What Is GDP?  

At a high level, let’s first observe that gross domestic product (GDP) is 70%  consumption. Said another way, consumption is simply you and I buying things. These things can be daily routine staples, a new car, or a household appliance, as well as any services and other non-tangible items. Clearly, in order to consume you must have income, or otherwise have the capacity to spend. Fundamentally, inflation erodes that capacity through rising prices that increase faster than your income.

We are furthermore witnessing one of the most visceral supply chain disruptions in economic history – if there was ever a time for a passive, hands-off approach to financial planning or portfolio management, this is certainly not it.  

Uncertain Times Underscore the Importance of Retirement  Planning and Having a Sound Financial Plan  

While the development of a financial roadmap will not negate these concerns, it can  help by addressing the question of “What happens if?” What happens if I want to retire early?

For anyone who has not worked with a Financial Advisor, this question has likely crossed their mind at least once. According to Statista,* 65% of Americans in 2020 indicated that they do not work with a Financial Advisor.

Updated October 1st, 2021

I believe that we are at a point of inflection where risks of various types are weighing on the market as we remain relatively near all-time record high levels.

What Are the Main Areas of Risk for the Financial Markets?

Broadly, I would suggest that the three main areas of risk that are of concern today. The following areas of risk will be covered in detail below:

geopolitical risk

economic risk

political risk  

Geopolitical Risks: 

China’s Trade Tensions

China remains to be a relevant geopolitical concern.  Neither the U.S.

Why Should I Work With a Financial Planner?

by Brandon T. Guttery, Financial Advisor

August 31, 2021

Ummm…What Just Happened?

The last year has been chaotic to say the least. We saw a spike in unemployment, a sharp decline in the stock market, and still had a presidential election to sort out.

Addressing The Financial Planning Concerns of Young Adults

A recent financial survey showed that 51% of respondents who were millennials, and 56% of respondents who were of “Generation Z”, felt that they would never meet their financial goals.

Is The Economic Cycle Shifting?

I believe that the most pressing concern on the minds of my clients at the present time is inflation, and the evidence that is beginning to suggest a slowing of economic activity. On Wednesday of last week, Brandon and I had the opportunity to meet Brian Wesbury, the chief economist at First Trust, while attending a half-day seminar here in Birmingham.

We constantly monitor changes in many economic metrics so that we might better understand trends, and this improves our ability to manage investment portfolios to the objectives of our clients.  While today’s commentary will be very high level in nature, I would like to encourage everyone to visit my website where I have posted a 28-minute podcast within which I have offered a much deeper discussion.

Seasons Change…

Think of economic cycle changes as the changing of seasons. 

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