an exciting and emotional milestone for families, but many details require attention. At CTS Financial Group, we’ve helped families navigate this transition, and we’ve created a checklist of 13 essential tasks to ensure your child gets the most out of their college experience. Here are some key items to address:

Finances
College is expensive, so review your finances and consider using accounts designated for higher education, like a 529 Plan. If money is tight, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could be a good option, but consult a financial advisor before making that decision. You should also evaluate your car insurance policy to determine if adjustments are needed due to your child’s new living situation.

Health
Check if your …

Six Steps to a College Internship

jmuch2025-03-26T08:36:03-05:00April 25, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education|

Six Steps to a College Internship

Six Steps to a College Internship

Higher education has been in the news a lot recently – both because of March Madness and the College Admissions Scandal – so we wanted to explore the topic further and share insights on how to land a summer internship that can build a student’s personal brand the right way.

Landing a college internship is an important step toward building your career. Start by thinking long-term, but remember, you’re not locked into a single path. Internships allow you to explore different career options while gaining valuable experience, even if you’re unsure of your future job goals. They can help you develop key skills like decision-making, collaboration, and time management, all of which are essential as you transition into the workforce.

Gathering the right application materials is crucial. Along with your resume, which should be concise and data-driven, clean up your social …

CollegeWise Webinar – Harvard, Stanford or Bust

jmuch2025-03-26T10:35:45-05:00October 10, 2018|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education, taxes|

CollegeWise: Harvard, Stanford or Bust – a Webinar

CollegeWise Webinar – Harvard, Stanford or Bust

Just what does it take to get into the top colleges and universities in the country? How do you identify the school that’s the best fit for your student?

On October 24th, join us for a webinar with CollegeWise, the nation’s largest college counseling organization. We’ll debunk college admission myths and show you what the college admissions process looks like from the inside.

We’ll also give you an overview of college savings options and how you can begin to financially prepare for your student’s amazing college adventure. Register here: http://bit.ly/2zU5AgA

if you enjoyed this resource, check out our resource center here.

Is College Worth It?

jmuch2025-03-26T09:43:53-05:00March 29, 2018|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: college education, financial planning|

Is College Worth It?

Is College Worth it?
With college debt at an all-time high and first jobs challenging to find, you may be wondering about the ROI of a college education. The decision to attend – or not – is intensely personal. But, if college lies in your future or the future of someone you love, it is important to start the planning process as soon as possible.

Rising college tuition and mounting student loan debt have many Americans questioning if college is worth it. The decision to attend college is a major one with long-term financial and personal consequences. While a degree can lead to higher earnings and better job opportunities, it also comes with significant costs, including tuition, housing, books, and other expenses. Financial aid can help cover some of these costs, but many students still graduate with substantial debt.

The benefits of a college degree are clear. College graduates …