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Wealth and Wisdom: Week of December 9, 2024

Bond traders say the odds are about two in three that the Fed will cut interest rates again when they meet this month. That could extend the rally in stocks, which are already hitting record levels – and might even push the bond market into positive territory by the end of the year. We shall see.


All of which might have you wondering: “Should I be worried?”


Not necessarily. If the U.S. economy is larger than it’s ever been – and it is – then it’s logical for stock prices to reflect that. The old saying, “what goes up must come down” doesn’t apply to human ingenuity and innovation, which equities have historically captured like no other asset class.


That doesn’t mean there haven’t been bumps along the way, and it’s just as logical to assume there always will be. Volatility, corrections, even occasional bear markets are the price investors pay for long-term equity returns. If that makes you nervous, you might benefit from our first item below.



Stocks have been shooting the lights out all year – which means it’s time to decide how you’ll respond when the road gets bumpier.  (Reading time: 5 minutes)

 

President-elect Trump’s threat to hike tariffs on America’s largest trading partners could drive up prices of some imports.  (Reading time: 5 minutes)

 

Several well-known universities are now waiving tuition altogether for qualified students who need help paying for college.  (Reading time: 4 minutes)

 

New research says most Americans are retiring earlier than they had planned – due to health issues or losing their job.  (Reading time: 4 minutes)

 

Use these ideas to visualize your retirement lifestyle, identify sources of income, fine-tune your spending, and restructure your investment portfolio.  (Reading time: 6 minutes)

 

Just because you might have to take money out of your retirement accounts by year-end doesn’t mean you have to spend it.  (Reading time: 3 minutes)

 

Retiring with lots of money is a wonderful thing – but only if you’re able to stay healthy enough to enjoy it.  (Reading time: 7 minutes)

 

These legal documents can help you pass wealth to others without the costs and delays of probate – all while protecting your privacy.  (Reading time: 3 minutes)

 

This encyclopedic article contains 17 tips for minimizing pesky fees on airline travel, rental cars, dining, entertainment, credit cards, and bank accounts.  (Reading time: 11 minutes)

 

Thanks to population growth, technology, innovation, and free markets – today’s consumers are able to live like the ultra-wealthy of old.  (Reading time: 6 minutes)

 

Words to the Wise


“If we spend our days doing what we love and our evenings with those we love, we have a rich life - even if we aren't rich.”

 

– Jonathan Clements


 

Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.


Links are being provided for informational purposes only.  Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.  Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website’s users and/or members.


The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Brown Family Wealth Advisors and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected.  Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.


The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market.


Investors should consider, before investing, whether the investor’s or the designated beneficiary’s home state offers any tax or other benefits that are only available for investment in such state’s 529 savings plan. Such benefits include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors. There is also a risk that these plans may lose money or not perform well enough to cover education costs as anticipated. Most states offer their own 529 programs, which may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents. The tax implications can vary significantly from state to state.


Unless certain criteria are met, Roth IRA owners must be 59 ½ or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. Additionally, each converted amount may be subject to its own five-year holding period. Converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA has tax implications. Investors should consult a tax advisor before deciding to do a conversion.

 

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Brown Family Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.


These policies have exclusions and/or limitations. Guarantees are based on claims paying ability of the issuing company. Long Term Care Insurance or Asset Based Long Term Care Insurance Products may not be suitable for all investors. Surrender charges may apply for early withdrawals and, if made prior to age 59 ½ may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty in addition to any gains being taxed as ordinary income. The cost and availability of Long Term Care insurance depend on factors such as age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Please consult with a licensed financial professional when considering your insurance options.

 

Dividends are not guaranteed and must be authorized by the company’s board of directors.


Roth 401(k) plans are long-term retirement savings vehicles. Contributions to a Roth 401(k) are never tax deductible, but if certain conditions are met, distributions will be completely income tax free. Unlike Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k) participants are subject to required minimum distributions at age 72 (70 ½ if you reached 70 ½ before January 1, 2020).



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