For the time being, the market continues to take “Good News” as good news, but inflation trend bears watching, as this could become the catalyst that shifts investors’ mindset.
4Q 2023 Market Letter
Why the long face? Another year in the can, all wrapped up nice and festive with a pretty little bow, Santa Claus rally and all! Any investor with the nerve to complain that they did not get everything on their Christmas list should at least have been able to find solace in the market’s recent move to all-time highs, so let’s just keep the tidings of comfort and joy rolling all the way through 2024, right?!
3Q 2023 Market Letter
You’re no doubt hearing a lot about how remarkably “resilient” the U.S. economy has been looking lately. Despite the Fed’s move to hike interest rates sharply higher over the past 18 months, economic growth in the U.S. has managed to remain in positive territory in recent quarters, steadily exceeding economists’ expectations in the process.
2Q 2023 Market Letter
The Fed is on pause. No, wait! Cancel that: it may just have been a “skip” masquerading as a “pause.” Okay, so more interest rate hikes to come then. One? Two? Certainly not more than two!? And those 2023 rate cuts that markets have been pricing in since early March? Oh, okay; those are gone too now.
1Q 2023 Market Letter
TO BUY, OR SAY “GOODBYE!” …THAT IS THE QUESTION
Verily, ‘tis so! As the Ides of May grow nigh, investors are in a state of consternation to rival that of the Prince of Denmark himself as they ponder whether it be nobler – or financially more astute – to go “all-in” (Shakespeare, too, was apparently a big Texas Hold’em player) or move to the sidelines and check back in on the markets some time in the late Fall. If, perchance, either of those two extremes looks particularly appealing to you right now, I beg you heed my warning and reframe the question lest ye suffer the financial equivalent of a tragic ending.
Take Control of Your Finances: Celebrate Financial Literacy Month with These Essential Tips!
Financial literacy is vital for everyone, as it involves having a working knowledge of money management. Without essential financial skills like budgeting, investing, and retirement planning, life can become much more difficult. Financial Literacy Month provides an opportunity to prioritize financial literacy and take advantage of resources to improve your financial situation now and in the future. Here are 6 tips to help you get started.
WASHINGTON STATE CAPITAL GAINS TAX
The Washington State Supreme Court has ruled that the excise tax on capital gains is constitutional and valid. As such, the Department of Revenue will continue collecting the tax which is due April 18, 2023. A filing extension will be granted if the taxpayer files a federal extension and requests a Washington extension prior to the original due date, but the tax must still be paid in full by April 18th (April 15th in future years). Any tax paid after that date is subject to a late payment penalty of up to 29% of the tax due.
How to Eliminate Debt
UPDATE ON THE US FINANCIAL SYSTEM
As you have no doubt heard by now, the U.S. financial system has seen several bank failures over the past week, including its second-largest ever with the failure of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), which was taken over by regulators this past Friday. This followed the announcement middle of last week of the wind-down of Silvergate Bank and, in turn, has since been followed by the weekend takeover of Signature Bank by state regulators.
Secure 2.0 Act of 2022
We welcome the New Year with a new law aimed at changing the way we think about retirement savings. President Biden signed the SECURE 2.0 bill on December 29, 2022, making the retirement package law. The package includes 90+ new provisions, including those designed to broaden access to workplace retirement plans and raise the age when required minimum distributions begin. Here are the top 10 takeaways we want you to be aware of.
401(k) to Rollover IRA Considerations
When deciding whether to rollover your 401(k) to an IRA, you should weigh the pros and cons to determine the option that protects your assets. A Rollover IRA is an account that allows you to move funds from your prior employer-sponsored retirement plan into an IRA. Carefully consider all your available options, which may include but not be limited to keeping your assets in your former employer's plan; rolling over assets to a new employer's plan; or taking a cash distribution (taxes and possible withdrawal penalties may apply).
