Blog

Our blog includes news and commentary on financial topics related to your family, business, and nonprofits. Stay up-to-date on news and financial planning strategies by visiting us online often.

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Rejoice and Give Thanks, as We Go ‘Round
July 29, 2021

Sometimes it seems like we are on a merry-go-round. As the music plays and the carousel turns, we may look for something different around the next tur...

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Leaning Not on Our Own Understanding
July 22, 2021

Small-caps stocks continued to surrender momentum, as all the major indexes ended lower. The small-cap Russell 2000 Index underperformed for the third...

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Testing the Foundation
June 29, 2021

Stocks rebounded from the previous week’s declines, bringing the S&P 500 Index and the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite index to new highs and ...

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The Hawks are Circling
June 23, 2021

Stocks declined as a surprisingly hawkish (restrictive monetary policy) outcome from the Federal Reserve’s June 15–16 policy meeting and comments ...

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Shelter from the Heat
June 17, 2021

As the heat of summer intensifies, so does the vacillation of key economic factors affecting the markets. Last week, a sharp decrease in longer-term b...

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Lessening the penalty of early 401(k) withdrawals (Part 1)
June 3, 2021

A 401(k) plan is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan, wherein deductions from an employee’s paycheck serve as contributions. These account...

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Lessening the penalty of early 401(k) withdrawals (Part 2)
May 20, 2021

This is the conclusion of a two-part series about 401(k) withdrawals.   The Loan Option If a withdrawal is not allowed, the plan may off...

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A Cloud or a Storm?
May 19, 2021

Stocks slipped back from record highs, as investors confronted signs of a storm coming in the form of higher inflation. Thankfully, a late rally moder...

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Drawing Battle Lines
May 11, 2021

As the first full week in May came to a close, the major indexes produced mixed returns across a wide range. Topping it off, a Friday rally erased som...

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All Signs Point to…
May 5, 2021

Last week was “all-hands-on-deck,” as over 100 of the S&P 500 companies reported earnings. Earnings to date have been very positive, with 86% ...

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Don’t sweat the 529 regret
April 29, 2021

The benefit of 529 college savings plans is the opportunity for tax-deferred investment growth, and tax-free withdrawal, provided that the money is al...

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The Calm Before the…
April 28, 2021

Stocks finished with little change in an up-and-down week amid some of the lightest daily trading volumes of 2021. Small-caps performed slightly bette...

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Another Week, Another Record High
April 20, 2021

In a week that kicked off the unofficial start of earnings season, 22 of the S&P 500 companies reported first-quarter results. Overall sentiment s...

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Pride Before the Fall?
April 6, 2021

The holiday-shortened week capped off a strong first quarter for stocks, with the S&P 500 crossing the 4,000-point mark for the first time ever. A...

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Stuck in a Rut? Optimism is on the way!
March 30, 2021

As we near the end of the first quarter, the markets and economy have been in a bit of a funk. February saw a number of disappointing economic numbers...

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Greater Than We Imagined
March 23, 2021

This week marks the one-year anniversary for the end of the COVID-19 sell off. If you recall, last March the Dow Industrials plunged 38.4%, the S&...

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Piling Back into the Stock Market
March 16, 2021

The past few weeks in the stock market have been challenging for many investors. On one hand, the Dow Industrials (think old, traditional companies) h...

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Understanding Cryptocurrency
March 11, 2021

A Guide to the Risk and Opportunity of Digital Money   [su_button url="https://www.ambassadoradvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/AA-21-02...

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A Rough Patch of Road
March 10, 2021

March has gotten off to quite the rough start. Last week, the S&P 500 fell 1.5%, and the Dow Industrials dropped 0.12%. Most notably, the Nasdaq p...

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Eyes on the Prize: Building Wealth
March 1, 2021

The last week or two have been like a roller coaster ride – up, up, and up, then down, back up, and back down again. The S&P 500 and Dow were ba...

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Stellar Earnings Lead to Stellar Gains
February 8, 2021

The past week was a good one for the markets, as the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and Russell 2000 all hit all-time highs. For the week, the S&P 500 advan...

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Gather Money Little By Little? The news about GameStop and AMC Entertainment
January 29, 2021

If you've been watching the news, you've probably heard about some extreme circumstances in the stock market. Amongst these newsworthy stories, AM...

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Positioned for What Comes Next
January 26, 2021

Worldwide economic lockdowns to fight COVID-19 continue to hamper economic recovery. Last week, U.S. economic results were mixed—unemployment claims...

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New Every Morning
January 13, 2021

January is certainly off to a great start. The S&P 500 is up 1.8%, so far this year, the Dow Jones Industrials are 1.6% higher, and the Nasdaq has...

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Looking Forward to a Great New Year
January 5, 2021

2020 was a challenging year for many, with the pandemic affecting nearly all facets of life.  Despite the widespread, largely negative effects, the b...

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What Worked in 2020 Should Continue to Work in 2021
December 22, 2020

There have been many positive developments in the financial markets over the past month. The waves of positive COVID-19 vaccine announcements were fol...

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What a Weak Dollar Could Mean in 2021
December 15, 2020

With everything else going on around us, it remains important to pay attention to investment trends and money flows. As our team analyzes trends, we a...

