From an economic and investment perspective, saying that the first quarter (particularly March), was without precedent is an understatement. Investors experienced the fastest bear market (from Peak to -20%) ever recorded in US stocks. But it wasn’t just down days that we experienced; we had plenty of dramatic positive days as well. As Nick Maggiulli
It’s More Than Money
What Do We Do, Now That We’re Home?
Thanks to Marie Kondo, the “Tidying Up Department” that looks after our home, yard, garden, tool shed, garage, basement, and the attic has grown. And I thought the Stay At Home directive would give me more than enough time at the end of my workday to put a big dent in my growing to-do list.
Three Financial Planning Strategies During a Down Market
I remember the first time I had the wind knocked out of me. The day was unseasonably warm, and I was 8, lying in my dad’s arms in a hammock. I started to doze off and rolled out of the hammock, falling back-first onto the Mexican tile. I remember gasping for air, but I had
Individual Focus: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)
Disclaimer: We’ve pooled several resources together to give you a comprehensive look at the new developments in tax and unemployment law changes since the onset of the Coronavirus. However, do not consider any of this to be tax, legal, or financial advice. We would be happy to talk with you more about your specific situation,
Small Business Focus: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)
UPDATED: Note the updates to the PPP Section Disclaimer: We’ve pooled together some resources to give you a comprehensive look at the new developments in tax, lending, and employment law changes since the onset of the Coronavirus. However, do not consider any of this to be tax, legal, or financial advice. We would be happy
Do I Belong Here? – All-Time Market Highs and The Good Place
“On December 31st, the S&P 500 Closed at 3227.57, Within 0.35% of its All-Time High…” I would bet that reading the above headline tells you something. Maybe “Finally, I made it” or “How long can we keep this up?” or maybe even “There’s nowhere to go but down.” When my wife suggested that we start
Quarter In Charts – Q4 2019
It’s interesting to think about what an impact Julius Caesar had on the calendar and from that, our lives. I remember when I started at Smith Partners Wealth Management (then Jonathan Smith & Co.) in 2005. The great Legg Mason Value Trust mutual fund manager Bill Miller was in the middle of his 15th consecutive
The SECURE Act
President Trump signed The SECURE Act of 2019 (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement of 2019), into law on December 20, 2019. While it has a far-reaching scope (see the chart below from Michael Kitces’ in-depth summary,) in this post, I’ll focus on a few provisions likely to affect most workers, retirees, and 401k
Budgeting (Part 2): How Much Should I Be Saving?
(This is part two in a series, if you didn’t read my last blog post, then I would recommend starting there.) The most common financial goal I know of is financial independence. People want the freedom to travel, spend time with family and friends, work part-time, or start a business. However, America as a whole
The Quarter in Charts – Q3 2019
I come from a long line of people who can’t keep track of their things. When I was a kid, it was my soccer cleats or my homework. My dad (you might know him as Jonathan) would try to help. He would ask if I looked in the den or on the back porch. When