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In the world of finance, few things are as constant as change. Market volatility, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical shifts are recurring themes, and right now, many of us are feeling the impact. It's natural to experience a range of emotions – from anxiety and fear to frustration and even a desire to "do something" – when your financial outlook seems less predictable. However, it's precisely in these turbulent times that managing your emotional responses becomes one of your most powerful financial tools.

People frequently refer to the stock market as a “casino”, as if they have zero influence over the financial result of their decision(s). However, there are at least two important differences between gambling on slot machines and investing in an actual business, or a collection (portfolio) of businesses: Entitlement and predictability.

As a financial advisor, I spent a lot of my day indoors. Either sitting at a desk or a conference table. However, every once in a while, I get a chance to support a local charity and play in a golf outing, or even skip out of the office early to play a quick nine before I head back home. Here in the Midwest, we only have a few good months for the golf season. So, as I’m taking advantage of the sunshine while we have it, it has me thinking: How can golf help with money management?

The transition into retirement can be very exciting, but it is also one of the biggest adjustments a person can make in their life. I have been blessed to help dozens of clients transition into retirement, and everybody, without exception, is a little nervous (or a lot). If you are approaching retirement and feel anxious, unsure, or fearful, you are not alone.

It’s natural to feel concerned when you see the value of your investments or even the world change rapidly. Think of everything we have been through over the past five years! However, emotional reactions to market changes can lead to poor financial decisions...

Before claiming social security there are some things you should know. When do you meet your full retirement age because that impacts how much you collect. Take a look at your longevity, your Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) and your spousal benefits. Lastly, keep in mind that there may be taxes and penalties that come with claiming too soon. We realize that this is a complex subject and encourage you to work with a financial planner, CFP® or ChFC® who is proficient in retirement planning.

There are a number of ways to describe the stock market when it is down. Bear Market, Correction, Bubble Bursting, Oversold, Downward Volatility, but rarely do you hear the word “opportunity” in unison with the former. Of course, what I am talking about is Tax Loss Harvesting.

Anyone can seem like a good financial advisor when markets are doing well. The expectation investors have when investing in capital markets is to make money, so when expectations are easy to meet, the bar tends to be set pretty low. However, it’s downturns in the markets that separate great financial advisors from mediocre ones. It’s times like these when people may wonder what their financial advisor is doing during this bear market.