Personally, I think we are a bit away from any real recession. There are a few scenarios that should tell us when we are near: Sharp rise in wages Rising inflation Fed gets aggressive with interest rates Dip in consumer confidence Business becomes cautious about investing in growth In addition, any trade war talks that are prolonged and or a handful of leading indicators weaken (a leading indicator is a factor of economy that … [Read more...]

When the economy heats up, inflation rises. The Fed will step in and raise rates in an effort to decrease borrowing and increase savings to slow things down a bit. We are in an environment that is tempered with gradual adjustments and one that should allow modest growth with no real threat visible. It is my opinion that we simply need to keep balance across the board. In other words, so long as your house is in reasonably good order, I see … [Read more...]

To Be Responsible or Not - "Susan On Money" Hi Everyone,     The common thread thus far in 2017, from my vantage point, is responsibility. Who has it and do we want it? Let's look at the social side. Susan Being Socially Responsible Social responsibility is a notion that businesses could and should balance their profit making opportunities with those that … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone,     To say that 2017 has been interesting thus far is an understatement. I have a feeling it's going to continue to be so I'm sharing our final four expectations for the balance of the year. Susan Growth We continue to expect a modest pickup in economic growth in 2017 to near 2.5%, based on gross domestic product (GDP), supported by improving business investment, steady consumer spending … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone,     The question of the month is simply "Will the market rally continue?" I've stated numerous times that soothsaying isn't useful. Understanding the nature of rules and implementing good ideas can be. Susan Rules and Things Like Gravity: Greg Ip recently wrote a short article in The Wall Street Journal taking a look at a President's ability to alter economic conditions with simple … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone,     October has become my new January or, in other words, what I'm coming to recognize as the real beginning of each year when it comes to managing money. Here's a bit more on that thought. Susan October Issues: Due to what is often heightened market volatility, many new ideas and opportunities emerge. We also learn what to let go of. The last few Octobers left me with a real sense of needing … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone,     Last Friday, June 24th is over. I want to let you know that it was destined to be volatile and actually wasn't entirely due to "Brexit". Susan Brexit, Russell & Media: June 24th was destined to be one of the busiest trading days, as well as volatile, of the year. It was going to be with or without the EU referendum. The United Kingdom's vote to leave the EU was a bit surprising and … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone,     May is always an interesting month in investment management. We will hear "sell in May and go away" more times than we should. There is no right answer for everyone but some sound reasoning behind not doing it for the sake of doing it.   Susan     Sell in May or Not:   Investments are purchased for a reason and should only be sold when that reason no longer … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone,   It was nice to see some better performance in February and I hope it doesn't get lost on you in midst of tax season and political news. Hopefully, this will help. Susan Tax Document Update: Tax documents, including 1099 forms, are sent out by most all financial institutions in waves depending on account complexity and holdings. Your custodian will send their final wave out on March 15th. Please … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone, Dramatic start to the year; but it isn't "the year". Let's look at a few of points that I know work when you're feeling stressed: Turn main stream media off or at least watch a variety. Understand how your portfolio is being managed. Ask if you've forgotten. Always ask yourself if you feel elated on the good days too. They tend to return. Stay balanced, diversified and educated. That's it for now, Susan R. Linkous … [Read more...]