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My basic nature is to think, to contemplate. I contemplate a lot of things and some things I contemplate a lot. I find peace in a noisy world when I contemplate on what is good, true and gratuitous. I think it’s a good discipline to contemplate. In this present day, the noisy world I contemplate too on what seems to be - not right.

In our last blog, we talked about viewing the future through the lens of impact and possibility. Now let’s look at some of the keys to having a positive impact both now and after you pass away.

I began working in the financial planning industry in 2013. Since then, we have seen the Dow & S&P almost double in value with historically low volatility. From an investment standpoint, any retail investor would have had a hard time not increasing their account value over this time span; however, the investment environment has not always been this kind to investors.

Here at Legacy Planning Group, we are mindful but not alarmed. Market volatility is par for the course and there have been certain media exploitations of the data of what has transpired in the markets over these past few days. Yesterday the DOW (which represents only 35 stocks) was down 1100+/- points, or roughly 4% of the value.

When you talk about your life’s final wishes and the plan for your estate the conversation usually focuses on what documents (wills, trusts, powers of attorney) are ideal to pass assets to kids. Our lives are busy and we need to get some things in order so we can check one more thing off our list.

As most of us were getting ready to celebrate Christmas, President Trump was signing into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or TCJA – a sweeping tax reform. Due to the length & complexity of the new law, we have received a lot of questions here at Legacy in January. Most articles that I have read go into depth about the changes for individuals, corporations, trusts, and estates.

Reflections, there are all kinds of them. Most people never see them because you usually have to look for them to see them. I see them a lot because I like to see them. They are unusual.

This headline¹ from CNBC in August is probably more wishful thinking than thoughtful analysis. Yet the current bull market starting in March 2009 has already lasted over 100 months when measured by monthly returns and a 20% threshold. During that time, the market has risen over 300% in total return.

As we approach the end of the year, I have been attempting to finish out my 2017 reading list.

When you start investing there are many factors to consider. What should you buy? How much should you save? What type of account? There are many other details!