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. …
Our firm is excited to announce the launch of Elevated Financial Wellness!
Studies show that eighty percent of employers’ report that financial stress is lowering their employees’ productivity level, and it’s costing them nearly half a trillion dollars annually.* The EFW platform provides financial wellness technology with a human approach. Employees will not only have access to assessment tools to understand their financial/retirement needs but will also have access to our …
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 …
2021 Spring Newsletter: Salt Lake City
Walk outside. Do you smell that? Fresh-cut grass, turned-over dirt, worn leather, peanuts… It’s baseball season! The most wonderful time of the year! As you all know, sports looked quite different in 2020. The Major League Baseball season was shorter than usual and didn’t start on time. The same thing happened with my son’s baseball season, but we were happy …
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 …
