3 Ways to Negotiate Like a Pro

Negotiation is a skill that is essential in various aspects of life, including business, relationships, and everyday interactions. Whether you're negotiating a business deal, a salary, or even deciding where to go for dinner with your friends, knowing how to negotiate effectively can make a signifi

Fed's Decision: Rates Unchanged

The Federal Reserve made the decision to maintain its target interest rate for the second consecutive policy meeting, acknowledging the robust growth witnessed in recent months. Why it matters: By keeping the benchmark federal funds rate within the range of 5.25% to 5.5%, the central bank's unanimo

How is the Feds fighting Inflation?

The Federal Reserve is preparing to enter a new phase in its battle against inflation, but its massive balance sheet will continue to be a crucial factor. In the past year and a half, the Fed has aggressively raised interest rates to their highest level in over two decades, using this tool to contr

Amazon Begins Relocating Employees to Bellevue

  Amazon has relocated approximately 1,000 employees from Seattle to Bellevue, Washington, as part of its plan to eventually employ 25,000 people in the area.   The company has completed construction up to the 19th floor of the 555 Tower in Bellevue, with the remaining floors awaiting interior buil

Consumers Starting to Buckle for First Time in more than a Decade

  According to former Walmart U.S. CEO Bill Simon, consumers are starting to buckle under various economic pressures, including inflation, higher interest rates, federal budget issues, polarized politics, and student loan repayments. Simon also cites new global tensions connected to violence in Is

6 Things To Do When Hiring a Financial Advisor

  Encouraging people to make smart financial decisions. Choosing a financial advisor is a significant decision that can shape your financial future for years to come. According to a study by Northwestern Mutual, the majority of American adults recognize the need for improvement in their financial p

Fed's Held Rate Steady at 5.25-5.50%

  There is a glimmer of hope for the housing market as the U.S. Federal Reserve decided against raising interest rates, providing some stability. Over the past year and a half, the Fed's rate hikes have negatively impacted the housing market, aiming to curb inflation and cool down the soaring real

Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans: Empowering Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth

  Starting and growing a small business can be a challenging endeavor, often requiring access to capital and financial resources. The Small Business Administration (SBA) plays a critical role in supporting entrepreneurs by providing loans and assistance programs tailored to meet the unique needs of

Focus on Existing Customers to Unlock Growth

  In the face of competition, many established companies tend to prioritize acquiring new customers to fuel their growth. However, a more effective strategy lies in focusing on existing customers, as it not only optimizes the current business but also lays the groundwork for future expansion. Experi

Buying a home likely won’t become more affordable this summer

  This summer, it is unlikely that buying a home will become more affordable. The Federal Reserve recently increased its interest rates in an effort to combat inflation. Although mortgage rates are not directly tied to the Fed's rates, they have been moving in the same upward direction. This means

Foreign buyers bailing from the U.S. housing market

  The allure of the U.S. housing market is waning for international buyers due to a combination of factors. Skyrocketing mortgage rates, exorbitant home prices, limited inventory, and the strength of the dollar have collectively diminished the financial appeal of purchasing properties. From April o

Is the Housing Market Heading Toward a Soft Landing?

  The notion of a smooth landing is a topic of discussion lately, as experts speculate whether the Federal Reserve's interest rate increases can achieve the delicate balance of curbing inflation without causing a recession. However, amidst these deliberations, one may wonder if this anticipated gent

Fitch downgrades U.S. Credit rating from top score

  Following the resolution of the debt-ceiling crisis, Fitch has downgraded the credit rating for the U.S. government from AAA to AA+. In a statement, the rating agency expressed concerns about the declining standards of governance in the country, particularly in fiscal and debt matters. Fitch high

Seattle's recovery compared to other cities

  Cities were once described with negative terms such as "fiscal doom loop," "transit death spiral," and "office apocalypse" due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact. However, recent research shows that this trend is reversing as residential neighborhoods are thriving while downtowns struggle. Newly r

Federal Reserve pauses rate-hikes for first time in 15 months

  The Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady at the end of its two-day policy meeting may come as a relief to some, but for consumers, it doesn't offer much respite from record-high borrowing costs. The central bank has raised its benchmark borrowing rate 10 times since March 2022,