Blog
Welcome to The Ridgeline Review - a page where we share helpful content and videos created by the Ridgeline team
We hope you will follow along as we share ideas, industry trends, smart planning tips and more. We'd love your ideas on topics you would like to hear about. Thanks for reading!
Weekly Market Insights | Powell Keeps Cool in the Hot Seat
Stocks ended last week with modest losses after a volatile five days of market-moving economic data, geopolitics, and Fed drama.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slid 0.38 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index skidded 0.66 percent....
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Stocks Take Flight for Holiday Week
Stocks pushed higher over the holiday week as investors' hopes for a Fed rate adjustment drove bullish sentiment. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.73 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rallied 4.91 percent. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Stocks React to Powell Comments, Potential Government Shutdown
Stocks fell last week on valuation concerns and shutdown fears, with the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq all posting rare three-day declines before rebounding on tame inflation data, while strong economic reports suggested continued growth.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Markets Retreat After Data-Heavy Week
Stocks fell last week as investors assessed progress on trade negotiations, new U.S. tariffs, and fresh data on the U.S. economy. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.17...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights | Markets Cheer U.S./E.U. Trade Talks
Markets rose last week on EU trade optimism and strong tech earnings. Inflation remained steady, with PCE at 2.1%. Key economic reports and earnings from CrowdStrike and Broadcom are on deck. Questions? Ridgeline Financial Partners is here
Read MoreShow All
Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rise Modestly Over Short Trading Week
Stocks edged higher over the four trading days last week, with the three major averages taking turns leading based on various economic and artificial intelligence (AI) news. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.45 percent–its best...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rise Modestly Over Short Trading Week
Stocks edged higher over the four trading days last week, with the three major averages taking turns leading based on various economic and artificial intelligence (AI) news. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.45 percent–its best...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: AI Rules Big Week for Tech Stocks
Last week's stock performance was mixed, following investors' reaction to the Fed's May meeting minutes, while a handful of mega-cap tech companies created a buzz with their news. Market Splits Stocks began trading in a narrow band...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Volatility, Uncertainty Rule the Week for Markets
Stocks notched a solid gain last week, rallying behind upbeat earnings, a dovish Fed, and mixed economic data. Stocks Pop, Drop, Then Rally Markets began the week with an upward bump as positive news from some mega-cap tech companies...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Despite Turbulent Week, Stocks Stage Comeback
Last week, stocks staged a choppy comeback and corporate earnings and economic reports battled it out. For this week's insights, review key economic data and companies reporting earnings and don't forget to check out this week's riddle.
Read MoreIt’s Time for Q1 Company Reports
Please check out our weekly insights!
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed Comments Stir the Pot for Stocks
Stocks dropped last week as investors focused on “what's next” for interest rates after mixed comments from multiple Fed officials.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Narrowly Higher
Stocks were narrowly higher for the week as investors digested mixed economic news about consumer confidence. All three of the major averages posted gains for Q1 2024. Stocks Finish Strong Markets slipped for the first half of the...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed Talk Boosts Stocks
We discuss stocks having their best week of the year, outline key economic data & companies reporting earnings for the upcoming week. Conclude with tips on home office deductions & how a Mediterranean diet can be a healthy eating option.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Second Week of Stock Retreat
Please check our Weekly Marketing Insights for March 2024.
Read MoreMatt on Money - May 2022
Join Matt for his May edition of Matt on Money: Ask Matt. Questions include: What are the contribution limits for 2022? How high is inflation going to go? Are there any solutions for combatting rising inflation? Check it all out...
Read MoreMarket in a Minute: Climate Change
Climate action is front and center for both the Biden administration and many of the world’s largest companies. Read my latest Markets in a Minute for a look at the opportunities and obstacles in the race to a clean-energy future and...
Read MoreMatt on Money: Year End Planning
In this episode of Matt on Money, Matt addresses some potential tax legislation on the horizon, what you can do now to plan ahead and considerations for the end of 2021. Tune in today to hear more, https://youtu.be/hkK9Km73QcE.
Read MoreMatt on Money: Real Life Stories
For this edition of Matt on Money, Matt shares real life stories highlighting the importance of financial planning, including spouses/family members in your planning and keeping good records of your various accounts. View the podcast...
Read MoreMatt on Money: Tax Changes, Budgeting & Cryptocurrency
We continue our theme of covering trendy topics with potential tax changes, tips for finally getting your budget done and cryptocurrency. Hear the latest news here YouTube
Read MoreMatt on Money: 2021 Political Landscape, Taxes & Markets
Matt covers some of the timely topics we are hearing from clients about - the new political landscape, impacts on future tax rates, and what has been happening in the markets. Check out our latest episode here. https://youtu.be/6UaZyN6tN5s
Read MoreMatt on Money - COVID Part II
COVID-19 A New Wave of Thinking. This month's podcast is a complement to Matt's recent blog post with the same title. Covid has given us all some things to think about. As it relates to your personal financial planning, it's important...
Read MoreCOVID-19, A Second Wave of Thinking
Many of you read my COVID playbook in April when I talked about the personal financial planning objectives that you should have had at the forefront of your consciousness, even before the global pandemic. As the severity of the virus...
