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Coronavirus and Your Investments

Jason L. Steele

Friday, March 27, 2020

Coronavirus and Your Investments "If you have trouble imagining a 20% loss in the stock market, you shouldn't be in stocks." -John Bogle As founder and former CEO of The Vanguard Group, John Bogle advocates a common sense approach to...

Getting a Head Start on College Savings The hows and whys of college savings. The average American family with a child born today can expect to spend about $233,610 to raise that child to the age of 18. And once they've transitioned...

Your financial future is up to you and no one else. What will your future look like? You know that solid retirement strategy takes your time horizon, an often unpredictable factor, into consideration. Your thinking must include an...

Unrealized Loss and Gain For many investors, it can be tempting to think of one's portfolio in terms of “gains” or “losses”...and yes, that is a central concept to understanding market behavior. But if you truly...

Do-it-yourself investment management is generally a bad idea for the retail investor. We've highlighted 9 of the biggest temptations and shortcomings that often plague DIY investors below: 1. Getting caught up in the moment. When you...

Corporations are transferring pension liabilities to third parties. Where does this leave retirees? A new term has made its way into today’s financial jargon: de-risking. Anyone with assets in an old-school pension plan should...

Consider an IRA Charitable Rollover If you want a tax break and want to help a nonprofit, this may be a good move. Have you ever wanted to make a major charitable gift? Would you like a significant federal tax break in acknowledgment...

The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 1998, there were only 29; at the end of 2018, there were over 1,900 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities and instruments.1 At first glance,...

Six overlooked tax deductions to help you manage your tax bill. Who among us wants to pay the Internal Revenue Service more taxes than we have to? While few may raise their hands to voluntarily pay more taxes, Americans regularly...

The list of these options has grown. An IRA, or Individual Retirement Account, is a tax-advantaged savings account that is subject to special rules regarding contributions and withdrawals. One of the central rules of IRAs is that...

Reducing the Risk of Outliving Your Money What steps might help you sustain and grow your retirement savings? “What is your greatest retirement fear?” If you ask any group of retirees and pre-retirees this question,...

Strategic vs. Tactical Investing How do these investment approaches differ? Ever heard the term “strategic investing”? How about “tactical investing”? At a glance, you might assume that both these phrases...

The changes to the Internal Revenue Code (I.R.C.) for 2019 are certainly less extensive than the ones made for 2018. Nevertheless, some significant alterations and adjustments to the I.R.C. are evident this year. This guide reviews the...

For the first time in months, U.S. markets experienced little movement last week.[1] The Dow and NASDAQ did have their 5th week of gains in a row, but their increases were small: 0.12% and 0.11%, respectively. Meanwhile, the S&P 500...

A look at who is affected, and the potential economic impact. Right now, many households across the country are contending with the financial pressures resulting from the partial federal government shutdown. About 800,000 federal...

U.S. markets were up again last week, as major domestic indexes posted their 4th weekly gains in a row.[1] In fact, the S&P 500 was no longer in correction territory at Friday's close - and was in the middle of its best yearly start...

After months of volatility, markets relaxed a bit last week. For the first time since October, the S&P 500 went 5 days without a 1% gain or loss.[1] The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, also fell to lower than 20 - in December, it...

In this month’s recap: equity and commodity markets experience major losses, the Fed sends a hawkish message, home sales improve, and the economy maintains its momentum. LAST MONTH IN BRIEF December 2018 will be remembered for...

The close of the year provides an opportunity for investors to step back and consider the wider financial landscape. This week, we're reviewing some key issues that defined 2018, as well as some factors that may influence financial...

Last week, domestic markets had some of their worst performance in 10 years.[1] The S&P 500 lost 7.05%, the Dow declined 6.87%, and the NASDAQ dropped 8.36%. All three indexes have now lost at least 8% in 2018.[2] On Friday, December...

“Together for Significance” is the tagline of our company and our motivation for the ways we try to serve our clients and greater community. With that in mind, our seasonal newsletters are intended as a fun, educational,...

Last week brought more volatility to the markets. While domestic indexes had some rallies as positive trade news emerged earlier in the week, by Friday, December 14, they had erased any gains. The last time major U.S. indexes ended in...

Markets went for another wild ride last week, as major domestic indexes swung back and forth. By Friday, December 7, markets had posted their worst weekly performance since March - and the S&P 500 and Dow both moved into negative...

With December 31st just around the corner, there are only a few weeks left to make the biggest possible impact for your favorite causes. Most non-profit and charity organizations will accept any type of asset, including non-cash gifts...

U.S. markets ended a volatile month on a high note Friday. All three major indices posted impressive increases for the week, buoyed by news from the Fed Reserve and international trade.[1] The S&P 500 jumped 4.85%, and the NASDAQ...

Last week was a tough one for markets. The S&P 500 dropped 3.79% and experienced its worst results during a Thanksgiving week since 1939.[1] While the index officially entered correction territory on Friday, it closed 10.2% below its...

