economy and markets

By Guest Blogger Laura K. Biederman, Esq, Long & Foster Real Estate

By Todd I. Youngdahl, CFP® and Maura C. Schauss, CFP®

How’s your 2020 going so far? Unsettling? Unexpected? You’re not alone. The world as we know it has been turned upside down by five letters and a number: COVID-19. While the coronavirus pandemic is at its core a health issue, the downstream effects of it on other aspects of our society have been significant, perhaps the greatest being economic. As we reach the mid-year point of 2020, let’s take a look at what is going on in the economy, most of which can trace its roots back to COVID-19.

May 29, 2020 from Fidelity

Sharing some perspective from our Fidelity resources.  Knowledge is empowering and can support you in remaining focused on your goals.

By Craig Strent of Apex Home Loans, Guest Blogger

Many of our clients are thinking about their overall financial plan and making appropriate adjustments to ensure they stay on track with their financial goals – this includes real estate.  We turned to Apex Home Loans CEO & Co-Founder Craig Strent to share his perspective on the mortgage market given today’s environment.  He is a thought leader in the industry and a knowledgeable resource when exploring home financing options. 

We appreciate Craig for providing his take on the mortgage market for our readers.  He offers a video format as well.  Read on and click here for Craig's video.

By Maura Schauss, CFP®​ and Todd Youngdahl, CFP®

As global markets continue their roller coaster ride due to fears surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), our most recent bull market officially turned into a bear market. But what does that mean? And are we on the verge of another recession like the one we had in 2008?

In light of all these concerns, today we’ll share what you need to know about recessions and bear markets. If you are worried about your portfolio, we understand and are here to help. Feel free to contact our office to get answers to your specific questions.

By Maura C. Schauss, CFP® and Todd I. Youngdahl, CFP®

On August 21, our current bull market passed 3,453 days old, making it the longest on record.^[1] For years, people have been predicting and anticipating the next bear market, but it looks as if it is going to stay in hibernation for a little while longer. Let's take a closer look.

By Maura C. Schauss, CFP® and Jane Huang, MBA, CFP®

If you’ve been frustrated by the complexity and inflexibility surrounding your federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), you’re not alone. Fortunately, many of the rules and restrictions surrounding your options for contributing and withdrawing will be relaxed when the TSP Modernization act goes into effect on September 15th, 2019. The new rules are designed to give you more control over your money and apply to all TSP account owners, regardless of whether or not you’re already receiving monthly payments. The top three changes to TSP withdrawals in 2019 are greater flexibility in partial withdrawals, making withdrawal changes at any time, and the ability to choose which accounts your withdrawals are coming from.

By Maura Schauss, CFP® and Todd Youngdahl, CFP®

Summer is here and we are about to launch into the second half of 2019! No matter what the first part of the year held for you personally, the economy’s shaky start definitely improved as time went on. Let’s take a big-picture look at our economy as we reach the midyear mark of 2019.