There’s a Retirement Crisis in America!
There’s a Retirement Crisis in America! Americans are struggling to save enough for retirement, therefore the House of representatives has passed “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019” or SECURE Act by a bi-partisan vote of 417-3. The Senate is expected to move quickly on this bill which could occur before the August recess. How will this bill help to address the savings gap which is impacting millions of Americans? This bill increases the beginning age for required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement plans to age 72 from the earlier age 70½ beginning...
Read MoreGlobal Asset Allocation Views – Q2 2019
Global Asset Allocation Views – Q2 2019 The beginning of 2019 is off to a hot start with the major stock indices within range of their all-time highs set last September, and enjoying their best start of the year going back to 1998. The Federal Reserve has come out in an unprecedented fashion to declare they will not raise rates the rest of 2019. The U.S. and China appear closer to a trade deal, but many disputes still linger with respect to automobiles and parts as further tariffs may be levied on Mexico and the EU. Global growth has moderated as China continues its transition to a more...
Read MoreCrunch Time Tips for Tax Time
Crunch Time Tips for Tax Time Each year HFS strives to educate our team and our clients on helpful tips for tax time. Click here, New Year, New Tax Changes, for a review of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changes. You, your CPA, and your Financial Planner can work together to plan so you have no surprises near year end. You put your trust in the team around you to be on top of the latest information and adjust plans as necessary to stay on course. Due to the changes in tax law, the amount of people who itemize their tax returns will fall from 46 million to 16 million in the US according to The...
Read MoreIs Financial Stress Eating Up Your Profits?
Is Financial Stress Eating Up Your Profits? Financial stress is a silent killer that may be robbing your business of thousands or even millions of dollars of profit annually. Mercer estimated that employers lost approximately 250 billion in wages in 2017 because of financial stress1. The survey which was based on 3,000 workers found that employees are spending approximately 150 hours annually during work time on financial issues1. Seventy percent of HR professionals say financial stress is impacting their workforce. In addition, financial stress can also lead to increased absenteeism,...
Read MoreGlobal Asset Allocation Views – Q1 2019
Global Asset Allocation Views – Q1 2019 Quarter in Review The 4th quarter of 2018 did not go as planned, though in reality nothing about investing truly ever goes to plan. The S&P 500 had just hit an all-time high and we were heading into historically what has been the strongest part of the calendar. Then Fed Chairman Jerome Powell spoke. An unscripted comment about how we are ‘a long way’ from neutral on interest rates and the rest is history. Many people still remember 2007 and how the Fed overzealously tightened. As the floodgates opened, under the radar events began...
Read MoreDo You Know the Real Rate of Return On Your Investments?
Do You Know the Real Rate of Return On Your Investments? Many investors look at their monthly statements or review their account online and look at a couple of numbers to determine how their investments are doing. The first number is usually the balance in your account. If it is more than it was the last time you looked at it then you feel good. Next they look at the percentage return on their portfolio to see if it is a number they can feel good about. Obviously, the higher the number the better. However, before you put your statement away it is important for you to understand what your...
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