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Category: Weekly Economic Update

People haven’t been this negative about the economy & investing since 2010.

by Dave Conley on September 30, 2022.

Just like we do not know when we are in a recession (until after it has started), the markets begin their recovery in the midst of bad news. It is critical top your wealth to understand this fact: the markets (stocks & bonds) typically reflect where the economy is headed in 3-6 months from today. If you wait for the news to tell you the markets have recovered, the economy has turned around you probably missed out on a good portion of the initial recovery.

Mid-Term Elections and Market Volatility

by Randy Chalmers on September 16, 2022.

There should be no shock to you when I state that 2022 has been a tumultuous year for the stock market. Seemingly everything that could happen to negatively affect the market, has. The lingering pandemic, inflation, monetary policy tightening by the Federal Reserve, Russia invading Ukraine, investor panic, and the cyclical mid-term election impact….? Mid-term...

Information about Qualified Tuition Plans (or 529 Plans)

by Randy Chalmers on September 9, 2022.

South Carolina taxpayers can deduct 100% of their contributions on their state tax returns (one of only four states that offer 100% of contributions to be claimed). There are two types of 529 plans: prepaid tuition plans and education savings plans. Prepaid Tuition Plans allow the account holder to purchase credits for future use at...

Are you Sinking your Funds?

by Michelle McEachin on September 9, 2022.

Are you sinking your funds?  We talk about budgets a lot around here. We believe that having a budget for your monthly expenses is terrific! But, don’t forget you have some expenses that are not monthly and some that are definitely not regular. Some bills will only come to your mailbox once a year. Bills...

I Don’t Want to Lose Money! What Does that Mean?

by Dave Conley on September 1, 2022.

$10,000 is still $10,000 = Capital Preservation $10,000 still buys what it did = Purchasing Power Preservation The distinction is vital to your long-term wealth! Not a month goes by that we do not have a call where someone inquires about investing and includes the phrase, “but I don’t want to lose my money“. The...

Teaching Children about Finances

by Randy Chalmers on September 1, 2022.

Recently my 5-year-old son asked my wife and me why he had to turn off the lights when he was not using them. We explained that it costs money to operate the lights, and he was astonished, “we even have to pay for that!!??” We realized then that we have a lot to teach him...

Enjoying the Fruit of your Labor

by Michelle McEachin on August 30, 2022.

We all work hard. Some of us work four 10-hour days. Some work five 8-hour days. Some choose to work 12-hour days all the time. But whatever you do… you put in labor and expect a fair return for your effort. You use that return to plan, budget, and live life to the fullest.  Back...

What Advice Would you Give Yourself… 20 Years Ago?

by Dave Conley on August 26, 2022.

Who do you think you’ll be in a year? 5 years? 20 years? One of the big problems with setting goals, especially financial ones, is that we’re struggle with imagining our future selves. Remember what you imagined you’d be as an adult when you were a kid. I’m guessing there are some gaps between that dream and your current reality. When we talk about financial goals, we’re often talking about long timeframes.

Student Loan Forgiveness

by Randy Chalmers on August 26, 2022.

By now, you have most likely heard about the announced three-part plan to help working and middle-class federal student loan borrowers. Are you confused by the myriad of information you’ve seen? Then let’s go over some details. The Facts on the three-part plan: The loan repayment pause has been extended until 31 December 2022, this...