Posted on April 5, 2022
Which Tax Documents Should I Save, Which Should I Shred?
For many, 2021 was consigned to history with the recent filing of their 2021 returns. The only remaining question—what financial records do I need to keep and which ones can I safely shred? The attached article seeks to address this lingering concern. After all, who doesn’t want a more organized desk or file draw?
Posted on March 9, 2022
3 Views on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been nothing short of a humanitarian disaster. The global financial and political strife that has followed pales in comparison with the hardship and loss of life perpetrated on the Ukrainian people. Yet as investors, we must look at the economic and financial implications. Attached are three perspectives, each from a highly respected industry veteran, on the impact to the world economy, financial system and political order. We welcome any questions you may have.
Posted on February 16, 2022
How Much Will the Fed Raising Interest Rates Affect You?
If the Fed begins raising interest rates next month, as it is widely expected to do, how will you be affected? How much will you be affected? The consensus among investors is for several rate hikes this year. What will be the impact? This article offers some important perspective.
Posted on February 16, 2022
How to Avoid a Tax Bomb When Selling Your Home
Low interest rates have spiked demand for housing over the last two decades. Sale prices have more than doubled. But like all capital assets that have increased in value, taxing authorities look to collect when it’s time to sale. You can, however, lessen the hit, to your bottom line.
Posted on January 18, 2022
2022 Financial Planning Outlook: 3 Trends and Implications
As we enter what may well be a period of transition, effective planning will become increasingly important. As highlighted in the attached piece from Schwab, one of our two recommended custodians, three planning trends will likely dominate the near term—rising inflation, taxes, and the changing landscape of a post-COVID world. In sum, Schwab’s position, and ours—successful investors always start with a plan.
2021 has been a boom year for equity markets, while inflation expectations have shifted, and many workers in the emerging post-COVID world have reconsidered what their work, finances, time, and health mean to them. As always, we believe that successful investors start with a plan—whether it’s to start saving and investing, or to manage, protect, and use wealth they already have. Heading into 2022, we see three trends that could have implications for financial planning and wealth management:
Posted on January 18, 2022
Why a January Market Correction Might be Good
Are market corrections healthy? In a word, “yes”. Are market pullbacks common? Very. Corrections prevent bubbles, which occur when market valuations are no longer supported by underlying earnings. Investors become speculators. When a bubble bursts, it can send shock waves throughout the market and economy. On the other hand, a correction, while at times disconcerting, is simply a value re-set. And, yes, that is healthy.
Why a January Market Correction Might be Good
Source: Financial Media Exchange
Posted on January 18, 2022
2022 Outlook: Long-Term Perspective on Markets and Economies
Over the past ten-plus years, we have witnessed unprecedented growth in equity markets, as Central Banks around the world lowered interest rates and boosted bond purchases. Rising inflation is now expected to force these bankers to curtail stimulus, amidst a back-drop of geo-political concerns–slowing growth in China, Russian troops amassing on the Ukraine border, and mid-term elections stateside. Economic growth is expected to continue, sustaining advancements in equity valuations. Still increased volatility may become the norm as markets grapple with uncertainty. While investors should prepare for some instability, they should also prepare to stay the course; a long-term perspective is the best defense. Allocation and fundamental selection will be critical, as investors embrace a changing horizon.
Long-Term Perspective on Markets and Economies
source: Capital Group Outlook 2022 Edition
Posted on January 17, 2022
Charitable Giving and Your Financial Plan
Generosity is great. But should it be spontaneous? Rarely, if ever. Giving has two components—where you give and how your give. First, there is the legacy you want to leave, the values you want to impart to future generations. Second, determining the best way to give. We have been privileged to help many families and individuals implement a strategy. Attached is a short video, a conversation starter. Let’s talk.
Posted on December 10, 2021
2022 Benefit Plan Limits & Thresholds Chart
Contribution limits to benefit plans have grown significantly over the years. But the growth is largely the result of inflation. Did you know that in 1986, an employee could contribute only $7,000.00 to his/her 401k plan? What’s more, there was no Catch-up provision for those 50 and older.
This year (2021) employees can contribute up to $19,500. Those 50 and older can contribute an additional $6,500. Employee and employer contributions are capped at $58,000.
Once again in 2022, both the 401k employee contribution and the total contribution limit will increase. But 401ks are not alone. The Internal Revenue Code requires contribution caps to be adjusted annually for retirement plans, IRAs, pension benefits, HSAs, and even how much of your benefits will be subject to the Social Security Tax.
The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) has compiled the attached chart detailing the new contribution limits for 2022. We will soon be reaching out to our clients, encouraging them to take full advantage of this opportunity for increased deferrals and tax savings.
2022 Benefit Plan Limits and Thresholds Chart
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Posted on February 16, 2022
2022 Global Outlook
by C. Todd Fry, CIMA(R), CFS
As we ushered in 2022, much of the investment community was already preparing for a ‘new normal’. Most agree that we will likely never eradicate COVID. Inflation may remain elevated for some time, as the Fed fears acting too aggressively and plunging the economy into recession. And heightened geo-political tensions persist. Is it a ‘new normal’ or an ever-evolving landscape? Either way, markets can, will, and must adapt.
2022 Global Outlook