Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a review of the prior month’s market data, the state of the economy, and the global financial markets. Global Economy: In the spirit of the coming New Year, significant progress was made in December to bring resolution to a number of ongoing uncertainties across the globe. Indeed, the last month of 2019 was ultimately peaceful and positive for equity and credit markets to complete an overwhelmingly strong year. Optimism surrounding a “phase one” trade accord between the US and China proved prescient, just in time to avert planned tariff…

On Dec 20, 2019 President Trump signed into law The SECURE act, an acronym for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement. The bill is intended to strengthen American’s retirement security. Key points: Increasing the Required Minimum Distribution Age Effective January 1, 2020, the age at which individuals must begin taking their Required Minimum Distributions from their retirement accounts has been raised to 72 from 70 ½.  This only applies to people who turn 70 ½ after December 31, 2019. If an individual turns 70 ½ in 2019, the law does not apply. Contributions to Traditional IRAs after age 70…

By Year End Fund Health Savings Account (HSA): For 2019, those in high-deductible health-insurance plans can contribute as much as $3,500 before taxes. For families, the figure is $7,000 and those age 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000. Spend flex dollars: Unused funds in Flexible Spending Accounts are typically forfeited at year’s end, so make sure to tap them for eligible health and medical expenses by December 31. Some plans offer a “grace period” or may allow you to carry over some to use in the following year. Bottom line, check with your employer to confirm your plan’s deadlines. Contribute to…

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a review of the prior month’s market data, the state of the economy, and the global financial markets. Global Economy: A pervasive feeling that a recession is not on the immediate horizon, due to ongoing moderate growth, fueled the equity markets once again in November. Optimism surrounding a U.S-China trade accord was present throughout the month, while mixed signals across the global economy were enough to drive key benchmarks to new all-time highs. In keeping with the risk-on theme, government bond yields increased, and credit spreads extended their recent…

In honor of #GivingTuesday and the year-end giving season upon us, here are a few simple, helpful strategies. Create a plan to understand your impact Write a mission statement to focus your giving. Focus on what matters most to you by writing a few sentences about your giving goals. Use that statement to help you say no or to limit your support of causes that don’t align with those priorities. Particularly for families with children, incorporate giving into everyday life and make sure future generations know your intentions. As a family, decide on a few concrete steps you’ll take to…