Read MoreMatt on Money: Financial Planning
In this month's podcast, Matt talks about the financial planning process - who needs a financial plan, what's covered in the plan, how involved is the process. View the video now - YouTube.
Read MoreMatt on Money: Federal Stimulus for COVID-19
In this month's episode of Matt on Money, Matt discusses the federal stimulus for individuals and small businesses related to COVID-19. He also provides guidance for those of you who have not yet received your stimulus and some tips if...
Read MoreCoronavirus Playbook
There have been many learnings that have come out of this pandemic, one of which is preparation can go a long way. Planning and preparation are hallmarks to a sound financial future. We created this new playbook to serve as your guide...
Read MoreCoronavirus Federal and State Resources for Small Business Owners
Coronavirus Federal and State Resources for Small Business Owners It goes without saying that we are in unprecedented times as a country, and depending on the industry you operate in, very difficult decisions are going to need to be...
Read MoreThe Latest Coronavirus Impacts & Planning Opportunities
Coronavirus: Considerations in Light of the Newest Global Health Pandemic Matthew Carbray, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® I am sure by now you have been inundated with the media coverage of the Coronavirus, or COVID-19 as it is known...
Read MoreMatt on Money: Coronavirus
In this month's episode, Matt addresses the Coronavirus and the impact on the stock market as well as identifying some planning opportunities in these tumultuous times. Watch the video here.
Read MoreCoronavirus - Our Perspective
On behalf of our team at Ridgeline Financial Partners, I personally want to thank you for your partnership and the confidence you instill in us to guide you through life’s stages. A lot of you may receive information from us...
Read MoreMatt on Money: SECURE Act
In this episode of our monthly podcast, Matt discusses the recent SECURE Act legislation and what it means for you. He covers the change to RMDs, educational funding and charitable giving. View the video here.
Read MoreThe Secure Act - What You Need to Know
After considerable delay, the Senate finally passed, and the President subsequently signed one of the most ground-breaking pieces of legislation that will affect nearly every retirement saver. The SECURE ACT or the Setting Every...
Read MoreMatt on Money: Considerations for 2020
To close out 2019, Matt discusses some of the planning gaps we have observed from clients this year and ideas on how you can get out ahead of these potential issues. He also emphasizes the importance of maxing out your retirement and...
Read MoreMatt on Money: Small Business Planning
In this month's podcast, Matt discusses some of the challenges faced by small business as well as the unique opportunities afforded to this group. He also addresses exit planning considerations. If you are a small business or family...
Read MoreTimely Topics from Our Clients
This month's video blog features 3 timely topics submitted by our clients:- Do I need more than a basic will? - Should I consider long term care insurance? - Do you have any tax tips for small businesses? Tune in to learn more. And if...
Read MoreTeaching Your Children About Money and Finance
Raising your children to be helpful, kind, productive adults is no small feat. For those of us in the trenches of parenting, it can seem like a daunting task at times. However, it will likely be one of the most rewarding aspects of...
Read MoreEducating Your Children About Money & Finance
We were recently invited to be guest speakers on the Farmington Valley Podcast Series about Back to School and Education. Our topic was on Educating Children at All Ages About Money and Finance. This is a great topic and Matt and...
Read MoreMatt on Money: College Planning
Our video blog this month is all about planning for your child's education. Matt covers how much you need to save, when to start, the best savings vehicles and pointers for maximizing your college planning. Don't miss it! Video Link
Read MoreMatt on Money: Investing in 401(k) Plans
Coming at you with episode #2. https://youtu.be/MinZQeBhfGE Matt covers: All about 401(k) plans Reasons to utilize your employer plan How much you should contribute Where you should invest your funds We hope you enjoy this new format...
Read MoreThe Impact of a Sandwich on Your Financial Plan
Have you heard of the "sandwich generation"? If not, get familiar with the term because if you are not already a member, you may be soon. If you are between the ages of 45 and 70 and have aging parents as well as children who are...
Read MoreMatt on Money: Income Tax Planning
It's here...introducing Matt on Money, our brand-new video blog. Check out our first episode on income tax planning. https://lnkd.in/eJzH26V Matt covers: Why now is a good time for income tax planning Strategies to implement to...
Read MoreEmergency Fund for Health Care Needs
According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate1, the average couple retiring today needs $285,000 to cover the cost of health care in retirement. It is so important that you plan for this expense now and not wait until it...
Read MoreInvesting in a 401(k)
Employer-sponsored retirement accounts are a great way to save for retirement. A 401(k) offers tax benefits such as pre-tax contributions and tax-deferred growth. You don’t get taxed on your contributions or earnings until you...
Read More3 Considerations Before Opening a ROTH IRA
A ROTH IRA is a retirement savings account that allows you to put money aside for retirement and any growth in the account is tax-free. Unlike a traditional IRA, in a ROTH IRA, you pay taxes on the front end and therefore won’t...
Read More5 Smart Tax Moves
As we approach tax season, clients frequently ask us for guidance on how to minimize their tax impact. Although you are limited in what you can do for the prior year’s return, there are some smart moves you can make now for the...
Read MoreNew Year's Resolutions
There is something about a New Year that gets everyone thinking about improving areas of their lives. Maybe it’s a weight loss or health goal, maybe it’s a work/life balance goal, or maybe for you it’s more of a to-do...
Read More