Financial Breakaway Newsletter | December 2022
December 2022
New look, who ‘dis?
One ask: Email me, let me know what you think of the new layout, content you like (or don’t like), what you want to see more of, have you listened to my podcast, watched my YouTube videos? Any feedback is helpful, thanks!
2022, It’s Been a Year 👋
• current events •
There has been no shortage of drama this year when it comes to the investment markets and economy. We’ve seen extreme inflation, massive volatility in the stock & bond market, supply chain disruptions…ughhh…you know this story by now without me listing all the headwinds here!
However, I’ve been inspired by the resilience of my clients and contacts reading this newsletter in how you have navigated all those headwinds, great job! Now, I’m here to say “stay vigilant.” History has favored those that do not make emotional decisions during disruptive times. With so much out of our control, it's even more essential to focus on what we can control. Focus on the dreams that inspire you and keep committing to those long-term financial plans.
Thank you for being a part of my practice (whether you’re a client or simply a reader of this newsletter!) as I understand the responsibility and trust you put in me to help along your financial journey. It’s that responsibility that drives me to work so hard every day in helping grow and protect your wealth so you can reach those financial dreams.
As we close out this year, please accept my heartfelt gratitude and may you and your family have a Happy Holiday!
-Ryan H.
Secrets to Confidently Retiring in Any Market
• retirement •
Bear markets are frightening, especially if you’re close to retiring. They can make you wonder:
- Should you retire when the market's so bleak?
- Do you have to give up most (or all) of your dreams for retirement?
- What can you expect when retiring in uncertain times - and what can you do about it?
Although times are scary, know that bear markets too shall pass. You're not the first to consider retirement in a declining market with potential losses. History shows there are successful ways to retire, even when the market outlook is bad. You can tap into this knowledge to help you make decisions…
5 Tips For a Successful Career Change
• mid-career •
It’s a weird world out there in terms of employment. On one hand, you see job openings everywhere. Wisconsin boasts a 3.3% unemployment rate, just below the national average of 3.7% (as of end of October 2022). That’s low!
On the other hand, we’ve seen larger corporations start to lay off employees lately, and by big chucks. i.e. Amazon is rumored to be laying off close to 20,000 people soon. That’s a lot!
So if you find yourself on either side of that coin, either looking for a job out of necessity or in search of greener pastures, hopefully this article can help you be prepared…
Open Virtual Office Hours
• reminder •
Last month I opened time on my schedule in the form of virtual office hours to ensure you have more access to me for questions or conversations in today's market and economic environment.
I’ve had some great feedback from it so save the time’s and link below:
Mondays: 3pm - 5pm
Fridays: 8:30am - 10am
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82759538669
read full announcement at ⟶ rhitch.com
Quick Hits
• what I’ve been reading on 2023 economic outlook •
Fed’s progress report: So far so good - Invesco.com
An Economic Balancing Act - troweprice.com
Chief U.S. Economist Lara Rhame’s 10 for ‘23 - FSInvestments.com
Reader Questions
• have a question? reply to this email •
Q: Should I buy gold?
A: I get this question quite often, especially during times of stock market volatility. Now it is a good question as historically commodities, such as gold, can be good investments during times of inflation (and if you haven’t noticed we are having inflation now!). However, when I get this question it tends to come from a place of fear brought on by constant advertisements of “buy gold” during volatile times. So it is in that where I caution anyone to consider the motives and evaluate fiduciary responsibility.
I first direct people to look at the past returns of gold because if you simply do this you will see that gold can be just as volatile as any other stock or bond. That point alone tends to be the opposite understanding one may have from “buy gold” advertisements.
As any good Financial Advisor would tell you, anything you buy in your portfolio should be evaluated to fit into your overall financial plan and risk tolerance. Gold, and commodities as a whole, is no exception. One can argue that commodities provide a good layer of diversification in a portfolio, and if that is something you agree with then gold can be a part of that commodity exposure.*This is not to be considered advice or a recommendation, please evaluate your own personal financial situation with me or your own advisor.
WEBINAR ON DECK
