Report: Second Quarter Economic Update
A new US president and the winding down of most government-led pandemic safety measures welcomed investors to 2021. As we experienced the reopening of many countries, volatility appeared in the equity markets but resulted in new market highs in the second quarter. The S&P 500 has now gained ground for five quarters in a row. Notably, it has gained more …
Spending In Retirement: More Or Less?
The question is easy to ask but incredibly difficult to answer. When faced with the question, it seems that the inner monologue of many aspiring retirees is screaming “We really should know this, but…” Of course, the question is intended to discover what your expenses are now and what they’re likely to be once you’re retired, a key piece of …
Predicting the Future of the Market
Every so often I’ll read an article sent to me that says something to the effect of, “The stock market is poised for a HUGE loss, according to someone really smart.” I genuinely appreciate receiving these articles because I want to know what you’re reading out there, and if there’s validity to the article then let’s learn from it! With …
Why It’s So Hard To Get Organized Financially
A friend of ours had a wild experience when their cat brought a live chipmunk into their house and just dropped it. When a live wild animal is dropped into your home, you have some decisions to make. You can decide to catch and release it, try to kill it, or simply ignore it and hope it helps itself out. …
Team Spotlight: Jennifer Dougan
Fun Facts about Jennifer: Jennifer was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1963 She is the youngest of three girls. You already know how Scott and Jennifer met. Jennifer is an avid fitness instructor. She teaches Les Mills BodyPump, BodyFlow, Barre & PiYo. Her favorite jobs were…cashier at The Organ Grinder Pizza Parlour in Portland, Oregon; Child Development Specialist at Beech …
2021 Spring Newsletter: Kansas City
The word, ‘spring’ is such an active word. It’s an object that keeps your car riding comfortably by smoothing out the bumps, it’s an act of movement – to spring – and it’s also a season that offers so much promise. Spring and ‘to spring’ feel like exactly what we all need right now. We’re transitioning from a LONG season …
Back to the Basics: Why Buying Luxury Items Is Less Harmful at 62 Than at 22
Why Buying Luxury Items Is Less Harmful at 62 Than at 22 This rant may come as a surprise to you, at least coming from me. It’s actually a little surprising to me that I’m writing it because I wrestle with this topic quite a bit. The subject is that of luxury items; things like a ’69 Camaro, a Florida …
Briefcase Study: Consider the Platinum Rule
Are You A Caregiver? Consider the Platinum Rule In this Briefcase Study, we’re going to focus on a topic that isn’t financial, necessarily, but a heart issue instead. If you find yourself, like so many others, caring for a family member as they age, you’re doing some very challenging work. We hear a lot of the stories from the families …
Caregivers and the Bystander Effect
Have you ever witnessed an emergency like a car accident or a person having a seizure or other medical issue? Did you immediately jump in and assist that person in crisis? Was there a dialog in your head that said something to the effect of, “I’m sure somebody else will handle this; I mean, there are so many other people …
Report: First Quarter Economic Update
What A Difference A Year Makes The first quarter of 2021 included the one-year anniversary from the March 2020 equity market’s bottom. For the first quarter of 2021, equity markets encountered volatility but still created all-time highs. With the potential of herd immunity following mass vaccinations, investors finished the quarter with hopes that the end of the pandemic could be …
