A new law was passed on December 20, 2019 and became effective January 1, 2020. SECURE is an acronym for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement. The act is designed to help more people save for retirement in accounts likes 401(k)s and other tax-advantaged accounts so they don't outlive their money. Here are some of the changes the SECURE Act plan makes for retirees:  It allows individuals to continue making traditional IRA … [Read more...]

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...]