Week of 11/4/2020

This letter is always prepared a day or two before sending. As we write this, the day after election day, we wait with many of you to see who the president of the United States will be for the next four years. Just as important as the presidency is the composition of the Congress. Energy policy, taxes, health care policy, and other important issues will be shaped by our government and will affect our lives. Engagement in the system should extend beyond voting day and into the ongoing political process. We are very grateful to live in a country with strong institutions. It was reassuring to see the long legacy of peaceful voting continue and we trust that established policies will allow the process to continue. When we talk about how the markets have performed well under both parties, it is because we know that participating in the markets means participating in the growth of the economy. We believe economic growth will continue and that long-term financial success is possible in every scenario.

It is tempting to make choices about investing based on how we feel about the current political situation. For almost all of us, none of these things will be as influential to our financial future as the small and simple choices we make every day, decisions like: ·      Having a savings cushion to handle expenses ·      Maxing out our retirement plan contributions ·      Systematic contributions to college saving plans ·      Avoiding debt when possible ·      Adequate insurance in case of unexpected illness or death In truth, good financial health is just one part of a complete life. Personal health and wellness, spiritual pursuits, meaningful hobbies, volunteer work, and quality time with family and friends are other very important aspects of a happy life.

We love: Stephen Covey’s 1st Habit: Be Proactive. What can you do today, even right now, to improve on one of the areas mentioned above? Why not put this email aside and do that immediately? We learned: that the decline in state tax revenue since the onset of the pandemic has not been as deep as feared. The current revenue deficit, $30 billion less between 2/29/20 and 8/31/20 versus the same period in 2019, is below the amount allocated by the CARES Act for state relief (National Governors Association). We read: about research explaining how the most effective scenario for a COVID-19 vaccine is one where vaccination accompanies mask use and physical distancing, not replacing it, at least not initially. We remember: when Myron Rolle, a star defensive back at Florida State, was awarded a Rhodes scholarship. After retiring from the NFL, he graduated from medical school and is a now a resident physician in neurosurgery at Harvard. He continues his impressive achievement and we enjoyed this profile. We recommend: this episode of the WHOA GNV podcast. Joe Jr. participated in a mastermind discussion on money and we think there are some important points addressed.

Q: How do you avoid getting too wound up by current events? I’m feeling the stress! A: When we go home, we unplug from work as much as possible. One fun way to do that is watching something a little funny and even a little ridiculous. This Halloween episode of BYUTV’s Studio C did the job the other day and is fun viewing for the whole family. Also- make sure you participate in our webinar next Tuesday evening! We will provide the Zoom link on Friday in a separate email.

‌ ‌ ‌ 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.