After 8 years of positive market returns and increased uncertainty in politics, should you be more worried about market fluctuation risk? Is it “different this time” and should you be more conservative as an investor? It is common to feel nervous and have questions questions at this point in a market cycle and when the Oval Office has changed hands. It may make sense to make a change if you…
It’s a new year and president, and with that comes uncertainty and many opinions about the direction of the investment markets. What’s key to remember is that uncertainty is nothing new. Studies suggest that despite major political and economic events that can impact returns in unpredictable ways in the short-run, it’s better to keep stay away from the panic button if you want better long-term results. A recently updated Dalbar,…
Below are the IRS updates for 2017, which are similar to 2016 due to low inflation. Read on for special opportunities to save more… 401(k), 403(b), 457 Plan deferral Limit: 2016: $18,000, 2017: $18,000 “Catch-up” Contribution >age 50: 2016: $6,000, 2017: $6,000 Defined Contribution Plan Total Dollar Limit: 2016: $53,000, 2017: $54,000 Highly Compensated Employee definition: 2016: $120,000, 2017: $120,000 Click here for full IRS announcement of 2017 limits Some…
Life would be less interesting if we knew how everything would turn out in advance. However, the same factor of the unknown that makes investment markets nervous is what makes investing attractive in the long-run. Unpredictability can cause asset prices to drop, but is also indirectly what pushes prices higher when good news occurs and fear diminishes. Over the last year, surprises included continued slow global growth, the first interest…
Stock market volatility attracts a lot of attention in the news, which causes some people to believe that such fluctuations are the only retirement preparation risk. In reality, there are other risks that are worse. Here’s the lowdown… When scared investors reduce volatility risk (i.e. reduce or get out of stocks), other risks increase… inflation and longevity risk. Inflation risk is about rising prices, if your savings value isn’t also…
Given the recent increase in market volatility, the article below may be a helpful read. As a WealthStep client or follower, you may have heard these timeless ideas before in our letters, webinars, and blog / Facebook / Twitter posts (follow us to get helpful thoughts and reminders!).