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2020 Year-End Planning Ideas
December 3, 2020

Utilize a Roth conversion to take advantage of lower tax rates The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) made sweeping changes to the tax code, including th...

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The High-Wire Act
December 2, 2020

U.S. Stocks Wrap Up Shortened Week Higher Continued positive Coronavirus vaccine news helped propel the Dow Jones up more than 12% for the month of N...

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The Balancing Act
November 24, 2020

Last week saw the equity markets performing a balancing act between incoming positive vaccine news and ever-growing economic restrictions aimed at cur...

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Do Not Worry About Tomorrow
November 11, 2020

As we expected, once the election was over, cash came pouring off the sidelines into the financial markets. As a result, stocks had a fantastic week. ...

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Scary Headlines Spook the Markets in October
November 2, 2020

The stock market took a tumble during the last week of October, with the S&P 500 down 5.8%, the Dow Jones Industrials falling 6.5%, and the tech-h...

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High Integrity Leads to Greater Consistency
October 29, 2020

Last week, the financial markets had a rather quiet week, with Congress unable to finalize a second economic stimulus package.  The beginning of this...

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Elections Don’t Move Markets
October 20, 2020

As we expected, the stock market continues to move higher. A couple of weeks ago, we mentioned the September pullback was a great buying opportunity, ...

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Buckle Up, Volatile Days Ahead
October 13, 2020

It was a headline-driven period for the U.S. markets last week, causing U.S. indices to bounce back and forth. News of positive COVID-19 tests through...

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Perseverance Breeds Success
October 7, 2020

Although the S&P 500 dropped 3.9% in the month of September, the markets found a bottom late in the month and staged an impressive rally. From the...

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The Season of Strength
September 28, 2020

September, as we anticipated, continued to be one of the weaker months for the markets. The Dow is down 4%, so far this month, while the S&P 500 h...

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Make the Most of Every Opportunity
September 22, 2020

Last week, the Federal Reserve Bank (the Fed) gave an update on the status of the U.S. economy. Even though COVID-19 cases have continued to decline f...

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The Flexibility of Funding a Donor Advised Fund
September 21, 2020

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) have long been lauded as excellent tools for those seeking to increase and manage their amount of charitable giving. A DAF ...

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Keep Your Arms and Legs in the Car at All Times
September 15, 2020

Many of us enjoy thrills: that giant coaster at the amusement park or the latest heart-stopping blockbuster at the box office. However, when it comes ...

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Summer May Be Ending, But Don’t Worry
September 9, 2020

After the best August in decades, it looked like more of the same was in store for September. The first two trading days of the month were a continuat...

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Plans to Prosper
September 1, 2020

Heading into second quarter earnings season, most analysts anticipated that with the forced COVID-19 shutdown, earnings and sales for companies in the...

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Stick to the Plan
August 24, 2020

Earlier this year, after the market plummeted, we presented two potential paths for its future: a V-shaped recovery, where the market would bot...

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Gathering Money, Little by Little
August 18, 2020

Getting rich quick sounds like a great idea, but experience tells us that there is always a price to pay; there is never a “free lunch.”  At Amba...

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More Than We Imagined
August 11, 2020

Sometimes, we accomplish more than we ever thought possible. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ...

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Preparing for the Battle Ahead
August 4, 2020

There are times when trouble and difficulty seem inevitable. The stock market has been roaring like a lion, since March. However, we are facing a chal...

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Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full?
July 27, 2020

As we approach each of the moments in our lives, our point of view, at that moment, can influence whether we are pessimistic (see the glass as half em...

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Some Stocks Hit a Brick Wall, Others Make Progress
July 22, 2020

Have you ever “hit” a proverbial brick wall (or maybe even a real one…ouch!)? Have you faced something that got in the way of progress? There ar...

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Soar Like an Eagle
July 13, 2020

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and...

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Great Expectations?
July 8, 2020

Sometimes, life throws us pleasant surprises. In Charles Dickens' novel Great Expectations, Pip, an orphaned blacksmith's apprentice, facing an impove...

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Setting Up for Second Half Success
June 30, 2020

Have you ever taken a long road trip? Perhaps you traveled hundreds of miles, before you finally reached the halfway point. It probably felt great tha...

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The Great 2020 Stock Market and Economic Comeback
June 23, 2020

One of the greatest Super Bowl comebacks of all time happened when the New England Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons to win Super Bowl LI. After b...

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The Element of Surprise
June 15, 2020

The “element of surprise” is often a key ingredient for directors, screen writers, and novelists as they craft movie plots or provide twists in a ...

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Love Thy Neighbor
June 11, 2020

Ambassador Advisors’ mission is to support and promote Biblical stewardship. That mission relates to far more than money. We help steward time, God...

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More Sunshine in the Forecast?
June 9, 2020

Sometimes, “perfect” weather can stay around even longer than we hope/expect. Ever been on a vacation, where it’s clear and sunny for the majori...

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Adages Can Lead to Damages
June 4, 2020

Rules of thumb and old adages can be misleading.  Sometime, these catchy sayings even cause personal harm or lead to lost opportunities.  Often peop...

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Cruise Control Works Until You Hit Traffic
May 24, 2020

Cruise control or “auto cruise” was created to automatically control the speed of a motor vehicle. As the system takes over the throttle of a vehi...

