Blog
Create your own Blue Dot to experience Blue Zone benefits
What if you had the recipe of life choices that could help you live longer, healthier, and happier? That is exactly what studies show happens in “Blue Zones,” parts of the world with unusually high numbers of happy centenarians. If you don’t live in a Blue Zone, you do not have to move. You can strive to create your own Blue Dot right where you are. Read on for some of…
An opportunity within a crisis within a crisis within a crisis
In this time of national stress, the global coronavirus pandemic and the economy have taken a back seat to the centuries-old and often ignored and re-opened wounds of the Black community. Individuals, companies and other institutions have a new opportunity to listen and create a better path. We stand in support of equality and dignity WealthStep condemns racism and discrimination and stands in support of equality and dignity for all…
The rationale for investment manager changes
Sometimes, WealthStep needs to change the investments (i.e. mutual funds) held within 401k plan portfolios, or WealthStep Direct (for individual investors outside of retirement plans) portfolios. Rebalancing and tax loss harvesting for taxable portfolios are ways to keep portfolios’ allocation in check and lower tax bills, but what happens when a specific investment manager of a mutual fund or other vehicles needs a change? How does WealthStep decide when to…
Q1-2020 Quarterly Context Webinar
How did coronavirus affect the markets as a wet blanket? How does the coronavirus stock market compare to another virus period? What’s next? Big government rescue packages. What caused the 1-year numbers to be only mildly negative? Why was the broad bond market also negative in March? What should you focus on now? The virus “corner” and markets. How diversified portfolios have fared. Is the market still above average for…
Drawing from experience to navigate uncertainty
These past several weeks are a good reminder of the value of humility in facing something not seen before. There potential economic implications of COVID-19 are significant, and there are learnings from past crises, even if they were different. Back to basics It is very difficult, but especially important, to rely on fundamentals at times like this. The disruption that COVID-19 brought forces all people to get back to basics…
Volatility, Optimism, and Q1 Market Details
There’s no question we’re all living in unsettled times. Global citizens and the world economy are under stress, and uncertainty is heightened in all aspects of our lives. People are worried about their health, and that of family, friends, neighbors. Some have temporarily or permanently lost jobs or taken a hit to their income. Leaders of many companies are forced to make difficult decisions. Social distancing is impacting the human…
Why rebalancing your portfolio in the midst of crisis is essential for long term success
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the term rebalancing now extends past investment portfolios as we all rebalance our lives around staying at home, creatively social distancing, and protecting our health. It is a rebalancing act that people did not anticipate; we’re all learning lessons that will linger on once this crisis is behind us. The rebalancing that WealthStep does for 401k plans and “WealthStep Direct” individual clients, however, is…
The CARES Act: help for individuals and small businesses
As we adjust to the effects of COVID-19 in our lives, stimulus package passed by Congress on March 27th may help individuals and small businesses. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, as well as previously announced tax filing relief, should help with business and personal cash flows and provide economic stimulus. In addition, prior action by the Federal Reserve to reduce interest rates and provide liquidity…