wealth management

The Final Countdown, Make the Most of It!

jim Financial advisor, Investing, Investment Management, Retirement Planning, wealth management , , , , , ,

There’s nothing like the pressure of a deadline to get people moving. Last week, the countdown began into the final 100 days of 2023. Stop wasting days and make the most of it.

This week let’s emphasize the importance of making the most of these remaining days. And with good reason: The pursuit of goals – and stretching toward new ones – is not just about accumulating wealth; it’s also about feeling a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and happiness. By setting clear objectives and holding fast to your ultimate long-term strategy – especially amid uncertain times like we’re facing now with a looming government shutdown, striking workers, and a high interest rate environment – it’s still possible to not only survive these ups and downs but thrive despite them. Ask me how.

Final Countdown

We review your position this fall and decide where to make progress before the holidays hit. Amidst the chaos of modern life and the confusing economic landscape, finding clarity and focus can be a game-changer for your financial well-being. The art of subtraction is a powerful tool that can help you navigate through the noise and concentrate on your core long-term goals.

In a world that often encourages accumulation and constant addition, the concept of subtracting may seem counterintuitive. The practice of distilling your aspirations down to their essence is liberating. We often find ourselves chasing after an extensive bucket list, constantly consumed by desires for more. I invite you to try creating a “chuck it list” – a collection of things, experiences, or even habits that you are willing to let go of to simplify your life.

We have developed a strategic financial plan that aligns with your values and aspirations. Helping you pursue the life you truly desire. When you feel overwhelmed by options, headlines, and other distractions, reach out. I can help you subtract the unnecessary and stay on track.

Have a great day, the Final Countdown (for 2023) is here, make the most of it!

Click here if you would like to learn more about your options and if we can assist you with your wealth management, investment, and retirement planning.

Financial Advisor Erie CO investments, wealth management, retirement planning in Boulder, Broomfield, Louisville, Niwot, Lafayette, Windsor, Berthoud, CO

#investing #marketbrief #stockmarket #retirement #wealthmanagement #financialadvisor #retirementplanning #investmentmanagement #retirementincomeplanning

This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be specific advice or recommendations. For specific advice or recommendations you would need to meet directly with one of our advisers. This is not a solicitation or offer of service in states we are not licensed in.

Love & Money – Long-term & Patient

jim Financial advisor, Investment Management, Market Brief, Retirement Planning, wealth management , , , ,

February is Valentine’s Day month. It’s the time of year for thoughts to turn to how best to express your love to that special someone in your life. Whether a bouquet of flowers, a night out at a fancy restaurant, or a special surprise gift. Money is often how we convey how important they are to us.

For though love is not reducible to what we spend, money is a store of what we value, a repository of time and work, saved and invested over years—if not decades—for the betterment of ourselves, as well as those whom we love.

But it’s not always easy to negotiate the right balance between putting in the necessary work to achieve your financial goals and spending enough time with loved ones. That’s what I’m here for: helping you to best manage your finances, relieving its pressures, allowing you to optimize not only your life, but also those of your loved ones.

Love

Can you answer yes to any of these questions:

  • Do you buy your Valentines on Feb. 14th?
  • Are you putting off your taxes until closer to April 18th?
  • Do you play football for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Then you might be the kind of person who accomplishes things at the last minute. Granted, if you played for the Chiefs, you’d also have a nice big Super Bowl ring to show for it, but the sentiment remains.

In this ever-quickening digital age, we can accomplish more faster than ever. At times it seems as though procrastination is encouraged if not enabled. In my line of work, the focus is on planning ahead. A plan in place helps you to better prepare for when life’s unexpected ups and downs arrive.

The key word here is prioritization. You must know what to put off until later and what you should do right now. Reach out if I can further assist you in any way.

Never hesitate to let me know how I can help!

Last Week

U.S. equities pulled back from recent highs, accompanied by a spike in volatility as rising interest rates weighed on investor sentiment. Investors evaluated the possibility that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates higher for longer as it looks to fight inflation. All indexes finished down. The Dow down 0.11%, S&P 1.07%, and Nasdaq 2.37%.

Week Ahead

Inflation will dominate the headlines this week, the U.S. CPI arrived this morning, right in-line with expectations. UK CPI follows on Wednesday and U.S. PPI on Thursday. Year-to-date index performance; Dow up 2.18%, S&P up 6.54%, and Nasdaq up 11.96% through the close on Friday.