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Finding Diamonds in the Rough
May 18, 2020

Treasure hunters seek out sunken shipwrecks, hidden gold, diamonds and pearls, as well as other lost riches in an attempt to achieve fame and fortune....

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Is Cash, Once Again, King for Charitable Contributions?
May 17, 2020

Historically, cash contributions to charity were a terrific way to reduce your taxes. Recently, however, increases in standard deduction amounts and ...

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The Crème de la Crème of Investing
May 12, 2020

When you think of the “finer things” in life, you may think about a luxury home in your favorite vacation spot or an aged Grand Cru claret ...

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The Great Disconnect Between Markets and Economies
May 4, 2020

It may not have seemed that way, but April turned out to be the best month for the markets since January 1987. In April, the Dow Jones Industrial Ave...

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Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
April 27, 2020

“And I will make all my mountains a road, and my highways shall be raised up.” -Isaiah 49:11   There is no shortage of bad news, especi...

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The CARES Act: Healthcare Provisions
April 23, 2020

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 is an estimated $2 trillion package. In this series, we will discuss four of ...

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The CARES Act: Student Loan Provisions
April 22, 2020

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 is an estimated $2 trillion package. In this series, we will discuss four of ...

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In the Rearview or Out the Windshield?
April 21, 2020

Over the past several weeks, we have presented two possible scenarios relating to the effect of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the economy: in one scen...

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Take Advantage of Two Great Opportunities with One Simple Step
April 20, 2020

It’s not every day you get a “two for one” opportunity.  This year, with stocks selling at a nearly 20% discounted rate and the IRA contributio...

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The CARES Act: Charitable Contribution Provisions
April 17, 2020

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 is an estimated $2 trillion package. In this series, we will discuss four of ...

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The CARES Act: Retirement Account Provisions
April 15, 2020

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 is an estimated $2 trillion package. In this series, we will discuss four of ...

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…and in this corner…FOMO!
April 13, 2020

As COVID-19 continues to keep us isolated from one another, we are seeing two polarizing camps competing and driving market performance. In one cor...

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Waiting is Never Fun, but it is Often Part of The Plan
April 6, 2020

So, are you stir crazy, yet?  Miss the “good old days,” when we could go watch a sporting event or at least watch one on TV? Remember when you co...

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Recovery Rebates and the CARES Act
April 3, 2020

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 is an estimated $2 trillion package, including nearly half a trillion dollars i...

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Taking a SWOT at Q1
April 1, 2020

The first quarter of 2020 was certainly a challenge for the stock market and our “proud to own” picks. The economic fallout from COVID-19 had a fa...

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Are your legal documents in order?
March 31, 2020

As you hunker down and focus on the health of your families, your loved ones, your neighbors, and the nation, as a whole, it is an opportune time to r...

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Nonprofits and the New Legislation
March 30, 2020

We are in unprecedented times, and many nonprofits are struggling to make ends meet.   Between a steady stream of cancelled events and a depressed i...

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More Time to Get Money into an IRA: What the Tax Filing Extension Means for You

There are very few things the recent COVID-19 pandemic has not affected. The need to continue paying our taxes, of course, is one of them.   ...

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“V” for Victory or “W” for Wait?
March 27, 2020

Wall Street has been in a positive mood the past couple of days, with several promising developments spurring the rally. On Tuesday, the Dow had it...

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What about moving to cash?
March 23, 2020

A recent study by Putman Investments posed a similar question surrounding incidents of market turmoil over the last 15 years. As the chart shows, full...

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Wind and Waves, but Light on the Horizon
March 20, 2020

As the week comes to an end, several states have mandated business shutdowns and other measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. The winds of change ...

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The Eye of the Storm?
March 19, 2020

The eyewall, the area surrounding the calm center, of a hurricane is the most powerful and damaging part of such a storm.  When the center of a storm...

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Remote Office Hours
March 17, 2020

Dear Client,   Our top priority at Ambassador has always been, and will continue to be, to provide elevated client service while supporting and...

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FDR, Fad Diets and Fuller
March 16, 2020

[caption id="attachment_8968" align="alignleft" width="300"] Join us for a live streamed market update Monday, March 16 at 3 pm![/caption] At the p...

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Panic Selling, Feeling the Burn, and What Lies Ahead
March 12, 2020

[caption id="attachment_8968" align="alignleft" width="300"] Join us for a live streamed market update Monday, March 16 at 3 pm![/caption] Although...

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The Stock Market Roller Coaster Continues
March 8, 2020

Keep Your Arms and Legs Inside the Coaster at All Times...   If your equilibrium is still off-kilter, you aren’t alone.  The steep drops...

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Will “10% Off” Be Enough To Attract Investors?
March 2, 2020

Although fear continues surrounding the long-term effects of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the worst, as far as the markets are concerned, may be comi...

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College Costs: Unexpected Stats about Saving (Part 4)

Mistake 3: Keeping money where it won’t earn enough   It may seem like a safe bet to keep college money stored in a savings account, for ...

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Important Update on Coronavirus and Its Impact on the Financial Markets
February 28, 2020

As you have likely noticed, uncertainty surrounding the spread and effects of Novel Coronavirus has gripped the markets. Stocks have now pulled back ...

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College Costs: Unexpected Stats about Saving (Part 3)
February 27, 2020

Mistake 2: Limiting financial aid award potential   It is impossible to overstate the important of financial aid, when it comes to saving f...

