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The LTWM Insider – Market and Economic Commentary Q4 2021
It is with high hope for a return to normalcy and deep gratitude that we say Happy New Year! The fourth quarter of 2021 was strong for stocks and now we know that the flat third quarter was just a bull market pause, as we discussed in our previous market commentary. The S&P 500 finished the year with 68 record highs, the last on December 29th. The index hit a fresh record high on January 3rd, then the Federal Reserve Board December meeting minutes were released on the 5th and the much more hawkish board discussion sent interest rates higher and stocks down sharply, with growth stocks leading the decline.
For those who would like a deeper dive into the details, please continue reading…
New IRS Life Expectancy Tables and Required Minimum Distributions
In November of 2020 the IRS published new tables for Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) in accordance with the SECURE ACT of 2019. Among the many provisions in the act, the life expectancies tables were to be updated and the age for beginning RMDs was increased to 72, up from 70 ½.
Financial Planning, Mental Health and Retirement: Tying them all together to create the ultimate happiness
Planning for your future is one of the most important things you can do for your overall well-being, as well as your financial success. Financial security is something most of us strive for. Understanding what having a healthy financial life means to you, creating those goals, and having a plan can help you move closer to financial security in retirement. Continue reading for more…
Market and Economic Commentary and Outlook
Stocks are near new record highs. Strong second quarter stock returns built on very strong first quarter returns and double digit first half returns are a good omen for the rest of the year. The S&P 500 has never finished with an annual decline if the first half is above double-digit returns; and history shows second half gains can be sizeable. Corporate earnings and jobs growth are strong and interest rates have declined, which has allowed large cap tech stocks to lead during the second quarter. Continue reading for more…
CalPERS Long Term Care Potential Settlement Options
Are you one of the 117,000 potentially affected by the CalPERS Long Term Care Settlement? (a)
Policyholders, former policyholders, and heirs/estates of previous policyholders all have choices to make in the potential settlement of a class action lawsuit brought against CalPERS. In July of 2021 CalPERS reached a preliminary settlement agreement in the class action lawsuit brought against them after the 2013 (enacted in 2015 & 2016) premium increases. Affected policyholders may be required to decide if they want to be included in the settlement and at the same time decide on accepting another premium increase of 52% in 2021 and further compounded 25% increase in 2022 or reduce their benefits. Continue reading for more…
The Origin Story of Bitcoin
Bitcoin’s roots date back to the early 1980’s. Read this article to learn more…
Market and Economic Commentary and Outlook
Stocks are near new record highs. Strong second quarter stock returns built on very strong first quarter returns and double digit first half returns are a good omen for the rest of the year. The S&P 500 has never finished with an annual decline if the first half is above double-digit returns; and history shows second half gains can be sizeable. Corporate earnings and jobs growth are strong and interest rates have declined, which has allowed large cap tech stocks to lead during the second quarter. Continue reading for more…
Market and Economic Commentary and Outlook
What a difference a year makes. It was just one-year ago that we reported an end to the 10-year long bull market, due to a 34% decline in the S&P 500 amid the government-imposed shutdowns world-wide. Now, with much of the economic news about fully reopening and robust economic projections, we are experiencing positive returns in most asset classes, record breaking for some. Continue reading for more…
Market and Economic Commentary and Outlook Q4 2020
During the final quarter of 2020 global equity markets continued upward with a new trend emerging in early November – small and value, instead of large and growth stocks, led the way. International value stocks also were also a bright spot for the quarter. For more continue reading…
California Proposition 19: What Homeowners and Their Beneficiaries Need to Know
In November of 2020, California voters narrowly passed Proposition 19. The impact of Proposition 19 can be positive, negative or neutral depending on your individual situation. Read more to learn how it effects you…
401k After-tax Possibilities
Turbo charge your long-term savings plan by learning more about the possibility of after-tax 401k contributions.
Market and Economic Commentary and Outlook Q3 2020
Third quarter results were a continuation of the new bull market trend of the second quarter and another example of the importance to stay invested during the fear of a global pandemic. Read more to learn the details…
Will Tech Giants Continue to Dominate?
Will the crowded mega cap technology companies continue to out perform the broad stock market?
