The Dow crosses 45,000. Your brain whispers: "This has to be the top." The market drops 15%. Your brain screams: "Get out before it gets worse!" Different scenarios. Same result: your brain hijacking your long-term investment strategy. If you've ever felt paralyzed by market highs or panicked during market lows, you're not an outlier. You're human. The brain’s wiring is great for responding to immediate danger, like avoiding a snake. But that same instinct can...
In this month’s market update video, Austin Schaul, CFA®, Head of Research at Avantax, recaps returns for July and then shifts to an update on the economy, earnings, AI spending and our outlook going forward.
Over the course of your investing life, you’ll encounter market lows and highs. Headlines often spotlight the extremes, especially when markets reach record levels. Take, for example: “Stocks Hit Record Highs. What’s Behind the Rally.” 1 All-time highs have an interesting effect on investor behavior and psychology. Many investors can feel a nagging voice that whispers "wait for a better entry point" when markets are climbing. It's human nature to want to buy low and...
In this month’s market update video, Ivan Gruhl, CFA®, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Avantax, recaps returns for June and then shifts to an update on the Federal Reserve, Corporate Earnings and our outlook going forward.
Technology has changed nearly everything about the way we live, work, and connect including how scammers operate. Once upon a time, scams came in the form of clunky emails riddled with typos or too-good-to-be-true lottery wins. These days? The tactics are smoother, the impersonations more believable, and the emotional pressure far more calculated. Why the shift? Two letters: AI. Artificial intelligence has supercharged scammers' abilities. Now they can use AI to copy voices with just...
In this month’s market update video, Ivan Gruhl, CFA®, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Avantax, recaps returns for May and then shifts to an update on the trade policy, the big beautiful reconciliation bill, corporate credit and our outlook going forward.
Technology has changed nearly everything about the way we live, work, and connect including how scammers operate. Once upon a time, scams came in the form of clunky emails riddled with typos or too-good-to-be-true lottery wins. These days? The tactics are smoother, the impersonations more believable, and the emotional pressure far more calculated. Why the shift? Two letters: AI. Artificial intelligence has supercharged scammers' abilities. Now they can use AI to copy voices with just...
As spring arrives and the weather warms up, many people turn their attention to cleaning out closets and organizing their homes. According to a recent survey, about 80% of Americans have spring cleaning on their radar this year. 1 While most focus on the physical space, spring is also a great time to get your financial house in order. Refreshing your financial habits can reduce stress, provide structure, and uncover new opportunities to save money...
In this month’s market update video, Ivan Gruhl, CFA®, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Avantax recaps returns for April and then provides an update on the US Dollar, the economic landscape, first quarter earnings and our outlook going forward.
What makes one investor stick with their strategy through market swings while another panics and pulls out? Often, it comes down to mindset. Your investing mindset can shape how you make decisions, respond to volatility, and pursue financial goals.1 Without a strategy that aligns with that mindset, it’s easy to make impulsive choices or lose sight of your long-term plan. The good news? You don’t have to be a market expert to invest. By understanding...
Tax season might not spark joy, but a refund sure can. In 2025, the IRS estimates the average federal income tax refund will top $3,170. 1 That means a lot of folks are suddenly asking the same question: What should I do with it? Splurge? Save? Invest? The good news: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are a few options that tend to deliver more peace of mind and long-term upside. Here are five smart...
In this month’s market update video, Ivan Gruhl, CFA®, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Avantax recaps returns for March and then shifts to an update on the economy, earnings and our outlook going forward.
