Since inflation began to surge in early 2021, several key tax parameters indexed to inflation have increased as well. These provisions helped to protect households’ real, after-tax income. But not all elements of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) are indexed to inflation. These omissions can cost tax payers dearly. Many IRC stipulations are indexed to …
Money is a tool – it is a means to an end. Money alone does not bring life satisfaction, but it can allow you to achieve greater freedom. Retirement may be the ultimate expression of freedom. Retirement planning usually involves an assessment of whether your life savings are adequate to cover specific planning objectives – …
July 2023 – The Softer Side Of Retirement Planning Read More »
In recent years growth stock returns have been the primary drivers of US stock market returns, while value stocks have lagged. The following question from a long-time subscriber provides an opportunity to revisit this topic. Q — On page 38 you state that “over the long-term large cap value stocks have generated annualized returns above …
U.S. consumer confidence declined in April, dropping to its lowest level since last summer. According to a senior economist at The Conference Board, “Consumers became more pessimistic about the outlook for both business conditions and labor markets.” Banking failures, higher borrowing costs, a government impasse over the debt ceiling, and a softening labor market have …
On Friday, March 10, regulators took control of Silicon Valley Bank as a run on the bank unfolded. Two days later, regulators took control of a second lender, Signature Bank. With increasing anxiety, many investors are eyeing their portfolios for exposure to these and other regional banks. Rather than rummaging through your portfolio looking for …
April 2023 – Investment Principles To Weather The Storm Read More »
On Sunday, March 12 the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora- tion (FDIC) announced it would ensure that all depositors at Silicon Valley Bank (ticker SVIB) would have access to their money the next day. This intervention marked the second largest bank failure in his- tory. A similar plan was rolled out for depositors of New York …
Mar. 2023 – Bank Safety, Your Deposits and Your Portfolio Read More »
After eight rate hikes from the Federal Reserve in the last year and declining inflation during the back half of 2022, many had hoped the worst of the price increases were behind us. Today’s release from the Bureau of Economic Analysis suggests that might not be the case. The personal consumption expenditures price index (PCEPI), …
The prior twelve months were difficult, even for disciplined investors. Capital markets delivered a formidable test of investors’ resolve. World news in 2023 will continue to provide surprises, good and bad. We remain confident that adherence to your plan and patience will be well rewarded. Once again, we suggest our readers re-commit to these timeless …
In this issue we turn again to the topic of price inflation. We examine in depth the recent performance of TIPS (page 92), to address the concerns of investors who may be disappointed by the negative returns these inflation protected bonds have generated, even while inflation has been very high. To understand this outcome, one …
News around the world has been bleak and global stock markets have fallen 20 percent. In short, the millions of buyers and sellers in capital markets have concluded that the world has become a riskier place in which to save and invest. Since 2019, the world has endured a debilitating epidemic and ensuing economic shutdown, …
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