Articles

The Cost (or lack thereof) of Trading 

Pros:   Cons:   Zero commission online trading fits the current and evolving landscape of the world, economy, and financial industry. Additionally, fair, quick and affordable access to data, information, and opportunity to participate in markets will continue to be asked for and expected by investors. Although caution is warned, (and certainly warranted in cases) the democratization of trading through decreased commission and fees has made trading and investing more accessible to people from different demographics and economic statuses.    Sources:  Investing costs fall again: Fidelity, Schwab cut commissions | AP News Charles Schwab is eliminating online commissions for trading in US stocks and ETFs Fidelity cuts fees to $0 as it jumps on zero-commission bandwagon | The WealthAdvisor Trading fees on

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Howe & Rusling's leadership team, from left to right: Sarah Swan, Craig Cairns, Emily Lambert, Casey Ryan, Dylan Potter

Howe & Rusling Remains Independent in an Era of RIA Consolidation 

The landscape of wealth management is changing fast. According to industry data from Echelon Partners, 2025 deal-volume among registered investment advisors (RIAs) is on pace to break previous records. At Howe & Rusling, we believe there’s value in staying the course. We remain independent and wholly employee-owned — because we believe personal relationships, community presence, and fiduciary focus help you pursue your financial goals.

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Investing in a Retirement Plan: Mutual Funds, Advisory Services, and Self-Directed Brokerage 

Many clients have asked us, “Can you help me choose investments in my 401(k)?” While we manage IRAs and other investment accounts for our clients, we can’t always directly manage employer retirement plans. If you are still working, you are likely to have at least some assets in your current employer’s retirement plan, and it may be a substantial portion of your overall portfolio. It’s just as important to make smart decisions about these assets as it is with the accounts we manage. With that in mind, we want to help you understand the various investment options most commonly available in employer-sponsored retirement plans. We hope this knowledge will help you feel more confident when choosing investments for your portfolio.

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Avoid These 12 Common IRA Mistakes 

IRAs have become an increasingly popular tool among Americans when saving for retirement. By way of contributions, conversions, and direct rollovers, IRA assets totaled $14.3 trillion as of March 2024 (NerdWallet). While opening the account and making a contribution has been made simple by a number of different custodians, it is much harder to navigate the complex rules regarding which type of IRA to contribute to, what you should be invested in, and when you can distribute your money. Here are 12 common mistakes to avoid when managing your IRA.

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Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington, D.C.

The Federal Reserve’s Dual Mandate: Maximum Employment and Price Stability 

The Federal Reserve plays a critical role in shaping the U.S. economy through its dual mandate: maximum employment and price stability. In this article, John Vanden Brul, Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, explains the Fed’s history, responsibilities, and the tools it uses to influence economic conditions. He also examines recent inflation and employment data, the Fed’s latest decisions, and what they could mean for markets going forward.

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