November was the best month for the stock markets since 2008. The S&P 500 equity index rallied 9% and the bond market did well too with the 10-year Treasury yield dropping from 4.91% to 4.35%. The best performing sector in the S&P 500 was the Finance sector. Regional banks have been under pressure as [...]
As we approach the close of another year, now is the perfect time to review your financial portfolio and make sure you are prepared for the potentially volatile market that the New Year will bring. This has become particularly important this year given all of the recent instability we have seen in the markets [...]
You have been preparing for this transitionary period throughout the course of your career and you have finally arrived. Welcome to Retirement. During this time, you begin to consider what steps must be taken to ensure an enjoyable retirement. Retirement Planning is an exciting and anticipatory time in one's life. However, for some people, retirement [...]
For more than twenty years you meticulously planned for this transition. As your career developed, you put in the hard work and made significant contributions to your company. All the while, in the back of your mind you anticipated the day you would be able to retire. That day arrived with great excitement and [...]
October has historically been a poor month for equity investors with major stock market crashes in the Octobers of 1929, 1987 and 2008. This past October, the S&P 500 stock index fell by 2.8% weighed down by… The uncertainty that comes with a new Middle East war Political infighting even within singular parties as witnessed [...]
In the intricate world of financial decision-making, clarity and objectivity are paramount. At John G. Ullman and Associates, we recognize the need for transparency and a client-centric approach. As we delve into the common inquiry regarding fee-only versus fee-based wealth management, let's explore the benefits of a fee-only model and offer an objective perspective [...]
Medicare vs. Medicaid- Both Government sponsored health insurance Medicare’s beneficiaries are primarily age 65 and older or meet other exceptions. Beneficiaries have paid into the Medicare system through payroll taxes over their working life. Medicaid’s beneficiaries are low to moderate income individuals. This program is dependent on income. Premiums: Part A- Most people receive [...]
Up until September, the stock market had been having a great year rebounding 15% from the bear market of 2022. Then September came and the S&P 500 index dropped 5%. The narrative from investors changed from “peak interest rates” to “higher interest rates for longer” to “higher interest rates forever”. This new environment is [...]
You may have heard of the phrase “tax loss harvesting” in the context of sales of stocks or other investments, and wondered exactly what it means. Tax loss harvesting generally refers to selling investments (i.e. capital assets) at a loss, specifically timing them so that they offset gains (both capital and ordinary) in the [...]
I’m partial to the classic PB&J. Now mind you, it has to be freshly made (morning preparation for a noon lunch will not do, too soggy) and constructed properly, two slices of a good hearty bread with peanut butter thickly spread on both slices, and a dollop of fruit preserves in the middle (apricot is [...]
