A Time for Focus, Process, and Pragmatism
Your well-being is our primary concern. We feel it is critical for all of us to be objective, accessible, and vigilant as we work together in this current environment. Exercising common sense is very important. Be on the lookout for suspicious email and text messages trying to convince you to share sensitive information such as username and password, or ones that may impersonate a company, charity, or government agency. Listen to the “little voice” in your head. Simply put, be protective of your personal information.
As you read this month’s newsletter, we hope you and your family are safe and healthy.
The Economy, The Fed, and The Coronavirus
Our government has already taken the necessary steps to alleviate some of the questions many of us are pondering. The Fed has cut interest rates to near-zero levels and has been introducing various other forms of liquidity to the economy such as quantitative easing (QE) and infusions of cash to our banking system. We expect more announcements to follow over the next few days and weeks. The Fed’s actions can be likened to “adding a little more oil” to the US economic engine to ensure it can continue to function effectively while under stress. What is clear and reassuring is the Fed’s commitment to doing whatever is necessary to help our system normalize.
There is also much uncertainty and concern relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19). As we continue to monitor the rapidly evolving events overseas and in the US, feel assured we are focused on the safety and well-being of you, your family members and friends. We suggest some basic common-sense practices.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Limit contact with others if possible.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes
A good resource for ideas is the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/.
This Is Life: Process and Common Sense
In our ongoing “This Is Life” series, we usually discuss life events relevant and relatable to you and offer solutions through our process of true financial planning and asset management expertise. However, this month we thought you would find it informative to hear how Guardian Financial Partners is navigating the current “This Is Life” moment.
When we began our firm 3 years ago, we had the goal of creating a firm focused on you and your life. A firm that was responsive, client-centric, adaptable, and enhanced with cutting edge technology. If there is a silver lining to the current health and economic landscape, it is confirmation the firm we built can weather stresses, and continue to function normally while focusing on representing your needs:
- Our research partners at Charles Schwab Advisory Services, Morningstar, Ned Davis Research, and Litman Gregory continue to provide relevant and thoughtful opinions on how to navigate this environment and impacts our to day investment decisions.
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- We continue to monitor and review the performance of our investments and asset allocation models on a daily basis. There have been no surprises in the investments and models we have elected to employ. We are happy with their relative performance to the stock market.
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- Our technology partners at Charles Schwab Advisory Services and Orion Adviser Technology, LLC have provided dependable, innovative systems allowing us to navigate and continue business as usual practices. Both entities have extensive business continuity plans that allow them to support even if quarantine restrictions increase.
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- Our office and workspace is portable and designed to function the same whether accessed from our home or from our office, re-enforcing our flexibility as a small company coupled with the financial stability of our custodian and partner Charles Schwab Advisory Services.
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- Our DRAAMS investment platform continues to provide us the ability to make targeted and timely adjustments we deem necessary or as our research dictates.
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We remain objective, focused and pragmatic as we navigate and fulfill our role as your advocate: your needs, your objectives, and your well-being always.
Is Now the Time to Refinance?
With all the news about lower interest rates, you may be wondering if now is the time to refinance? Mortgage rates went down in February but crept back up in the past couple of weeks. There have been reports of banks overwhelmed with an increase in refi’s starting in February as well. Whether you should refinance now or wait will be determined by your current rate and mortgage term. We would suggest at a minimum getting your information together and being prepared to act over the next weeks and months. Rates will likely fluctuate, and you will want to be able to act quickly. At the very least, we recommend talking to a mortgage banker to assess whether it makes sense for you to consider a refinance. If you have additional questions, please contact us anytime.
We are Here for You
We are here to help you address your concerns and questions. During stressful times, we recommend revisiting your financial plan or re-engaging in the planning process. Our process is centered around helping you feel confident in your plan and investment strategy. We believe a thorough understanding of your portfolio and financial plan can bring comfort and long-term peace of mind. Please contact us if you would like to schedule a meeting or call.
If you would like to schedule a time to discuss your needs, please pick a time on our calendar. Click here to view our calendar.
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