FINANCIaL
FIELd NOTES
The Science Behind a Happy Retirement
While most of what I write here is dollar and cents data, there is more to a happy retirement than “Can I afford to?” A second question that every pre-retiree should ask themselves is “What will I do with my time and will it be fulfilling?”
I often encourage clients to take an extended leave of absence from work when they are a year or less away from retirement. I think trying out what you think you’ll do next and seeing how it goes is well worth the cost of losing some leave…
Growth Investors Are Feeling Some Pain
Staying committed to a diversified portfolio is difficult when one particular asset class consistently outperforms everything else for several years in a row.
That is what investors have had to deal with as growth stocks, particularly tech stocks, outperformed value 6 years straight…
What Current Valuations Tell Us About Future Returns
The first quarter was a bumpy ride for both stock and bond investors as concerns around inflation and Ukraine led to increased volatility.
Whenever we are in a period of volatility and re-pricing in my asset classes, one of my favorite charts to review is this one by JPMorgan – which shows what average future returns have been based on current valuations…
How Much Can I Give Tax-Free Every Year?
Many clients that I work with want to begin gifting to their children and grandchildren. I love helping with this transition because it allows them to see the benefits of their gift instead of waiting to pass on an inheritance until after they are gone. The gifts can also be timed to help during pivotal moments in their lives, such as weddings, down payments, and college costs.
But exactly how much can you give without incurring taxes?
The Worst Quarter For Bonds In Decades
Bonds, a typically safe and less volatile asset when compared to stocks, had their worst-performing quarter in decades. In fact, as of this writing in the first week of April, bonds are down nearly 8% from their highs.
Are You On Track For Retirement – A Quick Checkpoint
How much do you need to retire? The answer varies by individual circumstance but simple rules can be helpful as a starting place. JPMorgan provides a rough estimate based on your age and income level…