The Lowry Letter®

Week of 1/8/2020

We are excited to begin the New Year in earnest this week, after what seems like a very long (and enjoyable) run of holiday activities.

We learned: about these neat little nuclear reactors. Technological innovation continues!

We think: last month’s market recap provides a nice summary of what turned out to be a strong year for the markets.

We read: that guests at fancy hotels sometimes steal mattresses, to the tune of an estimated $60 million per year. There are easier ways to take home memories of your vacation.

We've been: reminded that nothing is free. Some of you may have seen advertisements for Robinhood, a service providing trading to investors without any explicit cost. They were recently fined for failing to provide “best execution” on customer trades, revealing a common way that “free” services make money.

We recommend: this interesting article on sex differences in personality. Research supports the idea that both nature and nurture play important roles.

Q: I heard that the SECURE Act means a lot of changes for retirement plans. What do I need to know?

A: This is a major piece of legislation. Two of the most significant items are the increase in the starting age for Required Minimum Distributions from 70 ½ to 72. Another is the elimination of lifetime “stretch” distributions for non-spouse beneficiaries. We will have more information on this act in the coming weeks.

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.