Stocks had another strong year in 2025 as most market benchmarks enjoyed their third straight year of double-digit returns. Last year’s performance was particularly rewarding given how much stocks overcame — notably tariffs. Tariffs weren’t the only obstacle, as...
Your smartphone buzzes with an alert: Your budgeting app has spotted an unusual spending pattern and suggests transferring $50 from your savings account to your checking account. Later that day, a robo-advisor automatically rebalances your investment portfolio....
If you're selling a home for $1 million or more, it's vital to be aware of the tax laws that will affect you. Effective Nov. 1, 2025, Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) regulations require withholding on certain non-resident sales of Massachusetts real property...
In the world of investing, we’ve all heard the phrase, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” It’s solid advice that emphasizes the importance of diversifying your investments. Unfortunately, some people misinterpret this wisdom to mean they should avoid...
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people ever make. And a new law in Massachusetts will make the process fairer, safer and more transparent. As of fall 2025, every home buyer has the right to inspect their new home before they buy...
As an investor, you will always need to deal with risk of some kind. How can you manage the risk that accompanies the volatility of the financial markets? The answer depends somewhat on where you are in life. When you’re starting out … If you’re early in your career,...
As the seasons change and the holidays approach, it is time to consider getting rid of old items that are no longer used to make room for new things. Clear out the clutter and give your home a more festive look in for the holidays. A junk removal company is your best...
Real estate transactions come with lots of paperwork, which can be overwhelming, but a clear understanding of industry-specific terminology will help make the process feel less daunting. This first of two articles will break down the lingo to know when buying or...
As fall turns to winter, many homeowners are busy preparing for the colder months ahead — changing filters, checking thermostats, changing the batteries in the smoke/CO2 detectors and stocking up on firewood. But for those with aging furnaces, there’s another question...
If you’re retired, it’s easy to let your finances go on autopilot. Since October is National Retirement Security Month, it’s a good time to revisit some areas that can impact your long-term financial security and help your money last a lifetime. Consider these...
In the world of short-term rentals, one phrase has been gaining momentum among professional hosts and property managers: direct bookings. A direct booking happens when a guest reserves a stay directly with the host or management company, rather than using an online...
On Sept. 17, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate by 25 basis points, or 0.25%. This is positive news: Variable interest rate costs have gone down, and such things as credit card rates, auto loan rates and home equity loan rates all should be lowered....
The Federal Reserve recently made its first interest rate cut of the year, lowering the federal funds target range by 25 basis points to 4%-4.25%. This move signals a cautious shift in monetary policy after holding rates steady for eight months. According to the Fed,...
Have you ever noticed how hotel room prices seem to change almost daily? One night a room is $149, the next night it jumps to $179, and by the weekend it could skyrocket to $249 because a big event is in town. That pricing shift is not random. It is called revenue...
If you plan to brave the New England winter at home, you’ll want it to be as cozy and comfortable as possible. If you’re a snowbird, you don’t want to return to a disaster. In either case, the following steps will help ensure that your house has a happy new year....
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month and the perfect time to consider whether you have adequate coverage to protect your loved ones. While no one likes to think about what would happen if they weren’t around, doing so is an act of love. Life insurance is...
In the battle between hotels and vacation rentals, consistency is the winning move. Here’s how to deliver an experience that lives up to your listing and keeps guests coming back. Hotels have a secret weapon: consistency. No matter where you check in, the bed feels...
The DIY (do-it-yourself) movement experienced a surge during COVID and continued in the aftermath, as many people realized they were perfectly capable of trimming their own hair or even replacing a kitchen faucet. But some things are still best left to the...
You may have heard of the “4% rule” when it comes to retirement. The idea is simple: After you retire, you withdraw 4% of your investment portfolio each year. In theory, this helps ensure your savings last for your lifetime. While this rule can be a helpful starting...
Whether buying or selling a home, it’s important to understand the specifics of a home inspection. The purpose of a home inspection is to assess the condition of a property. This differs from a home appraisal, which serves to determine a home's market value. A home...
