Your success is our #1 priority. Helping you navigate the ever-changing economic and investment landscape while you manage your daily lifestyle is all part of our process and commitment to helping you preserve your assets and protect your lifestyle. Our mission is to provide education, advice, and perspective to help you understand and visualize how we work together towards your current goals while also taking in account your longer-term lifestyle objectives.  This month’s The Guardian Standard Newsletter provides insight into the market, tax, and long-term care planning. We hope you enjoy and benefit from these three topics!

Market Update

A strong recovery in the S&P 500 has many wondering if the worse is behind us. Was the Baby Bear market (~20% decline from October 3rd, 2018 to December 24th, 2018) the correction we have all been anticipating? Or is it a cautionary signal to what we can expect in the future. The frank answer is no one knows. It is not about beating a benchmark. It is all about managing assets to meet the unique set of goals and objectives for every client we consider part of the GFP family. Over the years there has been much confusion over what “Active” or “Passive” management of assets entails. The attached article gives some valuable insight regarding Active vs. Passive approaches.  It also lays the groundwork for our April 2019 newsletter discussion of the 1966 to 1982 secular bear market when DJIA lost 1.5% per year before factoring in inflation. Sixteen years averaging -1.5% per year is a long and painful run! Click here to view the article.

Tax Facts for 2019

With April 15th looming you likely have taxes on your mind. The first step in reducing the amount of tax you pay on your savings and personal finances requires understanding the facts. Do not wait until April (or until next year if you have already filed for 2018) to start thinking about an efficient tax strategy. Take the time today to learn the important tax rules possibly affecting both your short and long term financial strategy. By planning ahead, you may be able to lower your current taxable income and save more for your financial future. We have attached Tax Facts at a Glance, a simplified tool for understanding the new tax rates and rules for 2019. Click here to view the 2019 Tax Facts.

Do you need a long-term care plan?

The simple answer is yes. Discussing long term care is not a fun topic, but a necessary topic impacting a large percentage of the population. The cost of care may be very high depending on where you live. We believe the best time to start this education process is in your 50’s and 60’s. Understanding your options is important in the planning process as it can help you understand this potential risk and how it may affect your lifestyle, your money, and at times, family dynamics. We have created a simple piece to help you understand your options for addressing the costs of care. It is not designed to answer every question but rather start a conversation. Your family history, financial situation, and health will be essential components in building the right plan for you. Each of these options has its advantages and disadvantages and should be carefully addressed. Click here to view.

Have questions? Please contact us at 949.771.2969.