Bedell Frazier Investment Counselling

TGIF! Another Rapid Rundown The rally on Wall Street continues. The Dow and S&P keep hitting fresh, all-time highs. It’s happening in an environment of crisis and extremes. This year has witnessed growing fears of an economic slowdown, inflation, high interest rates, expanding wars overseas, natural disasters and an exceptionally divisive and unpredictable Presidential election campaign. So of course, over the first three quarters, it turns out the S&P 500 had its best performance this century. It’s defied logic and seasonality with a green August, September and so far, October. It’s been a remarkable year for investors. There’s also this: There’s nothing like price to change sentiment. The Market is unemotional. It focuses on facts, particularly the Bond Market. But investors are. The consistent hitting of new, all-time highs has gotten people Bullish again. In fact, according to the Investors Intelligence report, which we follow very closely, there are now the largest number of Bulls in 2024. Conversely, there are also the fewest number of Bears on the year. It undercut the previous low for Bearish sentiment recorded in July, right before the August correction. I hear it all the time, “why is the Market up with so many problems everywhere?” The longer you do this you realize; The Market tends to go against the grain of consensus. It tends to slaughter the herd of “experts”. You can’t outsmart the Market... Continue Reading: https://lnkd.in/gNrcTUum

🚨 Election 2024: What You Need to Know About Each Presidential Candidate's Tax Proposals With just weeks until the presidential election, the stakes are higher than ever, not only for who will take the Oval Office but for the direction of the nation's tax policy. As the sun begins to set on the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, both Vice President Harris and former President Trump present competing visions for America’s tax future. From individual income taxes to capital gains and corporate levies, the outcome of this election could drastically alter the financial landscape for millions of Americans. It’s a high-stakes moment, and the decisions made in the next few weeks could ripple across your financial plans. Whether you're concerned about income tax, Social Security benefits, or corporate tax rates, we're here to help you stay ahead. What tax policy changes would you like to see in the next administration? For an in-depth breakdown of the tax plans from both presidential candidates and what it could mean for your financial future, check out the full article: https://lnkd.in/gceAjKPH #PresidentialElection2024 #TaxProposals2024 #SocialSecurityTax #CapitalGainsTax #ElectionTaxPolicy #FinancialPlanning #TaxCutsandJobsAct #CorporateTax #EstateTaxChanges #BedellFrazier #BFIC Thomas Howard - Certified Financial Planner - CFP® MBA EA

Determining your retirement lifestyle is an important decision that will flow through your entire retirement budget. Embarking on retirement requires meticulous planning and understanding of both your financial and lifestyle goals. This article breaks down the necessary steps to envision, budget, and manage your retirement finances effectively. It emphasizes the importance of categorizing expenses, estimating costs, and regularly reassessing your retirement plan to align with your evolving needs and circumstances. And explores crucial strategies to close the gap on your retirement budget including: ➡️ Increasing savings ➡️ Delaying retirement ➡️ Or reducing expenses This week’s comprehensive guide delves into the key considerations and steps needed to design a retirement lifestyle that not only meets your expectations but also fits within a realistic budget. From analyzing your expected expenses to adjusting your savings strategy, our piece will provide you with essential tips to ensure a fulfilling and financially secure retirement. For a deeper dive into crafting your perfect retirement strategy, continue reading the full article 🔗 in our bio. (https://lnkd.in/g9UV7HW3) What hobbies or activities are you looking forward to in retirement? @bedellfrazierinvest Roads to Retirement: Your ultimate co-pilot on your journey toward retirement readiness and financial freedom. #RetirementPlanning #FinancialFreedom #Budgeting #RetirementGoals #LifestyleChoices #ActiveRetirement #TravelInRetirement #LivingCosts #PartTimeWork #Volunteering #HealthcareCosts #RetirementIncome #InvestingForRetirement #BedellFrazier #BFIC #RoadsToRetirement

