Your Money

We hope you had an excellent Fourth of July weekend!

Equity benchmarks soared to record highs in the first half of 2021, underpinned by a healthy rotation across a range of industries.

• Broad Market (S&P 500):  +8.6 2Q  |  +15.2 YTD
• Small Companies (Russell 2000):  +4.3 2Q  |  +17.5 YTD
• International Stocks (EAFE):  +5.4 2Q  |  +9.2 YTD
• Emerging Markets (MSCI EM):  +5.1 2Q  |  +7.4 YTD
• Bonds (Barclays Agg): +1.8 2Q  |  -1.6 YTD

Your Life

According to a Forbes article, over half of Americans over 55 still do not have a will. Despite popular belief (mom!), creating a will does not signal the grim reaper to come and take you away shortly thereafter. You need a will so that your hard-earned assets are distributed according to YOUR wishes. It also enables you to inform beneficiaries of where your assets are (think of that secret safe deposit box or storage) and to provide for your dependents (including pets). If you die without a will, your State of residence will step in and decide how your assets will be distributed. Here are 10 steps from US News & World Report to help get started and complete your will.

10 Steps to Writing a Will
by Emma Kerr

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