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We educate and help our clients grow, protect and distribute assets with efficiency and peace of mind.  Helping people to secure peace of mind is incredibly rewarding! LongSchaefer was founded on the idea that wealth maximization is everyone's business. We educate and empower our clients and the marketplace.

Monday, November 27, 2023

Modern Portfolio Theory and a Written Investment Policy are like your secret weapons for the world of investing. By diversifying your investments and creating a game plan that suits your style, you'll be well on your way to leveling up your

Monday, November 20, 2023

The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year.

Monday, November 13, 2023

Many consider the University of Michigan the gold standard for reporting on consumer sentiment and trends. Among its 50 monthly reports, the most well-known is the "UMich Consumer Sentiment" survey, which measures consumer confidence.

Monday, November 6, 2023

Investors know that the stock market moves in cycles, but few are comfortable when the cycle takes stock prices lower. And since late August, the cycle has been decidedly lower.

Monday, October 30, 2023

A lot of number crunching needs to happen before the advanced estimate for Q3 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is released. The Atlanta Fed expects Q3 GDP to check in at over 5 percent. Meanwhile, blue-chip economists are forecasting about 3.5

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Monday, October 23, 2023

The Social Security Administration recently announced that over 71 million Americans, including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries, will receive a 3.2% increase in their benefits for 2024.

Monday, October 16, 2023

Th Social Security Administration has announced a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024. This adjustment means the average Social Security retiree beneficiary will see their monthly check increase by about $57 to $1,849, though ind

Monday, October 9, 2023

As the days creep closer to Halloween, confectioners weave a sweet web in preparation for this enchanting holiday.

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

In an effort to consistently provide you with timely market updates, we thought you might enjoy the most recently published market commentary by our partners at Avantax.I

Monday, September 25, 2023

Headline risk is the chance that an unsettling news event–anticipated or a surprise–can add volatility to the financial markets.

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Stocks ended the week roughly where they began as investors digested a mixed set of new economic data.

Monday, September 11, 2023

It’s football season. School is back in session, the days are getting shorter, and the weather is starting to turn.

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

As your financial plan becomes more complex, your insurance needs may change with it. When you’re just starting out, the primary focus is often on protecting your family if something should happen to you.

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Some believe that A.I. has the potential to reshape industries, automate processes, and improve efficiency, resulting in ongoing cost savings for companies. But in truth, it may be too early to tell.

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

It’s FAFSA time! As your student prepares for college, they can now fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, for the upcoming school year.

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration estimates that today’s average 65-year-old woman will live to age 86½.

Monday, August 7, 2023

Stocks retreated last week as bond yields increased following the Treasury's announcement indicating “a larger-than-expected funding need” and a downgrade in the federal government’s debt rating.

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

The Federal Reserve has a dual mandate—manage inflation and maximize employment. But sometimes, those economic goals conflict with each other.

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

In an effort to consistently provide you with timely market updates, we thought you might enjoy the most recently published market commentary by our partners at Avantax.In this month’s market update video, Head of Research at...

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

View this month’s planning video as host Dustin Mendenhall, Avantax Financial Planning Consultant, discusses the importance of education planning.

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Market timing is exhausting. And sometimes, it can be expensive. When you time the markets, you have to be right twice – first when getting out and second when getting back in.

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Jerome Powell skipped an interest rate hike at the Fed’s June meeting, but the market isn’t buying what the Fed Chair is selling about what’s next with short-term rates.

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

If the days are feeling warmer and longer, that's because we're approaching the Summer Solstice, the longest day and shortest night of the year, and known as Midsummer in many cultures.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

A late-week rally sent stocks into positive territory, with the S&P 500 index closing just shy of the 4,300 mark.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

In an effort to consistently provide you with timely market updates, we thought you might enjoy the most recently published market commentary by our partners at Avantax.

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Would it surprise you to hear that investors have moved past worrying about inflation? They have, at least for now.

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Summer’s here, and the time is right for fun in the sun (or shade). Like many of us, you’re probably looking forward to an extended getaway or family trip. But summer also means planning for hot weather, which can come with unique considera

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

In an effort to consistently provide you with timely market updates, we thought you might enjoy the most recently published market commentary by our partners at Avantax.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Over the next several weeks, we will hear from corporate leaders as they update investors on their first-quarter financials and provide a glimpse into the rest of the year.

