As Father’s day approaches, I think of my dad and all the wonderful life lessons he taught me - like how to throw a football, change spark plugs, and evaluate if something is a need or a want. Some of these lessons don’t have much impact now but it does spark the conversation on teaching finances to our children. Depending on your child and your family’s comfort level with finance, you may approach these pillars at different times. This topic is not meant to be a 15-minute TedTalk but instead should be a lifelong discussion that evolves as they grow.

Tackling the Basics: If you get money where does it go?
Early on (2-3 years old) when our son would get money, we decided to put three containers in front of him labeled: savings, spending, and giving. Our son didn’t need to know the main objectives behind each category, the point was to involve him in the decision making process. We would celebrate it all the same.

As he got older (5-6 years old) and the containers were a little heavier, we set up bank accounts for each of these containers. Instead of putting them all in the same bank, we separated the savings account into a high yield bank and put his spending/giving accounts with a bank that was easy to access. I like this for a couple reasons. First, it breaks the stigma of needing to hold all your money at one institution because you’ve been a customer for a while. Second, when you divide it up between banks it puts the significance on the purpose of the funds therefore aligning to what is best suited for your needs. Around this same time we introduced a new rule, you can put as much as you like in spending BUT you need to match it in savings. A simple change that helps him understand the value of money and how he shouldn’t spend outside his means.

One day he proudly came up to us and wanted to use his money to buy a gift for a friend. Out of all the categories the giving tends to be the hardest for kids to understand. This simple choice shows he is comfortable with his savings and doesn’t feel the need to spend money on himself because his needs are met. At this point he demonstrates an understanding of how each category works and it’s time to move to the next opportunity, investing.

Investing 101: When do you introduce investing?
Coincidentally, the Roblox IPO was available which provided several learning opportunities. Roblox has an internal currency called “Robux and he understood that he could purchase “Robux '' to buy things within the game.  He connected with the idea - if he bought Roblox instead of Robux his money has the potential to grow without doing more chores. Of course these are not exactly the same but it was similar enough to peak his interest. He purchased Roblox with his own money. At the end of each month, we would say “it's time to look at how much your Roblox has made”. Then I would ask him, “are more people buying or more people selling?” This review helped him understand the highs and lows of investing. In fact, one day when he came home from school, I was preparing his birthday and I said I have good news! His reaction was priceless "Did my Roblox stock go up?”

He is still showing interest, so we proceed to share more knowledge. As he gets older, we will look at more visually based tools that allow him to research his investments and compare them to the S&P. As he grasps these concepts more, we discuss how long to hold those investments and when is the best time to move to another investment.

Just like anything with kids you need to establish a program, set up a routine, and encourage questions. Before you set up an account for your child make sure to understand the difference in account types by reading my 3-part series, Better than Basics: Level Up Your Financial Literacy, or book an appointment with me below. Teaching our next generation about finance is our opportunity to build a strong foundation early on and ensure financial independence for their future.

Nowadays, women and investing is becoming a hotter topic. Sites like Dow Janes and Ellevest target their marketing towards women as their investing needs and goals for retirement do not conform to the traditional path. For example, I’ve seen men do some of the riskiest things with their lives and those habits inevitably lead to shorter longevity. Therefore, women often focus more on longevity since they tend to outlive men. While evaluating their portfolios, women will want to pay attention to these three behaviors to avoid letting returns slip away.

Lower Contributions
In Vanguard's, How American Saves Study, it shows that women participate in their 401k contributions more than their male counterparts; however, they are saving at a lower rate. 
Oftentimes these savings rates increase as the women become higher income earners. Some other factors for lower contributions and account balances involve women entering the workforce later in life and women often start at the entry level positions and work their way up. Between the lower rate of savings and the wage gap - currently 82 cents per every dollar a man earns - it’s even harder for women to save for a lengthy retirement.

