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What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.

Monday, May 11, 2026

Stocks rose last week as peace talks picked up while investors cheered better-than-expected economic news and Q1 corporate results. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.33 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 4.51...

Monday, May 4, 2026

Stocks advanced last week as investors moved past stalled progress in Middle East peace talks and refocused on corporate earnings. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 1.12...

Monday, April 27, 2026

Stocks were mixed last week as investors gauged potential outcomes of the Middle East conflict amid an ongoing ceasefire.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.55 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.50 percent. By...

Monday, April 20, 2026

Stocks rallied last week as investor enthusiasm built for an end to the war in the Middle East and hopes of a resumption of normal global trade. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 4.54 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked...

Monday, April 13, 2026

Hope won out over fear last week as investors set their sights on a Middle East ceasefire holding and optimistic prospects for the Strait of Hormuz reopening.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.56 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...

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Monday, April 6, 2026

Stocks rose over the short trading week on fresh hopes for a quick end to the Middle East conflict, while March job growth was unexpectedly strong.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 3.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...

Monday, March 30, 2026

Stocks ended a challenging week lower as investors' attention shifted from updates on ceasefire talks to concerns about the economic impact of a protracted conflict.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 2.12 percent, while the Nasdaq...

Monday, March 23, 2026

Another volatile week unfolded as rapid developments in the Middle East and public comments from leaders on the conflict see-sawed markets, leaving investors struggling to keep up with updates.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 1.89...

Monday, March 16, 2026

Stocks logged a third-straight down week as investors digested the latest news out of the Middle East, navigated more volatility, and mulled the latest economic data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.60 percent, while the...

Monday, March 9, 2026

Stocks fell last week as investors assessed the implications of a fresh Middle East conflict while digesting mixed reports on the jobs market.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.02 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 1.24...

Monday, March 2, 2026

Stocks fell last week amid concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and a warmer-than-expected reading of wholesale inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.44 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 0.95 percent...

Monday, February 23, 2026

Stocks ended a choppy four-session run in the green, with tech-led momentum earlier in the week prevailing over news of a slowing economy, sticky inflation, and geopolitical tensions.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.07...

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Stocks fell last week as investors reacted to mixed economic data and concerns over signs of broadening AI disruption of business models.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.39 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.10...

Monday, February 9, 2026

Stocks were mixed last week, with broad gains on Monday and Friday bookending midweek selling pressure as investors digested earnings results from more than 100 S&P 500 companies.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index ended the week roughly...

Monday, February 2, 2026

Stocks were mixed last week as investors navigated Q4 corporate results, a widely expected Fed decision, and a handful of economic reports.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.34 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0...

Monday, January 26, 2026

Markets ended a short but eventful week slightly lower amid geopolitical tensions and fresh tariff threats. However, constructive economic news appeared to buoy spirits as the week progressed.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.35...

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

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....

Monday, January 12, 2026

Stocks posted solid gains in an action-packed week of market-moving economic data, geopolitical news, and bullish new year sentiment.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.57 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.88...

Monday, January 5, 2026

Stocks trended lower last week amid signs of year-end profit-taking and some sour investor sentiment over the Fed meeting minutes.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.03 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 1.52 percent....

Monday, December 22, 2025

Stocks posted a slight gain last week as mixed jobs data triggered some selling pressure before a cooling inflation report helped stocks recover.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index inched ahead 0.10 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...

Monday, December 15, 2025

Stocks ended last week mixed. A widely anticipated Federal Reserve decision on interest rates and a rotation into non-tech areas helped push the Dow Industrials higher, while the broader market and technology stocks lagged behind. The...

Monday, December 8, 2025

Stock prices pushed higher last week, notching multiple records along the way as employment and inflation data took center stage in anticipation of the Fed’s upcoming meeting. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.31 percent, while...

Monday, December 1, 2025

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...

Monday, November 24, 2025

Heightened volatility was on Wall Street’s mind last week, as investors continued to focus on valuations of artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.95 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...

