On Wednesday, March 18th, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law. The bill aims to provide employees with additional leave if they are forced to stay home due to the coronavirus. What the bill provides The bill grants two weeks paid sick leave at 100% of an employees normal salary, up to $511 per day. It also… Read More
Author Archive
Tax Deadline Extension – Pay and File by July 15th
Coronavirus has been putting a strain not just on the health of Americans, but also our wallets. Because of this, the federal government is extending the tax deadline by 90 days, meaning everyone has until July 15th to pay their taxes. Does this mean you can put off filing your taxes until July 15th? Yes, on March 20th, Secretary Steven… Read More
Is The Coronavirus Different?
The coronavirus has officially been named a pandemic by the CDC as it has spread from China to the rest of the world, including the US. At Prosperity, we are actively watching the market reaction and our clients’ portfolios. We will continue to monitor the outbreak and communicate with you as events unfold. Is the Coronavirus Different? Many clients ask… Read More
Will the Markets Recover After Coronavirus?
Markets have reacted to the Coronavirus concerns and headlines and your investment account may see some volatility. While this may feel worrisome to you, remember that we’re here and we’re keeping a vigilant watch of current events as they unfold. Will The Markets Recover? Historically, markets have recovered well after epidemics. While Coronavirus may cause concern to your health and… Read More
Impact of Coronavirus on Your Investment
The Coronavirus has spread from China to numerous countries around the world, including the United States. Markets have been reacting as the Dow Jones and the S&P 500 have both dropped more than 13%. Stay Calm You can take a deep breath and know you have a plan that factors in market volatility. Historically, markets have recovered very well in… Read More
What You Should Know About Libra, Facebook’s New Cryptocurrency
Libra hopes to deliver on the promise that moving money, on a global scale, will be simple, cost effective and safer than sending a text message.
Everything You Need to Know About the FIRE Movement
FIRE stands for “Financial Independence, Retire Early.” It’s a movement that’s gaining popularity among millennials who are planning to save large portions of their income in their 20s and 30s so they can retire early. The movement encourages a humble lifestyle to maximize the amount saved for retirement. On the surface, starting to save early and saving as much as… Read More
How Currency Exchange Will Affect Your Next International Trip
Last year, I flew to London, U.K., to see some old friends and travel a bit. As I walked out of the plane, one of the first things I saw was a currency exchange kiosk. When traveling internationally, I always make adequate plans to get the best deal with currency exchange. In the U.K., it’s simple for me since my… Read More
Cybersecurity Solutions to Protect Your Business and Family
Imagine putting a sign outside of your home that reads “Diamond Jewelry and 80-inch UHD TV inside, no security system!” Do you think a robber would target your home or the home next door that has a sign that says “Alarmed and Protected”? Similarly, cyber criminals target homes and businesses that have the lowest security and the highest amount of… Read More
Bring Financial Literacy Programs to Our Schools
When I was in school, I remember taking classes like Algebra, Chemistry, Art, Cooking, Physical Education, and English. No teachers taught me how to create a budget and stick to it. I didn’t learn what debt is and I didn’t know how a college loan would impact my bottom line once I graduated. No one at school taught me what… Read More
Why Do I Owe on My Taxes This Year?
The tax law saw a significant reform in 2018. Eighty percent of tax filers around the country will pay an average of $700 to $900 less in taxes in 2018 as compared to 2017. However, in our home state of Maryland, tax filers are estimated to owe more than the national average.[1] If you are surprised by your tax bill… Read More
What Are Auctions and Should You Go to One?
Alex Cooper is an auction house located in Towson, MD. The family business began in 1924 when a young Alex Cooper started the business to sell real estate, antiques and fine art. Over the past 95 years, Alex Cooper Auctions has stayed a family business, providing unique art, antiques, furniture, and real estate to shoppers, dealers, and collectors in the… Read More
LGBTQ Financial Planning
Since 2015, same-sex couples have been able to tie the knot legally in the United States. LGBTQ couples face a unique set of financial concerns as they plan for their future. Many couples have lived unmarried for many years and are now facing the questions of whether they should get married and what the legal and financial benefits and implications… Read More
The Power of Habits
This morning I woke up and made myself a cup of green tea with lemon. I then got ready for work in my usual routine – washed my face, brushed my hair, got dressed and I was out the door. I took my usual route to work – you know, the one where you can zone out and by the… Read More
Should You Let Your Kids Study Abroad?
I remember when I came home for the weekend my sophomore year of college and declared to my parents that I want to study abroad in the U.K. the following year. I was expecting to be met with excitement and a “go get ‘em!” attitude. Instead, 19-year old me was met with “How is this relevant to your future?”, “Is… Read More