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Economy

What can a pro do?

In the new age of trading apps and stock conversations on social media, more and more people are getting involved in the world of personal finance. As this change happens, we are currently in one of the largest wealth transfers in history with the aging of the baby boomers. Throughout all of this, young people are put in a place where they have a big financial situation to deal with, and many feel they can do this alone. So, this month, I am going to talk about the benefits of having a financial professional in your corner.

Using a professional, on a very surface level, gives you a sounding board for ideas and plans, goals, fears, and dreams in life. Financial professionals have seen many different situations, and have the ability to create plans and ideas to help their clients reach those goals and dreams down the road. If nothing else, a professional is a person well versed in topics like retirement planning, insurance planning, wealth management, social security, and many others. Most even have connections to estate planning attorneys, CPA’s, and mortgage lenders to ensure their clients are covered in all the major areas of personal finance.

Beyond that, they are very rigorously tested. They have the title “professional” for a reason, because it takes an extensive amount of education, training, knowledge and skill to manage investments and insurance planning. There are separate examinations for insurance and investments, and numerous different designations. Each professional that holds these licenses is required to continue their education on an ongoing basis to stay up to date on new laws and regulations, because they are always changing.

Next, life is always a moving target. So is your financial picture. There isn’t ever a one-size-fits -all approach to planning, as each person is different. So, even if you are not ready to start investing thousands of dollars right away, it is good to have a relationship with someone who can give you ideas about saving, debt repayment, and other basics.

Finally, they can provide an increase in your level of confidence. Many do not have the time or desire to manage their investment portfolio or create their own financial plan. It can be very comforting knowing you have someone working in your best interests, and making sure you are sticking to the plan. Having that sense of security and accountability allows for clients to feel cared for.

Each professional is going to be different. For me, I focus on the relationship. I am there whenever a client has a question or needs help, and when going through all of life’s stages, from college to career, family, and retirement. It is paramount to build a foundation of trust and honesty, because when it comes to money, there is no other way.

Send me an email, or give me a call. A video call works too. Absolutely no cost on your end, just your time. Let’s chat!

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 419-725-7358

The information in this commentary is intended for informational purposes only, and is not intended to imply a recommendation of any products or securities mentioned. Please note that individual situations can vary and you are encouraged to seek such advice from your financial advisor.

Is history repeating itself? Market declines continue.

Is history repeating itself? Are we in the midst of another Great Recession?

The last three weeks have been intense in the stock market. On Thursday, March 12 and Monday, March 16, we’ve seen drastic declines. It’s difficult to see the silver lining in the market when the headlines are just as terrifying as the unknown of our investment returns. We haven’t seen the markets act in this manner since 2008-09.

Are we repeating history, and at the start of a recession? The short answer: no. Let’s talk about why …

To begin, I don’t think I could write a comparison better than the one USA TODAY published last week: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/11/recession-heres-how-coronavirus-crises-different-2008/5012228002/

If you read their article and still want my perspective, read on!

As financial advisors, we look to different measurements to gain insight as to what the future of our economy and the market may hold. Without boring you with an economics lesson, I would like to give an overview of just two of them: gross domestic product (GDP) and the consumer price index (CPI).

With respect to our country’s GDP, consumer spending is its key driver. If we look at how the stock market ended in 2018, we were down about 20 percent. Therefore, it must mean a recession followed, right? Fortunately for everyone, that was not the case as we saw tremendous returns in 2019.

So how did the stock market get it wrong? We knew the noise of daily news was causing concerns of trade wars and a government shutdown to investors. In times of uncertainty, volatility increases. Despite the everyday investor seeing significant losses in their investment accounts, Christmas-time consumer spending was up 19 percent from the previous year! This shows us that drastic changes in the market did not translate to drastic changes in consumer behavior. Our country’s current GDP is more than 2 percent. Until we hit GDP of 1 percent, I am confident with our country’s growth.

Another key factor is understanding the CPI. If you look at the chart below from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can see that once the CPI reaches 4 percent, a recession is quickly on the horizon. The CPI is currently in the mid to low twos. We haven’t reached the threshold and we shouldn’t assume the coronavirus is a catalyst for a recession.


*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Health care providers, scientists, and the leaders of our communities are working diligently on preventative measures and access to care for the well-being of all. There is not a country more well equipped than America. Hysteria, uncertainty, and volatility will pass. It always does, and once that happens, our country’s strong economic fundamentals will be restored just like they always do.

If you gain one takeaway from this: stay the course. What if in December 2018, you decided to get out of the market for fear of the negative markets to continue? You would have missed out on the positive returns that followed. While this uncertainty is uncomfortable, please stay safe and please choose to be hopeful.

