A noticeable shift occurred in the markets this quarter. After a strong run over the past two years, US stocks hit a roadblock while diversification outside of US stocks has rewarded disciplined investors.

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Debt can be an effective tool to build wealth—but only if used intelligently. Learn the difference between “good” and “bad” debt and how to use debt strategically to reach your financial objectives.

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The final quarter of 2024 closed on an upbeat note, with stocks finishing the year on solid footing. The S&P 500 posted an impressive 25% gain for the year, marking its second consecutive year of 20%-plus returns. Notably, this represents the fourth time in six years that the index has delivered returns of 20% or better.

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Investors have a reason to smile as stocks, bonds, and cash all posted positive returns this quarter. Tamer inflation gave the Federal Reserve (Fed) room to reduce rates for the first time since March 2020, with a 0.5% cut marking a shift toward a more balanced policy. For the year, the S&P 500 is up 22.1%, which is the best start to a year since 1997 and the best presidential election year since 1928 (Herber Hoover versus Al Smith for the history buffs).

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Looking to make a greater impact with your charitable giving? Donor Advised Funds offer flexibility and tax benefits that can help you maximize your contributions. Explore how DAFs can be a powerful tool in your financial plan.

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Traditionally, our clients opt to contribute annually or monthly to a 529 college savings plan, steadily building an account to cover higher education costs. While this approach is the most common, “superfunding” a 529 plan presents an exciting alternative.

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The year started on a strong note for stocks with the S&P 500 posting its best first quarter since 2019. The index is sitting at new all-time highs, being driven by resilient corporate profits, optimism that the economy has avoided a recession, and a continued boom in Artificial Intelligence (AI) spending. International and US small-cap stocks rallied along with their larger peers.

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As your income rises, it naturally creates additional complexity in your financial life. As you experience income jumps that are common in your 40s, you need to mind your personal savings gap. Your savings gap is how much of your household income you need to save or invest to reach your financial goals versus what you are saving. 

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At the start of the year, Wall Street strategists were predicting 2023 would see a recession and we would experience a tough year for stocks and bonds. We are glad that the experts missed the mark! The year's final quarter saw a strong rally across all asset classes, capping an excellent year for the markets.

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We are less than a year away from the 2024 presidential election. The 2020 election was one of the more contentious elections in US history and the 2024 edition appears to be headed in the same direction. This quarter, the top question we have heard in conversations with clients is, “How will the elections impact my investments?”

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Your financial well-being is a vital aspect of your overall life satisfaction. As the year draws to a close, these year-end financial tasks can help ensure you're on the right path to financial success and peace of mind in the coming year. This is also an ideal moment to discuss your financial goals and plans with your financial planner.

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From the investor perspective, the changes to the financial advisor model provide more options, transparency, and more services that used to be accessible only to those with a great deal of wealth. The fee-only fiduciary advisor gets paid to provide advice to their clients, whether in financial planning, asset management, or both.

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Rising interest rates weighed on stocks and bonds this quarter. The Federal Reserve increased short-term interest rates by 0.25% at their July meeting and left rates unchanged in their September meeting. The September meeting went as expected, the Fed signaled its commitment to keeping short-term interest rates higher for longer.

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Stocks winning streak continued, marking the third straight quarter of positive performance. The Federal Reserve (Fed) had two meetings in May and June. They increased rates by 0.25% in their first meeting, but elected not to raise rates in their second meeting.

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Imagine trying to put a price tag on your home at 4:00 pm EST daily or even every minute all day long. The process, and oftentimes the result, would drive you crazy! Think of the countless small things that could affect the price of your house.  

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The current I Bond yield, most recently adjusted in May of 2023, is 4.3%. Since these rates are tied to inflation, we have started to see the new 6-month interest rate offering come down as inflation is easing. 

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The markets started the year off on a positive note, with stock and bond prices moving higher despite encountering an unexpected shock in the banking sector. Stocks surged out of the gate in January, hoping that inflationary pressures would subside and the Federal Reserve (The Fed) could stop their rate increases.

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Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement, the SECURE 2.0 Act expands on the 2019 SECURE Act to make it easier to have a successful retirement. The legislation tackled retirement savings throughout several points on the financial journey, with a provision to facilitate saving and investing for almost everyone. 

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