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What Does a Financial Plan Actually Look Like?
If you've ever wondered whether a "financial plan" is just a fancy spreadsheet or a thick binder that sits on a shelf collecting dust... well, you're not alone. It's one of the most common misconceptions we run into. A financial plan...
Read MoreThe Real Cost of “We’ll Figure It Out Later”
“We’ll figure it out later.” If we had a dollar for every time someone said that about their finances, we could probably fund a few retirement accounts ourselves. To be fair, most people don’t avoid financial planning because they’re...
Read MoreTwo Incomes, One Game Plan: Smarter Tax Moves for Dual-Income Households
If your household runs on two calendars, two commutes, two sets of login passwords, and approximately 47 shared Google docs… welcome! You’re not alone. Here in Glen Burnie and the greater Baltimore area, dual-income households are the...
Read MoreRoth Conversions: Your Future Self Will Thank You
Let’s talk about a retirement strategy you may have heard of but might not fully understand yet: Roth conversions. When used at the right time, they can be a powerful way to improve your long-term tax picture.
Read MoreMaryland’s Tax Law Changes: What High-Income Households Need to Know
Maryland implemented a significant set of tax law changes during the 2025 legislative session aimed at addressing a budget shortfall. Many of these changes take effect for tax years starting January 1, 2025, meaning they will first...
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Charitable Giving Strategies to Leave a Legacy
Many people reach a point in their financial lives where they begin to think about the kind of difference they want to make. As an advisor who also believes in supporting strong communities, charitable giving can be a meaningful place...
Read MoreThe Benefits of Getting Your Beneficiaries Right
If you’ve ever opened a retirement or investment account, you’ve probably listed a beneficiary — the person or entity who will receive those assets when you pass away. But here’s the thing: beneficiary designations aren’t a...
Read MoreNew Tax Rules, New Tax Strategy: How to Plan Smarter for 2026
With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) this summer, many uncertainties surrounding expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) have been resolved — meaning the tax planning landscape has changed...
Read MoreWhy Women Can’t Afford to Ignore the Great Wealth Transfer
You might have heard about the Great Wealth Transfer, which refers to the upcoming transfer of wealth from baby boomers to younger generations. One reason it’s so widely discussed is due to the enormous size of the wealth that will...
Read MoreDo You Have a Financial Plan—or Just Pieces of One?
A 401(k). A will. Life insurance. These are all smart, responsible steps to take when managing your finances. However, having a few building blocks isn’t the same as having a fully connected and cohesive financial plan. At Rowhouse...
Read MoreShould You Share Your Wealth Now, or Save It for Later?
When passing wealth to your loved ones, timing is a very important factor. A common question we hear from clients is: “Should I gift now, or leave an inheritance later?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but acting...
Read MoreWhy “I Think I’m Covered” Isn’t Good Enough for Your Financial Plan
Let’s face it, insurance isn’t exactly a “fun” topic. It’s not something the average person posts about on social media or chats about over coffee. But when something unexpected happens, it’s the financial safety net you’re glad you had.
Read MoreRetirement Strategies for Federal Workers: Smart Money Moves Beyond the TSP
When it comes to retirement planning, federal employees have access to valuable retirement tools such as the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and pension systems. However, many do not realize they can enhance these benefits.
Read MoreInheritance 101: Wealth Wisdom for Beneficiaries
An often complex aspect of personal finance involves inheritance and matters that affect beneficiaries. In 2025, more Americans than ever will inherit wealth compared to previous generations.
Read MoreAre you a High-Income Earner? Tax-Saving Strategies You Need to Know
For high-income earners, tax planning can present unique opportunities and challenges. Additionally, with potential changes in tax laws on the horizon, it is wise for high earners to explore forward-thinking strategies to maximize...
Read MoreBeyond the Tax Deadline: Smart Financial Strategies Before and After Tax Season
As we ring in the new year, tax season quickly follows. While filing your return can feel like just another item on your to-do list, we consider tax time a valuable opportunity to take control of your finances and set yourself up for...
Read MoreNavigating Post-Election Uncertainty with a Financial Plan
The outcome of the 2024 presidential election has brought a lot of speculation about how new policies could affect our financial lives. In times like these, a solid financial plan is more important than ever. One of the primary...
