Investment Consulting Group

05/12/2024

🌷 Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms out there!

Moms come in all forms–from biological and adoptive moms to stepmoms, foster moms, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and friends. You are all so deeply appreciated. 🌻

Your strength and resilience, wisdom and kindness, patience, and understanding are the gifts you share, shaping us into who we are.

Here's to all the fantastic women who forever love, nurture, and guide us.

Happy Mother's Day!

Thank you for everything you do! ❤️

👥

05/08/2024

🔒💻 There isn't a week that goes by when you don’t read about some data breach. Safeguarding your personal information starts with understanding cybersecurity risks, knowing what to look for, and doing everything you can to help protect yourself.

The best defense is a good offense. 💪

Some of our clients are starting to work with a password manager.

Password managers store and organize your passwords with secure digital encryption and multi-factor authentication.

Some browsers have built-in password managers included with the software. There are also other password managers you can subscribe to with a variety of features and benefits, according to Cybernews.com.

The risks of identity theft are increasing, and individual diligence is critical. We encourage you to take action to help protect your personal information and stay safe online! 🔐💼

05/07/2024

April's stocks took a hit due to rising inflation and mixed economic news, despite a late-month rally fueled by strong Q1 reports from two mega-cap tech stocks.

Despite a late-month rally, stocks fell in April as investors struggled with a hotter-than-expected inflation report and mixed news about the economy.

05/06/2024

Every minute of every day, members of the U.S. military stand ready to defend our nation around the globe.

🎖️ Happy to all active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.

Our freedom is secured by the sacrifices of our military, and we send our deepest gratitude to the heroes who keep us safe.

We also want to send a shoutout to the military spouses, whose strength and support are invaluable and often overlooked—and a special thank you to the wounded warriors who have served our country and whose resilience inspires us all.

Let’s show our appreciation beyond words this . Volunteer your time or donate to an organization that supports veterans.

👥

05/05/2024

🌪️ May 5th to May 11th is National Hurricane Preparedness Week, a reminder for all of us to stay safe and ready 🌪️

Of the $363 billion in weather disasters since 1980 (as of last August), tropical cyclones (or hurricanes) have caused the most damage, with an average cost of $22.8 billion per event.

You can't control the weather, but you can be prepared.

Here are some key steps, according to NOAA:🦺

- Know your area's risk and review evacuation routes.
- Ensure your property is adequately insured and inventory valuables.
- Gather emergency supplies—water, food, and medications.
- Reinforce your home, trim trees, and secure outside furniture.
- Purchase a NOAA weather radio to monitor warnings.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and, most importantly, stay safe.

05/03/2024

The Fed has announced a pivot from a tight monetary policy to a more accommodating approach. Here's what you need to know:

▪️ Fed Chair Jerome Powell said in December that interest rates could be cut as much as three times this year, but he didn’t indicate when the cuts may start.
▪️ In December, he said no cuts until inflation is still heading toward the Fed’s 2% target.
▪️ During Congressional testimony in March, Powell reinforced his belief that the Fed would cut rates in 2024 but again wouldn’t commit to a time frame.
▪️ He also stressed that he wants to see more evidence that inflation is trending back to the Fed’s 2% target.

The Fed Chair has indicated that the next move for rates will be lower. So, a pivot has taken place, but the follow-through with lower rates has yet to begin.

05/02/2024

🌿 May is .

We all need to embrace and understand the importance of mental health. The conversations we start today can help break down stigma and foster understanding, acceptance, and healing.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Prioritize self-care and create supportive spaces for open conversations.

What's a self-care tip you'd like to share?

👥

04/26/2024

🏠 As we gear up for the spring housing market, U.S. homebuyers are facing a double whammy of rising home prices and higher mortgage rates. According to a recent report by Mansion Global, the median sale price has risen 6.1% year-over-year (YoY) through February 2024, marking the largest increase since October 2022. In addition, mortgage rates, which have been on an uptrend since January 2022, remain stubbornly high, according to Freddie Mac.

Key takeaways from the 2023 Redfin report for investors and homebuyers:

- Cities like Newark and New Brunswick in New Jersey, Miami, Florida; Anaheim, California; and Warren, Michigan, have seen median sale prices trend higher.
- Pending sales are down by 7.3% YoY, indicating the costs are already impacting would-be buyers.
- Christine Kooiker, a Redfin Premier agent, suggests that potential sellers consider listing their homes ASAP and that buyers be prepared to make offers.

While the market outlook remains mixed, activity traditionally picks up in the spring.

Stay informed! 🧠💡

04/23/2024

🌟 HOPE: Have Only Positive Expectations. In the world of finance, we understand that navigating numbers and trends can sometimes be overwhelming. It can be far too easy to imagine only what can go wrong. But amid it all, harnessing the power of a positive outlook is crucial.

In the face of uncertainty, let HOPE guide you. It fuels your ambition, shapes your strategies, and propels you toward success, no matter the economic climate.

Approach your financial journey with optimism, believing in the potential of your dreams and your ability to pursue them by keeping HOPE alive.

04/19/2024

Did you know that the estate tax exemption may be cut by more than 50% at the end of 2025? 🫢

That's right…When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expires at the end of 2025, there could be significant changes to federal estate and gift tax exemptions.

➡️ Current estate exemptions are $13.61M for individuals and $27.22M for married couples. 💍

➡️ Pre-TCJA exemptions were MUCH LOWER: $5.49M for individuals and $10.98M for couples.

➡️ If TCJA reverts, more individuals and couples may be subject to federal estate tax.

💡 If you want to take a proactive approach, there are steps you can take over the next 18 months to help avoid giving the government more than you have to.

There's no time like the present—now is the time to meet with your financial professional to review how your estate approach fits into your overall financial strategy. We’re here to help.