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College Costs: Unexpected Stats about Saving (Part 2)
February 24, 2020

Mistake 1: Paying taxes on college saving income   At Ambassador Advisors, we want you to take advantage of tax-free growth opportunities f...

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College Costs: Unexpected Stats about Saving (Part 1)
February 19, 2020

One of the heftiest costs continuing to skyrocketed in our society is college. Higher education is often a requirement for many careers and provides i...

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If You Teach Them To F.I.S.H…
January 27, 2020

…Sustainable financial futures for nonprofit organizations of all kinds can be accomplished.  In today’s landscape of dwindling giving and decrea...

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Donor Advised Funds: A Benefit To All
January 14, 2020

At Ambassador Advisors, we understand that—although it’s not the primary motivation—making a charitable donation wisely can provide a degree of ...

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‘Women and Wealth’ Study
January 9, 2020

Although early legacy planning is imperative to all, it is becoming increasingly evident that women, in particular, need to get more involved in long-...

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Choosing an advisor who values what you value
December 27, 2019

If you’re looking for some guidance in the area of your finances, you may benefit from finding a financial advisor to help you navigate decisions ah...

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Standing Firm and Building Trust
December 23, 2019

The more things change, the more they stay the same.   This cliché is spot on target in today’s world, and knowing who you can trust wit...

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Client Christmas Event 2019
December 12, 2019

We enjoyed celebrating this holiday season together with you, our valued clients and friends. We participated in a short, informative financial sessio...

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A Multi-Generational Wealth Transfer
December 2, 2019

At Ambassador Advisors, we believe that money is a gift from God for us to wisely steward as we live our lives. That’s why we strive to offer you Bi...

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Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Plans (Medigap) Part 2
November 14, 2019

How Proper Senior Care Planning Will Determine Your Financial Future Part 2: Medicare and Medigap: How to apply and what you should know   ...

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Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Plans (Medigap) Part 1

How Proper Senior Care Planning Will Determine Your Financial Future Part 1: Medicare 2019 – What you need to know before 2020   Ameri...

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This "FIST" Can Knock Out Multigenerational Family Wealth
November 6, 2019

Ambassador Advisors' unique perspective on finances is rooted in our value of Biblical stewardship. We believe everything we have is from the Lord, an...

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The Added Value of Working with an Advisor
October 23, 2019

You may have seen the news that the financial services industry is experiencing a trend towards index funds–passive fund management options in which...

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Is your SIMPLE ready to graduate to a 401k?
October 15, 2019

If you have a growing business with a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan, it may be time to “graduate” to a 401(k) plan. In an era dominated by big, expen...

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How Many Millenials Plan to Retire Early
September 30, 2019

Millennials currently are the largest generation in the U.S. workforce. Millennials differ from other generational groups both in their lifestyle and ...

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Avoid Bankruptcy in Your Retirement Years
September 12, 2019

For many born into American society over the past century, “the game of life” came with instructions that read, in part: go to college, find an ex...

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A Family Affair: Involving Family in Financial Decisions
August 18, 2019

Finances may seem like a private, personal matter, but significant headache and heartache can be avoided by involving those you love in discussions ab...

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Where Your Treasure Is
July 24, 2019

A recent study released by Giving USA contained some sobering information for churches (and for Christians). The study, which was released on June 18,...

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Retirement Planning Should Prioritize Healthcare
July 22, 2019

A recent white paper released by HealthView Services emphasizes that healthcare should be an integral aspect of any retirement plan. The data reveals ...

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You Don’t Have to be a Millionaire to Retire Like One
July 10, 2019

There is no magic wand that will turn your retirement fund worth $85,000 into a million dollars, and being a millionaire shouldn’t be your focus. Am...

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A Mistake You Can’t Afford to Make
July 3, 2019

Many of us have spent our lives pursuing a dream. For some, defining what exactly that dream looks like in retirement can be complex. The professional...

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When Your Age Matters Most
June 28, 2019

If you’re planning for retirement and wondering if you have made the right decisions to ensure your future financial security, you are not alone. Ma...

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A Truer Steward
May 29, 2019

If anything can be learned from the realization that financial literacy doesn’t improve responsibility, it’s that information itself isn’t enoug...

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A New Perspective
May 23, 2019

In order to experience life changes, we need to experience perspective changes, specifically in the area of finances.   Ambassador Advisors...

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The Curse of Knowledge
May 20, 2019

In a 2016 study, Fortune magazine announced that two-thirds of Americans cannot pass a basic financial literacy test1. Understandably, this statistic ...

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Make the Most of Your Charitable Giving with a Donor Advised Fund
May 14, 2019

There are a variety of reliable ways that you can choose to invest or donate your money.   Ambassador Advisors strives to fully understand ...

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Don’t Become a Retirement Statistic
May 10, 2019

As significant numbers of Americans are facing the financial realities of impending retirement, many questions and concerns have become frighteningly ...

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Embracing a Life Well Lived: Leaving a Legacy of Christian Stewardship, Part 3
May 7, 2019

As we finish this series on legacy building based upon a life well lived, we turn our focus to the topic of reward.   We know that nurturin...

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A New Social Security Telephone Scam is on the Rise
May 2, 2019

The Federal Communication Commission and the United States Attorney General’s office has issued a new warning concerning a growing wave of Social Se...