Markets experienced more volatility last week, as perspectives on trade, tech, and retail pulled investor sentiment back and forth. Although domestic indexes were up on Friday, November 16, they still posted losses for the week.[1] In...

Are you moving? Thinking about moving? Here are some questions to ask yourself as you contemplate the next steps:[1] Can you afford to buy a house right now? How much money do you have saved? How long do you plan on staying in the...

Last week, markets experienced a 4-day winning streak before dropping on Friday, November 9. Despite those losses, domestic indexes posted gains for the week.[1] The S&P 500 increased 2.13%, the Dow added 2.84%, and the NASDAQ was up 0...

Markets posted strong gains last week after struggling for much of October. The S&P 500 had its best weekly performance since May, and the NASDAQ had its first positive week since September.[1] Despite domestic markets dropping on...

Last week did nothing to dispel October's reputation as a tough month for the markets. The S&P 500 lost 3.94%, the Dow declined 2.97%, and the NASDAQ dropped 3.78% during what was one of 2018's most volatile weeks so far. All three...

Your Diversified Portfolio vs. the S&P 500 How global returns and proper diversification are affecting overall returns. “Why is my portfolio underperforming the market?” This question may be on your mind. It is one that...

In the latter half of the 19th century, women entrepreneurs often ran peripheral, service-related businesses: taverns, alehouses, retail shops, hotels, even brothels.[1] It was a man’s world, and women without husbands often...

Volatility was back in full force last week. The three major domestic indexes posted several days of losses before experiencing wide swings on Friday. By week's end, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), which investors use to help measure...

Although new data continued to show strength in the U.S. economy, markets stumbled across the globe last week.[1] The S&P 500 lost 0.98%, the Dow dropped 0.04%, and the NASDAQ declined 3.21%.[2] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE...

Friday, September 28, was the last trading day in 2018's 3rd quarter, and the S&P 500 posted its strongest quarterly return in nearly 5 years.[1] The Dow also showed impressive returns by beating expectations for the quarter, while...

As a wealth management firm, we pride ourselves on offering you current and relevant information to guide you through your financial questions. Since we are the home of the IRA Enhancer®, retirement questions are welcomed by every...

Looking towards 2019 - How Do You Prepare Financially for the New Year? This newsletter takes a look at average American household income and expenses, and the important of making budgets and sticking to them. The months leading up to...

Last week brought new tariffs and data, and another look at changes coming to equity classifications. Overall, the S&P 500 gained 0.85% and the Dow was up 2.25%, while the NASDAQ dropped 0.29%.[1] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE...

A capricious planet earth makes natural disasters inevitable. Some years are worse than others, and relatively brief stretches of recorded history demonstrate the ferocity nature can superimpose on unsuspecting civilizations. In the...

Last week, the East Coast prepared for Hurricane Florence, which roared through the Carolinas and Georgia. As investors kept their eyes on the weather and its potential for destruction, estimates emerged of up to $27 billion in...

Domestic markets fell last week due to negative trade news and declining tech stocks, with the S&P 500 and Dow both breaking their multi-week winning streaks. Meanwhile, the NASDAQ posted losses for 4 days in a row for the first time...

Trade continued to dominate the news last week and cause market volatility as investors monitored discussions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and tension with China. While Mexico and the U.S. reached a new trade...

As you age, calculating the chances that you’ll need long-term care—and the associated costs—is incredibly important. More than half of people turning 65 will require long-term care during their lifetimes, and the...

Let's say you’re 6 months shy of your 60th birthday. You are 59½ to be exact. Why is that age sosignificant? It signifies a turning point of sorts in your life—on a number of fronts. In particular, the IRS allows you...

Last week marked a noteworthy milestone in our economy: On Wednesday, August 22, the bull market entered its 3,453rd day, the longest such run in U.S. history. In the past 9 plus years, domestic indexes have come quite a ways since...

Last week marked a noteworthy milestone in our economy: On Wednesday, August 22, the bull market entered its 3,453rd day, the longest such run in U.S. history. In the past 9 plus years, domestic indexes have come quite a ways since...

You’ve invested your life into caring for their well-being. You cherish them and want them to mature into smart, healthy, successful adults. Naturally, as they become adults and grow older, your authority over them recedes. They...

Challenges in emerging markets affected both U.S. and global stock performance last week, with the S&P 500 experiencing several down days.[1] By market close on Friday, however, two of the three major domestics posted gains for the...

2018 Halftime Report

Jason L. Steele

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Although we’re only halfway through 2018, the year has so far provided us with some very unique and encouraging insights into market forces and what we can expect in the months ahead. In this video, Jason Steele will explore and...

Fundamentally, the topic of tariffs is a good thing. Government leaders implement tariffs on foreign products and services to restrict imports by tacking on additional taxes or fees. The aim is to make foreign products less attractive...

Stocks ended the week in mixed territory as trouble with Turkey's currency affected U.S. equity performance on Friday, August 10.[1] For the week, the S&P lost 0.25%, the Dow declined 0.59%, and the NASDAQ increased 0.35%.[2]...

