We are in the peak of the 2018 tax season, and we are here to continue to support your needs as you navigate any tax challenges. There are still 12-14 days to make any last minute 2018 contributions to your IRAs. Be sure to check with your accountant about how this could be a potential tax savings for you.
As we look to the year ahead,
we continue to monitor and navigate uncertain markets and are keeping a watchful eye on your portfolio assets. Allison is now fully licensed and is actively evaluating and managing accounts with Bill's continued guidance. We support the economic outlook that the economy will continue to grow, though slower, throughout 2019.
We are still steadily scheduling out Annual Reviews, and if you haven't had yours quite yet, Allison will be reaching out to you in the coming weeks. We hope to have them wrapped up by early summer.
In the meantime, enjoy the warming weather and the return of sunshine!
Bill, Allison, and Brenda
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Important News
You should have received your copies 1099 forms for each of your accounts for 2018. They would have been mailed to your address on file, and are also available online in Account View.
If you have not received them or need help logging into Account View, please contact us immediately.
1-888-492-4623
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Online Access
LPL has been great in offering clients online access to their accounts. We encourage you to login and check out any account updates, go-paperless, and engage Wealth Vision. These are powerful tools to help you manage your budget and prepare for or navigate your retirement. If you need assistance gaining access, Brenda or Allison will get you connected.
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SAM Account Investment Strategies
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Opportunities:
We are emphasizing a broad value approach to investing in assets that provide equity income. Small and mid cap equities are still performing well, and our small portion in emerging markets is showing some promise, however we remain cautious.
Calculating the Risks:
We have slowly been adding gold as a tactical approach to manage volatility. This is usually small position and can assist in acting defensively. European and East Asian markets are showing some uncertainty as a Brexit solution still plagues the UK, and China's economy is slowing. We continue to incorporate fixed income options with Certificate Deposits. Bonds in general have appreciated significantly, so we have taken this opportunity to rebalance our allocations.
Of course, every investment plan is unique, and I will be discussing your investments in detail at our annual reviews.
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Local Business Highlight
We love our local small businesses and encourage you to get involved at the local level as well. Supporting our local economies is a pillar of our firms Commitment to Service. We want to begin to highlight some of our favorite local area businesses that are servicing our community.
This quarter we are focusing on Fifth Season Coop out of Viroqua, WI. Dan Nielsen, a dedicated employee of Fifth Season, shared with us why he is passionate about working there:
"I became aware of Fifth Season when I was managing the Viroqua Farmer's Market. I saw how they gave small farmers and producers another option to sell their produce, and I started exploring the history and workings of the Coop. After watching small Wisconsin farms disappear at alarming rates the last few years, I saw Fifth Season giving small farmers more options, strengthening our farming community, and hopefully in the long run the Wisconsin and Mid-west farming community as a whole. I love working with all the small farmers and producers in our coop. It is exactly what I was looking for. To get involved in our community as I move into semi-retirement."
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Market and Economic Perspectives
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Here are some excerpts from the recent letter from John Lynch EVP, Chief Investment Strategist at LPL Research:
• The S&P 500 Index has had an impressive rally since nearly entering a bear market in December 2018, with stocks having their best start since 1991.
• Although recession calls have grown louder over the past months, mounting evidence suggests this economic cycle could persevere through the end of 2019. U.S. labor market remains solid, U.S. manufacturing health remains in expansive territory, and consumer sentiment is starting to recover.
• The Fed has indicated that it will abstain from raising interest rates further until there is more clarity in the global environment. This has calmed investors' fears that continued policy tightening could smother future economic growth.
• Inflation remains at healthy levels, however, there are signs wages may be growing rapidly.
• Corporate profit growth should also support U.S. stocks, as earnings grew last year. Corporate profit growth is expected to moderate, however, stock performance is expected to match the mid-single-digit earnings growth for 2019.
• Momentum is also on investors' sides. Since 1950, when the S&P 500 has closed up both in January and February, it has gained in the final 10 months, 25 out of 27 of those years.
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Upcoming Concert
Bill has composed another lovely piece, and it will be performed this Saturday, April 6th AT 6:30 p.m. at Viterbo University Fine Arts Center in La Crosse, WI. The event is free and open to the public.
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Socially Responsible Retirement Strategies
William Neil, AIF
444 Main Street, Suite 207
La Crosse, WI. 54601
888-492-4623
Bill - Advisor: 608-205-5582
Allison - Client Services: 608-433-9730
Brenda - Office Manager: 608-784-9100
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Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual security. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. Indexes are un-managed and cannot be invested into directly. Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.
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