Will 2019 be your best year ever? We believe the better you plan now will only help you prepare for this year’s opportunities and challenges that may come your way.  At Guardian Financial Partners we are committed to helping you preserve your assets and protect your lifestyle. A large part of that commitment is educating you on things that will affect you and your financial life. This month’s The Guardian Standard Newsletter discusses helpful tips and ideas for 2019 and offers perspective on the strong January recovery in the markets.

A Strong January for the Markets

In 2019, investors across the globe welcomed in the New Year by licking their wounds from the worst annual returns for global equity markets since the financial crisis ignited roughly 10 years ago. Larger-cap U.S. stocks declined 9% in December alone and nearly 20% from peak to trough in the fourth quarter; smaller-cap stocks fared even worse, sinking over 20% for the quarter. We certainly weren’t surprised by this pullback, having expressed our concerns for some time regarding U.S. equity valuations being disconnected from supporting fundamentals, such as corporate earnings that embed unsustainable profit margins. And our portfolios have been underweight U.S. equities for some time to reflect this view. Yet the swiftness of the decline was certainly different than anything we’ve experienced since 2008. Click here to read our full commentary for what to expect in 2019.

Start with a Checkup

An annual physical exam is a great way for you to stay on top of your health. Your financial health is no different and just as important. We recommend thoroughly reviewing your financial life once a year. You may think it is about the markets, investments and your portfolio. While those are also important, this “annual checkup” is about focusing on you and the things that make a difference in your life. Start with these 6 areas to figure out where you may need extra attention in 2019. You can download the checklist here.

8 Expenses You Can Still Deduct on Your Tax Return

Often clients will ask at year-end what they can do to lower their tax bill. The best planning starts at the beginning of the year. Understanding your income, tax withholdings, charitable deductions, and potential “sales” that may have a tax consequence are all items you should start thinking about now. The tax overhaul passed at the end of 2017 included big boosts in the standard deduction, which is now $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for married couples filing jointly. That’s expected to eliminate many taxpayers’ use of itemized deductions such as charitable contributions and mortgage interest. With that said there are still 8 expenses you can still deduct on your tax return. The attached article provides a simple explanation of each. Click here to view the article.

Have questions? Please contact us at 949.771.2969 or visit us at www.GuardianFinancialPartners.com