We are pleased to present our Investment Strategy Video for the second quarter of 2020 titled, “Gimme Shelter.”
Second Quarter 2020 Investment Strategy Video: Gimme Shelter
Roth IRA Conversion Considerations
Roth IRAs are after-tax retirement accounts. While not tax deductible when they are funded, they grow tax free and withdrawals are income tax free provided they are withdrawn after age 59 ½. Additionally, most Roth IRAs are not subject to required minimum distributions.
Important 2020 Tax Season Reminders
Federal and states governments are working hard to provide support and relief to taxpayers during the COVID-19 global pandemic. One element that will ease the burden on taxpayer cashflow is the delay in due dates for filing and paying your 2019 taxes.
Unprecedented ... By All Measures
By all measures, this new reality is unprecedented. To start, this is not a typical recession whereby the economy runs “too hot,” such as when a major industry collapses like the banking system during the mortgage crisis or the technology sector of the early 2000s.
High Anxiety
Staying in touch with clients is critical during such extreme market volatility. Admittedly these are highly stressful and uncertain times for everyone. It is paramount that we stay safe, remain calm and strive to make decisions that are aligned with our long-term goals … not current headlines.
FTC Scam Bingo: Helping Your Technology Stay Healthy
Scams are on the rise during this pandemic. Here are some reminders and resources from the Federal Trade Commission
Planning for Healthcare in Retirement
Our health and well-being during this pandemic is a top priority. While there are things about managing our healthcare that we cannot control, we do have options to plan for the financial impact.
Deferred Federal Tax Payments and Tax Filings Announced
In an effort to reduce the burden on taxpayers during the COVID-19 pandeminc, Secretary Mnuchin announced deferring Federal tax filing and payments.
March Sadness
First and foremost, we want to extend our concern and empathy to those whose health has been directly impacted by the virus, as well to those in the travel, entertainment and restaurant industries whose jobs are increasingly at risk.
2019 Annual Report
Cole Interviewed on KPTV
Ralph Cole, CFA, director at Ferguson Wellman, was interviewed on KPTV regarding stock market volatility during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Cole and Lago Quoted in Portland Tribune
Where To From Here?
While the duration, severity and economic toll of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 are yet to be known, this week investors abandoned any attempt to calibrate market prices using fundamentals and engaged in wholesale panic, selling off equities in all markets around the world.
White Knuckles
The rollercoaster ride continued this week as stocks moved at least 2 percent every day; however, with all of that volatility the S&P 500 was up 1 percent.
Fear Is Only as Deep as the Mind Allows
Kingda Ka at Six Flags in New Jersey is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the United States. Imagine being on that coaster.
Cross Currents
A mixed set of economic data set against ongoing news of coronavirus infections sent stocks and bonds in opposite directions. As quarantines and lost production in China begin to impact supply chains and the likes of Apple, bonds continued their long tenured ascent, helping offset the week’s equity losses for those investors with a well-diversified portfolio.
The (U.S.) Consumer Keeps Coming Up Roses
The U.S. consumer continues to be the sweetheart of the global economy. Personal consumption represents approximately 70 percent of U.S. GDP and this morning’s University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index release suggests the consumer remains both confident and resilient.
Hit by Cupid’s Arrow but Not Tying the Knot? Tips for Unmarried Cohabiting Couples
Have you been hit by Cupid’s arrow but you’re not ready to tie the knot? An increasing number of couples are moving in together before marriage, or don’t plan on getting married for any number of reasons. What many couples who move in together don’t realize is that their assets could be at risk in ways they don’t imagine.
(No) Beast of Burden
In stark contrast to the fear-based selling that enveloped markets a week ago, stocks bounced back with a vengeance in the first week of February.
Christianson, Harding and Havnaer Receive Promotions
Promotions within our company are something worth celebrating. Three professionals representing different teams were recognized for their accomplishments at Ferguson Wellman.