Independent, fee-only, fiduciary standard | Erie CO Financial Advisor serving greater Denver/Boulder | Investment Management, Retirement Planning, Wealth Management

#investing #marketbrief #stockmarket #retirement #wealthmanagement #financialadvisor #retirementplanning #investmentmanagement #retirementincomeplanning

Click here if you would like to learn more about your options and if we can assist you with your wealth management, investment, and retirement planning.

This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be specific advice or recommendations. For specific advice or recommendations you would need to meet directly with one of our advisers. This is not a solicitation or offer of service in states we are not licensed in.

From Halloween to Fall Back – Market Brief Nov 1, 2022

jim Financial advisor, Investment Management, Market Brief, Retirement Income Planning, Retirement Planning, wealth management , , , , ,
halloween

With Halloween behind us, I wanted to share some updates that I thought you’d enjoy. A mix of timely information about what is going on right now. Halloween is unique in that it’s filled with sights and sounds that try to tempt our fear. Sometimes it make us feel uncomfortable or afraid — with much of it staged. 

It reminds me of the acronym F.E.A.R.: False Evidence Appearing Real. Be on the lookout for F.E.A.R. because, while fun on Halloween, it has no place in your financial strategy. With the right planning, we can help put you on a well-lit path moving boldly toward your long-term goals. Even amid troubling economic changes. As always, I’m right here with you through it all.

The next big event coming up is when we fall back an hour. Are you planning on sleeping away the extra hour you gain during daylight saving time this weekend? If so, you’ve made a fantastic choice. Getting enough sleep is a key principle to enjoying good mental and physical health. According to the New York Times, more than a third of Americans are sleep-deprived, which can have detrimental effects on mood, memory, and health. Quite often, it’s the little things that we do that can make the biggest impact in our lives — particularly when it comes to our health — be it mental, physical, or financial.

The following market brief provides high level review of what happened last week, and what to expect the rest of this week.

Last Week. Despite disappointing earnings reports from large-cap technology companies, U.S. equity indexes finished higher after a stronger-than-expected GDP report. A modest deceleration in wage growth is positive but will not change the Fed’s path on rate hikes. The underlying picture highlighted slowing economic trends in key areas like consumer spending and investment. The S&P 500 Index rose nearly 4% solidifying two consecutive weeks of recovery from lows earlier in the month. The index currently sits almost 9% above the most recent bear market low. October finished as another whipsaw month returning nearly 9% as four of the last six months have seen the index move up or down greater than 8%.

Consumer confidence fell to a 3-month low in October as inflation and the economic outlook weighed. Sharply rising mortgage rates have crushed the housing market, as new home sales plunged 11% Month-over-Month in September and pending sales sank 10.2%. Home prices have started to come down but not nearly enough to offset higher borrowing costs.

This Week. A busy week looms with the U.S. jobs report due on Friday. A growing economy and continued low unemployment data leave the Federal Reserve primed to raise interest rates to fight inflation. A fourth straight 75bps lift from the Fed is priced into the markets. Investors will watch how Chair Powell might try to lay the ground for a change in pace going forward. Earnings season is winding down, but a handful of key releases will likely confirm slowing economic conditions. Year-to-date index performance; Dow down 9.57%, S&P down 18.15%, and Nasdaq down 29.04% through the close on Friday.

Investing in yourself isn’t indulgent — it’s mission-critical during these turbulent times. Please reach out if you feel inspired by what you’ve read or if I can be of further assistance in your financial strategy and goals. Hope you has a fun, safe Halloween. Have a great week.

Click here if you would like to learn more about your options and if we can assist you with your wealth management, investment, and retirement planning.

Financial Advisor Erie CO focus on investment and wealth management, retirement planning; Boulder, Louisville, Niwot, Lafayette, Windsor, Berthoud, CO

This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be specific advice or recommendations. For specific advice or recommendations you would need to meet directly with one of our advisers.

