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The Electronic Vehicle Bump…Again?
The electronic vehicle (EV) industry is hitting a bit of a speed bump. Tesla sales have slowed while legacy auto manufacturers have recently delayed EV investments. Some newer electric vehicle manufacturers such as Fisker have gone bankrupt. Much to my surprise this is not the industry’s first foray into electric vehicles. In the early days…
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The Pitfalls of Personal Property
Having settled many an estate over the years, there is one thing all the dearly departed have in common. They all died with tangible personal property. Another commonality, their personal property was a source of contention among their heirs. While financial assets are typically easier to distribute, distributing personal property can present unique challenges such…
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The 2025 Budget Proposal
Developing a plan around taxes is a critical component to financial success. However, things become increasingly complicated as politics enter the picture, and both sides of the aisle push for their preferred tax policies. They may be consistent for a few years, then change if an election swings either way. The most recent example of…
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Why You Need To Update Your Estate Plan
In 2003, Jon and Stefanie Booker were living the life of their dreams. In their mid-30s, Jon worked as a production manager for a manufacturing firm, while Stefanie repped for a major pharmaceutical company. The couple had three children, ages 10, 7, and 4. In 1998, they purchased the family home where they enjoyed long…
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The Power to Act
After years of training and planning, you’re doing it, climbing Everest. Your oxygen deprived lungs are permeated by -280C temperatures while an unrelenting 30 mph wind whips down the South Col. As you begin to ascend the Khumbu Ice Falls your sherpa hands you the sat phone. It’s your realtor. She finally has a solid…
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Thinking of Retiring Early? Here are Five Wealth Management Tips You Need to Consider
Studies show that most Americans say they hope to retire at age 62, even though the age in which you can receive full Social Security benefits from the federal government is 66 or 67 years old depending on when you were born. Between 2019-2021, more than twice as many people retired than normally would have…
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Claiming Social Security – Part II
In my most recent blog post, I gave a brief overview of the beginnings of Social Security and some factors that affect the decision of when to claim. The key factors that we explored were health, availability of other assets, spousal benefits, and risk tolerance, however, for those who are or have been married there…
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Secure Act 2.0
On March 29, 2022, the United States House of Representatives passed the Secure Act 2.0 with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill expands on the retirement savings reforms that came with the original Secure Act of 2019. The Senate also has a similar bill working its way through the system with broad support. Of course, these…
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Do Stock Markets Fall when Interest Rates Rise?
1. On Wednesday March 16th, the Fed announced its long-expected rate liftoff, hiking by the expected 25bp and lifting the Fed Funds Target Rate lower bound off zero for the first time since early 2020. After the meeting, the updated Summary of Economic Projections saw the dot plot move higher, with 2022 now showing a…
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Five Questions About – Inflation, Interest Rates and Investing
Five Questions About – Inflation, Interest Rates and Investing The Federal Reserve just announced a 50 basis point hike – the second increase since mid-March. The move is designed to slow the rate of inflation which has continued to drive up the cost of goods and services in the U.S. The Fed has indicated that…