Personal Finance

Home Ownership

Before You Buy
Buying a new home can be so exciting. And exhausting. And fun. And emotional. Here are five things new home buyers can do to make the process easier.
5 Tips for Investing in Property
The same fundamentals that make Knoxville a strong housing market—job creation, low cost of living and a good climate—also make investing in local real estate an attractive option. If you’re considering purchasing property as an investment opportunity, here are five tips to keep in mind.
Housing Outlook for 2015
Continued low interest rates and a growing economy helped the national housing market improve in 2014. Locally, home sales increased and spent less time on the market. New and extended loan programs from the federal government should keep the momentum going in 2015.

Brexit Presents New Risks
Many American investors don't see the risk implications of the Brexit vote on the U.S. economy. You can read about the effects of Brexit on the U.S. and get an outlook for the second half of 2016 in my latest Investment Overview.
Worries about China's Economy Lead to Weak Market Results
The markets became concerned over falling GDP growth in China in January. Because China is the second-largest trading partner of the U.S., any shock to the Chinese economy creates waves for the U.S. economy. For more information about how the markets fared in the first quarter and my outlook for the rest of 2016, read Mac Johnston's Investment Overview.
Poor Showing in 2015 Gives Way to Opportunities in 2016
Most investors would rather forget 2015, as diversification worked against them and resulted in negative returns. However, 2016 could be a good year for investors if the Fed moves slowly in raising interest rates and China has a soft landing. Read more and get an outlook for the year in Mac Johnston's latest Investment Overview.

Factoring Digital Assets into Your Estate Plan
Think of all the digital photos, travel rewards, electronic statements, email accounts, drop boxes and social media profiles you've collected through the years. To ensure your fiduciary can access your digital assets, either to preserve, transfer or close accounts, your estate planning documents must indicate how you wish to dispose of them.
Helping New Grads Navigate their Finances
Before you know it the college seniors in your life will be launching their careers. It’s an exciting but scary time, and they’re going to need all the support they can get. Here are a few ways you can help new grads get a handle on their financial matters.
EMV Cards: What's The Advantage?
Magnetic-stripe transactions have been the credit-card standard for generations. But a new standard has taken over. EMV, which stands for Europay, MasterCard and Visa, is a global standard for cards equipped with computer chips and the technology used to authenticate chip-card transactions. The major difference between magnetic-stripe and EMV-chip transactions is the increased security that EMV provides. But there are many other aspects that allow the new EMV standards to outshine the older magnetic-stripe process.

Working Longer May Help You Prosper
No one typically dreams of toiling away at the office after they’ve hit full retirement age, but working for a few more years could make a big difference in your post-retirement lifestyle.
6 Money Management Strategies for Retirees
Here are some strategies for retirees to make the most of what they have saved and make sure it lasts.
10 Things You Need to Know about Social Security
Here are 10 facts everyone should know about Social Security before making any retirement plans.