Easing inflation pressures and a resolution of the fiscal turmoil in the United Kingdom fueled a strong rally in stocks and bonds early in the fourth quarter, but hawkish Fed guidance, disappointing economic data, and rising global bond yields weighed on markets in December and the S&P 500 finished the fourth quarter with only modest gains that capped the worst year for the index since 2008. There are many December 31st deadlines, so don’t wait too long to plan! Consider these financial opportunities and deadlines before 2023 arrives. Global markets declined again in the third quarter as inflation remained near multi-decade highs, geopolitical tensions escalated further, and the Federal Reserve continued to aggressively hike interest rates signaling future rate increases will be larger than previously expected. Growth or value—what’s your style? Growth investors look for stocks that will grow at a high rate for a relatively short period of time or index funds that focus on growth stocks. Value investors look for stocks that are currently undervalued and are expected to increase to their true value over a longer time horizon or index funds that focus on value stocks. Kelly and Bob regularly set aside a small portion of their budget for charitable donations. In addition to feeling good about supporting a number of worthy causes, they’ve been able to deduct the value of their charitable gifts from their Federal income tax return. Now, the couple thinks it is time to make a larger charitable contribution. Their intention is to donate some stock they purchased years ago for $1,000 that has since increased in value to $50,000. In 1769, the French engineer, Nicolas Joseph Cugnot, built the first steam-powered motor vehicle. Two years later, Cugnot crashed one of his inventions into a wall—constituting what is generally considered to be the very first “car accident.” It took over 100 years for the first automobile insurance policy to come into being—the year was 1898. In those days, the policy was intended to cover drivers against accidents with horses. Auto insurance, although not required in all states, generally covers cars and people against more than just accidents. Possibilities of theft, damage from natural disasters and potential injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers demonstrate the importance of proper coverage. In the recent past, there is one word we read and see frequently in the financial press. That word is “uncertainty”. This uncertainty comes at many levels including economic, geopolitical, and health, all areas where there appear to be more questions than answers. Where are we now with… …Covid-19? As we have with all our quarterly writings over the last two years, we must talk about Covid-19. For one, we are now entering year three of this global pandemic. From a health care perspective, so much has changed for the better (there are vaccines available, improved treatment methods, etc.). Many 401(k) investors end up making the same mistakes when choosing their investments. The results are low returns and unbalanced portfolios. Avoiding these four mistakes is a good start for getting more out of your 401(k). Most homeowners are familiar with Part I of their homeowners insurance policy, which covers damage to their property. However, many policyholders may be surprised to discover the extent to which Part II protects them. Part II of their homeowners policy covers against liability incurred by injuring or damaging the property of another person. |
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