The Most Effective Tools of Risk Management

Jason L. Steele

Monday, August 13, 2018

As discussed in previous blog posts, Riskalyze provides many benefits that make risk management simple, quick, and effective for our Weston Banks clients. We believe that, by making the processes of risk evaluation and risk management...

Domestic markets ended last week in positive territory, as the S&P gained 0.76%, the Dow was up 0.05%, and the NASDAQ increased 0.96%.[1] This performance marked the 5th week in a row that the S&P 500 and Dow posted gains.[2]...

Make the Best Short-Term Decisions to Protect Long-Term Results

Jason L. Steele

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Clients occasionally ask: Why do you use a 6-month timeframe to measure the comfort levels and a portfolio’s 95% probability range? Our thesis is that investing a client in alignment with their Risk Number will empower them to...

Markets experienced a push-and-pull last week between data indicating strong economic growth and lagging performance from several tech stocks' earnings reports.[1] Domestic indexes had mixed results, as the S&P 500 gained 0.61%, the...

Today, Social Security benefits represent on average a third of retirees’ income. Nearly 90% of Americans 65 and older receive some type of Social Security benefits. About half of married couples and 71% of unmarried people on...

On Friday, July 20, stocks lost a small amount of ground after President Trump escalated his threats of increasing tariffs on China. However, strong quarterly earnings reports from several large companies helped provide balance in the...

This vital investment account question should be answered sooner rather than later. Investment firms have a new client service requirement. They must now ask you if you want to provide the name and information of a trusted contact.1...

Advising Young Investors

Jason L. Steele

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

We’re about to witness the greatest transfer of wealth in history. Over the next 30 years, baby boomers will pass $30 trillion in assets to their Generation X and millennial children. Anyone born between 1980 and 1997 falls into...

Last week, trade tensions with China lessened somewhat, while the 2nd quarter corporate earnings season started with mixed results. Against this backdrop, domestic stocks experienced sizable growth. By market's close on Friday, July...

Domestic stocks only traded for 4 days last week, due to the Independence Day holiday. In that time, all 3 major domestic indexes posted positive results for the week. The S&P 500 added 1.52%, the Dow gained 0.76%, and the NASDAQ...

The Value in Re-Evaluation

Jason L. Steele

Monday, July 9, 2018

How Often Should I Reassess Risk? Once you have your Risk Number, we can truly quantify your risk preferences and tailor a portfolio to match. Carrying the right amount of risk will set our clients up for long-term success, but over...

International trade concerns continue to create uncertainty in markets around the world.[1] Despite the markets' slight rises on Friday, June 29, they recorded losses for the week.[2] The S&P 500 fell 1.33%, the Dow gave back 1.26%,...

Stocks stumbled across the globe last week as trade tensions continued to escalate. Despite rebounding somewhat on Friday, the S&P 500 experienced its first weekly loss in a month, and the Dow posted its worst week since March.[1] The...

Understanding the Science of Risk

Jason L. Steele

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Managing risk can help our clients ensure they make the best decisions possible. We want to have personal conversations, and understand your priorities so that we can craft a portfolio that will help you accomplish your goals. However...

Last week stocks showed mixed results as political headlines continued to dominate the news. The Dow lost 0.89% and the S&P 500 was almost flat with a 0.02% gain.[1] The NASDAQ, on the other hand, reached a record high on Thursday and...

As last week ended, tension between the U.S. and some of its greatest allies was on the rise. Trade remained a hot-button topic ahead of the G-7 meeting in Canada, but investors seemed largely unfazed by the drama.[1] In fact, all 3...

Markets experienced heightened volatility this week, with the S&P 500 rising 0.49% and Dow dropping 0.48%. Meanwhile, the NASDAQ rose 1.62%, as international markets took a small dip, with the MSCI EAFE losing 1.10%.[1,2] The markets'...

Geopolitical uncertainty affected stocks last week, as the historic summit between the U.S. and North Korea began to look less likely. On Thursday, May 24, President Trump announced that the summit was off, and stocks stumbled in...

Major domestic indexes went down last week after all three gained more than 2% the previous week.[1] The S&P 500 dropped 0.54%, the Dow gave back 0.47%, and the NASDAQ lost 0.66%.[2] International stocks also stumbled; the MSCI EAFE...

On Friday, the markets closed the week gaining traction. The Dow had 7 days of consecutive growth, rising 2.34% - its largest weekly gain since March.[1] Meanwhile, the S&P 500 rose 2.41%, the NASDAQ jumped 2.68%, and the MSCI EAFE...

Domestic indexes posted strong results on Friday, May 4, as the latest labor report data lessened investors' concerns about inflation and interest rates. Nonetheless, stocks had mixed results last week.[1] The S&P 500 dropped 0.24%...

We just finished the busiest week of 1st quarter earnings season, and although many companies shared positive results, stock indexes experienced modest declines.[1] The S&P 500 lost 0.01%, the Dow dropped 0.62%, and the NASDAQ gave...