Lower Risk Tolerance 
Men and women differ in many ways when it comes to their risk tolerance. For instance, men take more risk when investing. To determine your risk tolerance, complete an investor profile. An investor profile is based on several different factors: risk tolerance, financial goals, and time horizon. Time horizon is arguably one of the most important factors to creating your investor profile. If this is a roadmap to retirement, think of the time horizon as the destination and the speed is your risk tolerance.

Another consideration when analyzing the lower risk tolerance of women is evaluating the downside potential. Many investors focus on how much they can make and the potential loss. Since women make less on average, the thought of losing their hard earned money is not worth the high risk.

Analysis Paralysis 
Let’s assume you are able to contribute at a greater rate and you have a higher risk tolerance. Then the only thing standing in the way is research and execution. Research is not much of an issue for female investors, the concern is execution. Execution can be stunted in a variety of ways: trying to time the market, imposter syndrome, or they are just plain too busy.

Unfortunately, these three behaviors create a trifecta for lower returns and most women are repeat offenders. It’s not with malicious intent that women do it but instead it’s from natural programming with the instinct to protect. This protection resonates differently amongst women but it starts with their association with money. To take a closer look at that, sit down with me and make your investments a priority.

Over the past few weeks you can take what we’ve learned and compare it against your career path. Part one of our series focuses on individuals just starting their first jobs and are overwhelmed with the constant inflow of information. Part two is when you’ve had a couple of years to digest the information and want to invest more productively. The last and third part of our series is aimed toward those individuals who are ready to start withdrawing from these accounts.

As we explained in part two, tax liabilities for each account varies and withdrawing from them can negatively impact your tax situation. For example, some investors will withdraw funds from their brokerage account to make larger purchases (i.e., home, car, etc.) but if the investments are held less than 12 months there are tax implications. Even more, if you are looking to pull money from a retirement account the amount is restricted and is only for first-time homebuyers - this is unless you are willing to take an additional penalty on top of the ordinary income.

The Bucket System
One traditional method for withdrawing money is called the bucket system. This strategy is based on the philosophy that over time you’ll receive more income as you age and this is partly due to earnings from social security and required minimum distributions. This system breaks up account types into taxable, tax deferred, and tax free. Each of these tax liabilities were discussed in Part two of our series.

Most investors will begin withdrawing from Bucket 1: Taxable accounts to subsidize their income as they age. After depleting the funds from Bucket 1, you’ll ideally move to Bucket 2: Tax Deferred withdrawals. In some cases - like required minimum distributions (RMD) - you would need to take a distribution prior to the depletion of your taxable funds (e.g., bucket 1). After that point, you can offset your RMD and reduce the amount taken from Bucket 1. If you have disbursed everything from your first and second bucket, you’ll move on to the Bucket 3:Tax Free which will have the most favorable tax treatment. In the example below, you will see there is a fourth bucket which is specific to reducing your estate’s taxable liability after you’ve passed. We haven’t discussed much about this but in our life insurance series later this year we’ll dive into this strategy. 

This system is not fool proof and depending on your financial situation a second opinion can save you money that others would have left on the table. I work with individuals to help create plans around their financial goals and offer guidance on how to take advantage of the opportunities within their portfolio. For a personalized plan, schedule an appointment with me today and to learn more about Strategies for Retirement use the download button below for a FREE pamphlet.

​Becoming familiar with the basics of financial literacy - budgeting, investing, and personal finance - helps most Americans create plans to achieve their financial goals. However, financial literacy goes beyond the basics. In fact, a 2020 survey found that the majority of surveyors lost approximately $1600 due to lack of understanding - in the U.S that’s a loss of over 415 billion dollars. So it begs the question, how do investors stop leaving money on the table?

If you’ve already laid the foundation with the basics, the next big opportunity is within your tax liabilities. Tax liabilities are simply the taxes you will pay to the government though our focus is taxes that occur while investing. More specifically, we take time to review taxation on various account types, the “gold standard” for withdrawing funds, and how/when penalties are triggered.

Account Review
To understand different tax liabilities, the first thing we review is account type. Each investment account has distinct tax liabilities which are in the form of short and long term capital gains, ordinary income, and tax-free. The amount taxed will depend on the account type, investment time frame, and income, as well as some other factors. Below are some common account types and typical taxation methods.