Read MoreThe Final Stretch: Year-End Money Moves to Consider
As the year comes to a close, it’s important to review your financial plan and ensure you're on track to meet your goals. It’s also a key time to take advantage of specific strategies best implemented by year-end. We always recommend...
Read MoreThe Fed Rate Cuts Have Begun: Should You Refinance Your Mortgage?
In a much-anticipated move following an extended period of high interest rates, the Federal Reserve recently announced a rate cut. This is likely the first of a few projected cuts planned this year and in 2025. Many homeowners,...
Read MoreUnlocking Real Estate Investment Potential: Understanding 1031 Exchanges and DSTs
Many investors are incorporating real estate investing into their overall financial plans and portfolios, as there are numerous opportunities for asset growth and tax advantages. However, navigating the real estate landscape can be...
Read MoreHow to Approach Investing During Presidential Election Years
We are well into the time of year when the 2024 Presidential Election is the focus of many news channels and, frankly, on many people's minds. And in finance, it is no different. Elections often bring uncertainty and market...
Read MoreRetirement Planning Solutions for Business Owners
As a small business owner, you wear many hats—from managing daily operations to strategizing for growth. And as co-owner of Rowhouse Financial Partners, I also understand the intricacies of running a business. Amidst all of the various...
Read MoreThe Importance of a Mid-Year Financial Check-In
As we reach the midpoint of the year, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on your financial health. Just like regular health check-ups, a mid-year financial review ensures that you’re on track with your goals and can make any...
Read MoreLet's Talk Money: Questions to Ask Your Parents About Their Finances
For whatever reason, money is often considered a taboo subject that many find difficult to discuss, even among family members. It might feel intrusive to ask questions about your parent's financial situation, and a study conducted by...
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About Estate Tax Changes
The saying goes that there are two things certain in life: death and taxes. However, for us in the tax-focused financial planning industry, we also know there is another constant: tax laws will inevitably change. One such area of tax...
Read MoreStrategies to Keep Your Finances Fresh This Spring
Spring is in the air, which may have you cleaning your home to freshen things up. While you are in the spirit of organizing and simplifying, it’s also a good idea to take that energy and “spring clean” your finances....
Read MoreTax Preparation vs. Tax Planning—What’s the Difference?
With tax season in full swing, you may be hearing the terms “tax preparation” and “tax planning” being used interchangeably. While both play important roles in managing your financial affairs, they are two...
Read MoreThe Crucial Role of a Tax-Intelligent Financial Plan
In the ever-changing landscape of personal finance, one key element remains constant—the need for a well-crafted, tax-intelligent financial plan. At Rowhouse Financial Partners, we know achieving financial goals requires more...
Read MoreYear-End Financial Strategies to Help You Thrive
The whirlwind rush toward the year's end and navigating the festive season make it easy to forget that year-end is an important time to review your financial goals and lay a strong foundation for the year to come.
Read MoreTax-Intelligent Financial Strategies to be Grateful For
This time of year, gratitude and giving thanks are top of mind. In the world of financial planning, there are specific strategies and tools that we at Rowhouse Financial Partners are thankful for because of the benefits they offer our...
Read MoreIntroducing: Rowhouse Financial Partners
We are proud to announce the launch of our new brand, Rowhouse Financial Partners! We recently embarked on a journey to determine how our brand could better serve our clients and our position in the industry as we look to the future.
Read MoreYour 4% Withdrawal Strategy May Not Be Enough
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...
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2020 - Stocks Continue Downward Slide
The Week on Wall Street Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreSeptember 8, 2020 - Stocks Stall as Recovery Continues
The Week on Wall Street A late week sell-off sent stocks broadly lower as investors took some profits after stocks reached all-time highs earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.82%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreAugust 31, 2020 - Stocks Power Higher
The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced relentlessly last week on positive COVID-19 developments, encouraging economic data, and a supportive policy shift in the Fed’s approach to its target inflation rate. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreAugust 24, 2020 - Stocks Reach New Highs
The Week on Wall Street Stocks powered to another week of gains as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite set multiple new record highs along the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially unchanged while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreAugust 17, 2020 - Stocks and Consumer Prices Rise
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%...
