Articles

November ekes out a gain

While the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite slipped last month, both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 shook off a modest mid-month decline to notch their seventh consecutive monthly advance, according to MarketWatch. Key Index Returns   MTD % YTD % Dow Jones Industrial Average 0.3 12.2 Nasdaq Composite -1.5 21.0 S&P 500 Index […]

November ekes out a gain Read More »

2026 Tax Changes You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Insights from HWC Financial As we look ahead to tax year 2026 (returns filed in 2027), it’s more important than ever to stay ahead of the curve. Several key changes — driven by inflation adjustments and new law provisions — will affect deductions, credits, and planning strategies. Here’s what clients of HWC Financial should be paying

2026 Tax Changes You Can’t Afford to Ignore Read More »

Spotlight on Inflation

ChartTalk: Inflation is taking a bite out of people’s wallets. But some products are seeing greater price increases than others. The infographic breaks down inflation by a variety of products. Prices are going up, with some products seeing greater inflation than others.   Food items like beef and essentials such as car maintenance are showing the

Spotlight on Inflation Read More »

Vermont Saves: Why a Private 401(k) or Retirement Plan Is the Smarter Choice for Employers

Beginning in 2026, most Vermont employers will be required to provide their employees with access to a retirement savings plan through the new Vermont Saves program. This initiative automatically enrolls eligible workers into a state-facilitated Roth IRA, funded through payroll deductions. While Vermont Saves is designed to expand access to retirement savings, it’s not always

Vermont Saves: Why a Private 401(k) or Retirement Plan Is the Smarter Choice for Employers Read More »

October delivers further stock market gains

October has a curious reputation rooted in market history. The Crash of 1929 (a 13% selloff on Black Monday and 12% on Black Tuesday, according to Federal Reserve History), the Crash of 1987 (a 22% selloff in October per MarketWatch data), and the financial crisis of 2008 (a 17% decline in October) have all contributed to

October delivers further stock market gains Read More »

Paying for Long-Term Healthcare: Challenges, Options, and Planning Strategies

As the U.S. population continues to age, the demand for long-term healthcare is expected to rise steadily. Yet, it’s a topic many prefer to avoid, and in some cases, neglect to plan for, despite its growing importance. While statistics vary, anywhere between 60% and 70% of us will one day need assistance with long-term care,

Paying for Long-Term Healthcare: Challenges, Options, and Planning Strategies Read More »

The Stock Market is America’s Favorite Investment

Americans love to invest in stocks. A survey by Bankrate found that the stock market is the favorite investment for money not needed for a decade. Gen Z is driving much of the surge in stock investing.   The stock market is the most popular long-term investment option among U.S. adults, according to a survey by the

The Stock Market is America’s Favorite Investment Read More »

Vermont Saves: Why Offering a Private Retirement Plan or 401(k) Is Smarter Than the State Option

Starting in 2026, most Vermont employers will be required to give employees access to a retirement plan through the new Vermont Saves program. This state-run initiative automatically enrolls eligible employees in a Roth IRA, deducted directly from payroll. While the program ensures workers can start saving, many business owners may prefer to offer a private

Vermont Saves: Why Offering a Private Retirement Plan or 401(k) Is Smarter Than the State Option Read More »