Inflation is coming down, but stubbornly. Economists see the chance of some level of recession increasing, could that be a good thing? Low unemployment and low consumer confidence don’t usually happen at the same time, but inflation dynamics partly explain why. Cash and crypto showed unusual risks at different ends of the risk spectrum, who’s to blame? That and more in this quarter’s Quarterly Context webinar …Watch to stay relaxed…
April was Financial Literacy Month, which led to a flurry of articles about the retirement crisis in the U.S. One piece noted that the “average” retirement savings amount, paltry though it is, is often an overstated figure because it is the average (i.e. mean) rather than the mid-point (i.e. median) and therefore overstates the “average” savings level. It indicated that although the “average American” has about $200,000 in retirement savings, the median…
Why is the stock market cooling? Why and how many investors fail to do what disciplined/experienced investors do. People are still feeling confident about the future, but less so. Is your debt shrinking as a % of your income like the average person? How many times did the market drop 10% or more in the last 10 years? How common are market drops of -5%, -10%, -15% and -20%? Stock…
Is recent market volatility making you nervous? Perspective could help you stay calm and on track. Your financial journey is a lot like a car trip. On your route from point A to point B, while driving wisely, it is normal to experience stoplights, curvy roads, bad weather, or other elements that slow you down. A few times in your life, you might hit a pothole or nail that causes…
You can now save more in your retirement plan! See below for 2019 IRS contribution limit updates, and click the link for IRA account and other updates. 401(k), 403(b), 457 Plan deferral Limit: 2018: $18,500, 2019: $19,000 “Catch-up” Contribution >age 50: 2018: $6,000, 2019: $6,000 Defined Contribution Total Dollar Limit: 2018: $55,000, 2019: $56,000 Highly Compensated Employee definition: 2018: $120,000, 2019: $125,000 Click here for full IRS announcement of 2019…
As we hit the 10-year anniversary, there are lessons to learn from the economic challenges and 2nd worst market in history, and subsequent recovery, that began a decade ago. 10 years is long enough that some people don’t even remember this major financial event, while others feel like they are still recovering, given that the economy’s recovery has been gradual, even though the market’s recovery has been strong… maybe a…
What you should learn from the GFC (Global Financial Crisis) after 10 years. The economy is growing but with wobbles. How is the current market like the last major market rise? Patterns of how long the market rises and how much, vs. declines, can help you be a disciplined investor. Your focus should be different during accumulation vs. spending years. Market volatility creates tax savings opportunities, short and long-term. Learn…
