Posts by Scott Voigt, CFA, CFP®, CPA
20 Second Advisor: Biden vows to raise taxes on anyone making over $400,000
President Joe Biden said anyone earning more than $400,000 a year would see a tax increase under his forthcoming economic program, highlighting the administration’s plans to address inequality in part through levies on the wealthy. We don’t know many details at this point, but here are some areas where they may raise taxes: Rolling back…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Even most pros can’t beat the market
In any given year, it’s nearly impossible to predict what the market will do (case in point: 2020). Furthermore, it’s incredibly difficult for an individual to put together a portfolio that generates market-beating returns for a given year, much less consistently over time. According to new data from S&P Dow Jones Indices, 60.3% of large-cap equity fund…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Positive savings goals
Food for thought. Make sure that your savings goals are framed in a positive way, not negative. “I will save to buy a home” is positive “I will not spend money” is negative Focusing on the positive takes pain away from spending less money. In this case, you set your sights on the joys of…
Read More20 Second Advisor: 2020 Market Review
The year 2020 proved to be one of the most tumultuous in modern history, marked by a number of developments that were historically unprecedented. But the year also demonstrated the resilience of people, institutions, and financial markets. For investors, the year was characterized by sharp swings for stocks. March saw the S&P 500 decline 33.79%…
Read More20 Second Advisor: To bit or not to bit
A couple of weeks ago, the cryptocurrency market tanked to about $900 billion from a high of $1.1 trillion after a more than 100% surge over the past month. This is just the most recent example highlighting its volatile nature. Remember, it wasn’t that long ago when it crashed 80% by the end of 2018.…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Lebron James and the law of the uncommon average
I love the chart below because it highlights the uncommon average return of the US stock market. Since 1926, it has returned 10% a year on average, but the road to 10% has been bumpy. Returns in any given year have ranged from as high as 54% to as low as -43%. In fact, the…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Top 10 countries to retire
Iceland Switzerland Norway Ireland New Zealand Sweden Denmark Canada Australia Luxembourg The US came in at no. 18 out of 44 countries for health, happiness, and financial security, according to the global retirement index from Natixis Investment Managers. While the list is fluid year over year, it’s fun to see a few of the top…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Potential mistakes when withdrawing from retirement accounts
If you are close to retirement, it is important to develop a withdrawal strategy that fits your needs and maximizes account values. Avoid these mistakes when that time comes: Withdrawing from your 401(k)s and IRAs first: this could cost yourself years worth tax-deferral. Additionally, it triggers taxable income that you will have to pay taxes…
Read More20 Second Advisor: What history tells us in an election year
If you are concerned about your portfolio leading up to this election, you are not alone. But I am here to bring good news. Since 1926, there have been 23 presidential elections. Out of those 23 elections, we have had 19 positive years (as measured by the S&P 500 index) and only 4 negative years.…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Does working more alleviate your problems?
According to a study from Sleep Junkie, 60% of workers who log 50-59 hours per week reported feeling overworked. More than 75% of those who work 60 hours or more said the same. Time, or not having enough of it, is the heart of the issue for overworked Americans. You may be working more to…
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