Read MoreAugust 10, 2020 - Earnings Season Winds Down
The Week on Wall StreetOverlooking stalled efforts by Congress to pass a new fiscal stimulus bill, stocks marched higher last week with the Dow Jones Industrials leading the way and the NASDAQ Composite setting multiple fresh record...
Read MoreAugust 3, 2020 - Stocks Have Mixed Reaction
The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week amid a busy week of earnings, some troubling economic data, and seemingly little progress on a new fiscal stimulus package.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the...
Read MoreJuly 27, 2020 - Stocks React to Jobs Report
The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped in the final days of trading last week on higher jobless claims and rising tensions in the U.S.-China relationship. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor's 500...
Read MoreJuly 20, 2020 - Stocks See a Mixed Week
The Week on Wall StreetStocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.29%,...
Read MoreJuly 13, 2020 - Stocks Gain After Volatile Week
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices notched solid gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.96%, while the...
Read MoreJuly 6, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall StreetIn a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%,...
Read MoreJune 29, 2020 - Rise in Cases Inspires Turbulence
The Week on Wall StreetA jump in COVID-19 cases dampened investor enthusiasm last week, sending stock prices lower on worries that rising infections could derail the economic recovery. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 3.31%,...
Read MoreJune 22, 2020 - U.S. Economy Gains Momentum
The Week on Wall StreetStocks moved higher last week on news of more Federal Reserve market support and diminished concerns that new COVID-19 cases might lead to another economic shutdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.04%,...
Read MoreJune 15, 2020 - Markets React to Fed Report
The Week on Wall StreetInvestor sentiment turned negative last week, amid an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in states where reopening has been underway as well as a subdued economic forecast from the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreJune 8, 2020 - Recovery Optimism Builds
The Week on Wall StreetA positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreJune 1, 2020 - Optimism for Re-Opening
The Week on Wall StreetThe shortened week, which began with a powerful two-day rally of trading, was enough to drive the markets into another week of solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.75%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreMay 26, 2020 - Markets React to Positive Outlook
The Week on Wall StreetUpbeat comments by the Federal Reserve Chairman and more signs of an economic turnaround combined to help fuel a powerful rally in the stock market last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.29%, while...
Read MoreMay 18, 2020 - Powell Somber on Recovery
The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week, weighed down by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's unsettling comments on the economy and signs of renewed tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.65%,...
Read MoreMay 11, 2020 - Jobs Down, Stocks Up
The Week on Wall StreetDespite a historic downturn in employment, stocks managed to climb higher last week as investors were emboldened by the pace of economic re-openings, both here and abroad.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2...
Read MoreMay 4, 2020 - Economic Normalization Near?
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices ended the week slightly lower, despite news of positive results from a test trial of a COVID-19 drug treatment and several states easing their economic lockdowns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreApril 27, 2020 - Markets React to Oil Prices
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices bounced around last week as investors reacted to wild swings in the price of oil and reports that called into question the efficacy of two potential virus treatments.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreApril 20, 2020 - First Post-COVID-19 Data Arrives
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices pushed higher last week as news of a White House plan to reopen the economy and reports of a potential COVID-19 treatment helped the market overcome weak economic data and an ugly start to the...
Read MoreApril 13, 2020 - Markets Rally
The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market staged a broad rally this week, buoyed by the prospect that COVID-19's grip on the nation may be easing and news of another Federal Reserve program to help stabilize businesses.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreApril 6, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall StreetModest declines in stock prices this week masked the volatile inter- and intraday price swings as investors digested poor economic data and a warning from the president that the worst days of the COVID-19...
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020 - Congress Approves Stimulus
An open-ended commitment by the Federal Reserve to support American businesses and capital markets along with the passage of a $2 trillion aid package improved investor sentiment and drove a strong rally in stock prices. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreMarch 23, 2020 - More Coronavirus Volatility
The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market suffered through another volatile week as it wrestled with the health and economic fallout of the domestic spread of the coronavirus. Swift and decisive actions by the Federal Reserve and policy...
