Bishop, Smith and Associates

If you collect Social Security benefits, you may notice a 1.6% increase in your checks this year. What will 2021 bring?

The S&P 500 has grown top-heavy in recent years. Not since 2000 (17.0%) has the U.S. stock benchmark been so heavily weighted to just a few stocks, indicating that future gains/losses in the index could be contingent on the prospects of a handful of companies. #AmeripriseResearch

The S&P 500 has grown top-heavy in recent years. Not since 2000 (17.0%) has the U.S. stock benchmark been so heavily weighted to just a few stocks, indicating that future gains/losses in the index could be contingent on the prospects of a handful of companies. #AmeripriseResearch

Here’s when you’ll receive your tax statements from Ameriprise based on the types of accounts and investments you own.

New payment plans make it easier to make large purchases now and pay over time. We can help you evaluate how your spending aligns with your broader financial goals.

It pays to start saving for retirement as soon as possible. Over time, even small contributions can grow a substantial amount. Let’s talk about what you can do now to reach your goals.

We can spend money any way that we want, but we can only spend it once. From the book Never Enough? by Ron Blue. How do go about making financial decisions? With wisdom and care?

Teaching kids about money can help them learn how to save, spend, and grow their money wisely. Consider these six strategies to help give them hands-on experience.

National #financialwellness month is a good time to focus on the financial health of your employees and help them accomplish their financial goals.

Being organized can save you time and money. Set a goal to become more organized in 2020 and take the first step to achieving all your goals! #nationalgetorganizedmonth

National Staying Healthy Month is a good time to remember healthy habits that help you enjoy life to the fullest, now and into retirement.

You can regain confidence in your financial future by creating a debt payoff plan. From replacing high-interest debt with low-interest loans to developing a spending budget let’s talk about how to achieve your goals while managing debt.

As the new year begins, #AmeripriseResearch has compiled a list of market themes that could present investors with either opportunity or risk in the year ahead. What market themes are you watching closely in the new year?

Planning can turn dreams into realities. Let’s talk about what’s most important to you and how setting and tracking your financial goals can help achieve them.

A new year means new beginnings. Start your financial year off right by reviewing your goals and making sure your investments are on track.

I must not be rich while they go begging, nor enjoy good health without attempting to heal their wounds, nor have abundant food, good clothing, and a roof under which I can rest, unless I offer them a piece of bread and give them, as I can, part of my clothing and shelter under my roof. St. Basil of Caesarea. What resources can you spare for those in need?

Although you can start collecting benefits at age 62, waiting to collect Social Security can pay off. We can help you time your benefits as part of an overall cash-flow strategy.

Do you feel as though you are on track to meet your retirement savings goals? Let’s set up a meeting to help you and your family prepare for a more comfortable retirement.

Geopolitical news sent stock prices downward despite starting the year at a record high. Ameriprise Chief Market Strategist David Joy weighs in on investors’ response.

There is nothing quite as potent as a focused life, one lived on purpose. Rick Warren, Author of A Purpose Driven Life. What steps are you taking to live a purposeful life?

If your retired parents need financial support from you, experts say it’s important to set clear boundaries. If you’re helping a parent pay their bills, learn about tools to help protect your own retirement savings.

Keys to financial health include making a plan and being prepared. What are your goals for 2020?

Wishing you joy and prosperity in 2020.

Savings, current income and loans can help pay college bills, but relying on these alone can be costly. We know the tips and tricks to help you save for your child’s education.

Have an attitude of gratitude. from the book Master Your Money by Ron Blue. What are you thankful for?

Talking to your parents about money can feel intimidating. Here are five questions you can ask to help get the conversation started.

The #AmeripriseResearch 2020 outlook calls for modest economic growth accompanied by low but positive market gains. The wildcards of trade and politics cast a decidedly large shadow over the outlook. What are your expectations for the markets in 2020?

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for joyous holiday time spent with family and friends.

Wishing you and your loved ones happiness, peace and joy.

Baby boomers are typically more active and spend more money than retirees of previous generations. Learn other ways retirement has evolved in the last decade.

