Montgomery Community Media

The release of the September jobs report, which showed a net decline of 33,000 jobs, has caused some concern that the U.S. economy might be slowing. However, a closer look at the data shows otherwise. In the same report, we saw the nascent trend of wage growth continuing. For the past twelve months, average hourly earnings […]

With the fourth quarter of the year upon us, it can be a smart time to take inventory of your financial situation. Here are 10 easy steps to complete an effective assessment. 1.    Assess your 2017 plan progress. Look at any areas of your 2017 written financial plan that you have not yet accomplished and […]

Employers are becoming increasingly concerned about the financial well-being of their employees, and they are expanding how they demonstrate their loyalty. Employers large and small are offering programs such as robust health insurance plans, on-site daycare, after school care, flexible work hours, Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s), and the ability to work remotely. Some companies also […]

According to the Huntington Bank Backpack Index, the cost of school supplies increased 88% from 2007 to 2016, and their recently released 2017 report anticipates increases of 1.0% for elementary and 4.6% for middle schoolers this coming school year. Even so, there are reasons that parents can feel good about back-to-school shopping: 1. It’s an […]

Millennials have been more comfortable with mobility and job changes than any prior generation. But with that comfort comes the responsibility of understanding employee benefits and considering the role of those benefits in your overall compensation package. Here are five important questions that recent grads can raise during the job interview process. 1. When does […]

Despite the abundance of bad news around the world and relentless headlines back home, the U.S. stock market continues to climb higher. According to BTN Research, through the first four months of 2017, the total return of the S&P 500 (i.e., through 4/28/17) is +7.2%, north of its +3.5% average return for the first 4-months […]

The U.S. Stock Market performance soared from the November elections until the end of February. And to borrow from a well-known phrase, March’s performance came in like a lion and is going out like a lamb. The good news is that although the Dow Jones Industrial Average has fallen over 500 points as of March […]

Despite incredible political acrimony, mudslinging, and some seeming chaos in the new administration, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (“the Dow”) managed to rise about 14% from Election Day to February 28. While there have been gradual increases to the underlying economy and corporate profits that pre-date the election, three possible reasons for the recent stock […]

With Valentine’s Day a few weeks away, it might seem coldhearted to be writing about divorce, but there are reportedly more divorce filings in January than in any other month. While repairing the cracks in cupid’s love bubble may not always be possible, couples can take some steps to reduce arguments, at least around money. […]

  December 2016 and Outlook into 2017 The Markets: In the fourth quarter of 2016, the U.S. stock market had a strong performance and was likely benefiting from three main areas of President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda: corporate tax reform, regulatory reform, and a robust infrastructure spending bill. To be sure, these areas can boost economic activity, […]