About Megan:
Megan Rightnowar got into the financial services business almost five years ago to help individuals and families create a plan for financial freedom. She believes that money doesn’t have to control your life and she helps people live that out.  As an extension of her love for educating clients, she enjoys writing blog posts covering a myriad of financial topics. Megan also teaches finance and personal planning for pharmacy students at the University of Toledo.

*Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Securities and investment services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth.

Leading health care strategist to visit northwest Ohio

Known as one of the nation’s most prominent and respected speakers in the health care industry, Bradford Koles, vice president and national spokesperson, Advisory Board – a best practices firm helping health care organizations worldwide – will speak on the current and future status of the industry, Wednesday, April 1, 2020 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at The Pinnacle in Maumee, Ohio, sponsored by Savage and Associates.

“Savage is thrilled to have Mr. Koles present to our region, particularly with the strong attention the health system will receive with the upcoming presidential election,” stated Scott Walsh, vice president of employee benefits and partner, Savage and Associates. “This will be an outstanding value added to our clients, as well as others who would like to gain some fascinating insight.”

Based in Washington, D.C., Koles has significant expertise in health care economics, strategy, and reform initiatives including coverage expansion, vertical integration and physician partnership models, managed care and payer contracting, and quality-based payment.

There is no cost to attend, and a free continental breakfast will be provided. Doors open at 8 a.m. for check-in and networking. Advanced registration is required at savageandassociates.com/rsvp/.

The coronavirus and its impact on financial markets

Photo of Chinese Man in surgical mask

As a financial advisor, a big part of my role is to educate clients on the stock market. My job doesn’t end at picking investments for my clients but to openly communicate during times of intense media headlines and market volatility. Whether it’s trade wars, a negative fourth quarter in 2018, an election year, or the current coronavirus panic, I like to make sure my clients hear from me not only when we have regularly scheduled review meetings but when their account(s) are being affected.

Yesterday I sent an email to my clients, and I thought it would be valuable to turn that email into a post that others can gain insight. The subject matter: coronavirus. But from the standpoint of its overall impact on the stock market.

As you may be aware, there has been a growing number of cases throughout China, Italy, Iran, Japan and South Korea. Consequently, the global market has experienced increased volatility. It’s no coincidence – the stock market tends to react when a widespread illness breaks out. Two days ago, February 24, 2020, the S&P 500 declined about 3.5 percent, making it the worst day in about two years.

Regardless, if your reaction to the previous paragraph was “YIKES!”, this does not come as a big shock to the financial industry. Business has been slowing overseas with products/services that come out of the affected countries. I am also going to take a wild guess that you haven’t booked your dream trip to Italy in the past few weeks. The global economy is dipping and the market is reflective of that.

We do not know how long the coronavirus will continue to spread and dominate the headlines. Likewise, predicting the end of this current market volatility is equally challenging. As a silver lining though, we can see in the chart created by Dow Jones Market Data (below) that epidemics have historically not impacted the market for a significant length of time. I think you will find relief that only one of the previous 12 epidemics resulted in negative percent changes of the S&P over a six and 12 month period.

In closing, when it comes to the obstacles we are facing in the market, I’m not fretting and it is my hope that you aren’t either. Focusing on long-term objectives when it comes to investment accounts helps provide clarity in times of uncertainty. In the meantime, I’m praying for effective treatment and prevention and I hope you’ll join me.

America the Beautiful

Sean Savage

The Fourth of July is a natural date to reflect on our nation’s founding 243 years ago in 1776. The signing of the Declaration of Independence began an experiment which has unleashed freedoms and prosperity unparalleled in human history. The excerpt from the Declaration of Independence which I believe captures the essence of this experiment is:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

I am in the process of reading the book, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, written by Jon Meacham. The book provides wonderful insight into the fragility of our founding and the severe threats faced by the founding fathers to get to July 4th, 1776. Our foundation as a country is strong, but I believe our democracy will always be fragile and—like a special family heirloom passed down generation to generation—worth preserving for future generations.

I sometimes write after a drop in the stock market and address underlying economic concerns and anxiety. However, today I write as our economy just crossed a milestone with the longest economic expansion (over 10 years) on record going back to at least 1854, unemployment at historic lows, and the S&P 500 at or near record highs. Things are not perfect as there are always concerns, risks, and threats, but I am thankful to live in this country and participate in an economic system which was spawned by the Declaration of Independence back in 1776.

I feel fortunate to be in this great land. My dad routinely said, “We all drink from wells we did not dig.” There is no truer statement as we look back to the founding of this great country. I am thankful to be working with and serving my clients.

For all who are struggling this holiday with health or other challenges, may you find comfort and peace. I wish you all a very blessed 4th of July holiday surrounded by those you love. May the fireworks remind all of us that America is truly beautiful.

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