Price Targets for 2025 Here are some key takeaways: - The S&P 500 finished 2024 at 5881, up 25%, significantly outperforming analysts' price targets - These price targets are often viewed as not very useful, as they tend to cluster around historical averages -...
Crystal Ball Challenge Here are some key takeaways: - Even with advance knowledge of news headlines, predicting market movements is extremely difficult. In a study where participants were given Wall Street Journal headlines a day in advance, about half lost money and...
Sequence of Returns Impact Regarding the sequence of returns, here are some key takeaways: 1. **Sequence of returns matters in retirement planning,** but it's unpredictable and out of our control. The impact of market performance in the early years of retirement can...
Super Catch Up Contributions Here are some key takeaways: 1. Super catch up contributions: Starting in 2025, individuals turning 60 can save an additional $11,250 per year over the normal limit in their workplace retirement accounts for ages 60-63. 2. Increased...
Our Rental Property - Should We Sell? Case Study Key Takeaways: - The folks in this case own two homes: their primary residence - The rental property has $125,000 equity and $310,000 value - They make $90,000 gross income per year and live month-to-month with $5,000...
Controlling Expenses in Retirement Here are some key takeaways: - Expenses are possibly the biggest driver of what your retirement plan will look like. - Big-ticket items like housing costs, outstanding debts, and healthcare expenses are what really move the needle in...
Should I Work One More Year, or Retire Here are some key takeaways: Work one more year - or two - before retirement can have significant financial benefits, including increased 401(k) contributions, market growth, and delayed portfolio drawdown. In the example...
Fed Rate Cut & Election Wrap-Up - Key Takeaways: Here are some key takeaways: 1. Markets prefer certainty: The stock market tends to react positively after major events like elections, regardless of the outcome, as it reduces uncertainty. 2. Multiple factors...
Cost of Living Adjustment Social Security for 2025 Some key takeaways: 1. COLA Cost Of Living Adjustment Social Security for 2025: The COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment Social Security) in 2025 will be 2.5%. 2. Cumulative increase since 2021: The average monthly...
Mutual Fund Capital Gains in 2024 Here are some key Takeaways: - Capital gains distributions can happen even in years when the market is down, as seen in 2022 - Owning mutual funds in retirement accounts (401k, 457 plan) doesn't have immediate tax implications for...
