Markets rallied to finish out 2021, with all three major U.S. indices notching gains for the month, quarter, and year.

Wise debt management is a key component of healthy and effective financial planning. Today, most people carry some amount of debt to finance a degree or buy a home or car. Other debts may be incurred out of necessity or as part of an investment plan. Whatever your reasons for taking on debt, you should understand the different types of debt and their risks. This knowledge will help you manage debt wisely as part of your overall financial plan.

With the fourth quarter upon us, one routine remains consistent: it’s time to start organizing your finances for the new year.

This checklist highlights some key points to help guide you as you get started.

Markets pulled back in September after setting record highs in August, and rising medical risks weighed on growth expectations.

Whether you need life insurance depends partly on your stage of life. If you’re younger, you may have less need for coverage. As you move along the path in life, you’ll likely have more of a need. And, as your responsibilities lessen, your need may decrease.

Here’s a look at how your phase of life affects your life insurance needs.

Are you worried about the rising cost of education? 529 plans can be powerful college savings tools when you understand how to take full advantage of them.

While medical risks declined over the quarter, there are still reasons for caution. Ultimately, though, the longer-term trend remains positive.

We’ve all seen the stories about bitcoin over the past few years—the triumphs and the pitfalls. For many investors, this cryptocurrency has raised a lot of questions and a lot of curiosity. Is bitcoin just a “scam” that will end in a meltdown? Or does it have the potential to revolutionize financial markets as we know them?

On March 31, 2021, President Biden introduced the American Jobs Plan, a proposal designed to improve the country’s aging infrastructure. In total, the plan will invest more than $2 trillion over the next decade. The specific provisions of the proposal will likely change prior to making its way to Congress and will face steep opposition from Republican lawmakers.

U.S. stock markets saw gains for the month and quarter. The Nasdaq Composite gained 0.48 percent during March. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) saw stronger results, up by 4.38 percent and 6.78 percent, respectively. On a quarterly basis, the Nasdaq Composite gained 2.95 percent, and the S&P 500 gained 6.18 percent. The DJIA led the way with an 8.29 percent return.