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Employing Your Kids in the Family Business
April 29, 2019

Your kids looking for a bigger “allowance;” you looking for a bigger business tax break? Keep reading…   Paying children in a family ...

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Embracing a Life Well Lived: Leaving a Legacy of Christian Stewardship (Part 2)
April 2, 2019

In the first exploration of what defines a well-lived life, we focused on how the legacy we leave has meaning beyond financial gain. Let us dig deeper...

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Charitable Clumping and Other 2019 Strategies

Pancakes are Saturday morning favorites in many households. Whether you top them with "SEER-up" or "SIR-up", pile on the blueberries, or even the choc...

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Embracing a Life Well Lived: Leaving a Legacy of Christian Stewardship
March 22, 2019

Let’s explore the question of what defines a well-lived life and how the legacy we leave has meaning beyond the humanistic value that we place on fi...

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Securing Your Retirement Plans
February 15, 2019

Retirement is probably the biggest milestone of the second "half" of life. Some face it with great anticipation, but some also face it with a good dea...

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Long-Term Care for Women
January 4, 2019

Much is said these days about the equality of the sexes. And while there is every reason that men and women can and should stand equally before the la...

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Year-End Charitable Giving 2018
December 14, 2018

As we come to the end of the year, it is time to consider opportunities for last-minute giving to help the ministries, nonprofits and places of worshi...

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Client Christmas Event 2018
December 12, 2018

We enjoyed celebrating this holiday season together with you, our valued clients and friends. We participated in a short, informative financial sessio...

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Active or Passive Management
November 2, 2018

Over the last two decades, there has been a marked increase in indexing, or passive management, over active management–where a manager or team of ma...

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Financially Savvy States
October 30, 2018

A major key to sound financial health is financial literacy, and the financial savvy that springs from literacy is what makes for true financial stabi...

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Life Stages: Blessed by Significance
October 5, 2018

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. Warren Buffet   A forest of dense trees surrounds us...

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Life Stages: Finding Success
October 3, 2018

When was the first time you tasted financial success?   Was it when you made your first sale?  Or received that big bonus? When your inves...

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Life Stages: Struggling to Survive
October 1, 2018

Do you remember when you were first starting out? Before the comfortable paychecks. Before the security of your investment portfolio. Before the house...

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Two Percent Increase in Fundraising Effectiveness
September 27, 2018

A product of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) and the Growth in Giving database, the Fundraising Effectiveness Survey Report shows that don...

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Physical–and Financial–Fitness
September 24, 2018

A recent survey1 by Bankrate.com states that roughly half (48 percent) of employed Americans aren’t saving more for retirement this year than last ...

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Responsible Investing Trends and Opportunities
September 4, 2018

Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) or Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) offers the investor a choice to invest in vehicles that align with clos...

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Our Biblically Responsible Investment Portfolio
August 30, 2018

Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) is a widespread investment philosophy. Investors everywhere are increasingly seeking vehicles that line up with t...

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Biblically Responsible Investing: Naysayers
August 27, 2018

When it comes to Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI), the outlook is not unanimously positive. Many financial say their clients just aren’t inter...

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SRI: What is it?
August 23, 2018

You have some money to invest. No matter how much it is, deciding where it goes can be daunting. There are, after all, almost four thousand publicly t...

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Are you ready for retirement?
August 21, 2018

When you’re in your forties, retirement can seem so far away. Yet two decades later, retirement can seem like a looming deadline. How will retiremen...

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Healthcare Expenses in Retirement (Part 2)
August 13, 2018

Staying silent allows concerns to intensify into fear According to the most recent Nationwide Retirement Institute survey, six in ten affluent, older...

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Healthcare Expenses in Retirement (Part 1)
August 7, 2018

The complication you should be discussing, but (probably) aren’t   We’ve all heard similar stories: Sally and Bob were planning to go cro...

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Are Trump trade negotiations increasing market volatility?
June 25, 2018

Donald Trump’s negotiating style is unlike any president we’ve seen in our lifetimes and, perhaps, unlike any that has ever sat in the Oval Office...

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Be An Everyday Hero
June 7, 2018

A hero is a person noted for courageous acts of nobility or character. Many times, courageous acts are sacrificial in nature, benefitting someone el...

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A Battle in the Background: Immigration's Economic Effects
May 31, 2018

When Wolverine’s claws are out, you likely aren’t thinking about when the Dazzler will show up to help. When Deadpool is throwing a punch, you...

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AMBASSADOR ADVISORS HONORED AS BRONZE STEVIE® AWARD WINNER IN 2018 AMERICAN BUSINESS AWARDS®
May 17, 2018

“Catchy, Entertaining, and Informative” Superhero-Themed Newsletter Catches Judges’ Attention   Ambassador Advisors, LLC, was named the...

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Living Up to Faith Heroes, Part 2
May 11, 2018

[Continued, catch up on Part 1 here]   Wow—now that is the stuff comics and movies are made of, right? But biblical superheroes did eve...

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Living Up to Faith Heroes, Part 1
May 9, 2018

By Bernie Bostwick, Executive Vice President   I must confess, I never really was much into superheroes. Today, they are much the rave! Th...

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Super Equity Markets
April 24, 2018

So many good superhero stories start with a picture of peace, tranquility, and prosperity, followed by a period of gloom and doom. Then, our superhero...