Read MoreMarch 16, 2020 - Volatility Continues
The Week on Wall StreetMarkets remained exceptionally volatile, buffeted by the spreading impact of coronavirus, uncertain responses from federal policymakers, and the sudden drop in oil prices.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 10...
Read MoreMarch 9, 2020 - Rallies and Retreats
The Week on Wall StreetHeightened coronavirus fears, falling yields, and Super Tuesday primary results sent stocks on a rollercoaster ride of sharp price swings, leaving stocks marginally higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreMarch 2, 2020 - The Virus Becomes the Focus
The Week on Wall StreetStocks fell sharply last week as Wall Street considered how the coronavirus outbreak might influence global business activity and household spending.The selloff became a correction for the U.S. markets. The S&P...
Read MoreFebruary 24, 2020 - Virus Anxieties Affect Stocks
The Week on Wall StreetTraders paid close attention to coronavirus developments and earnings last week, while wondering how the former might eventually impact the latter. Concern over updated infection numbers moderated risk appetite.A...
Read MoreFebruary 18, 2020 - Weekly Gains for Big Benchmarks
The Week on Wall StreetDaily headlines about the coronavirus had little impact on stock market averages last week. Earnings and mergers had more influence. All three Wall Street benchmarks improved. The Nasdaq Composite rose 2.21%,...
Read MoreFebruary 10, 2020 - Stocks Bounce Back
The Week on Wall StreetStocks advanced four days out of five during the past market week, erasing the losses of the week before. The Nasdaq Composite surged 4.04%, the S&P 500 3.17%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average 3.00%. Foreign...
Read MoreFebruary 3, 2020 - Equities Slip on Virus Concerns
The Week on Wall StreetStock benchmarks declined for a second straight week as coronavirus news tempered risk appetite.The S&P 500 fell 2.14% on the week. The Nasdaq Composite dipped 1.76%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 2.55%....
Read MoreJanuary 27, 2020 - Stocks End the Week Lower
The Week on Wall StreetStock prices fell last week as investors considered the potential health and economic risks of the flu-like coronavirus.Foreign stock markets, as tracked by the broad MSCI EAFE index, fell 1.03% for the week....
Read MoreJanuary 21, 2020 - Fresh Record Highs
The Week on Wall StreetTraders were in an upbeat mood last week, reacting to news out of Washington: the signing of the phase-one trade deal between the U.S. and China as well as the Senate passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement...
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2020 - Further Gains for Stocks
The Week on Wall StreetThe market had a choppy five days, with traders reacting to geopolitical developments and weaker-than-expected jobs data. Even so, the three major U.S. equity indices posted weekly gains and continued their...
Read MoreJanuary 6, 2020 - Concerns About Oil
The Week on Wall Street Stocks descended from record highs Friday, as traders reacted to a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top military officer. Oil prices rose more than 3% following the breaking news.[1] Wall Street benchmarks...
Read MoreDecember 30, 2019 - The Year in Review
What Drove the Markets? Four factors influenced investment performance in 2019: a shift in U.S. monetary policy, the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China, earnings, and the economy. Stocks reached record highs in 2019. The...
Read MoreDecember 16, 2019 - Phase-One Trade Deal Reached
The Week on Wall Street The U.S. and China announced a limited trade agreement last week. That news lifted U.S. and foreign stocks, leading to weekly gains. Advancing 0.91% on the week, the Nasdaq Composite outperformed the S&P 500...
Read MoreDecember 9, 2019 - Stocks Ride Out a Choppy Week
The Week on Wall Street Key Wall Street benchmarks were up and down last week – or rather down and then up. A Tuesday retreat was offset by a Friday rally spurred by the Department of Labor’s November jobs report. While the S&P 500...
Read MoreDecember 2, 2019 - November Concludes With Gains
The Week on Wall Street As November wrapped up, U.S. equity benchmarks advanced. Stocks were again aided by a sense of optimism that a preliminary U.S.-China trade deal could be near. For the week, the Nasdaq Composite added 1.87%;...
