Investment Management

Markets reach All-time Highs

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

all-time highs

Happy New Year, happy January, and welcome back to All-time highs! As we embark on this fresh chapter, consider this, it has been two years since we last reached this threshold. A lot has happened since then. In some areas of life, value is unlocked by starting, while in others, it’s found in the finish. What’s your focus for 2024 and beyond? Whether you need to kickstart new financial habits or follow through on existing plans, I’m here to help you navigate the journey.

Financial success often hinges on effective beginnings and successful completions. Starting on the right foot positions us for a year of financial achievements. This year let’s work together to initiate valuable habits like automatic savings, strategic budgeting, and a tailored financial strategy aligned with your long-term goals. If there’s anything left unfinished from 2023 – unsure what changes to make, coverage to put in place, accounts to contribute to, when to save, etc. – let’s tackle it head-on for a more financially fulfilling year ahead. Even minor adjustments to your financial strategy today can make a big difference over time.

The second Friday of every January is infamously known as “Quitter’s Day.” It’s the day on the calendar by which most people have already abandoned their freshly made resolutions. Hopefully you powered through and are still on track with your 2024 goals. Truthfully, it’s not hard to believe. As we’ve all experienced at one time or another, it’s easy to get discouraged with our goals, especially after the initial enthusiasm starts to fade. The secret to staying power is breaking down your long-term goals into smaller, more manageable milestones. What can you do today that will improve your situation by December?

As always, if you have questions any day of the year, reach out to me. Together, we can create an action plan tailored specifically to you. As the saying goes, winners are not people who never fail, they are people who never quit. Here’s to unlocking value and achieving financial success in 2024!

Market Brief – All-time Highs

This is a huge earnings week, with many big-name companies reporting. The week also features important inflation data, and talk about the Fed’s next rate move will heat up ahead of the rate meeting next week. The FOMC decision on January 31 is widely expected to result in unchanged interest rates, while future rate-cut expectations have become less optimistic. Last week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was higher by 1%, the S&P 500 up 1.2%, and the Nasdaq up 1.6%.

Mortgage rates dropped slightly last week, to 6.6% for the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Gas prices fell a penny to $3.06 per gallon for the average price of regular gas. The Atlanta Fed GDP indicator is forecasting for 4Q and calls for expansion of 2.4%.

Stocks headed higher today with the S&P 500 on track to hit another all-time high. The stock market blasted off late last week, propelling the S&P 500 to an all-time high. It has been a long recovery (over two years) for the index, as its last All-time high was on January 3, 2022. The Nasdaq still has work to do to reach their all-time high from late 2021 and early 2022. Year-to-date, the DJIA is now up 1%, the S&P is up 1%, and the Nasdaq is up 1.6%.

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.

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

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

Best Way to Spread, or Keep, Holiday Cheer

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

‘Tis the season! And with it comes the age-old quandary: what do we give our loved ones? While traditional gifts such as toys and games, gift cards, and vacations are popular choices, consider giving a financial-related present. It could be the best gift of all, one that keeps on giving long after the holiday is over.

Financial gifts have the power to positively impact the recipient’s future. For younger people, contributing to a college fund or opening a savings account in their name can help set them up for success. For seniors, gifting shares of stock or a contribution to retirement savings can make the golden years even more enjoyable. Now is an opportune time to make your tax-deductible charitable donations as well.

Let’s discuss the possibilities, which can be tailored to suit each person’s age and needs. Whether it’s teaching kids about the importance of saving or helping adults invest in their future, these gifts can make a lasting difference. Who knows, you may just find the perfect gift that makes you unforgettable in someone else’s eyes.

And what about you this holiday season? We all love a good secret, one that positively impacts others. And this time of year is chock full of them. Whether it’s wondering who’s on Santa’s nice list, to choosing the perfect gift for a loved one and brimming with anticipation while you wait to see their face light up as they open it. The element of surprise brings such joy during the holidays.

Now there’s research that backs up the secret sentiment. In the New York Times article “The Quiet Thrill of Keeping a Secret,” researchers found keeping positive secrets to yourself has an energizing effect. Similarly, the same can be said for the anticipation you can feel striving for your longer-term financial goals. Think about it: envisioning your dreams – like a secure retirement, destination vacation, or new car or home – and taking definitive steps to turn your dreams into reality ignites the same sense of excitement, just for longer.

So, this holiday season, reflect not only on the short-term secrets that will soon end, but on your long-term aspirations as well. Build up and savor that excitement. Remember, if you’d like assistance navigating these topics or help otherwise managing your finances, don’t keep that a secret – let’s talk!

Market Brief: Fed on Tap

On tap this week is the Fed’s rate decision, some key inflation data, and retail sales figures for November (including Black Friday results). As well, discount giant Costco reports earnings for last quarter. On the economic calendar, the Fed has its two-day meeting with an interest-rate decision coming on Wednesday. No change is expected and, as usual, analysts will be focused on Chairman Powell’s comments following the rate decision.