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Rule Changes for Partnerships
April 10, 2018

  As you’re likely aware, the Bipartisan Budget Act that took effect at the beginning of this calendar year introduced several changes regar...

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The Hard Truths about Caring for Parents
April 3, 2018

With the advances made recently in extending life expectancy, Americans are facing a difficult reality: great costs come with the care of aging parent...

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Table for Ten: Sharing that Inspires and Ignites Generosity (Part 3)
March 22, 2018

  As I was reading through The Almanac of American Philanthropy by Karl Zinsmeister, I was inspired by the lives of many individuals who trans...

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Table for Ten: Sharing that Inspires and Ignites Generosity (Part 2)
March 19, 2018

When a family member or friend walks through the legacy planning process with positive results, their story encourages others. But talk of money, and ...

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Table for Ten: Sharing that Inspires and Ignites Generosity (Part 1)
March 15, 2018

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasu...

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Exchange Traded Funds 101
March 8, 2018

There are several options for investment beyond individual stocks and bonds. One such option is the ETF or exchange-traded fund. These types of invest...

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Mutual Funds 101
March 6, 2018

A big buzzword for investing is diversity. With mutual funds, the diversity is baked right in! A mutual fund is an investment vehicle made up of a poo...

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Bonds 101
February 16, 2018

While stocks involve buying a piece of a company to share in its profits, bonds actually represent debt. A government, corporation, or other entity th...

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Stocks 101
February 9, 2018

Our previous entry looked at the basic definition of a stock, and this installment will take a look at some of the different characteristics of stock....

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Stocks and Bonds
February 6, 2018

It is a long-held Christian belief that we are each responsible to be good stewards of the finances with which we have been blessed.  The approach to...

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Long-Term Care, Part 3
January 23, 2018

We must ultimately face the fact that long-term care (LTC) is a reality for many people. Here are some significant statistics: 70 percent of peop...

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Long-Term Care, Part 2
January 19, 2018

When considering the realities of long-term care (LTC), it’s helpful to understand what is involved. LTC may or may not include nursing and other me...

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Long-Term Care, Part 1
January 16, 2018

One of the blessings of modern life is that people can generally expect to live longer than they did in times past. In the middle ages, someone was ve...

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For A Limited Time
December 26, 2017

The Advent and Christmas seasons look forward to and celebrate the birth of Jesus. He is traditionally understood as the eternal second person of the ...

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Constant Change and Christmas Traditions

One of the great universal truisms is that change is the only real constant. When it comes to Christmas traditions, however, change is the exception! ...

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Shepherds and Life Insurance
December 22, 2017

They have become a required element of any Christmas or Nativity presentations: the trusty shepherds. We regard them with a sacred reverence, but at t...

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The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 Summary
December 20, 2017

After a series of negotiations in both the House and Senate, a final reconciled version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) appears to be head...

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Client Christmas Event 2017
December 14, 2017

Thank you to everyone who joined us last Tuesday for our annual Client Christmas Event! We were blessed to enjoy your company, great food, and Christ...

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The Three Wise Plans
December 13, 2017

One of the cherished elements of Christmas is the Three Wise Men. Scripture doesn’t specify that there were three, but custom —and the mention of ...

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Year-End Charitable Giving 2017
November 17, 2017

As we come to the end of the year, it is time to consider opportunities for last-minute giving to help the ministries, nonprofits and places of worshi...

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Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed
November 2, 2017

If you're self employed, retirement planning can be confusing. There are three common retirement plans available for self-employed individuals: &n...

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Is an ETF better than a Mutual Fund?
October 27, 2017

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) hold an advantage over mutual funds. ETFs are similar in that shareholders of both will pay any tax due on the income, d...

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The Train Isn’t Leaving the Station Yet
October 11, 2017

You may be watching the financial markets and worrying you’ve missed the train.  When we hit a period of the market doing well, like we’re experi...

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What's the difference between a fixed and variable annuity?
October 9, 2017

A fixed annuity is a contract offered by an insurance company that is much like a bank CD. You deposit a certain amount of money and the insurer agree...

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How are mutual funds taxed?
October 6, 2017

Whenever a mutual fund company passes earnings and other payouts to shareholders, they are known as a distribution.  The tax treatment of these distr...

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How long will $1 million last in retirement?
September 18, 2017

CNBC recently published a fascinating article about retirement savings. How far will your dollars go in different areas of the country?  The article...

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Ahead of the Curve
June 20, 2017

We've recently made the decision to reduce our use of mutual funds, and instead rely on individual stocks & EFTs. Here's why we made the switch.

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Celebrating 100!
June 19, 2017

Ambassador Advisors is pleased to recognize the very special centennial birthday of our client Mary Hannum, born June 9, 1917 in Philadelphia.

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Central Penn Business Journal Spotlights Ambassador Advisors
May 31, 2017

Read the Central Penn Business Journal article on the growth of faith-based financial planning, featuring our very own Bernie Bostwick.

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Life Insurance Rules and Taxes
May 12, 2017

Here are some final thoughts to consider when dealing with life insurance policies, including the rules and tax cost of employer-paid life insurance.

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Avoiding Life Insurance Tax Traps
May 4, 2017

There are some significant traps that can snare you when utilizing life insurance. Here are three life insurance tax traps and their potential solutions.

