The Lowry Letter®

Week of 2/11/2020

February marks the 128 ^th consecutive month of economic expansion in the United States (National Bureau of Economic Research). Many economists think that economic growth will continue, but at a slower pace.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, what is happening in the world is important, but not as critical as what is happening in your personal economy. Making sure that your resources are aligned with your goals and situation is the most important task.

We hope you find the January Market Update to be helpful.

We learned: that life expectancy in the United States rose for the 1 ^st time in 4 years, due to reductions in fatal drug overdoses and cancer-related deaths. Hopefully this trend continues.

We are saddened, like many others, by the deaths of Kobe Bryant, his young daughter, and the other victims of the helicopter crash. As with other accidents, it can be tempting to think we should abandon flying (or other technology). The truth is that flying is among the safest ways to travel and future developments are likely to improve that, making tragedies like this less common.

We read: some fascinating research about generations in the workforce. The average age at hire for large company CEO’s has risen about 14 years over the last 14 years. In other words, the best year to be born to become CEO of a Fortune 500 company is and has been 1960. We don’t agree with all of the conclusions, but it is clear that younger generations expecting to match the progress of their parents are likely to be disappointed.

We've been: in enough public restrooms to see value in paying for a clean and safe bathroom when the need arises. It seems that Toto, an international maker of toilets, is developing a mobile toilet concept! While providing a service, it will also promote the special features of the high-end Japanese toilets it is known for.

We recommend: a new adaptation of Howard’s End, which played on PBS’ Masterpiece series. It has some wonderful things to say about forgiveness and we were moved by it.

Q: If I retire around 62, and have no other income, doesn’t it make sense to start social security early ?

A: It might, but most of the time the answer is no. For many of people, social security is the only source of guaranteed income they will receive in retirement. The difference in the monthly payment amount between those who start at 62 and those who wait until full retirement age can be up to 30%. Even if it means spending down other assets for several years, in most cases waiting is the optimal choice.

Some reasons to take social security income earlier include a diminished life expectancy or some strategies related to spousal benefits. Given the complexity of social security strategies, please contact us before making your claiming decision .

Advisory Services offered through Lowry Financial Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Securities and additional advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Advisory services offered through Lowry Financial Advisors, Inc, are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth. Lowry Financial Advisors, Inc. is located at 12921 SW 1st Rd, Suite 215, Tioga, FL 32669. 352-333-7990

Lowry Financial Advisors is the only advisory firm that helps its clients reach their goals through The Achieving Simplicity® Experience™, providing clarity and confidence in their personal and financial lives.