Insights | Pesta & Pesta Wealth Management

Monthly Newsletters

How to Put the Hard Financial Lessons of Quarantine to Work for You

Wait – gas cost how much?! This is a question we may ask our parents or hear from our kids with some incredulity. This intergenerational conversation has a humorous side: gas was a quarter a gallon – how? You must have filled up everyday!

Market Commentary

Market Commentary: S&P Climbs Despite Record Decline in Consumer Spending

Coronavirus actions and reactions continued to swing economic data in the U.S. Consumer spending dropped 13.6% in April. It was the sharpest decline on record dating back to 1959. Income moved in the other direction last month.

Blog

Teaching Kids about Money from Childhood Through Adulthood

Teaching kids about money is especially complex – you aren’t just passing on a few bucks to go to the movies, but an array of attitudes, values and assumptions regardless of whether you mean to. Your kids watch, in a way not even they are aware of, how you interact with finance and how you model it for them.

Market Commentary

Market Commentary: Economy Slightly Improves as Restrictions Loosen

Another 2.4 million people filed initial unemployment claims last week. The number has declined for seven straight weeks. Unfortunately, 2.4 million is more than three times higher than the pre-COVID-19 record, and the pace of decline remains slow. Because the number remains stubbornly high, optimism for a sharp economic recovery is dropping.

Videos

Roth Planning Opportunities in 2020

Tax brackets are positioned well, interest rates are favorable and RMDs are on hold. So you’re probably asking yourself if now is a good time to convert your IRA into a Roth account. In this webinar, we look at the advantages of a Roth conversion in a down market and how you can save big on taxes down the road by investing in a conversion now. The CARES Act, the SECURE Act and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are all affecting this part of retirement finances, and the benefits they offer won’t last forever. Click Here to Watch the...read the full article

Market Commentary

Market Commentary: Coronavirus Takes Toll on Retail, Manufacturing

The global economy continues to slow rapidly, based on key data released last week. In the U.S., retail sales dropped 16.4% from March to April. Individuals cut back on purchases due to risks from the coronavirus, lockdowns, and declining income from job losses. The drop increases to 21.6% when compared to one year ago. Industrial production showed similar weakness, falling 13.7%.

Blog

COVID-19 and Life Insurance: Are You Covered?

Not too long ago, everything was normal and seemingly under control. Since then, the spread of the pathogen has shaken the foundation of the world we once knew and exposed the vulnerabilities of our health care systems. On March 26, 2020, the U.S. surpassed China and Italy to become world leader in virus cases and deaths.

Blog

Annuities: Protecting Yourself Against Uncertain Markets

When it comes to growing and preserving wealth, it’s important to bear in the mind the volatility of the markets and how it could impact your retirement income. Fortunately, there are ways to help shield your savings from market woes.

Blog

Should I Withdraw from My 401(k) During a Pandemic?

Over the past several months, the pandemic has led many Americans to financial hardships. Individuals are fearful of how they’ll meet their financial obligations. The stimulus package may help alleviate some of the concerns, but what about those who still won’t make ends meet? When those funds have been exhausted, what options are next?

Blog

CARES Act: Retirement Provisions and What They Can Mean to You

In response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CARES Act contains a number of essential measures important to the financial security of the American population. This far-reaching legislation offers protection and support to small businesses, hospitals, and individuals, such as more flexibility with your retirement accounts.