The past few weeks are a period we won’t ever forget in the financial markets and more importantly, in life. Economies around the world simultaneously slowed as the COVID 19 virus impacted every corner of the planet over the past three months. This is unprecedented and has led to the fasted bear market (when stocks decline 20%) for stocks in the US. Over the next weeks and months, we expect record books to be rewritten as economic data declines faster than we have seen previously.
Read MoreHere is a summary of the critical legislation that went into effect on March 27, 2020. We’ve compiled the following review as a resource to find additional information on each of the program specifics. To see if you’re eligible for the benefits listed below, follow the links referenced. Please reach out if you need assistance determining which if any of these programs would be beneficial to you. We will do our best to update this information as new details present themselves.
Read MoreWe wanted to take a moment to give you an update on the current market conditions and our thinking.
We expect there to continue to be large daily moves in the stock markets until we see stability in the bond markets.
Bonds are normally boring investments, but in the current environment, there is above average volatility. Once this settles down, and it will, we should see less pronounced moves in stocks.
As we said last week in our note, we would likely trim some investments. There has been selling and some reallocating in your accounts. These are actions we have taken to raise some additional cash.
Read MoreWe wanted to share some updated thoughts with you about the continued sell off in the stock market. We understand that you are probably nervous and that is ok. Bear markets are not the fun part of investing, but things will recover.
Read MoreHome equity line of credits or HELOCs are usually thought of as a tool to pay for a kitchen remodel or to update a bathroom. Outside of this use, they can be an important component of your financial plan to provide greater financial flexibility. HELOCs can be a savvy cash management tool when used selectively. Given the low interest rate environment and the appreciation housing has seen, it is worth revisiting how a HELOC might fit into your financial plan.
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One of the essential steps in creating a life of financial stability is to create an emergency fund. There is nothing fun or exciting about emergency savings; it’s like insurance – boring, but necessary. You can think of your emergency savings like insurance for living your life.
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Markets around the globe experienced a surge in the fourth quarter. This move drove annual gains over 20% for the first time since 2017. Stocks were lifted by improving economic outlook, a potential resolution to the US/China trade war, and additional easing by central banks around the world. All major international markets posted a positive return in the quarter.
Read MoreStocks had their best annual performance since 2013 and bonds had their strongest year since 2003. This was the 7th best year for the S&P 500 since 1950. The rally in all asset classes can be attributed to a bounce back from the tough fourth quarter of 2018 as well as improving economic conditions, progress on the US-China trade front, and three cuts by the Federal Reserve (Fed).
Read MoreWith the end of the year quickly approaching, it is an ideal time to review your 401k account. We sometimes take for granted that our 401k’s essentially run themselves once we set up our initial contributions and select our investments. It’s important from time to review what’s going on in your 401k account or any other corporate retirement accounts. The end of the year provides a great time to organize your plans for your retirement savings strategy so that you can start strong in the new year.
Read MoreThe end of the year is upon us and this is a great time to look back at some of the books our team has read this year. Andrew has put together a list of his favorite reads from the past 12 months. There is something for everyone on this list!
Read MoreThe 2020 presidential election is upon us and it is shaping up to be the most contentious election in a generation. The top question we keep getting asked is what this election might mean for your investments. Given the polarity of this election cycle, we decided to look at the historical market performance for stocks during election cycles to take some of the political noise out of this discussion. You may be surprised with what the data shows.
Read MoreThese are the must-have conversations with your parents to start if you want to help them smoothly transition into retirement and beyond.
Read MoreThe IRS recently released contribution limit and income limit updates that will go into effect for retirement savers in 2020. While the amounts you can contribute to IRAs and Roth IRAs have not increased, there are some important increases for your employer retirement plans to highlight, allowing you to save even more for retirement.
Read MoreCastlebar Asset Management and Fresh Financial Planning have joined together under a new name, Beyond Wealth.
Read MoreWant to make the most of your company benefits? Use this open enrollment checklist to make sure you don’t miss a thing
Read MoreIf you’re like most entrepreneurs, you want to bet on yourself. But you need to consider if you need to continue to invest in your business - or diversify.
Read MorePaying for private schools is a sacrifice for parents. Here are some strategies to help make private school tuition less painful.
Read MoreMaxing your 401(k) too soon each year could be causing you to leave some of your employer match on the table.
Read MoreAfter tax 401(k) contributions have been a tricky area to navigate in the past. Thanks to an IRS ruling you can now roll them into a Roth IRA. Here are some reasons why it makes sense to supersize your 401(k) contributions.
Read MoreSEP-IRAs have been the most common retirement plan for self-employed` individuals and small businesses owners. They allow business owners to contribute a chunk of money to their retirement plans while reducing their tax bills at the same time. Individual 401(k) may work better for you and have some different features that could be beneficial.
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