Life is full of experiences that shape our perspectives, particularly our relationship with money. Whether it's the joy of something like bringing a child into the world or getting that promotion at your job or something like the sorrow of losing a loved one or a health scare, each moment influences not only our outlook on life but also our financial habits. These events have the power to change how we view our resources and, ultimately, the world around us.
In estate planning, our financial assets and material possessions often take center stage. While these assets and the impact they can have on the lives of our heirs are important, they fail to fully capture the wealth accumulated throughout our lives ...
Even a financial planner with 20+ years in the business blinks when the stock markets experience a correction. We would like nothing better than to always have smooth, upward-trending returns, but that is not the nature of markets and long-term equity returns. To steal the title of the blog we are going to share with you, “This is Normal.” This blog gives us a little historical reminder that helps put the idea into context ...
So, how do you go about coaching this team of guardians, agents, executors, trustees, and beneficiaries; and what should you expect from them in return? We’ve highlighted the best practices we encourage all of our clients, friends, and family to follow below:
Do you happen to live in a desirable vacation spot? How about an area that hosts major festivals, fairs, or sporting events? If so, you could benefit annually by earning tax-free income with the 14-day rental rule, famously known as the "Augusta Rule." Rent out your home and keep the income—tax-free!
My first job in financial planning started in 2000, at the end of the bull market of the 1990s and you guessed it after the dot com bubble burst! What followed that burst was about ten years of underperformance of the U.S. vs. International stock market. However, currently the US Stock Market (S&P 500) has been outperforming the Broad International Market (MSCI World ex USA) for thirteen years. These fluctuations are normal and historical data shows that different markets often take turns leading in performance.