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Taxes and Life Insurance
April 28, 2017

Life insurance has an important role in achieving financial independence is one thing. Learn more about insurance and the tax laws that affect it.

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Saving Enough for Retirement
April 6, 2017

Do you know how much money you will need for your retirement? Make sure you save enough for your retirement years, whether that is 30-35 years or longer.

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Finance In Your Fifties
March 31, 2017

As you reach age 50, the decisions you make can have a lasting impact on your retirement savings & legacy. Learn how the Planning Life Cycle model can help.

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A Little Pays Off Big
March 27, 2017

Start saving for retirement as soon as possible and let compound interest work to your advantage. Learn how much adding 1% could mean to you in retirement.

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What's the Best College Savings Account?
March 15, 2017

If you are a parent or grandparent looking start a college savings account, there are plenty of options available. Learn the benefits & features of each.

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Good Morning, Sun
March 1, 2017

Many have felt there was a cloud over the economy in recent years. But this morning, while the sun's not yet out, the clouds are lifting.

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Dirk Olds Earns CHARTERED ADVISOR IN PHILANTHROPY (CAP®) Designation
February 3, 2017

Dirk Olds, a financial advisor based in Binghamton, NY, received his Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®). Learn how this can help with your non-profit.

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Curtis D. Stoltzfus Earns CHARTERED ADVISOR IN PHILANTHROPY (CAP®) Designation
January 31, 2017

Curtis D. Stoltzfus recently received his Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation, so he can better serve nonprofit organizations.

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How Seniors can Cope with Financial Stress
January 26, 2017

Financial stress is a cyclical problem which is generating health problems and more debt for our senior citizens. Learn how to cope with these issues today.

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Client Christmas Event 2016
December 15, 2016

See highlights from the 2016 Ambassador Advisors Client Christmas Event. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

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September is Life Insurance Awareness Month
September 21, 2016

In the 2016 Insurance Barometer Study, 1 in 4 people said they feel they need more life insurance protection. Plan for your legacy with life insurance.

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The Fed and Interest Rates
September 12, 2016

Bank deposits and treasury securities remain at their lowest levels in fifty years. Here's our thoughts on how this will impact the markets.

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An Unfavorable Unemployment Report
August 30, 2016

Here's our thoughts on the recent unemployment report, how it will affect the markets, and what you should do about it.

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Back-to-School Tips for 529 College Savings Accounts (Forbes)
August 26, 2016

Here are some tips for investing in a 529 College Savings account, including how to optimize your savings by geography.

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Financial Planning Tips For US Veterans And Those Who Serve (Forbes)
July 7, 2016

Here are six financial planning tips for US veterans and those who currently serve, helping them take control of their financial future and feel empowered.

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Dads Share Their Personal Finance Tips
June 16, 2016

In honor of Father's Day this Sunday, here is some heartfelt & genuine advice from fathers to their children on personal finances.

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Chances of Disability
May 18, 2016

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month and is a great time to think about protecting your income with long-term disability insurance.

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Caring in the Workplace
April 11, 2016

As more individuals are becoming primary caregivers for their parents and loved ones, businesses and employers will need to adjust how we support them.

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Shortcomings of a “Minimum” Retirement Rule (Part 2)
March 30, 2016

Figuring out how much to save for retirement can be a huge challenge. While some suggest a minimum retirement rule, here is another shortcoming of that plan

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Shortcomings of a “Minimum” Retirement Rule (Part 1)
March 28, 2016

Figuring out how much to save for retirement can be a huge challenge. While some suggest a minimum retirement rule, here are some shortcomings of that plan.

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Five Common Tax Myths Debunked
March 17, 2016

Around this time every year, a handful of tax myths rear their ugly heads. Some of them change year to year, but a few stubborn ones just won’t go away.

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How Your Retirement Savings Stack Up (Part 3)
March 4, 2016

Are you part of the 61% of Americans with a retirement account? Here's how your account compares to others approaching retirement age.

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How Your Retirement Savings Stack Up (Part 2)
March 2, 2016

41% of Americans approaching retirement have no retirement account. Here's how this group plans to pay for their retirement.

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How Your Retirement Savings Stack Up (Part 1)
February 29, 2016

As you approach retirement, how does your savings compare against others in your age group? Here are some hard numbers on retirement savings in America.

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Five Common Retirement Saving Mistakes to Avoid (Part 2)
February 19, 2016

Avoid these common retirement saving mistakes, like diversifying your retirement assets, to set yourself up for a stronger financial future.

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Five Common Retirement Saving Mistakes to Avoid (Part 1)
February 17, 2016

Avoid these common retirement saving mistakes, like withdrawing funds early, to set yourself up for a stronger financial future.

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Retirement Statistics That You Need to Know, Part 2
February 5, 2016

There is a retirement crisis in America, but you can still start saving for retirement. Here's what you need to know about retirement in the United States.

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Retirement Statistics That You Need to Know, Part 1
February 3, 2016

There is a retirement crisis in America, but it's not too late to change your situation. Here's what you need to know about retirement in the United States.

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Goldman Sachs: Recession fear overblown, market to gain 11%
February 2, 2016

Goldman Sachs recently released a projection report stating that market fears of a recession are overblown. Read a summary of the report.

