Financial & Life Blog

Think back to those early days in life when it seemed like everything in the candy aisle was free if you begged your parents hard enough. Not a fleeting thought was given to the expenses of a vacation or the copay costs at the doctor. There’s something beautifully unburdened in the way which children experience the world: recklessly present and innocently ambivalent.

Few words better characterize today's financial markets than uncertainty. We believe investors need to adjust their expectations in order to adapt to the road ahead. It seems to be the nature of today’s markets to subject investors to price fluctuations and confusing global events that test emotional fortitude at every turn.

I sometimes comment to clients that because we strongly believe in diversification of client portfolios, it means I am always apologizing for something that is underperforming. While that is said somewhat tongue-in-cheek, there is some truth to it and yet my clients have come to understand why we do what we do. That said, it doesn't make it always easy or fun.

Last week, the government reported that the U.S. economy created 156,000 net new jobs in December. That was below the expectations of 175,000 jobs, but it’s still largely within the previous trend. Unemployment ticked up to 4.7%. There’s still the issue of millions of Americans out of the labor force. Fortunately, though, the labor-force participation rate rose by a tad.

I try and avoid playing the guessing games that are common this time of year and instead, I focus on various elements that might affect the economy, the markets and our portfolios. Certain important factors can be identified as being at work here and now, and then we use historical data to provide context for it all. I’ve listed a few below and some thoughts about them.

With credit card interest rates ranging between 11 to 22%, it’s no wonder people are looking for alternative ways to handle and pay off their credit card debt. This is where a personal loan might come into play. Using a personal loan to pay off your credit card debt can help you manage your overall debt once and for all… if you know how to navigate the pitfalls.

An increasing number of Americans are facing an uphill battle just trying to save enough and earn enough on their savings to be able to retire on time.

An increasing number of Americans are facing an uphill battle just trying to save enough and earn enough on their savings to be able to retire on time.

The Wall Street Journal has named Kevin Garrett as one of ten FIVE Star Wealth Managers you need to know from the South Atlantic region of the United States. Winners featured in the December 14th edition represented some of the South Atlantic's most dedicated wealth managers, each devoted to ensuring professional excellence and providing remarkable service to their clients.

Few words better characterize today's financial markets than uncertainty. We believe investors need to adjust their expectations in order to adapt to the road ahead. It seems to be the nature of today’s markets to subject investors to price fluctuations and confusing global events that test emotional fortitude at every turn.