If you’re changing jobs, you may need to decide what to do with your 401(k) from your prior employer. We can help you understand your options and make an informed decision.

There was nothing but good news last week on the trade policy front; but questions remain for U.S. and global economies, according to Ameriprise Chief Market Strategist David Joy.

Consumers remain the growth engine for the U.S. economy, while manufacturing continues to soften, according to Ameriprise Chief Market Strategist David Joy.

There’s still time to save on your 2019 taxes! Let’s talk about how certain account contributions and deductions could lower your tax bill.

Gift cards are now the number one payment method that con artists use, according to the FTC. Learn the red flags to watch for and what to do if you’ve already been scammed.

You’ve worked hard toward your goals. If you plan to retire in 2020, let’s talk about what you can do now to make a smooth transition in the coming year.

Holiday shopping is a great time to talk to your kids about the importance of setting goals and saving up for things that are important to you.

Q3 economic growth was stronger than first reported, leading to another record for the S&P 500 index last week, according to Ameriprise Chief Market Strategist David Joy.

A diversified investment strategy can keep you participating in gains when markets move higher, mitigate pain during downdrafts, and keep your portfolio aligned to your desired level of risk -#AmeripriseResearch.

Is your 401(k) ready for market volatility? According to #AmeripriseResearch, the worst time to experience a market decline is the 5 years before & first 5 years into retirement - when your 401(k) value is often the highest. Let’s connect to review your asset allocation strategy.

As our power over others increases, we become less free; for to retain it, we must make ourselves its servants. John Lancaster Spalding. What steps are you taking to become a servant leader?

Moving to a new city in retirement can be an exciting new adventure, but make sure it makes sense for your situation. Here are three things to consider before you make the move.

Compared to 2018’s market peak, 2019’s trailing twelve-month sector performance (as of 11/18) is more balanced. Except for Energy, all sectors show relatively solid gains - #AmeripriseResearch. Let’s connect to discuss your allocation strategy.

Online holiday shopping is in full swing! What are you shopping for today? #CyberMonday

#SmallBusinessSaturday is a great time to show support for our local retailers during the busy holiday season. What is your favorite local small business?

Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you and your family a wonderful, festive day, celebrating all there is to be thankful for.

A lie doesn't become truth, wrong doesn't become right and evil doesn't become good, just because it's accepted by a majority. Rick Warren, Author of A Purpose Driven Life. How do you stand firm in your beliefs?

The rally in U.S. equities stalled last week. A lack of market moving news could be to blame, according to Ameriprise Chief Market Strategist David Joy.

Return on equity is one way to measure investment quality high-quality companies are those with more predictable profit trends, competitive advantages, and solid balance sheets. However, selecting quality can be more challenging depending on the sector. #AmeripriseResearch

How can personalized advice help you reach your financial goals? Let’s start with a conversation about what’s most important to you.

When retirement can last up to 30 years or more, planning for expenses can feel daunting. Here are four insights to help you estimate expenses and make adjustments before retiring.

A six-week rally in U.S. equities has produced an 8 percent gain and established new record highs. Ameriprise Chief Market Strategist David Joy weighs in on what this could mean by year-end.

The S&P 500 index has had five straight weeks of gains and hit a new all-time high. Ameriprise Chief Market Strategist David Joy weighs in on what has led to the recent rally.

Remove the noise of daily market fluctuations due to trade talks, geopolitical tensions, growth concerns and what the central banks will do next, and you can see that the general trend across stock prices has improved since the end of summer. #AmeripriseResearch

While there is no perfect way to prepare for retirement, there are steps you can take now to help reach your savings goals. Read about 3 mistakes to avoid and then let’s connect to talk about what could work for you.

The number of Americans age 65 and over who continue to work has doubled since 1985, according to a study by United Income. Learn about the pros and cons of encore careers.

Today is World Kindness Day! How do you plan on paying it forward?

The Dow Jones industrial average hit a record last Monday, buoyed by renewed optimism about a trade deal.

Thank you to all Veterans, including our friends, clients, family and colleagues, for your service and sacrifice.