Read MoreNovember 25, 2019 - Major Indices Move Lower
The Week on Wall Street Stocks declined last week as mixed signals emerged about the progress of U.S.-China trade negotiations. The three major Wall Street benchmarks all took weekly losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0...
Read MoreNovember 18, 2019 - A New Dow Milestone
The Week on Wall StreetStock benchmarks were little changed for much of last week, but a rally occurred Friday after news broke that the U.S. and China could be closing in on the first phase of a new trade pact. At Friday's close, the...
Read MoreNovember 11, 2019 - Dow, S&P 500 Extend Win Streaks
The Week on Wall Street Domestic and international stocks rose last week. Risk appetite outweighed concerns about the state of U.S.-China trade discussions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500, and MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreNovember 4, 2019 - More Historic Highs
The Week on Wall Street A better-than-forecast jobs report prompted a stock market rally Friday, two days after traders witnessed another interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite ended the week...
Read MoreOctober 28, 2019 - S&P 500 Nearly Makes History
The Week on Wall Street The S&P 500 came within 0.1% of a record close Friday. Stocks were lifted last week by positive news on U.S.-China trade negotiations, plus earnings announcements. The Nasdaq Composite posted the largest weekly...
Read MoreOctober 21, 2019 - Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500 Rise
The Week on Wall Street Earnings helped give the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 a slight lift last week, offsetting investor disappointment over the small scope of the preliminary U.S.-China trade deal reached on October 11. Blue chips...
Read MoreOctober 14, 2019 - Trade Winds Move the Market
The Week on Wall Street Stock prices pushed higher last week, as investors remained hyper-focused on any new developments with the U.S. trade negotiations with China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.91%, while the...
Read MoreOctober 7, 2019 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall Street The fourth quarter started with a mixed week for equities. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.92% for the week; the S&P 500, 0.33%. In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite improved 0.54%. Overseas stocks pulled...
Read MoreSeptember 30, 2019 - Benchmarks End Week Lower
The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week. Traders worried that the formal impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump might distract White House officials from their pursuit of a trade deal with China, and shift the focus...
Read MoreSeptember 23, 2019 - Stocks Stage a Modest Retreat
The Week on Wall Street Investors reacted to two major news items last week, one far more of a surprise than the other. The Federal Reserve did indeed make a rate cut, matching Wall Street expectations. Drone strikes on two of the...
Read MoreSeptember 16, 2019 - Dow Logs 8-Day Win Streak
The Week on Wall Street Stocks edged toward all-time peaks during a relatively calm week marked by easing trade tensions. Friday marked the eighth straight daily advance for the Dow Jones Industrial Average.[1] Small-cap shares, as...
Read MoreSeptember 9, 2019 - Dow, Nasdaq, S&P 500 Advance
The Week on Wall Street Stocks rose last week, with help from two developments: the announcement of further U.S.-China trade talks as well as August hiring and manufacturing numbers that seemed to bolster the argument for a rate cut...
Read MoreSeptember 3, 2019 - Stocks Rally as August Ends
The Week on Wall Street Fears of an impasse in the U.S.-China trade dispute lessened last week. While additional U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports were scheduled to take effect on September 1, China's government communicated that it...
Read MoreAugust 26, 2019 - China Announces More Tariffs
The Week on Wall Street Traders assumed that the week's biggest news event would be Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech at the annual Jackson Hole banking conference. Instead, China seized the headlines by announcing new...
Read MoreAugust 19, 2019 - Equities Face Some Volatility
The Week on Wall Street U.S. stock indices saw significant ups and downs last week, with traders looking for economic cues from Treasury yields and also developments in the tariff fight between the U.S. and China. The S&P 500 lost 1...
Read MoreAugust 12, 2019 - Trade Tensions Affect Stocks
The Week on Wall Street Stocks spent much of last week rebounding from a Monday drop that reflected nervousness about the U.S.-China trade fight. By Thursday's closing bell, the S&P 500 had regained all its Monday losses - but it...
Read MoreAugust 5, 2019 - Fed Cuts Rates, Stocks Retreat
The Week on Wall Street Last week, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in more than a decade, in line with Wall Street's expectations. Ironically, stocks had their worst week of 2019. The S&P 500 finished the...
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