Author name: astoriastrategicwealth

We recently had the honor at presenting at the inaugural FIERCE conference – an organization founded by and for women. Their mission is to accelerate the success of women in business, government, and academia for the betterment of themselves, their families, their community and our world.

“Why should I invest in the market when I can get a guaranteed five percent right now?” What a great question. And with CD’s, money market accounts, high-yield savings, and T-bills all at their highest rates in over a decade, this question is being asked much more frequently.

Couple that guaranteed five percent with the growing fear caused by multiple wars, budget deficits, and a long-predicted recession, and it seems like a no-brainer to sit safely on the sidelines earning five percent.
But like many “no-brainers” there is more to it than meets the eye. Let’s dig a little deeper.

Are YOU Feeling Very Secure?

Somewhat ironic perhaps? “Social Security” conjures up neither feelings of security nor being very social these days. It’s simply not new news that our Social Security program has challenges that lie ahead.

Changing the paradigm a bit, however, the gloom and angst around our Social Security program creates great reason to celebrate!  What?!

While “everything” is admittedly dramatic, it is intentionally dramatic with the hope of grabbing your attention. After all, we are competing for your time in the midst of a sea of other mediums which do nothing but specialize in channeling communication to you.

“Even though I have a big presentation to give at work today, it’s my mother’s birthday, and I promised to coach my daughter’s soccer practice tonight, I think I’d really like to take a top-down look at my overall estate plan today,” said no one ever.

Does the grass sometimes look greener on the other side? Friends and neighbors just cashed in on the investment of a lifetime?

Markets go up and markets go down over the course of an economic cycle, but the long-term trend is “Up and to the Right”, making all downturns thus far temporary. Why not take advantage of the dips as well as the gains? We believe you can benefit from either condition. Here’s how.

There are probably nearly as many ways and reasons to give as there are organizations and individuals seeking support. Our time, skills and resources are always in demand!

Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) seeks to align an investor’s faith with their investments. However, the inherent subjectivity of aligning an investor’s values with a fund manager’s values proves to be a challenge. In addition, there historically has been performance drag due to their active management. BRI – Is it right for you?

One of the first questions many people ask us is, “When can I retire?” While we are grateful that people are asking us this question before they have already retired (versus after and then subsequently wondering if they’ll run out of money), it is important to note that the concepts around retirement are fortunately shifting. Many people instead are asking, “How can I live a longer and more satisfying life with the resources I have in place?”