4th Quarter: 2023 Edition
Markets & Economics Commentary ©2024 Mark P Culver Russell 1000 Index: 2023 YTD +26.5% Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index: 2023 YTD +5.5% 4th Quarter: 2023 edition Lower Interest Rates in the Offing? Front and center on most everyone’s mind in respect to the US Economy is the recent spike in inflation and […]
3rd Quarter: 2023 Edition
Markets & Economics Commentary ©2023 Mark P Culver Russell 1000 Index:: 2023 YTD +13.0%% Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index: 2023 YTD -1.2% 3rd Quarter: 2023 edition Interest Rates Base Case Thus far for the year, and really the past 24 months, the driving force for all capital markets has been higher interest rates. […]
January 2024 – Proposed Legislation Aims to Help Young Workers Put Time on Their Side
Retirement planning often directs attention toward mid-career 401(k) participants and those nearing retirement — and understandably so, given their tighter timeline to secure post-retirement financial stability. But what about the youngest members of the workforce — the 18- to 20-year-olds, or those even younger? This demographic faces a potentially more challenging economic outlook than their […]
January 2024 – Navigating Retirement’s New Horizons
As we embrace the dawn of a new year, contemplating the departure of a loved one may not be the most festive topic, yet it’s an essential consideration for any forward-thinking planner. When you initially chose your retirement plan, you were likely prompted to designate a beneficiary. Here are some tips tailored for the new […]
December 2023 – Happy Holidays!
2023 has been a year of growth, challenges, and remarkable achievements, and we want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for your unwavering support and partnership throughout this journey. Your trust in our company has been a cornerstone of our success and we are immensely grateful for the role you’ve played in […]
December 2023 – Financial Frost Checkup
As the winter season blankets our surroundings, it’s the perfect time to conduct a comprehensive review of your financial situation. Adapting to Life’s Changes Reflect on the past year and consider any shifts in your personal, family, or financial life. If changes have occurred, consider taking these steps: Review your beneficiary designations for accounts […]
November 2023 – 401(k) Fears: What’s a Plan Sponsor to Do?
Sound investment decisions are rarely made under the weight of worry. The field of behavioral finance points to a number of cognitive distortions that feed on investor fear and can plague participants’ decision-making while compromising their retirement readiness. Here are some that can send shivers down participants’ spines — and ways sponsors can help them […]
November 2023 – Gobbling Up Good Financial Habits
Holidays are all about spreading cheer and giving, but sometimes people tend to go a bit overboard, which can later result in financial stress. According to a survey conducted by Country Financial, 32% of folks feel the most financial pressure during the holiday season.1 Create a Budget: Start by setting a clear budget for […]
October 2023 – Hardship Distributions Surge: Strategies for a Troubling Trend
More and more workers are taking hardship distributions from their 401(k) accounts, a recent report shows. Bank of America’s June 2023 Participant Pulse study reveals nearly 16,000 participants withdrew money to cover a financial hardship in Q2 of this year — up 36% compared to the same quarter in 2022. At the same time, the […]
October 2023 – Smart Portfolio Stress Testing: Your Retirement Safety Net
You’ve been diligent—saving, monitoring retirement accounts, consulting your advisor. But are you prepared for life’s uncertainties? Your retirement plan relies on assumptions: savings, investment duration, inflation, and returns. Life, however, loves throwing curveballs—job loss, health issues, financial shocks. That’s where stress testing comes in, your safety net in this unpredictable journey. Ready for a […]