On the earnings calendar, a few final key companies will report. Monday, Oracle weighs in, on Wednesday, Adobe and on Thursday, Jabil, Lennar Corp, and Costco. As of last Friday, 497 of the S&P 500 companies have reported. So far, earnings are 7.2% above the same quarter last year – which is better than expected.

Last week, the November jobs report got a lot of attention when it came out on Friday. It showed Nonfarm Payrolls increasing by 199,000 for November. The report also showed a surprise drop in the Unemployment Rate to 3.7%, from 3.9%. The general takeaway is that the labor market is still strong but showing signs of softening. Checking on the consumer sector, mortgage rates last week declined to 7.03% for the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Rates are still near their highest level in more than 20 years. Gas prices dropped a penny to $3.23 per gallon for the average price of regular gas. That’s the lowest price since mid-January and down 15% since the recent high in August.

Year-to-date through end of day last Friday, the S&P 500 is up 19.92%, Dow Jones up 9.35%, and the Russell 2000 up 6.79%.

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.

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

You snooze and win – Market Brief November 6, 2023 Financial Advisor

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

It’s that time of the year again when we bid farewell to longer daylight hours and welcome the coziness of fall. And as daylight saving time ends, it’s an opportune moment to examine the daily habits that affect overall success.

Wondering how sleep and your money are related? New research found that people performed better on cognition tests when they were allowed to snooze for an additional 30 minutes (New York Times), and those who employ a budget tend to be more optimistic and have better overall mental health (Forbes). Also, you don’t have to be a genius to know that establishing valuable routines – like those of CEOs and top industry thought leaders (Wall Street Journal) – can ultimately lead to better decision-making, too, both financially and in other areas of your life.

Remember, taking care of your health and financial wellness isn’t a one-and-done. It’s in the continual small steps you take every day. And the great news is you’re not going it alone. Speaking of which, if you need that extra push to update an allocation or set new goals for 2024, now’s the time to talk!

Sometimes, when the world seems chaotic, spending as little money as possible can feel like the only thing that makes sense with our finances. But is that the right approach for right now? When it comes to your overall wellness, it’s not just about pinching pennies. True success encompasses achieving a well-balanced and fulfilling life. Saving and investing are to help you pursue long-term goals. It’s equally important to consider your emotional goals along the way.

Life is meant to be LIVED, after all.

If you’re considering a change that may not make financial sense right now. Whether it be a sabbatical or other type of leave, a dream vacation, or undertaking a home renovation. Consider it an aspiration that may be worth it in the grander scheme of things. Remember, not every decision needs to revolve solely around numbers and spreadsheets. Working together, we can better understand your aspirations, habits, and tendencies. So you can identify moments when taking a risk could be beneficial – in more ways than money.

Market Brief

The stock market is coming off its best week of 2023. But it is also coming off its first three-month losing streak since the first three months of 2020.

Earnings reports should be the main driver of stock prices this week, as there are no top-shelf economic reports due. The highlight of the week will be when Fed Chairman Powell speaks to the IMF on Wednesday and Thursday. Mortgage Rates softened to 7.76% for the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Rates are still at their highest level in more than 20 years. Last week was the best week in 2023.

Last week, the Fed kept interest rates steady, as expected, and employment data boosted stocks. Dow was up 5.1%, S&P 500 up 5.9% and Nasdaq up 6.6% for the week. Year-to-date, all indices are in the positive.

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.

If age is just a number, make it a really high number

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

What if you lived to the age of 120 years old? Imagine all the experiences, memories, and milestones you could see. Yet as incredulous as that age sounds, the topic of longevity amid growing technological advances is gaining more traction recently in the news.

It raises an important concern I hear all too often. How can you make your money last and plan for retirement when you don’t know how long you’ll live? As living well into your centenarian years becomes a more imaginable prospect, it’s essential to consider the financial implications. The last thing any of us would want is to outlive our savings, right?

old age

Ensuring your financial security in an uncertain future, for an undetermined number of years, a proactive approach is key. Let’s start with what’s possible and what’s within your control. Together, we can develop your roadmap to a more secure future, no matter how long it lasts. Start today!

The Week Ahead

Over the weekend, the conflict that erupted in the Middle East adds additional risks to the global economic outlook. This includes prospects of new inflationary trends. Not only are investors awaiting the September consumer price index and but also the Fed’s latest meeting minutes. The first 3Q earnings reports from major banks come out later in the week. Headline inflation has been rising. If core prices continue to ease, the Fed may push its final rate hike of 2023 to the December meeting.

Several FOMC members are speaking throughout the week. On Wednesday, the Fed will release minutes from their last meeting. Which may shed light on the Fed’s surprise hawkish turn and how concerned they may be about overtightening. Accordingly, with the Fed indicating “higher for longer” along with another potential hike, those yields from three years ago seem like a generational low. Year-to-date the S&P 500 is up 12.2%, Dow up 0.79%, and Nasdaq up 28.33% through end of day last 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. This is not a solicitation or offer of service in states we are not licensed in.

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.