Ideas and Answers

​There are a lot of things to worry about when it comes to your retirement savings. Are you saving enough? Will you outlive your nest egg? Can you maintain a comfortable lifestyle? 
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​When you start a new job, enrolling in the company sponsored 401(k) plan is a no-brainer, but how much thought do you put into the 401(k) you had at your old job?
 

​If you’re like a lot of folks in your 50s or older and have not saved enough for retirement, there still may be hope.

​A recent article in the Chicago Tribune[1] provides a glimpse of the troubles money can cause in marriage. According to the article, about one-third of couples, even the happiest ones, argue about finances at least once a month. In fact, 70% of married couples fight about money more than other issues typical to marriage.

The start of each New Year inspires hope and enthusiasm for everyone. That’s exactly why so many people use it as an opportunity to make big changes. Some plan to improve their health by quitting smoking or heading back to the gym. Others aim to enjoy life more by committing to traveling or spending more time with family and friends. That said, the start of the New Year is also the perfect time to take a close look at your finances and make the changes needed to get on the right track for the future.

Despite China’s announcement that it would not pursue additional tariffs on U.S. vehicles and the unexpected high performance of both retail sales and industrial production in the U.S., the markets continued their rapid selloff throughout Friday’s trading session. All three of the major U.S. indices fell, a move that was set into motion not only by weaker than expected economic data from China but also growing concern over the international economy. Basically, various positive and negative economic forces continue to dramatically drive the U.S. markets up and down.
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In the life events of a parent, sending your kid off to college is a momentous and prideful occasion.  Everything you had worked for up to this point in keeping them focused on grades and good behavior through all the years while still having some fun culminates in the big life step of getting them established in college.   There was also the big decision of what schools and scholarships to apply for especially if you’re hoping they drank the Kool-Aid of your alma matter after brain washing them sufficiently on their football program or favorite college team sport.   When we adopted our son Marcus and daughter Vika from Russia, they were 3 and 1.  It only took about 3 months when Marcus barely spoke any English to get him doing the fist pump with, Gooo Dawgs! (and “Jackets bad”, referring to my wife Becky’s Georgia Tech Yellowjackets).  

​​Matt Stange, CFP® recently joined Fleishel Financial located at 812 N. Woodland Blvd in DeLand according to Tom Fleishel, owner and President.  ​“I am pleased to welcome Matt Stange as an Associate Planner to the Fleishel Financial team,” said Fleishel. “Matt is the latest addition to our high quality team of professionals to help fulfill our commitment to providing top tier competencies and client service.”
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​Please enjoy JP Morgan’s take on how investors should think about the current market’s historic run.  “On Wednesday, August 22, the current bull market turned 3,453 days old, surpassing the bull run of the 1990s and officially making it the longest bull market on record. Despite generating a total return of over 400% since the market low, this bull market has felt unloved, and investors are now feeling more anxious than ever and wondering how much longer it can continue.
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One of the greatest challenges in a new marriage is finances.  Good communication and careful planning are important and can impact your success in the future.