Passive Investing Primer

Over the last several years, a debate between “passive” and “active” management has been raging in the investment industry. So far, the passive approach is winning – with the majority of net investment dollars recently flowing into index-oriented mutual funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Passive investing has become so popular that we thought it would be[...] Continue reading

Tip of the Month: This Valentine’s Day Skip Flowers & Chocolate And Put Money to Better Use

According to a recent study from the National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to spend a whopping $18.2 billion on Valentine’s Day this year! That averages to roughly $136 per consumer. At Fort Pitt we fully believe in taking care of one another. However, much like spending a tax refund, we think there are some beneficial ways to put that money to use. So,[...] Continue reading

Women’s Financial Wellness Check-In

It’s common for women to grow accustomed to putting the needs of others before their own. However, taking the backseat when it comes to your overall health – from both a physical and financial standpoint – can result in detrimental effects. In fact, with women often being the primary caregivers in the family and increasingly becoming the sole or primary earner for[...] Continue reading

Q&A: Giving back in the Pittsburgh Region

According to a recent report, charitable giving was on the rise in 2015, with a record-setting $373 billion in donations. Rebounding from recession figures in 2008, charitable giving has continued to trend upward over the years, indicating that donors deeply value their philanthropic commitments to causes of personal importance. As we approach the holidays and the end of[...] Continue reading

Daylight Savings Ends: Improve Year-End Finances With an Extra Hour

This Sunday, November 6, we’ll turn our clocks back one hour as we end Daylight Savings Time and return to Standard Time. With 2017 in sight, use this extra hour productively to assess your finances before year-end. Over the course of one hour, you can dedicate 15 to 20 minutes to organize a few financial items. Tax Loss Harvesting Look at the investments you’ve[...] Continue reading