*When funds are used for non-medical expenses under age 65 and 20% additional penalty.
**When taken as a loan.
***Non-qualified and 10% penalty.

As you can see, the chart is not as straightforward as it seems. There are exceptions and instances where you can find yourself with higher tax liabilities for failure to understand the restrictions. There are even cases where accounts can lose their tax advantaged status. Each situation is unique and there isn’t a “one size fits all” solution. If you need some assistance or want to learn more, simply schedule a meeting using the link below.

Be on the lookout for Part 2, where we’ll break down taxation rates and review consequences. In the final part 3 of our series, we’ll wrap up on when to take money out of each account to minimize your tax liability.
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​When investors rebalance their portfolios, the influence of their decisions is usually determined by media outlet research. If you’ve been listening to most news sources then you are hearing recession, recession, recession. But, if you are looking at the data and trying to find a way back into the market: here are some tips you’ll want to review.
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When do you know it’s the bottom?
Many people associate a bear market with a recession. A recession is typically defined as 2 consecutive quarters of negative gross domestic product (GDP). However, a bear market is a drop from the peak to the bottom of greater than 20%. Our peak was December of 2021 (S&P 4766.18) and our most recent bottom is October of 2022 (S&P 3583.07). While this may not be the bottom, an average bear market is 9-13 months. Since our recent low, markets have been bouncing around influenced by the latest interest rate increases and other economic data point decreases. 

Source: LPL Research, CFRA Fact Sheet 05/20/22.​
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How can you invest?
After you’ve evaluated where the market stands you can move in two different directions. The first is the path to recovery and the other is expansion. The path to recovery means we may have some turbulent times ahead but investing in sectors that have lower beta than the S&P should limit the drawdown your portfolio is exposed to. Common investment sectors include  utilities, consumer staples, healthcare, and real estate. Keep in mind, this strategy doesn’t guarantee against loss but it creates an inverse reaction to the general stock market.

If you are under the impression that we are likely to move towards expansion, you’ll be looking for options that have a higher beta than the S&P (e.g., greater than 1.0). These are not guaranteed to produce a gain and are subject to more volatility. Sectors you’ll commonly see aligned with those portfolios are energy, consumer discretionary, financial, and technology.

Stepping away from sector focused investing another traditional train of thought is to move more money into bonds but with the rising interest rates. Though, it might be best to table that for a little while. You’ll also notice that the best performing indices might not be the Dow or S&P, and in many cases have been NASDAQ and Russell. 

Having the right balance between market knowledge and understanding your investment style is imperative to making sure your portfolio is meeting your goals. Book your appointment below and take the first step to put a plan in place.
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Mass layoffs in the tech industry are becoming a regular occurrence and if you’ve experienced a recent layoff, you might not be as prepared as you thought. Now, what do you do? Below are some simple steps you can take today and start preparing for the future you want.

First, file for unemployment; this will give you some room in your budget. People being laid off are often eligible for unemployment when your position is not being replaced. Each state agency is different but some common examples are the Employment Security Department, Workforce Commission, or  Employment Development Department. The eligibility for unemployment varies by state, but typically requires that you worked a specific amount of hours over a set time period. 

Second, it’s necessary to get your financial bearings. Start by creating a budget and reviewing your assets and liabilities. These figures will be a compass on how to move forward. As you analyze your financials, try to shave off any unnecessary expenses which may include: dining out, subscriptions, and personal care.

Third, do you have enough savings to make up for the deficit in your budget? If so, make sure your savings accounts are optimized and in high yield savings accounts. The national average annual percentage yield (APY) on savings accounts is at 0.33 percent; however, online banks often offer a higher rate. I like using Investopedia’s list of the “Best High-Yield Savings” to compare the different product offers. If you struggle with savings, it’s time to evaluate your budget and find the best solutions with the fewest tax implications - this might be an in-depth look at investment accounts and cash value life insurance. 

