To say that the investing climate over the last four months has been challenging, would be an understatement. To read Joel’s take on the “mixed signals and interest rates,” check out his article here: http://www.mycitymag.com/mixed-signals-interest-rates/.
Joel's Published Column
The “New” New Year’s Resolution
I was just reading an article on huffpost.com, that by Valentine’s Day, 92% of all New Year’s Resolutions have been broken. In light of that statistic, I thought it would be valuable to send out an encouraging word and some thoughts that may help you get back on the horse and finish what you’ve started. Read more here: http://www.mycitymag.com/the-new-new-years-resolution/
Experience Matters: Get an Internship!
As the job market has been red hot as of late, we have had the opportunity to work with a few different college students in different capacities. A common theme has emerged with our most dynamic and successful student interactions. Experience in the field that they are attempting to enter post-college gives them a significant advantage above other students entering the same field. Read more about why internships matter here: http://www.mycitymag.com/experience-matters-get-an-internship/
So the Mid Terms Happened . . .
So many investors are asking, “What’s going to happen after the midterm elections to the markets and the economy, if the Democrats take back the house?” Although I had to return my crystal ball to the store (because its past accuracy has been sketchy at best), I’d still like to offer my opinion. So, here are my guesses: http://www.mycitymag.com/so-the-midterms-happened/
“The Balancing Act”
As we enter Michigan’s beautiful fall season, we remember that it is the uniqueness of life’s seasons that create opportunities for us to reflect on our experiences and learn from our past. There is a time for everything: Ecclesiastes 3 of the Christian Bible reiterates exactly that. “A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them.” As a financial planner I will add one of my own – a time to store and a time to use: http://www.mycitymag.com/the-balancing-act/
Saving for That “Rainy Day”
Well, it happened … in August, I turned the BIG 4-0! Honestly, I’ve kind of felt like I was 40 for the last ten years, so it’s really not much different. One thing that this old man has noticed lately is “Help Wanted” signs posted just about everywhere. As the economy officially printed its second quarter GDP at 4.1% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the official unemployment rate is wavering between 3.8% and 4%, it seems like even local McDonald’s restaurants are looking to hire at above $11/hour. Read the full article here: http://www.mycitymag.com/saving-for-that-rainy-day/
“It’s the Economy, Stupid”
This year has been a much more volatile year in the stock indices in comparison to 2018: http://www.mycitymag.com/its-the-economy-stupid/
Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Volatility & Risk Tolerance. Read Joel’s take on this topic here: http://www.mycitymag.com/buckle-up-buttercup-volatility-risk-tolerance/
Roth IRA Conversion Strategies in 2018
A few reasons why this may be a good idea: http://www.mycitymag.com/roth-ira-conversion-strategies-in-2018a-few-reasons-why-this-may-be-a-good-idea/
Strategies for the Cheerful Giver
To say that there have been a lot of changes in Washington could be the understatement of the decade, but one change that should be beneficial to tax payers in the short term is the new Tax Reform act that was passed by congress in December of 2017. Not only is this going to lower the corporate tax from 35% to 21% indefinitely, but it will also be lowering individual and joint marginal income tax rates as well. Read more about this here: http://www.mycitymag.com/strategies-for-the-cheerful-giver/