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

A Smaller Social Security Bump May Be On the Way.

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

From my perspective, we can't hear the word "better" enough in the weeks ahead. "Better than expected." "Better than feared." "Better than forecasted." These are winning phrases that can be used by market pundits when they compare a compa

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

When events like Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank happen, it's natural to wonder how a bank safeguards your funds. Fortunately, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance was designed for this very reason.

Thursday, March 9, 2023

View this month's planning video as host Gene Bell discusses what’s new and important for taxpayers to be aware of as you prepare for filing season.

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

One of my favorite Warren Buffett quotes is, “Remember that the stock market is a manic depressive.”

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Stocks struggled last week, weighed down by rising bond yields, a firming U.S. dollar, geopolitical tensions, and generally unimpressive corporate earnings reports. Perhaps the most consequential overhang was the potential direction of mone

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

In an effort to consistently provide you with timely market updates, we thought you might enjoy the most recently published market commentary by our partners at Avantax.

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

In 2023, the new law will increase the credit to help with the administrative costs of setting up a retirement plan.

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

View this month's planning video as host Gene Bell discusses what’s new and important for taxpayers to be aware of as you prepare for filing season.

Monday, January 16, 2023

View this month's planning video as host Gene Bell discusses what’s new and important for taxpayers to be aware of as you prepare for filing season.

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

A strong Friday rally triggered by fresh signs of moderating inflation pushed stocks into positive territory to begin the new year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.45%....

Monday, January 2, 2023

What does the bond market know that the Fed isn’t telling us? Fed officials recently have said that short-term rates will need to climb to over 5 percent to bring inflation under control. But in the table below, you can see that the bond t

Monday, December 26, 2022

A new year is on the horizon. Each day that comes presents something new and exciting both for you and the people in your life.

Monday, December 12, 2022

View this month's planning video as host, Jason Allen, Life Insurance Sales Specialist at Avantax, discusses a key piece of a comprehensive, tax-smart plan - risk management and insurance.

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Stocks ended higher last week as investors navigated the crosscurrents of a potential easing in future rate hikes and continued strength in the labor market.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.24% higher, while the Standard &...

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Over the years, the Fed has followed a similar pattern with interest rates. It raises interest rates, then pauses, so it can see how the economy is adjusting to the higher rates.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

I’ve always been a little cautious when people say, “it’s different this time.” But the table below suggests the Fed is approaching 2022’s inflation differently than other financial events in recent history.

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

I’ve always been a little cautious when people say, “it’s different this time.” But the table below suggests the Fed is approaching 2022’s inflation differently than other financial events in recent history.

Thursday, October 13, 2022

In an effort to consistently provide you with timely market updates, we thought you might enjoy the most recently published market commentary by our partners at Avantax.

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Traditionally, I’ve been a little cautious when people say, “it’s different this time.” After all, the past few years have seen more financial “firsts” than most.T

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Rising recession fears and uncertainty in the bond and currency markets sent stocks to new 2022 lows last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.92%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2.91%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

If you’ve felt like stock prices were a little more volatile in 2022 than in recent years, your “spidey senses” are right on the money.

Friday, September 9, 2022

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve will release their Beige Book, which could shed some light on the Fed’s current view of the economy and inflation trends.

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

The market rally that began in mid-June paused last week. Despite the week’s losses, stocks exhibited resiliency in the face of a string of troubling economic news that included flat retail sales, weak housing numbers, an inversion in the y

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Stocks turned in a mixed performance last week as investors struggled with headlines suggesting that the Fed was unlikely to soon ease up on its current monetary tightening policy.

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

It’s natural to think “defense” during a bearish market season. But why not mix in some “offense” with your defense? Here are three moves we can discuss together that may be helpful during the current market downturn.

