The second week of the year showed gains for our major indexes. Weekly performance for the S&P 500 was up 2.67%, the Dow Jones was up 2.00%, and the NASDAQ was up 4.82%.

Stocks kicked off the first week of 2023 in positive territory while U.S. Treasury yields and the dollar fell after December's well-received employment report showed continued strength in hiring combined with slowing wage growth.

You’ve done the research, you’ve made the decision to adopt, and you’re ready to get started building your family. But one thing is standing in your way – how do you cover the unknown, generally expensive costs associated with adoption? And how do you determine which financing options are best for your family?

Despite last week’s encouraging CPI release showing further moderation in consumer price growth, U.S. equity markets logged a second consecutive week of losses as recession concerns grew in response to the Federal Reserve maintaining aggressive monetary policy pressure amid signs of weakening growth.

While you’re putting together your New Year’s Resolutions, why not add a new budget or new investments to the list? Michael Joyce, President of First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors, says coming up with a solid financial plan can go a long way towards starting the year off right.