Fall 2024 Newsletter | Buckle Up for November 2024 was guaranteed to be an eventful year. Of course, attention naturally gravitated towards the first Tuesday in November. And here we are, just a month out. The Presidential election is near. The visibility on victory is anything but clear. The implications are massive. Politics and election cycles are never the primary driver for the Market. But they sure do influence. More important are earnings and economic cycles. James Carville made it clear what matters most to the American people when they head to the ballots. It’s the Economy, stupid. He said that in 1992. He also asserted the Bond Market can intimidate anyone. Both still hold true today. To read the complete Bedell Frazier Newsletter, please click here: https://lnkd.in/gUAU2G7g

How has your approach to retirement planning changed in light of recent market conditions? Navigating the tumultuous financial markets and managing retirement spending can be daunting, especially during periods of high inflation and market volatility. William Bengen's 4% rule, a cornerstone of retirement planning, has long been a beacon for retirees aiming for financial stability. The 4% rule, a simple yet powerful strategy, has been tested by nearly a century of market data, offering reassurance to retirees. But this once a reliable metric for retirement withdrawals, is under scrutiny as economic conditions evolve. Yet - amidst market turmoil, rules like the 4% rule can still simplify decision-making, providing a clear path through the chaos. Originally formulated to ensure that retirement savings last at least 30 years, this rule is challenged by today's unpredictable market and inflation rates. Our article delves into William Bengen’s reassessment of his rule amidst current market uncertainties, exploring the implications for retirement planning. For a comprehensive understanding of these critical insights and how they can shape your retirement strategy, continue reading the full piece via the 🔗 in our bio. (https://lnkd.in/g8vTjQi7) @bedellfrazierinvest Roads to Retirement: Your ultimate co-pilot on your journey toward retirement readiness and financial freedom. #RetirementPlanning #FinancialFreedom #InvestmentStrategies #EconomicInsight #MarketVolatility #PersonalFinance #RetirementSavings #4PercentRule #WilliamBengen #FinancialSecurity #BedellFrazier #BFIC #RoadsToRetirement

TGIF! Back to the Future of Energy America is hitting an energy bottleneck as the AI revolution accelerates power demand to unprecedented levels. Data centers supporting the computing power are popping up all over the country which has created a need for clean and sustainable sources of energy. The ability to fuel them is getting stretched. Something’s gotta give. America is struggling to power the Digital Age. Something happened last week that sent the Energy Industry buzzing. Microsoft announced a partnership with Constellation Energy to revive 3 Mile Island. Microsoft will purchase the carbon-free energy produced from the Pennsylvania plant to power its data centers to support artificial intelligence. Demand for clean, reliable and cost-effective energy has never been greater. These data centers need to run at full capacity 24/7. Nuclear is able to stay on at all times of the day and night, unlike wind and solar. If 3 Mile Island rings a bell, it’s because it was the site of the worst nuclear disaster in American history. A separate unit of the plant was shut down in 1979 after experiencing a partial meltdown, in one of the biggest commercial nuclear accidents in U.S. history. This unit that Microsoft and Constellation are revitalizing was not involved. Unit 1 was still operational until 2019 when it was shut down for economic reasons. The economics have changed... Continue Reading: https://lnkd.in/gsQ4a3rH

When was the last time you reviewed your estate plan? Estate planning is not a one-time event. It is essential to review and update your estate planning documents regularly, ideally every three to five years, or whenever significant life events or changes in the law occur. This ongoing process will help ensure that your estate plan remains relevant and effective in protecting your interests and those of your loved ones. Estate planning is a critical component of financial management, aimed at ensuring the seamless transfer of assets to beneficiaries while minimizing the burden on loved ones during difficult times. Regular updates to your estate plan can adapt to life's changes—such as marriage, divorce, or the arrival of children—ensuring your wishes are always aligned with your current circumstances. This week’s article provides a comprehensive guide on how to review and update your estate planning documents effectively. Don’t miss out on securing your legacy—read the full article through the 🔗 in our bio. (https://lnkd.in/g22TGHBz) @bedellfrazierinvest Roads to Retirement: Your ultimate co-pilot on your journey toward retirement readiness and financial freedom. #EstatePlanning #FinancialManagement #AssetManagement #BeneficiaryDesignations #DigitalAssets #LegacyPlanning #Trusts #Wills #PowerOfAttorney #HealthDirective #UpdateYourWill #LifeChanges #ProtectYourLegacy #BedellFrazier #BFIC #RoadsToRetirement

