Posts by Matt Hargreaves
How the 2020 election may impact your financial life
2020 election Election scenario planning plays a role in macroeconomic analysis and financial planning, particularly in recent years as tax policies have changed and governments have increasingly intervened in the financial markets during times of crisis. We focus primarily on a few of the market and economic impacts of the election. But our evaluation is…
Read MoreElection Season v. The Stock Market
Election season can be a challenging time for investors to maintain a long-term perspective, given the strong emotions often evoked by politics. Campaign rhetoric tends to amplify negative and divisive issues. In particular, this election is unprecedented in modern times — marked by the combination of a deadly pandemic, a severe economic recession, widespread civil…
Read MoreCybersecurity 101
More individuals each year are becoming the target of phishing scams. A phishing scam is where you get an email that appears to be from a company you recognize. The email tries to get you to click on a link and directs you to a website that works to get you to share sensitive information or install malware on…
Read MoreCustomer Relationship Summary
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently required all registered investment advisors to provide a Customer Relationship Summary (CRS) to their clients. This is not a change to your existing advisory agreement. It is available to view on our website.
Read More2020 Second Quarter Commentary
Market Summary The second quarter was nearly a mirror image of the first, as investors’ appetite for safety in the first quarter turned into an appetite for risk in the second quarter. The first quarter saw the fastest ever bear market – down 34% in 20 trading days – before recovering to finish down 20%…
Read More2020 1st Quarter Commentary
Market Summary The longest bull market in US history came to an end. Global equities fell into bear market territory due to a worldwide pandemic. The year started well, but as fears about COVID-19 spread and it became clear that there was a severe global pandemic on hand, markets responded quickly and severely. The…
Read MoreCommentary – Coronavirus 3.19.20
Our everyday lives have changed dramatically over the last few weeks as we work together to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We know these efforts are necessary, but they also have come at a cost. Stocks have entered a bear market and a global recession seems almost certain as people stay home and…
Read MoreCurrent Situation
Current Situation The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting not just lives but also the financial markets. While much is unknown at this moment, there is one thing we can be fairly sure of: it’s not the last crisis we’ll ever face. Stocks have faced many crises from wars to impeachment to banking crises…
Read MoreNew Changes to Web-Portal Password Requirements
We are committed to protecting your personal and financial data. We have robust software security systems in place and test them regularly. Whenever possible, we use multi-factor authentication (or two-factor authentication). Multi-factor authentication is just as important as having a strong and secure password. In addition to multi-factor authentication, we have specific policies and procedures…
Read MoreYield of Dreams: Total Returns vs. Income Investing
When thinking about income in retirement, many investors embrace the adage “never tap growth or touch the principal.” However, generating an acceptable income solely from interest and dividends requires a sizeable portfolio, and isn’t practical, realistic or necessary for many investors. Interest and dividends only: In this approach, you rely on investment income only, without…
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