Money Matters: Recent Episodes
Michael Herman and Matthew Cloutier
Educating and empowering individuals and businesses through informational podcasts that touch on various financial topics that are part of a complete financial plan. The hosts Michael Herman and Matthew Cloutier bring over 30 years of experience with hopes to create clarity and peace of mind for their clients and the general public.
This podcast is for educational purposes only and may include references to concepts that have legal and/or tax implications. It is not to be construed as legal or tax advice. Such information or opinions is subject to change without notice and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, insurance product, or offer of individual investment advice. Any strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. Securities America, Inc. does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult with the appropriate professional regarding your personal situation prior to making any financial decisions. Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Golden Wealth Solutions and Securities America are separate entities.
Homebuyers braving the hot U.S. housing market have run headlong into a striking transition. The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage jumped from around 3.2% at the beginning of 2022 to 5.3% in mid-May, the highest level since 2009. This rise was sparked by the Federal Reserve's commitment to raise the federal funds rate — a key benchmark for short-term interest rates — to help control the highest inflation in decades.
When inflation began rising in the spring of 2021, many economists, including policymakers at the Federal Reserve, believed the increase would be transitory and subside over a period of months. One year later, inflation has proven to be more stubborn than expected. It may be helpful to look at some of the forces behind rising prices, the Fed's plan to combat them, and early signs that inflation may be easing.
During the intensely volatile first 100 trading days of 2022, the stocks of companies in the S&P 500 index delivered their worst performance since 1970.1 The S&P 500 continued to tumble, and the benchmark index descended into a bear market — typically defined as a sustained drop in stock prices of at least 20% — on June 13, 2022. When the market closed, the S&P 500 had dropped 21.8% from its January 3 peak, and the tech-heavy NASDAQ, already in bear territory, had plunged 32.7% from its November 19, 2021 peak.
Raising the federal funds rate places upward pressure on a wide range of interest rates, including the cost
of borrowing through bond issues. Regardless of the rate environment, however, bonds are a mainstay for
investors who want to generate income or dampen the effects of stock market volatility on their portfolios.
You may have questions about how higher rates could affect your fixed-income investments and what you
can do to help mitigate the effect in your portfolio.
Keeping your cool can be hard to do when the market
goes on one of its periodic roller-coaster rides. It's
useful to have strategies in place that prepare you
both financially and psychologically to handle market
volatility. Here are 11 ways to help keep yourself from
making hasty decisions that could have a long-term
impact on your ability to achieve your financial goals.
You may have lost your job already, or it's something
you're concerned about. Either way, the keys to
surviving a job loss financially are to plan ahead, take
stock of your income, and cut your expenses.
With age comes responsibility, so if you're a young
adult in your 20s or 30s, chances are you've been
introduced to the realities of adulthood. While you're
excited by all the opportunities life has to offer, you're
also aware of your emerging financial responsibility.
During your working years, you've probably set aside
funds in retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k)s,
or other workplace savings plans, as well as in
taxable accounts. Your challenge during retirement is
to convert those savings into an ongoing income
stream that will provide adequate income throughout
your retirement years.
Mike and Matt bring in Estate Attorney, RaQwin Young from The Law Office of RaQwin Young, LLC in Golden to speak on why you should have your estate planning in order no matter your age or wealth.
Mike, Matt, and Hunter explain the importance of life insurance and how it can reduce the economic hardship on families in the event of a death.
In this episode, Mike, Matt, and Hunter explain the difference between disability income and critical illness coverage and how they each can play a role in alleviating financial burdens onset by unexpected accidents or illnesses.
Mike, Matt, and special guest, Hunter Wyckoff, explain what long term care coverage is and how putting safeguards in place now can protect your assets and quality of life against the impact of long term care expenses in the future.
Mike and Matt bring in special guest, Hunter Wyckoff, to provide deeper insight on the importance of insurance.
Mike and Matt discuss the fundamentals of cash flow management and why having a budget and sticking to it is crucial for keeping your spending in check and your savings on track for the future.
With all the information sources for people to sort through regarding financial planning, many people don't understand the value a financial advisor brings to the table. Mike and Matt talk about the basics of financial planning and why a complete financial plan is essential in avoiding possible costly mistakes.