Financial

By no measure was 2022 a good year for investors. The bond market had its worst year ever (depending on which index you use), and the S&P 500 was down 18.11%. When stocks and bonds are both down significantly, this creates a problem for investors with the “traditional” 60/40 stock/bond … [Read more...] about FOURTH QUARTER MARKET UPDATE- A QUICK LOOK BEHIND AND A LONG LOOK AHEAD

2022 has been a challenging year! We’ve seen markets hit lows with virtually every market segment falling in value, including bonds. Inflation skyrocketed, hitting rates the US has not seen in 30 years. The most recent Consumer Price Index numbers were released this morning, reflecting a 7.1% … [Read more...] about WELCOME 2023! UPDATES IN FINANCIAL PLANNING

    There is no doubt that the rapidly growing inflation rates seen around the world in 2022 have severely impacted Americans. September 2022 numbers show the US inflation rate hovering at about 8.2% for the previous 12 months(1) as American families struggle to keep up with rising … [Read more...] about THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF INFLATION: IRS ANNOUNCES TAX INFLATION ADJUSTMENTS FOR 2023

If you’ve ever planted and cared for trees, particularly fruit trees, you know that, in the initial years, the saplings require quite a bit of extra attention. Newly planted trees need lots of water until established, along with fertilizer and prudent trimming. Initially, trimming branches may … [Read more...] about THIRD QUARTER MARKET UPDATE: BEAR MARKET BOUNCES

I can admit when I’m wrong… Sometimes. When it comes to digital assets and cryptocurrency, I’ll admit that a few years ago, I was pretty critical and skeptical. However, I have since changed my tune and have become an investor and perhaps even an enthusiast. I could give you many reasons for … [Read more...] about MY EVOLVING VIEW ON CRYPTOCURRENCY

Written by and republished with permission from: Brice Carter of Financial Strategies Group, Inc. Well, this past quarter was not in the 2022 roadmap! In last quarter’s market update, I outlined three potential market villains for the year: 1. A Covid Return 2. Inflation 3. Rising … [Read more...] about MARKET UPDATE: IT’S ALWAYS THE UNKNOWNS

Hey Ladies! It is International Women’s Day! Today, we celebrate the vast achievements of women and promote the acceleration of women’s equality in all realms of life: social, economic, political, cultural, and here at FSG, financial! It is no secret that women traditionally had little to do with … [Read more...] about WOMEN AND MONEY: CONQUERING FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

The average gasoline price in Michigan has surged by 18 cents, now making them the highest since September 2014.    As of Monday, AAA says Michigan drivers were paying an average of $3.55 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline.  At this price, a 15 gallon fill-up now costs $53. The price … [Read more...] about Gasoline Prices in Michigan the Highest in 7.5 Years