Market Brief – October 18, 2022

jim Financial advisor, Investment Management, Market Brief, Retirement Income Planning, Retirement Planning, wealth management , , , , ,

Last week, the S&P500 reached a new weekly closing low for 2022. U.S. equities finished a roller coaster week lower after a hotter-than-expected inflation report. This week, earnings season heats up. Earnings calls should discuss how corporations and consumers are holding up and if inflation is starting to relent. The Dow up 1.17%, S&P down 1.5%, and Nasdaq down 3.1%.

Last Week

In an up and down week, the gains were short lived, as September’s retail sales came in flat. The S&P 500 Index returned -1.53% last week. The previous weeks gain was eliminated. Which was only the second positive week out of the last nine weeks of trading. The index has trended down in 2022 and marked a closing low last Wednesday of 3,577.03. The last time the S&P 500 was in this range was late November 2020. Inflation expectations rose in the consumer sentiment report released on Friday.

Week Ahead

This week, earnings calls ramp up and how companies and consumers are dealing with inflation will largely be in focus. Goldman Sachs, Netflix, Tesla, Proctor & Gamble, and American Express are some of the key companies scheduled to report. Housing starts and existing home sales for September will be released as mortgage rates have surged to 20-year highs.

Year-to-date index performance; Dow down 18.45%, S&P down 24.82%, and Nasdaq up 34.03% through the close on Friday.

Financial Advisor Erie CO focus on investment and wealth management, retirement planning; Boulder, Louisville, Niwot, Lafayette, Windsor, Berthoud, CO

Click here if you would like to learn more about your options and if we can assist you with your wealth management, investment, and retirement planning.

This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be specific advice or recommendations. For specific advice or recommendations you would need to meet directly with one of our advisers.

Game-Changing 4th Quarter

jim Financial advisor, Investment Management, Market Brief, Retirement Income Planning, Retirement Planning, wealth management , , , , ,
4th quarter

October marks the start of a fresh quarter — the 4th quarter, last one of the year. Knowing you only have 3 months left in 2022, what are you feeling pressed to accomplish? Entrepreneur Michael Altshuler captured the familiar 4th quarter feeling in this way: “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” Let’s get your goals off the ground and fly. 

Now is a great time to connect if you’re in need of a strategy session heading into the year’s final stretch or if you have any questions about what’s on the horizon for 2023. Where could you use additional information, encouragement, or support? I can assist. The content below summarizes what happened last week and what’s ahead.

Last Week

It was another rough week for U.S. equities as the tight U.S. labor market kept inflation pressures high in wild trading. The S&P 500 Index dropped 3% to reach a new year-to-date low. The Nasdaq fell 2.7% as Apple backed off plans to increase iPhone production due to low demand. The S&P 500 Index lost value for the sixth out of the last seven weeks. The Dow also finished down 2.9% for the week ending last Friday.

A midweek stock rally was quickly squashed on Thursday when jobless claims came in at 193K. This figure signals that the employment picture is strengthening even as the Fed tries to cool things off. The inflation stress continued, reflected in the August Core PCE Price Index, which rose 0.6% Month-over-Month and 4.9% Year-over-Year. Both inflation numbers came in above estimates and higher than the prior month. U.S. home prices tumbled in July at the quickest rate in the index’s history as pending sales fell to levels last seen in April 2020.

On the bright side, consumer confidence rose, supported by rising wages and lower gas prices. Personal income rose 0.3% in August and spending gained 0.4%. Five-year inflation expectations declined to 2.7%, the lowest since July 2021.

This Week – Beginning of 4th Quarter

This week is filled with more Fed speak along with the monthly U.S. employment data. Unless the employment figures start to drop or the economy starts to exhibit significant stress signals, the Fed is likely to stay on an aggressive hiking path. Many economists believe, rate hikes, which have already impacted the housing market, will likely cause a recession by the second half of next year, with some probability of it starting early next year and some probability it starts as late as 2024. There is more economic pain to come; in certain areas, like the labor market, the pain is almost completely in front of us.

Year-to-date index performance; Dow down 21.0%, S&P down 24.8%, and Nasdaq down 32.4% through the close on Friday.

Click here if you would like to learn more about your options and if we can assist you with your wealth management, investment, and retirement planning.

Erie CO Financial Advisor; investments, wealth management, retirement income planning; Boulder, Broomfield, Louisville, Niwot, Windsor, Berthoud CO

This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be specific advice or recommendations. For specific advice or recommendations you would need to meet directly with one of our advisers.