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Believing the Boom or Bust?
January 22, 2016

Here at the start of 2016, we have seen pundits worry about the global markets this year. Here are 3 reasons why we think 2016 will be a strong year.

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Self-Evident Truths of Business Growth (Part 4)
January 21, 2016

Here is the final part of our 4-part series on key areas for business owners to focus on for high performance.

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Self-Evident Truths of Business Growth (Part 3)
January 15, 2016

Here is part 3 of our series on key areas for business owners to focus on for high performance.

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Self-Evident Truths of Business Growth (Part 2)
January 12, 2016

Here is part 2 of our series on key areas for business owners to focus on for high performance.

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Self-Evident Truths of Business Growth (Part 1)
January 7, 2016

Business owners who want their business to have consistently high performance should consider the following key areas to improve.

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Doing More With Your Giving Dollars
December 29, 2015

There are three ways to meet the challenge of giving more fully: increase income, cut spending, and/or use tax laws to increase your ability to give.

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The Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes Act Of 2015
December 23, 2015

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 renews and makes permanent several important tax incentives. Here's what to know about this law.

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Patience: Giving Your Retirement Plan Time To Grow
December 3, 2015

Like gardening, retirement planning takes time, careful planning, knowledge, and patience.

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Making Sense of “Alphabet Soup”
November 16, 2015

Our team of qualified financial advisors have a host of designations after their names, including CFP, ChFC, CFA, and CAP. Here's what these mean.

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Trading Tools
November 12, 2015

In the face of countless investment tools and resources, our team of advisors rely on the right ones to provide you with information about your portfolio.

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Myths and Facts about Social Security (Part 2)
November 4, 2015

There are many myths and misconceptions about Social Security and how it relates to your retirement plan. Here's part 2 of a blog series on Social Security.

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Myths and Facts about Social Security (Part 1)
November 2, 2015

There are many myths and misconceptions about Social Security and how it relates to your retirement plan. Here's part 1 of a blog series on Social Security.

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Retirement Considerations for Different Stages of Life (Part 2)
October 28, 2015

Your plans for retirement should adjust for different stages of life. Here are some more things to consider for your retirement planning.

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Retirement Considerations for Different Stages of Life (Part 1)
October 26, 2015

Your plans for retirement should adjust for different stages of life. Here are some things to consider for your retirement planning.

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How You Can Help Those You Love with College Costs (Part 2)
September 25, 2015

As the cost of college education continues to climb, many “outside” family members are stepping in to help. Here's how a 529 account can help with college.

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How You Can Help Those You Love with College Costs (Part 1)
September 22, 2015

As the cost of college education continues to climb, many “outside” family members are stepping in to help. Here's how to give cash gifts for college.

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What To Do With Extra Cash: Pay Off or Invest? (Part 2)
July 23, 2015

Should you pay off your mortgage or invest your extra cash? Here are some more things to consider when deciding where to send extra money.

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What To Do With Extra Cash: Pay Off or Invest? (Part 1)
July 17, 2015

Should you pay off your mortgage or invest your extra cash? Here are some things to consider when deciding where to send extra money.

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Potential Sources of Income in Retirement (Part 2)
July 14, 2015

Planning out your retirement income can be difficult and may feel like putting together pieces of a puzzle. Here are some additional ideas for where you can look for potential income when nearing retirement.

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Potential Sources of Income in Retirement (Part 1)
July 10, 2015

Planning out your retirement income can be difficult and may feel like putting together pieces of a puzzle. Here are some ideas for where you can look for potential income when nearing retirement.

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Guide to Growth: Your Business Plan
July 8, 2015

Whether you’re a current business owner or a budding entrepreneur burning with the next great idea, one of the most important steps you can take on your road to success is creating a business plan.

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Family Legacy Journey
June 30, 2015

Our Family Legacy Journey is a unique process enabling you to provide your children with essential guidance in handling your affairs.

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Things to Consider When Nearing Retirement (Part 3)
June 18, 2015

You’ve worked hard your whole life to retire. Here's some final advice to help you carefully manage your assets so your retirement savings will last.

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Things to Consider When Nearing Retirement (Part 2)
June 16, 2015

You’ve worked hard your whole life to retire. Here's some more advice to help you carefully manage your assets so your retirement savings will last.

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Things to Consider When Nearing Retirement (Part 1)
June 11, 2015

You’ve worked hard your whole life to retire. Here's some advice to help you carefully manage your assets so your retirement savings will last.

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Protecting Your Identity (Part 2)
June 5, 2015

You may never be able to completely prevent your identity from being stolen, but here are some more tips to help protect yourself from becoming a victim.

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Protecting Your Identity (Part 1)
June 2, 2015

You may never be able to completely prevent your identity from being stolen, but here are some tips to help protect yourself from becoming a victim.

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Inside the Market: Growth vs. Value (Part 2)
May 29, 2015

Here are some of the investment styles our team of advisors rely on when making investment recommendations for your portfolio.

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Inside the Market: Growth vs. Value (Part 1)
May 26, 2015

Here are some of the objective criteria our team of advisors use when making investment recommendations for your portfolio.

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2015: What Lies Ahead
January 14, 2015

Warren Buffet famously stated, “Forecasts may tell you a great deal about the forecaster, but they tell you nothing about the future.”  With the ...

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