Monday, November 17, 2025

Stocks ended mixed after a nail-biting week for investors, who grew anxious over megacap tech valuations and interest rates as the government shutdown came to an end. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index edged up 0.08 percent, while the...

Monday, November 10, 2025

Stocks hit a rough patch last week as fresh labor market data, low consumer sentiment, and the ongoing government shutdown unnerved investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.63 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...

Monday, November 3, 2025

Stocks rose last week as trade developments, positive Q3 corporate results, and momentum in megacap tech drove another rally, despite some cautious comments from the Fed. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 0.71 percent, while the...

Monday, October 27, 2025

Stocks rose last week thanks to a full slate of upbeat third-quarter corporate results and mild inflation data, which helped soften concerns over trade tensions with China. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.92 percent, while...

Monday, October 20, 2025

Stocks pushed higher last week, buoyed by strong third-quarter results posted by several money center banks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.70 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.14 percent. The Dow Jones...

Monday, October 13, 2025

Stocks fell last week amid concerns about trade with China, following an unsteady rally to record highs over the first half of the week. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.53...

Monday, October 6, 2025

Stocks rose last week, looking past the government shutdown and apparently discounting any impact it may have on the economy. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index moved up 1.08 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 1.32 percent....

Monday, September 29, 2025

Stocks fell last week, buffeted by concerns about stock price valuations and a possible government shutdown. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 0.31 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 0.65 percent. The Dow Jones...

Monday, September 22, 2025

Stocks posted solid gains last week, propelled by the Fed’s decision to cut short-term interest rates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.22 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 2.21 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Monday, September 15, 2025

Stocks posted a solid gain last week, riding a rally in megacap tech stocks while overcoming interest rate anxiety, a downward revision to jobs data, and mixed inflation reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.59 percent,...

Monday, September 8, 2025

Stocks made gains last week, even as megacap tech gains outweighed economic concerns. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.33 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 1.14 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Stocks ended the week slightly lower as mixed economic data led to some profit-taking by investors ahead of the holiday weekend. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index edged down 0.10 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 0.19...

Monday, August 25, 2025

Stocks were mixed last week despite a powerful Friday rally sparked by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who opened the door to adjusting short-term interest rates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 0.27 percent while the...

Monday, August 18, 2025

Stocks rose last week despite mixed signals on inflation as investors kept one eye on the Fed’s September meeting. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.94 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 0.81 percent. The Dow...

Monday, August 11, 2025

Stocks rebounded last week as investor optimism for a September rate adjustment and strong Q2 corporate results overcame the rollout of fresh tariffs. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...

Monday, August 4, 2025

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...

Monday, July 28, 2025

Expectation-beating Q2 results from several companies, trade updates, and investor optimism for more trade agreements pushed market averages to solid gains. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.46 percent, while the Nasdaq...

Monday, July 21, 2025

Stocks were mixed last week, battling through tariff talk while responding to upbeat quarterly corporate reports and a trove of updates on the economy. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...

Monday, July 14, 2025

Stocks were slightly lower last week, while looking past news of fresh U.S. tariffs on nearly two dozen countries. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.31 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged lower by 0.08 percent. The...

Monday, July 7, 2025

Trade developments and continued momentum pushed all three major averages to modest gains again for a shortened holiday trading week. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.72 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.62...

Monday, June 30, 2025

Stocks staged a broad-based rally last week on investors’ hopes for a lasting Middle East ceasefire, hitting fresh record highs along the way. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.44 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 4...

Monday, June 23, 2025

Stocks were mixed during the holiday-shortened trading week as uncertainty over conflict in the Middle East weighed on investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped by 0.15 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose by 0.21...

Monday, June 16, 2025

Stocks fell last week as an up-and-down mix of trade progress and anxiety, economic news, and geopolitical tensions netted out. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slid 0.39 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 0.63 percent....

Monday, June 9, 2025

Stocks rallied last week as investors responded to upbeat economic data and easing trade tensions. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 1.50 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.18 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Monday, June 2, 2025

Stocks advanced over the short trading week, bolstered by a possible trade deal with the European Union (EU) and an upbeat corporate report from a mega-cap tech company that creates semiconductors used in the creation of artificial...

