We love to inform people on the latest industry trends and how to make educated financial choices. Be sure to stay connected with us, and updated with our discussions!
[Video] Understanding Stock Gifts
MICHELLE SMALENBERGER, CFP ® Let’s take some time to talk about the behind-the-scenes of stock gifts. This is when you are giving stock you own to charities or not-for-profit organizations. That’s exactly what is happening you give them shares of stock because you want to give them money. One benefit to you is that you…
How do product trends affect your investments?
With the past six weeks of market volatility we understand it’s been discouraging to see the effect of this market pullback. And there has been an encouraging bright spot this week! During the week we have seen the market try to make positive moves, only to move lower. But even those brief moments higher are…
[Video] Small Business Retirement Plan Options: 401(k)
STEPHEN SMALENBERGER, EA ® We have already talked about setting up a retirement plan for a company that’s not incorporated. What if your company is incorporated? What options are available now with a 401(k) and what’s different? With an S-Corp you’re required to pay yourself a reasonable salary. This just means that out of your…
Can Markets Correct Themselves?
Much of the current market pullback over the past few weeks has been instigated by talks of higher interest rates. Fear that higher interest rates will push us into a recession has kept investors concerned. There are analysts who oppose the Fed continuing to raise interest rates when it could hurt the economy by raising…
Positive Earnings Lead The Market Higher
This week had a full calendar of corporate earnings reported. Let’s review these results to consider what to expect in the weeks ahead. Bank of America: 6.45% Positive Surprise Netflix: 30.88% Positive Surprise Abbott: In Line with Expectations PayPal: Positive Honeywell: Positive Schlumberger: Positive The majority of corporate earnings have been strong which has brought…
High Momentum to JUST Growth?
This week brought a pullback in the market like we haven’t seen in a while. The past two years has really brought strong market returns that many investors have enjoyed. So after a few days where the market has moved lower, analysts start to ask “why?” and how long will this continue? What we have…
Digesting The Weekly News
Why does the market continue moving higher when the news we read seems to only provide reasons it shouldn’t be? Let’s review a few news pieces we’ve seen this week to understand how they apply to your portfolio. More people employed and higher wages helps the stock market? We continue to see a rise in…
[Video] Stepping Back to Move Forward
MICHELLE SMALENBERGER, CFA ® This summer our daughter started swimming lessons outside again and we were reminded of the progress she had made the year before. The first week into her second year we noticed it was a little bit tough and she was starting to doubt herself. We just realized that sometimes you make…
A Short-Term Change for the Mid Term?
We talk a lot about how to maintain a long-term view of your investment portfolio. But, there are times that a short-term view may be appropriate for anticipated changes in your life. One contributing factor to consider is the upcoming mid-term elections. Leading up to these elections you’ve likely heard there is a chance that…
Why Income And Expenses Matter
Do you consider yourself a savvy shopper trying to find a discount? Or do you research something fully in order to find the product with the best quality and consider the higher cost worth it? Just like the above thoughts for buying a product, these things should be considered when you are choosing investments. Let’s…
[Video] One Big Goal or Many Small Goals
MICHELLE SMALENBERGER, CFP ® We recently took a road trip and along the way it was my turn to drive. I was sitting at the steering wheel thinking about how long the trip was and getting frustrated. I eventually realized that instead of thinking about it in that way, as one BIG goal, I needed…
[Video] Understanding the 529 State Tax Deduction
Here’s an interesting fact about 529 plans: All 50 states have their own plans. Out of those 50, 30 plus states allow for a state tax deduction. Out of those 30 there are 6 that allow you to contribute to any state but take the deduction on your state tax return. Let’s explain this in…