Finally, if you had a 401k with your previous employer, look into moving it to a self-directed IRA. Employers are often limited on the securities you can invest in and this will give you a much wider range of options. A simple call or submitting paperwork to your new custodian can help establish your account. Although, keep in mind, some firms will send the check directly to you and it is imperative you deposit the funds within 60 days to avoid major tax penalties.

Being laid off is plenty stressful but I’ve outlined a few steps above to help you get started. As a Master Registered Financial Consultant (MRFC®), I can assist you in analyzing your finances and implementing the right strategy to navigate unexpected life events. Take a moment to book an appointment with me to understand your options and make the best decision for your future.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and everyone around me is in the giving spirit! If you’re looking at donating this season, it’s important for you to research the organizations that you’d like to help. I’ve come up with a few things to check, before you write the check.

The first step is simple. Go to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website and find the Tax Exempt Organization search. Use the EIN or company name to ensure the organization is a valid charity with a 501(c)3 status. While using the same search function, take time to pull up the company’s tax Form 990 and compare financials with other charitable organizations in the same category. For example, review expenses to see how the charity spends their donations or if the wages for top employees align with the average. Comparing benchmarks can give you a good idea of how efficient the organization is running and where the money is really going.

Next, visit the company's website and search for their annual report. These reports offer engaging graphics with the organization’s mission statement, progress on future fundraising initiatives, and outcomes from past events. In addition, the report often includes top contributors and a list of the board of directors. By reviewing the annual reports, you are able to see if the organization is a good fit.

As you went through your selection process, you probably were drawn to a foundation because it aligned with your aspirations. To ensure your intent is recognized, you should decide if you want your contribution to be unrestricted or restricted. Restricted funds are donations made and earmarked for a specific purpose by the donor - meaning your money goes where you want it to go.

Now that you have done your research, it’s time to give. Remember, donating to a charitable organization isn’t all about the money - you can donate securities out of your portfolio too. If you need some help navigating tax advantaged gifting, book your appointment with KJ Dykema, MRFC® and we can help design a plan with your values in mind.

Since July we’ve tracked key metrics that often lead to a recession. Month over month we’ve seen housing permits, money supply, and profit margins start to lag which typically leads to cautious or recession territory. However, other indicators lead us to believe there isn’t a recession including jobless claims and gross domestic product (GPD). But this past week the yield curve inverted, making the 3-month Treasury Bond at 4.04% surpass the 10-Year Note at 4.01%. This new information often means a recession will follow within six to eighteen months. So, with the possibility of a recession, what can you do to prepare?

First, evaluate your time horizon to make a strategic withdrawal. A traditional recession will last approximately 10-18 months. So, create a new plan where you withdraw a lump sum and deposit into a high-yield savings account. Oftentimes online accounts are offering higher rates than brick and mortar. For instance, bankrate.com has an online offer of 3 percent and most brick and mortar are closer to .05 percent. The purpose is to stop the dreaded sequence of returns and earn interest during declining market conditions. 

Second, if you are contributing to your retirement accounts, adjust future contributions to a stable value fund rather than auto investing. A stable value fund is a portfolio of bonds that are insured to protect the investor against a decline in yield or a loss of capital. This will help protect your incoming investments from loss during more volatile periods. Once you make the switch, you’ll also need a plan to reenter the market. Your risk tolerance can help guide you or you can reach out to a financial advisor for additional assistance.

Lastly, if you haven’t already started a savings fund, do it now! During a recession, lending processes become more scrupulous and it’s more difficult to get funds in a crunch. Many people save using their bonuses but start to save more regularly with your base paycheck. These regular transfers to a savings account will help you in the long run.

The last time the yield curve inverted was in March of 2020, however, it was abnormal as it only lasted two months and it’s unlikely that we will be that lucky again. What makes this difference this time is inflation and interest rates, a past we’ve known all too well. If you need help with a plan for your income stream or investable assets, book an appointment with KJ Dykema, MRFC® today. I can customize a plan to make sure you weather this inevitable storm.