Inflation, Recession, Bear and Bull Markets: Facts and Advice
A bear market is a period of time during which securities prices drop by 20% or more over a period of months. We are in a bear market...
John M West III, MBA, CFP®
Macroeconomic View & Markets
The U.S. economy continues to be quite strong, but there are signs the anticipated slowdown is emerging. Overall, the economic data has...
Eric Walter, CFP®
Bear Market Planning Moves
We have all felt some level of discomfort with the market plunge this year. There could be moves to make if you’re in a position to do...
Susan Spraker, Ph.D.
Higher Prices and Inflation-Part II
Since our last Commentary, a lot has changed on the inflation front. At that time, we discussed 6 key reasons for higher prices and...
John M West III, MBA, CFP®
Macroeconomic View & Markets
As expected, for the first time since 2018, the Federal Reserve raised the Fed funds rate by 25 basis points (1/4 of 1%) to reduce...
Eric Walter, CFP®
Is Your Cheaper Premium Worth It?
Whether it’s health, auto, homeowners, or life, advertisements abound for cheaper insurance premiums. Cash flow cannot be ignored but...
Susan Spraker, Ph.D.
Higher Prices and Inflation-Part I: 6 Key Reasons
1. High demand for “stuff” during a period of shutdown and shrinking supply. In the U.S., to avoid another financial crisis,...
John M West III, MBA, CFP®
Macroeconomic View & Markets
Though stocks, especially technology, have had a pullback the first week of the new year, the broad measure of U. S. stocks (S&P 500) hit...
Eric Walter, CFP®
Are You Sleeping Well?
Market volatility has been at the forefront of our minds the last few years. We expect this trend to continue into 2022. Having an asset...
Susan Spraker, Ph.D.
HEADLINES DRIVE READERSHIP, HOPEFULLY NOT INVESTORS
On August 6, 2021, in The New York Times, we read the following: Jobs Surge in July Offers Fresh Sign of Economic Recovery “The American...
John M West III, MBA, CFP®
Macroeconomic View & Markets
The broad stock market, measured by the S&P 500, recorded a 5% drop from recent highs in early September. Selloffs are normal parts of...
Eric Walter, CFP®
Are You Tax-Efficient?
There has been much speculation about the current tax proposal and what may eventually pass. While the details remain in the balance, one...
Susan Spraker, Ph.D.
It's Too Early to Worry About Inflation
Every Quarter, headline news offers at least one new reason to become nervous about investing in the global economy. Second Quarter 2021...
John M West III, MBA, CFP®
Macroeconomic View & Markets
Global equities continued to rally throughout the quarter. They reached all-time highs again in late June, as measured by the S&P 500,...
Eric Walter, CFP®
Death is Easier, Financially
In my last column, “What Happens if You Live?”, I discussed living but not being able to make your own decisions and the role of Estate...
Susan Spraker, Ph.D.
Built to Last: Time IN vs Time ING
Do you remember how your portfolio was invested on October 1, 2007? The S&P 500 Index closed the day at 1557. That number probably means...
John M West III, MBA, CFP®
Macroeconomic View & Markets
What a difference a year makes. In February of 2020, we were talking about the end of the longest bull market in history, only to move...
Eric Walter, CFP®
What Happens if You Live?
Many people think Estate Planning is only about where their money and property go after they die. While this is a key part, there is...
Susan Spraker, Ph.D.
If You Remember Only These 5 Things
First and foremost, considering all the unusual turmoil in our lives the past year, we thank you for the trust you have placed both in...
John M West III, MBA, CFP®
Macroeconomic View & Markets
The year 2020 was a time of unprecedented personal, economic, and political turmoil. Leading to unparalleled market volatility, the...