The major indices had mixed returns last week with the Dow Jones down 1.29%, and the NASDAQ and S&P 500 both up 1.27% and .36%, respectively. Concerns of rising Covid cases in Europe led to the tech stocks outperforming the other sectors.

To gain insight into the current policies and practices of the Federal Reserve (the Fed), we first need to look back into recent history and review the series of events that led us to where we are today. As a backdrop to the entire story, it is critical to understand that former Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke was a lifelong student of the Great Depression.

GOOD NEWS! Starting in 2022 IRA and retirement plans required minimum distributions (RMD) will be somewhat smaller. Why might you ask? Because the population’s life expectancy is getting longer, the IRS released new life expectancy tables that will be used starting with the 2022 RMDs.

Between work and home life, it can be tough to find time to visit a bank and open a new account. Fortunately, with First Merchants it’s easier than ever to open an account entirely online. From start to finish, opening a personal checking or savings account through the First Merchants website or mobile app can be done in just a few minutes.

Buying a home is the largest purchase most people ever make. Since the typical homebuyer doesn’t have the savings required to purchase a house with cash, they borrow the funding from a bank or lending agency, usually in the form of a mortgage.