Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) vs. Mutual Funds

Written by: Skylar Riddle, CFP® | Financial Advisor When considering investment strategies, exchange-traded funds and mutual funds are almost always included in the conversation. However, for investors, the distinction between these two investments can be blurry. Although they are similar, several key differences can contribute to both the performance of the[...] Continue reading

How Can You Maximize Benefits of Total Compensation Package?

There is more to executive pay than salaries, bonuses, and common benefits such as health insurance, retirement accounts, and vacation time. Deferred compensation and stock options are integral to the total compensation package. With a wide array of incentive programs ranging from restricted stock to stock options and deferred compensation, how are you supposed to[...] Continue reading

What Happens When Interest Rates Rise?

Interest is the amount a lender charges when individuals or corporations borrow money. Rates change based on perceived supply and demand. When lenders anticipate low demand, they reduce rates. If demand for loans increases, so do interest rates. More significant economic trends also impact interest rates. The COVID-19 pandemic is a recent example. At the beginning[...] Continue reading

Cash Balance Plans

The Business Owner's Secret Investment Weapon Watch Fort Pitt Capital Group’s Retirement Plan Services with Kevin Hefke from Dunbar, Bender & Zapf  in our webinar “Cash Balance Plans- The Business Owner’s Secret Investment Weapon.” Discover the surprising benefits of Cash Balance pension plans and how professionals can stop leaving money on the table. We[...] Continue reading

What Is Inflation and How Will It Affect You?

You've probably heard that a dollar doesn't go very far these days. You might have also heard that a dollar today won't be worth a dollar tomorrow. Both are due to inflation or an increase in prices. Inflation isn't necessarily bad — the Federal Reserve (Fed) considers a 2% annual inflation rate acceptable. But when inflation gets too high, it can seriously[...] Continue reading