Chad Johnson

November Market Recap and COVID Alphabet Soup

A sharp acceleration in economic growth, increasing worries about inflation, a reluctant-to-act-against-inflation Fed, and a strong stock market were quickly displaced by news of a new Covid variant on Black Friday. Table 2: Key Index Returns MTD % YTD % Dow Jones Industrial Average -3.7 12.7 NASDAQ Composite 0.3 20.6 S&P 500 Index -0.8Continue reading “November Market Recap and COVID Alphabet Soup”

Year-End Tax Planning and Tips

Looking to year-end Time is short and the holidays are always hectic, but consider carving out some time for year-end financial matters. A number of questions about proposed changes in the tax code have come my way. As the Build Back Better Act winds its way through Congress, early proposals have fallen by the wayside andContinue reading “Year-End Tax Planning and Tips”

Oct Market Recap: New high is October—what drives the overall market?

Following a modest sell-off in September, stocks racked up a big gain in October, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 Index setting new highs late in the month, according to market data provided by the St. Louis Federal Reserve. The S&P 500 turned in its best monthly performance of the year,Continue reading “Oct Market Recap: New high is October—what drives the overall market?”

Seven Deadly Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s ask a question that seemingly has an obvious answer. Why is estate planning important? First of all, when many hear the term “estate planning,” they quickly envision those who own mansions, various real estate holdings, large stock portfolios, expensive toys and priceless heirlooms. Please, put that stereotype out of your mind. Everyone should haveContinue reading “Seven Deadly Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid“

Market Recap: What is it about September?

September has historically been the worst month for stocks, according to St. Louis Federal Reserve data measuring monthly S&P 500 performance over the last 50 years. If you are wondering whether the trend has abated in recent years, the answer is no, it hasn’t. Over the last 10 years, September performance has been substandard. WhileContinue reading “Market Recap: What is it about September?”

Will Tax Law Changes Increase Your Taxes?

Will you be paying more in taxes next year? Let’s ask the question in another way. Since politicians have taken aim at high earners: Are taxes going to rise for the wealthiest taxpayers? Clients usually ask, “How will this affect me?” Or, “Will I be ensnared by Congress’ definition of wealthy?” If proposed changes inContinue reading “Will Tax Law Changes Increase Your Taxes?”

Market Update:A Covid Recession and Recovery

The economy hit a peak in February 2020 and bottomed out in April of the same year, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), which is viewed as the arbiter of recessions and economic recoveries. In determining the peak and trough of the economy, the NBER considers several indicators of employment and production.Continue reading “Market Update:A Covid Recession and Recovery”

7 Ways to Stay on Track and Meet Your Retirement Goals

Are you on track to retire comfortably? What are your financial goals? How much income will you need to generate each month when you have retired? What might be some of your longer-term goals outside the financial arena, but goals that would be aided by a larger pool of savings? Our regular check-ins are designedContinue reading “7 Ways to Stay on Track and Meet Your Retirement Goals”

Will you be paying higher taxes on your capital gains?

The short answer is probably “No.” The longer answer is, “I don’t know” because tax hikes proposed by the president may or may not be enacted into law by Congress. Last month, President Joe Biden unveiled The American Families Plan, which among other things, proposes to raise capital gains taxes on long-term capital gains—on theContinue reading “Will you be paying higher taxes on your capital gains?”

Charitable Giving and 7 Charitable Giving Missteps

Individuals, foundations, bequests, and corporations gave an estimated $449.6 billion to U.S. charities in 2019, according to findings in Giving USA 2020: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2019. Individuals, foundations, bequests, and corporations gave an estimated $449.6 billion to U.S. charities in 2019, according to findings in Giving USA 2020: The AnnualContinue reading “Charitable Giving and 7 Charitable Giving Missteps”