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Stocks moved lower last week as fiscal fears and fresh tariff threats loomed over market sentiment. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.61 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.47 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Monday, May 19, 2025

Stocks roared higher last week, powered by upbeat trade news and tame inflation reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5.27 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index spiked 7.15 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 3...

Monday, May 12, 2025

Stocks were mixed last week as volatility dropped despite ongoing trade concerns and the Federal Reserve's update on short-term rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.16 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0...

Monday, May 2, 2022

Are you 59 1/2 years old?

Monday, March 28, 2022

Do you know someone who is retiring?

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

At age 59 1/2, you may be able to start making withdrawals from qualified retirement plans without incurring a 10% federal income-tax penalty. Keep in mind that distributions are taxed as ordinary income. If you’re thinking about...

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

5 steps to take to ensure you have a successful retirement. Listen to Marc on Money for your retirement planning checklist.  Click here to listen:  https://lnkd.in/dUihFeyG

Friday, December 3, 2021

In the three months prior to your 65th birthday, you are eligible to apply for Medicare coverage. Signing up early means you’ll be covered the moment you turn age 65 and you may avoid potential gaps in insurance coverage and...

Thursday, November 11, 2021

To all veterans of all branches and to those who continue to serve. Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery and the example you set for us all. Thank you for your service!

Friday, October 29, 2021

Visit us today to watch our video presentation www.efs4u.com

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Listen to Marc on Money to find out if you are on the right track. https://soundcloud.com/user-939064/marc-on-money-written-financial-plan

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Listen to this episode of Marc on Money to fin out if you are financially secure. Click here to learn more: https://soundcloud.com/user-939064/20-05-23-marc-on-money

Thursday, May 20, 2021

A retirement income plan should include guaranteed income, growth potential, and flexibility. Plan for a long retirement, inflation, market volatility, and withdraw the right amount from savings to help reduce the chances of running...

Monday, March 22, 2021

Do you have a written financial plan for your retirement? https://soundcloud.com/user-939064/marc-on-money-written-financial-plan

Friday, March 19, 2021

How much money do I need to retire? I'd like to hear what you think.

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Are you prepared for unexpected things to occur during retirement?

Friday, March 5, 2021

Your retirement situation is ever-changing, and recognizing that fact is the key to creating a successful, long-term, retirement strategy that stays in sync with your life. As your retirement progresses, keep in mind that our email...

Sunday, February 28, 2021

The longest English word having only a single vowel is strengths.

Sunday, February 21, 2021

Yoda and Miss Piggy were both voiced by the same person. Who knew?

Friday, February 19, 2021

In the three months prior to your 65th birthday, you are eligible to apply for Medicare coverage. Signing up early means you’ll be covered the moment you turn age 65 and you may avoid potential gaps in insurance coverage and...

Monday, February 15, 2021

This week alone, we have helped clients save hundreds of thousands of dollars by giving them advice on filing for social security. Send a message with your questions or concerns regarding your social security plan. Contact Us

Friday, February 12, 2021

Movie critic Bruce Miller, The Sioux City Journal. says “Minari” uses small moments to make big statements. Visually and emotionally, it’s a beautiful film – one that stakes a claim to your heart and reminds you...

Thursday, February 11, 2021

At age 59½, you may be eligible to start making withdrawals from qualified retirement plans without incurring a 10% federal income-tax penalty. Keep in mind that distributions are taxed as ordinary income. If you’re...

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

You don't know what you don't know until you know it. I had a prospective client come in and they had already filed for Social Security. It was clearly going to cost his retirement income a lot of money. He was able to go back and redo...

Sunday, February 7, 2021

The ZIP in zip code stands for Zone Improvement Plan

Friday, February 5, 2021

Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest. Managing Your Lifestyle

Friday, February 5, 2021

Listen to Marc on Money on KSCJ 1360AM or 94.9FM on Sunday mornings at 7:30 for Smart Retirement Strategies. To listen to pre-recorded shows now visit: https://soundcloud.com/user-939064

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Elvis never performed a single encore, so when he left, he wasn't coming back. Hence the phrase 'Elvis has left the building'.

