Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Year End Wealth Planning Checklist
As we wave goodbye to 2023 and say hello to 2024, it's time to reflect on resilient markets amidst economic uncertainty. The year started with negative economic indicators and aggressive Fed rate hikes to combat inflation, sparking recession predictions. Surprisingly, by mid-December, we seem to have sidestepped a predicted economic downturn. Looking ahead, with storm clouds on the economic horizon, we acknowledge that some factors are beyond our control. However, taking charge of our financial destiny, we present a checklist for tangible positive impacts on cash flow, balance sheets, and peace of mind.
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Investing’s Biggest Challenge: This Time is Different vs. This Too Shall Pass
Looking back to very recent history with more vivid recall can be helpful as a case study in economic & market resiliency. Was it “different” even then? Is it “different” now? Or will it be “this too shall pass” be vindicated yet again?
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The Very Limited (But Useful) Case For Margin Borrowing
For prudent investors and most of our clients, margin borrowing is not a tactic we employ when constructing an investment portfolio and wealth plan on which a family is expected to depend for decades and beyond. However, borrowing on margin can, in select cases, be a smart move financially when used correctly, cautiously, and in very limited circumstances.
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Retirement Spending Reconsidered
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
72(t) Payments: A Tool for Early Retirement Flexibility
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The Math and Mindset of Holding Concentrated Positions
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The US Dollar: Concerns, Confidence and What To Do
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Benefits of a Deep Freeze
Private information can be used to open new credit cards, apply for loans or government benefits, and file fraudulent tax returns. There are plenty of software/ services advertised today that offer some protection against this. As good as those services might be, “Deep Freeze” more commonly referred to as a “credit freeze” is a simpler and more cost-effective method for protecting personal credit and can be very impactful.
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Let’s Get Real: Should Higher Interest Rates Change our Asset Allocation?
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Bank Failures: What to Know & What to Do
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The Longevity Question: Retirement’s Most Impactful Unknown
Retirement date, social security claiming, spending assumptions, inflation – many factors impact retirement cash flow planning. However, one of the most impactful is longevity. By studying and utilizing more accurate assumptions, retirees can have a better understanding of the risks of running out of money so the factors we CAN control can blunt the risk of the factors we cannot. Read more in this month’s JIC Blog.
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
What You Need to Know About the Secure Act 2.0
The recently passed Secure Act 2.0 does not have the magnitude of changes as the original Secure Act, but it does contain a few impactful changes and many minor changes. Find out what you need to know in this month's blog.
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Volunteer or Work in Retirement: What’s Your Hourly Rate?
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Financially Savvy Kids - Here's How to Start
For most children, their financial literacy will come from life experiences and lessons from their parents, families, and friends. Realizing this, we though it helpful to provide a jump-start to this education process through some commonsense concepts and tactics to share with any young person to help them establish a life-long and healthy relationship with money.
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
A History Lesson on Elections and Economics
In recent years, it has become more apparent than ever that politics have a great influence on the market. As the 2022 mid-term elections are upon us, we invite you to consider two historical trends: how congressional leadership has changed during prior mid-term election cycles and what it has meant for market returns in the past. We also look at what numbers show us and our feelings on allowing elections to influence wealth planning and investment goals.
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Serving as an Executor: What You Need to Know
When already grieving the loss of a loved one, being tasked with serving as an executor may feel stressful and overwhelming. In this month's JIC Blog, Alethea Teh Busken, Esq., Johnson Trust Company Counsel, shares some helpful information that may help you in your role as executor.
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The Relevancy of a Recession
Instead of worrying about whether a recession is impending, we invite you to consider the relevance of a recession to you. Recessions, a side effect of a normal economic cycle, should already be factored into a good investment and wealth plan. In this month’s blog, we also discuss the relevance of a recession at different life stages, such as pre- and post-retirement.
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Weathering the Market Volatility Storm Part II: Why Our Equity Income Approach Matters
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Weathering the Market Volatility Storm: How to Avoid Being Your Own Worst Enemy
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The Three Key Areas of Wellbeing
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Spring Cleaning the Portfolio
We can’t control what’s happening in the world and how it will impact portfolios, but we can focus on tactics that make sense in any environment. One such tactic is to find opportunities to save money on taxes. One way to do this is to employ a tax-loss harvesting strategy in taxable investment accounts. Think of it as a good spring cleaning of the portfolio!
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Family & Finances: Having the Right Conversations
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Your Journey | Our Expert Guidance
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Tax Law Changes: What to Expect in 2022
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The Golden Window for Strategic Retirement Tax Planning
Don’t miss the Golden Window for strategic tax planning. With careful planning, recent or soon-to-be retirees can recognize substantial tax savings over the course of retirement.
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Crisis or Clarity? The Future of Social Security
As one of the building blocks of retirement planning strategies, Social Security income is critical to almost every cash flow plan. Read more about the future of social security.
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Protecting Your Wealth with Property & Casualty Insurance
See how regularly reviewing your auto and homeowners insurance coverage can prevent low-probability, high-impact life events from derailing your financial plan.
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
How Annuities Work: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Considering an annuity as a tool for retirement planning? Learn how annuities work to better understand the select and limited situations they should be applied to.
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The Cryptocurrency Craze
What is cryptocurrency, and why has it surged in popularity recently? As we answer these questions, we consider whether cryptocurrency can improve the overall portfolio.
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
A Conversation on Inflation
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Are We in Another Housing Bubble? A Macro and Micro View
Are the rapidly rising home prices in 2020-2021 a sign that we’re witnessing another housing bubble? Will it lead to a crash? We conclude that the basic economics of supply and demand are driving much of the pricing action - not speculation.