At ML&R Wealth Management, we want to ensure our clients are In The Know.

In this month's newsletter, we tell you how to prepare for a layoff, and also the immediate steps to take if that does happen. Our non-profit shout-out highlights our firms recent donation to Coats for Kids and Austin Pets Alive. And don't forget to attend one of the events listed below in the next few weeks including the MLK Day March and performances of Cinderella at the Zach Theater.

We are a firm that understands that managing your assets is about more than money. It is about empowering your future. At ML&R Wealth Management, we focus on you.

How To Prepare For A Layoff: Strategizing Your Finances and Career

MaryBeth Meyer, CFP®, Wealth Advisor

mmeyer@mlrpc.com | (512) 370-3202

Layoffs are becoming increasingly common, yet often come when least expected. And are usually 100% out of your control. Which makes it hard to “plan” for. If you’ve experienced a layoff or are concerned one might be on the horizon:

Severance/Final pay – Review your final paycheck and ensure it accounts for any remaining hours, commissions earned, unused PTO balance, and any outstanding reimbursements that might be owed to you. If you have any company stock, you may be able to accelerate the vesting schedule or at least receive a prorated amount. Be aware of your equity compensation's tax impact on your overall tax liability. It’s important to note that severance packages are usually well thought out, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t try negotiating. So, prioritize what is most important to you and see if it would be considered. Having a change in income means taking a deeper dive into your cash flow, being mindful of your spending, and strategically pulling resources to bridge the gap.

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Click here to view additional articles by MaryBeth Meyer.

What To Do After Being Laid Off: A Guide To Self-Care, Growth, and New Beginnings



Kira Scott, CFP®, Service Advisor

kscott@mlrpc.com | (512) 275-2725

If you have been through a layoff, you are not alone; it is not personal, and this will not last forever. However, it is expected to experience emotional repercussions. After all, you are losing income stability, and part of your identity is often tied to your career. But just like any of life’s most challenging moments, a layoff can also be an opportunity for personal growth.

Give yourself some grace and time to process

Having a wide range of emotions after a layoff is perfectly normal and reasonable, and it takes time to process and work through those. Allow yourself a few days or weeks to wallow or feel whatever you need. Those feelings will still come up as time passes, but it’s important not to let them run the show.

Self-Care is critical

Positive self-talk can help as well. List your strengths, contributions, and achievements you are proud of. Confidence can take a hit after being laid off. Talking to former work colleagues can be a helpful reminder of the experience and skills that set you apart. Remember to take care of yourself physically because that will affect how you feel. Try to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, drink enough water, and exercise.

Create daily goals to stay focused–

One of the hardest things to adjust to after a layoff is the uncertainty of the future, including where you will land, what you will do, and when that will happen. It’s sometimes hard to enjoy the time off due to the uncertainty.

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Click here to view additional articles by Kira Scott.

Non-Profit Shout Out

Spreading Warmth and Joy: ML&R Wealth Management and Maxwell Locke & Ritter's Holiday Season Contribution

Embracing the Spirit of Giving

As the holiday season unfolds, ML&R Wealth Management and Maxwell Locke & Ritter demonstrated their unwavering commitment to two notable non-profits: Austin Pets Alive! and Coats for Kids.

A Pawsitive Impact with Austin Pets Alive!

Austin Pets Alive!, a beacon of hope for animals in the region, has received a significant contribution from the firms, underscoring their dedication to animal welfare. The donation aligns with the "Pawlidays of Lifesaving" campaign, a crucial initiative supporting the shelter's ongoing efforts to provide care and find loving homes for animals in need. More about this initiative can be explored here.

Wrapping Warmth Around the Community with Coats for Kids

In addition to supporting four-legged friends, the firms have also shown incredible kindness to children in the community. Over 70 coats were donated to Coats for Kids, a heartening gesture that ensures warmth for many children facing cold winter days. This contribution is not just about providing a basic need; it's about offering comfort, care, and the joy of the season to young lives. Details on this impactful program can be found here.

A Legacy of Community Support

ML&R Wealth Management and Maxwell Locke & Ritter have long been recognized for their professional excellence in financial and wealth management services. Yet, their contributions to the community extend far beyond their business expertise. These acts of kindness reflect a deep-seated culture of giving back and supporting those in need, resonating with the values and spirit of the Austin community.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate these generous acts, we're reminded of the power of community and the impact of collective efforts. ML&R Wealth Management and Maxwell Locke & Ritter set a shining example of how businesses can play a crucial role in nurturing and supporting their local communities.

Let's carry this spirit of generosity and compassion forward, not just during the holiday season but throughout the year, making a lasting difference in the lives of those around us.

Peppermint Ice Cream

Chocolate Chip Cookie

An Apple Fritter

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies

Cookies

Dark Chocolate

Chocolate Ice Cream

Hot Tamales Candy

Blue Bell Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Cheesecake

Macarons from Lady Yum in Seattle

Dark Chocolate

Ice Cream

Ice Cream

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Blondies

Cookies

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Anything Chocolate

Cheesecake

100 Grand Bar

Anything Chocolate

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels

Many Happy Returns

By David Booth, Founder and Chairman

This past year had its share of financial uncertainty, from inflation and rising interest rates to volatile stock and bond markets. Headlines added to the unease, from the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) to the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and other lenders to the threat of government shutdowns. So it’s no surprise some people feel anxious right now. When it comes to investing during trying times, it can be easy to lose track of how well markets function. Spoiler alert: They’ve been working just the way we’d expect.

The reason why? Human ingenuity. Throughout history, there have been people and businesses working hard to make the world better. Solving problems can generate profits, and profits lead to market returns. That’s why I say the market runs on human ingenuity.

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Chutes and Bond Ladders

By Wes Crill, PhD, Senior Investment Director and Vice President

Some investors use bond ladders for fixed income exposure. A portfolio of bonds with maturities spaced out across a range of years provides a stream of cash flows that decreases the uncertainty around meeting future liabilities. But the tradeoff for this benefit is potentially leaving returns on the table.

Take a five-year Treasury ladder, for example. This approach provides exposure across the zero-to-five-year segment of the yield curve. As of October 31, 2023, the highest yield within Treasuries could be found at three months. But the ladder buys throughout the available maturities, which offer increasingly lower yields. Bond ladders ignore information in prices about expected returns.

Read More...

Are you responsible for administering your company's 401(k) plan?

Would you like more insight and resources regarding the retirement plan services industry?

If so, please subscribe to our 401(k) Plan Services Quarterly Newsletter. You can check out the last few issues below.

September 2023 Newsletter

July 2023 Newsletter

April 2023 Newsletter

See our latest Retirement Plan Services articles:

What is Fiduciary Management and Fiduciary Duties

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Austin Events

Shen Yun Performing Arts - (01/05/24 - 01/07/24)

Austin Home Show - (01/13/24 - 01/14/23)

MLK Day March, Festival, and Food Drive - (01/15/24)

Family-Friendly Events

Trains at the Bullock - (01/05/24 - 01/07/24)

Snow Day - (01/20/24)

The Little Mermaid - (01/26/24 - 03/03/24)