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Listen to Marc on Money on KSCJ 1360AM or 94.9FM on Sunday mornings at 7:30 for Smart Retirement Strategies. Listen Now

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

It’s possible to avoid these classic #retirement traps, with a little preparation. Learn More

Thursday, December 31, 2020

Retirement may start a new phase of your life. This pre-retirement calculator is designed to help you assess how well you have prepared and what you can do to potentially improve your retirement outlook. https://www.efs4u...

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

While it may be hard to think of now, it’s likely that you’ll need some type of healthcare or daily living assistance as you age. People often think that Medicare covers long-term care, either at home or in a nursing...

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Have you started planning out your retirement dreams? Most of us develop a vision that includes spending time relaxing, traveling, taking up new hobbies, meeting new friends, and reconnecting with old ones.Dreaming about the future...

Monday, December 7, 2020

Remember, you may need to begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from certain retirement accounts once you reach age 72. Prior to the 2019 SECURE Act, the age was 70½.

Thursday, September 3, 2020

In the three months prior to your 65th birthday, you are eligible to apply for Medicare coverage. Signing up early means you’ll be covered the moment you turn age 65 and you may avoid potential gaps in insurance coverage and...

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Marc on Money explains if you are financial secure. Click here to learn more: https://soundcloud.com/user-939064/20-05-23-marc-on-money

Monday, July 27, 2020

Don't face the future without a plan. Be sure you are well equiped for retirement. We will help you prepare for your next step towards retirement with a comprehensive retirement plan. Call us today 712-224-4651 or visit us www.efs4u.com

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Would you like to save more money in retirement?Listen to Marc on Money on KSCJ 1360AM - 94.9FM Sunday Mornings at 7:30am. You can also listen to Marc's Retirement Planning Check-Up on Sound Cloud. https://soundcloud.com/user-939064

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

In the three months prior to your 65th birthday, you are eligible to apply for Medicare coverage. Signing up early means you’ll be covered the moment you turn age 65 and you may avoid potential gaps in insurance coverage and...

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Each year of life presents its own challenges and opportunities. Working with us means you can pick up the phone to get financial insight from someone who genuinely cares about you and your family. That’s a gift you deserve to...

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

At age 62, you can start to draw Social Security retirement benefits. However, if you continue to work, those benefits will be reduced. The Social Security Administration will deduct $1 in benefits for each $2 an individual earns above...

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Scams increase near year-end when people are caught up in the generosity of the holidays, online shopping intensifies and they begin preparations for the next tax season. Here are some ways to protect yourself from identity theft: BEST...

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

In the three months prior to your 65th birthday, you are eligible to apply for Medicare coverage. Signing up early means you’ll be covered the moment you turn age 65 and you may avoid potential gaps in insurance coverage and...

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Food Truck Friday! - Coming September 27 11:00am - 1:00pm to the Lowes south parking lot - 5758 Sunnybrook Drive - next to EFS Group Wealth Management. Join us for lunch! Register for door prizes. At 12:00 special guest Sarge, a 12...

Monday, August 26, 2019

American humorist Mark Twain once quipped, “I have been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.” The same can be said of investors. Investors often waste precious time and valuable energy...

Friday, August 23, 2019

At age 59½, you may be eligible to start making withdrawals from qualified retirement plans without incurring a 10% federal income-tax penalty. Keep in mind that distributions are taxed as ordinary income. If you’re...

Monday, August 12, 2019

Friday, July 19, 2019

Three important questions to consider before you start taking Social Security

Monday, June 10, 2019

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

What is one of the most underestimated risks in retirement?

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

You don't know what you don't know until you know it. I had a prospective client come in and they had already filed for Social Security. It was clearly going to cost his retirement income a lot of money. He was able to go back and redo...

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Changes in tax laws, estate planning and insurance regulations and the general fluctuations in the marketplace can affect your investment strategies. Our weekly blog will keep you current on everything you need to know to pursue your...