FINANCIAL STRATEGIES NEWSLETTER
THIRD QUARTER 2021

Greetings!

This quarter we discuss several biases that may affect your ability to invest successfully, the challenges of becoming a caregiver and tips to protect yourself online. We are also excited to announce that AFM will be hosting a virtual presentation on cybersecurity by retired FBI agent Jeff Lanza at the end of this year. As always feel free to share any feedback you might have or topics you would like to hear from us about.

The AFM Team
MARKET UPDATE
Markets pulled back sharply in September after setting record highs in August. Rising medical risks hit growth expectations at the same time as concerns about inflation and rising interest rates weighed heavily on sentiment in a sort of perfect storm. 
THE SPOUSE AS CAREGIVER
We all hope to experience a wonderful retirement, but what happens when one partner becomes ill and needs ongoing care? Retirement can involve an unwelcome surprise that may derail the dreams of an anticipated time of relaxation and joy.
WHY INVESTING IS MORE DIFFICULT THAN JUST CHOOSING THE "RIGHT" SECURITIES
When making a financial decision, it's important to be aware of what behavioral biases might be influencing us, so that we can find a balance between trusting the behavioral and analytical sides of finance.
CYBERSECURITY: THE DO'S AND DON'TS TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY
Data breeches, malware, phishing - those are all terms we are getting more accustomed to hearing these days. Even the most computer savvy user can fall victim if they're caught at just the right time.
SAVE THE DATE FOR A SPECIAL AFM VIRTUAL EVENT ON 12/2/21
Please join us for an exclusive virtual event on cybersecurity with former FBI agent Jeff Lanza at 3pm EST. More details to follow soon, and to learn more about Jeff please visit his website.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Please join us in welcoming Zak as the newest member of our client service team. Read more about Zak here.
AFM NEWS & NOTES
  • AFM listed in Washington Business Journal as one of the largest wealth management firms in the DC Metro area
  • Alexandra held a book signing at Bookstore1 in Sarasota
  • Sumedha participated in the Kentlands/Lakelands 5k Run/Walk
  • Nicolette participated in a 5k run for the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge opening
  • Elizabeth ran her first half marathon
  • Zak went rafting in Idaho
Additional Reminders & Updates
  • Year End Gifting: Are you planning on making gifts to family or charitable donations from your investments by year-end? If so, please let us know as soon as possible, so that we can help you make these gifts in a timely fashion. The annual limit for non-charitable gifts is $15,000.
  • Reminder: Medicare Part D Open Enrollment 10/15 - 12/7: Medicare Part D plans routinely change their coverage and pricing each year, so it is important to take a fresh look now at your existing coverage, and the options available to you for next year. The best tool for shopping Medicare plans is the Medicare Plan Finder, on the official Medicare website.
  • Have a Child in College? Don’t Forget to Fill out a FAFSA: For the 2022-2023 school year, the FAFSA can be filed as early as October 1, 2021. Whether you have a senior in high school or a returning college student, it's a good idea to file the FAFSA as early as possible to increase your child's chances of getting financial aid, The form is available online at fafsa.ed.gov.
  • Social Security Benefits Increase in 2022: Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security benefits in 2022. Notices will be mailed out December, or you can securely obtain your Social Security notice online using the Message Center in your Social Security account.
Armstrong, Fleming & Moore, Inc.
202.887.8135 |202.887.0050 Fax | info@afmfa.com
Providing financial planning and investment advice since 1983
Securities offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC. Fixed Insurance products and services and advisory services offered by Armstrong, Fleming & Moore, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser, are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth.
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