Friday, July 22, 2022

ugust is recognized as Financial Awareness Month.  Specifically, August 14th is National Financial Awareness Day, which is designed to encourage individuals and families to evaluate their finances and establish standards, goals, and a plan

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

With half the year behind us, now is a great time to consider what the remainder of 2022 may hold. However, with inflation and economic uncertainty causing many of us to delay or cancel vacations, large purchases, and more, it can be challe

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

It’s natural to think “defense” during a bearish market season. But why not mix in some “offense” with your defense? Here are three moves we can discuss together that may be helpful during the current market downturn.

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

To arrive at the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the Social Security Administration looks at third-quarter prices and compares them to a year prior. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, living costs are up about 8 percent.

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

View this month’s market update video as host Ivan Gruhl, Chief Investment Officer of Avantax provides an update and discusses market returns, the Federal Reserve and our view on the risk of a recession as the economy slows.

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

With inflation hovering near 40-year highs, some investors are looking for alternative ways to weather the storm. For many, a Series I Savings Bond is just the ticket. I Bonds give investors a rate of return plus inflation protection and ar

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Lately, the "Great Resignation" has led many Americans to leave their jobs for other opportunities, while others have chosen a different path: early retirement. We can all understand looking for a more suitable place of work, but some might

Monday, May 23, 2022

Worried investors believe "this time it's different." When the market drops, some investors lose perspective that downtrends – and uptrends – are part of the investing cycle.

Monday, May 23, 2022

While you may not be into comic books, items like artwork, antiques, or baseball cards, can hold surprising monetary value, but collectibles can be affected by a number of factors, including liquidity.

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Few investors should have been surprised when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates after its May meeting.

Thursday, May 12, 2022

If you have a balance on a credit card or an adjustable-rate mortgage, you might be noticing changes in your payments.

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

View this month’s market update video as host Ivan Gruhl, Chief Investment Officer of Avantax provides an update and discusses market returns, inflation, the current Federal Reserve policy and the dollar.

Monday, April 25, 2022

Monday, April 11, 2022

Knowing when it’s the right time to retire can be difficult, especially if you love your job. Even professional athletes have a hard time knowing when to walk away!

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Stocks spent last week digesting the sharp gains of previous weeks as investors assessed a tightening yield curve, the war in Ukraine, and an uncertain outlook for economic growth and inflation.

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Selling a business is a very personal decision. It can be difficult and overwhelming to know where to start when considering your future, your partners, your family, your employees and team, and your customers or clients.

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Add it all up, and you could be thinking, “I just want to sit this one out.” But that’s exactly the time when you should remind yourself about investment strategy.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Inflation is running hot, gasoline prices are up, interest rates are climbing, and it’s hard to remember the last time the stock market had a winning week.

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

War in Ukraine weighed on stocks as investors assessed the economic impact of continued hostilities, expanding economic sanctions, and potentially higher inflation due to rising oil prices and new stresses on the global supply chain.

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Here’s a quick refresher: a correction is defined as a decline of 10% or greater from a recent high in the financial markets. Corrections can last anywhere from days to months, but few have lasted longer. Recently, we’ve seen a bumpy ride,

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Interest rates. Inflation Fears. Political Events. International Developments. During the past year, every one of these events have influenced stock prices.

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Business owners have enough on their plate without the added stress of selecting a new cloud-based accounting platform. But choosing your next accounting software doesn’t need to be an endless project that demands your constant attention. A

Friday, January 7, 2022

YOUR 4% WITHDRAWAL STRATEGY MAY NOT BE ENOUGH Get the Tax Guidance You Need to Help Live the Retirement You Desire There’s a lot of concern among industry experts about whether the popular 4% withdrawal rule can provide enough income...

Friday, December 17, 2021

Has your company switched to a remote work or hybrid environment for employees?

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Managing cash flow is essential to business management. Revenue can fluctuate, and expenses need to be paid on time to maintain a positive working relationship with vendors, utility companies, and employees. Thankfully, there’s a...

Thursday, November 11, 2021

The long-awaited $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) received the U.S. House of Representatives’ approval Friday, November 5, 2021, to provide funding for improvements to highways, bridges, and other road...

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Tax compliance is an essential aspect of any business, with sales and use tax making up a large portion of overall tax requirements. However, sales and use tax can get complicated very quickly as each state and local tax has its own...