After a historic campaign, Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential election and Republicans have won control of the Senate. For half the country, this is a cause for celebration, while for the other half, this is a disappointing result that will require time to process. This reflects the divisions in our country on both social and economic matters that we hope will heal in time.
Well, it finally happened. After months of will-they-or-won’t-they speculation, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates in September. And it was a relatively big one: The half-percentage-point decrease was the biggest the Fed has made since its emergency rate reductions in March 2020 at the onset of the pandemic. Before that, the country hadn’t seen a half a point decrease since the global financial crisis in 2008.
As we begin the final quarter of the year, financial markets and the economy have defied the expectations of many investors. Rather than falling into recession, the economy has grown steadily, albeit at a slower pace, and inflation rates have fallen toward the Fed’s target. As a result, the macroeconomic environment has shifted to a monetary easing cycle, propelling the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average to new all-time highs and boosting bond returns. The first three quarters of the year are a reminder that it’s often best to focus on the longer-term trends rather than events in the rearview mirror.
Can you relate to any of the following? “I should have bought that stock before the company went public!” “What a shame — I wish I had invested in that new tech before it went mainstream!” What’s the next “unicorn” that will make a fortune?” It’s common to feel this way. Many of us experience “fear of missing out” — or FOMO — in our financial lives. 1 When we do, it can cloud our...
As a long-term investor, you’re always thinking about what factors drive your investment returns. Unfortunately, many investors focus on things that cause short-term changes and actually have no impact on long-term market returns. It’s not their fault – these myths are so commonly believed that many so-called “savvy investors” would preach to you of their importance. To help you make informed investment decisions, let’s look at three investment factors that, contrary to popular belief, don’t...
Fear and FOMO may seem like opposites. But taken to extremes, either can wreak similar havoc on an investor. Which is why, as we enter the second half of another exciting year, now seems like an excellent time to review the lessons history offers us on investing long-term and remind you why we build your portfolios as we do.
Lee McGowan, CFA, CFP® recently discussed Trusts with Deborah Yao of Kiplinger.
A staggering number of people haven’t yet started an estate plan. It’s a critical oversight that can have far-reaching implications, but this isn’t the only pitfall that can disrupt your planning efforts. Here’s a breakdown of 4 estate planning missteps and how to fix them.
A power of attorney (POA) can grant you certain authority and specific responsibilities. While the extent and limitations of POAs can vary based on many factors, stepping into the role of power of attorney can be unlike anything else. That’s because it puts you in the driver’s seat to make key decisions and oversee vital needs for someone else.
If charity is part of your legacy plan, the best time to start giving back could be right now. Spending on other people is one of the most rewarding ways we can use our money. And seeing your generosity in action might give you some ideas on how to improve your legacy planning and Return on Life for your beneficiaries. Here are three ways you can kickstart your legacy plan and take a more active role in your long-term charitable goals.
Successful companies find a way to keep their Managers and Makers working together towards the company's major goals. Let's unpack the Manager and Maker mindsets and think about how each can help seniors improve Return on Life as they transition into retirement.
How many years will your retirement last? What are the chances you’ll live past 90? Most of us answer those questions wrong because we don’t have strong longevity literacy. That means that about 81% of us aren’t working with a viable understanding of our own life expectancy. Let’s explore how understanding longevity could create a positive impact in your retirement planning. What is longevity literacy?