TGIF! Rate Cuts = Recalibration The Fed officially put an end to its restrictive monetary policy by cutting interest rates for the first time since March of 2020. That was back deep in the heart of Covid. After a strong recovery for the Economy and asset prices, America’s central bank launched a hiking campaign, raising rates 11 times, starting in the Spring of 2022. They took the overnight rate from zero to 5%+. That’s where they stayed for 14 months, designed to choke off the multi-decade high inflation that sprung. The Fed has now declared victory. How big of a cut? It was a coin flip going in, whether the Fed would cut by a 1/4-point or 1/2-point. Mystery solved on Wednesday; 1/2-point it was. The fact is, the difference is negligible near term. It’s still an incremental move. But often times, there’s a stall in economic activity after the first cut because people anticipate even lower rates before they act. Simply put, interest rates are the price of money. It’s what it costs to borrow for big items like cars, houses and appliances. After this cut, borrowers will pay less on their debt. Savers will receive less on their cash... Continue Reading: https://lnkd.in/g-7tg5QU

In the realm of diligent savings and investment monitoring, one critical aspect often slips under the radar: the importance of keeping beneficiary designations current. Understanding the necessity of maintaining up-to-date beneficiary designations is crucial for anyone involved in personal financial planning. Regular reviews—recommended at least annually or following significant life changes—ensure that your assets bypass probate and go directly to your intended recipients, reflecting your latest intentions. This week’s piece emphasizes how such diligence can prevent unintended consequences and legal complications, thereby protecting your loved ones' future financial stability. For a more comprehensive exploration, follow the 🔗 in our bio.(https://lnkd.in/guJsd7t9) Have you checked your beneficiary designations within the last year? @bedellfrazierinvest Roads to Retirement: Your ultimate co-pilot on your journey toward retirement readiness and financial freedom. #FinancialPlanning #EstatePlanning #BeneficiaryDesignations #RetirementPlanning #LifeInsurance #InvestmentTips #AssetManagement #EstateProtection #FinancialLegacy #ProbateAvoidance #FinancialSecurity #BedellFrazier #BFIC #RoadsToRetirement

TGIF! The Truth, Never Forget The democratization of information drives the modern world. It really started with the printing press in the 15th century. That revolutionized civilizations and organizations. It copied and circulated ideas. It certainly changed power and government. Without it, Jefferson’s Declaration wouldn’t have captured the American people. Newspapers wouldn’t exist. Of course, the media does have a checkered history with the truth. Long gone are the days where the American people tuned in to Walter Cronkite for the nightly news. Cronkite lived at the corner of Trust & Truth. America won the race for social media. It’s completely pervasive in our society now and highly influential in how Americans think and behave. I’m no social media expert. In fact, I’m not a big fan. It sure doesn’t seem like the majority of what circulates on social media is founded in fact. Our adversaries find it easy and quite useful to fuel hate. The Chinese government won’t allow Facebook and Google in their country, but it revels in the heavy influence its TikTok platform has on us. The truth has become a bit of a lonely island. The truth is complicated. It’s at times inconvenient. The truth can hurt. The truth can be costly. But used appropriately, the truth is a really great tool. Many times we don’t want to hear the truth. Falsehood is often more flattering. But that’s fake. The truth is real... Continue Reading: https://lnkd.in/gBPztDvU