Blog Archives

Financial Literacy Month, Coronavirus and Financial Resilience

Written on April 14, 2020.

Beginning 16 years ago, April was declared Financial Literacy Month as part of a strategy to enhance and increase nationwide financial literacy. It was implemented with the hope that it would lead to increased government advocacy of financial literacy programs, as well as spark more interest in programming already offered through schools, non-profit organizations, and businesses.

The creation of a month-long focus on financial literacy was a pointed acknowledgment of its importance in helping Americans gain necessary financial knowledge – knowledge that proves integral during a time of crisis like we are facing now with the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Though prevention is always preferable over a cure, it’s never too late to learn more and change your financial behaviors. Doing so can help you become more resilient in the face of financial adversity during times of personal or worldwide crisis. So, here are three ways you can personally celebrate Financial Literacy Month this year:

Scams Abound Amid Pandemic Panic

Written on April 6, 2020.

Sadly, as is the case in any crisis, there are those among us who are looking to capitalize on cruelty and take advantage of heightened vulnerabilities. Hackers are trying to lure victims to click on COVID-19 related hyperlinks that contain malicious software and other computer viruses. In some cases, these scams look like official messages from the government and they send people to fake websites where their sensitive information can be stolen.

The following guidelines can help you protect yourself from these digital scams and stay clear of suspicious links you may come across in your internet travels.

How to Spot a Phishing Email

Phishing is a practice in which scammers send emails that appear to be from legitimate organizations. In the case of COVID-19, they may promise to share important information about the coronavirus or how to keep your family safe. In short, they prey on a public fearful of a dangerous virus.

CARES Act Signed into Law –Brings Relief to Millions of Americans

Written on April 1, 2020.

On March 27 the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to address the unprecedented public health and economic crisis related to COVID-19.

This $2 trillion bill is meant to impact both individuals and businesses and contains significant tax-savings measures. It could affect prior tax years while also creating immediate cash-flow.

Impact on Individuals

Stimulus Checks

Perhaps the most impactful provision for American citizens is the CARES Act’s promise of cash payments of up to $1,200 per single individual and $2,400 for a married couple. Parents will also receive an additional $500 per qualifying child. Payments are phased-out for individuals with incomes greater than $75,000 and for married couples filing jointly with income greater than $150,000.

Tax News: IRS Announces Extended Deadline for 2019 Tax Returns

Written on March 22, 2020.

Americans Can Defer for 90 Days

As we continue to face uncertain times, the IRS has made a welcome announcement.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has announced that the IRS has decided to extend the filing and payment deadline for 2019 tax returns, allowing taxpayers to defer until July 15. Mnuchin indicated this move will put $300 billion into the economy during a time of great economic concern over the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to Remain Hopeful and Keep Perspective During the Covid-19 Outbreak

Written on March 18, 2020.

We are facing something we have never faced before in our lifetimes. That is a fact and, in time, when the news of the pandemic spreading and the recommendations on social distancing getting broader by the day, it can be hard to feel certain or safe about anything.

Although Peak Financial clients have benefitted tremendously from the risk and volatility reduction strategies used to manage their assets, it is still very troubling to watch the unprecedented market decline and hard to tune out the constant media noise regarding losses. But most importantly, we need to maintain our health and the health and safety of our family, friends, and neighbors. Covid-19 which emerged late in 2019 in China has spread rapidly worldwide since then and is a global pandemic. The measures taken by leaders around the globe have for the most part been strong, leaving most children without a classroom to go to, parents working from home or without a job altogether, and investors uncertainty causing panic about what is to come.

Coronavirus: What the Viral Epidemic Means for Investors

Written on March 4, 2020.

Volatile Markets and the Ongoing Spread of the Virus are Causing Economic Uncertainty

Last week saw the worst week on Wall Street since 2008, as the Dow fell into correction likely due to the outbreak and spread of COVID-19, commonly called novel coronavirus. A market correction is a nerve-wracking event for investors, but the current uneasiness in the markets is no cause for panic.

Market Impact

While the spread of COVID-19 is atypical, market correction is not. In fact, it’s an entirely normal process, and not altogether unexpected after experiencing the longest-running bull market on record. There have been 22 market corrections since 1974, and they are aptly named because the market usually “corrects” itself and returns prices to their longer-term trends. While the coronavirus is likely to cause economic impact into at least the second quarter of 2020, historically, Wall Street’s reaction to these types of epidemics has been short-lived, including in the recent past.

Four Reasons to Think Twice Before Buying a Vacation Home

Written on February 26, 2020.

When you spend most of your year toiling away at work, it’s natural to want to make the most of your vacation time. For many Americans, this means dreaming of the opportunity to own a vacation home where they can relax and recharge, while possibly earning rental income, too.

Before you pull the trigger on your own vacation home, however, you may want to think twice. While it certainly offers the opportunity for enjoyment and making meaningful memories, vacation homes also come with a few drawbacks.

Selling a Business Provides Unique Philanthropic Opportunities

Written on February 24, 2020.

The opportunity to sell your family business might represent the pinnacle of your life’s work – and possibly the work of generations of family before you, as well. It can be an even more meaningful experience when you use the sale as an opportunity to achieve your philanthropic objectives, which is possible with proper business and tax planning.

Four Strategies for Overcoming Boredom in Retirement

Written on February 4, 2020.

So, you’ve made it to retirement – congratulations! Your many years of hard work, smart financial choices and proper life planning have paid off and you’re now enjoying the best years of your life. Or, are you?

Like many big life changes, retirement can bring with it some surprises. One that catches many retirees off-guard is just how difficult it can be to fill your days when you no longer have the obligation of work – or the natural social life that stemmed from daily interaction with coworkers. So, if you’re feeling bored or even daunted by the idea of so much free time on your calendar, rest assured you’re not alone.

Still, it takes thoughtful commitment to overcome boredom in retirement. It’s not just about keeping yourself busy, it’s about making sure you feel fulfilled. Read on to learn how to overcome this common retirement challenge so you can live the retirement of your dreams.

How to Prevent Entitlement in America’s Children When a Trillion-Dollar Wealth Transfer is Underway

Written on February 3, 2020.

The United States is in the midst of a massive wealth transfer from Baby Boomers to Gen Xers and Millennials – to the tune of $30 trillion, in fact. In light of this, many parents are wondering how to ensure their children feel empowered by their inheritance, without adopting a dangerous sense of entitlement. Below we’ll explore four proactive strategies for avoiding uncomfortable family scenarios that can develop when adult children know there’s guaranteed money in their future.

The subject of money and inheritance can be seen as taboo in many families, whether there’s a great deal of money in the family or not. A 2015 survey by U.S. Trust (now Bank of America) showed that one-third of high net worth and ultra-high net worth adults intentionally did not discuss family finances with their children out of fear that it would create a negative work ethic. Additionally, a full 20 percent said they had been taught as children that it was not appropriate to talk about wealth. How, then, will these families address the very real concerns that arise when wealth transfers to the next generation? The four action steps below offer a place to start.

Financial Literacy Month, Coronavirus and Financial Resilience

Scams Abound Amid Pandemic Panic

How to Spot a Phishing Email

CARES Act Signed into Law –Brings Relief to Millions of Americans