Retirement Refined

Welcome back to our weekly retirement blog!

Much has transpired since our last blog! The Election and the Fed The Presidential election has both candidates promising to spend more taxpayer’s dollars. Hey, the easiest money to spend, someone else’s! Increased government spending in the short-term increases economic activity and can uplift corporate profitability. Combine our massive government spending along with recent productivity […]

So What’s Next?

The Fed funds rate was cut .50% after holding steady since July 2023. After Fed Chair Powell announced the rate reduction, stocks shot higher with all major US stock indexes finishing over 1% for the week. Small cap stocks rose 2.47%. Bond yields were interesting, at least for a couple of days. Prior to the […]

Soft Landing?

A slowing economy without tipping into a recession is the current definition of a soft landing. Are we on pace? As of now, I vote the answer is yes, however, far too early to conclude. Inflation continues to modestly abate, as last week the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported in line with expectations. Unemployment claims […]

September – A Crescendo of Uncertainty!

As the stock market reminded us last week, September can be a notoriously tough month for investors. Historically, this time of year brings heightened volatility, and 2024 may be shaping up to be no different. With uncertainty swirling around the economy, markets, and politics, it’s important to maintain a clear head. After all, volatility is […]

Federal Reserve and Interest Rates

The stock and bond market are attempting to price in the “right” amount of Federal Reserve interest Rate cuts over the next several months. Powell and company next rate announcement will be on September 18th. Last week we heard both the Producer Price Index (PPI) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported as desired.  The […]

Sea-Change in the Markets?

Was last week a one-off or the start of a sea-change? There have not been many weeks in 2024 when the Nasdaq has underperformed the other major stock indexes. The major economic news last week was the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell .01 last month. The tame CPI report impacted investment returns last week […]

Social Security Survivor Benefits – Be Careful

Be careful who you ask, regarding the Social Security claiming rules.  It can cost you money. Recently I enrolled a Divorced client for her Full Retirement Age, Retirement Benefit.  Part of the data input on the Social Security website is about prior marriages, the time frame, and if the ex-spouse is alive. In this case, […]

New Sheriff in Town – Changes are Coming!

Markets Pause? The news of President Elect Biden’s new rescue $1.9 Trillion plan could not keep the markets moving higher last week.  Perhaps, progress about the vaccine distribution process is starting to concern the markets a bit. The markets have been fixated on monetary (the Fed) and economic stimulus since 2009.  More and more each […]

Light Blue Wave Impact/Bonds & Inflation/Markets Race Higher/TAXES!

Light Blue Wave Impact The term “Light Blue Wave” has been quickly labeled by the Media.  The Democrats hold a slim majority in both the House and Senate.   Many are suggesting the slim majority will lead to some compromise on policy going forward. The most common belief is we will now receive more stimulus, perhaps […]

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